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Four circulating papers to run for Manteca council
cunha
Fred Cunha

Fred Cunha is a registered nurse who questions the justifications of some COVID-19 orders.

He is also among four people who so far are circulating petitions to qualify for two Manteca City Council seats on the Nov. 3 ballot.

The other three are incumbent Gary Singh, retired Manteca police chief Charlie Halford, and David Martin.

Debby Moorhead, who has served on the council for 11½ years and is only the fifth woman in the 102-year history of Manteca to be elected to the council, has yet to take out her nomination papers.

Potential candidates have until Aug. 7 to secure 20 signatures of valid registered voters that reside in the City of Manteca. The nomination forms have space for 30 signatures.

City Clerk John Tresidder is advising potential candidates to secure 30 signatures and to turn in nomination forms early. That’s because signatures must be verified by the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters. It typically entails a 24 hour turnaround time. If there are not 20 valid signatures, that would allow for additional time to secure them.

Although it is rare, there have been people that have filed to run who failed to have enough valid signatures.

The most recent example was 16 years ago when the late Wayne Flores was planning a political comeback after serving for eight years on the council and being off for four years. He turned in his papers on the final day with 24 signatures. Five of the signatures ended up being invalid therefore causing Flores to fail to qualify for the ballot.

While Moorhead has indicated she plans to run, if she doesn’t file by Aug. 7 and qualify state law extends the filing period to five days until Aug. 12.

This year’s election is expected to take place in uncharted territory. Due to the pandemic, it is the first time all voters will be mailed ballots. The COVID-19 rules could change the dynamics of campaigning and fundraising. Candidates and their supporters knocking on doors may not be a campaign strategy that many voters appreciate and therefore could be counterproductive.

Tresidder indicated given city hall offices are closed to the general public due to the pandemic, potential candidates can contact him at his direct line at 456-8025 to answer questions or to set up an appointment and go over the nomination papers and other requirements. Tresidder noted if he is not at his desk that he will return calls left on his voicemail.

 

To contact Dennis Wyatt, dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com