Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

The Manteca City Council meeting on Jan. 20 was the beginning of a new era of Manteca politics.

After waiting on the sidelines for some 10 years, Steve DeBrum finally made mayor of our fair city pledging a new look for the future. Certainly that took place on Jan. 20.

After a brief chit chat about several items on the agenda, all had a 5-0 vote in favor. A “no” vote would not have been acceptable as DeBrum had stated things were going to be done differently. After barely discussing several items on the agenda, DeBrum quickly jumped on the Great Wolf project. That is the council’s only concern. Everything else can go on the back burner. Mayor DeBrum wasted no time when it came to appointing several council members to various boards and commissions to represent Manteca. Silverman, Morowit, and Hernandez were all appointed. Councilwoman Debby Moorhead was left out. Former Councilman John Harris was even appointed.

When it came to the decision to appoint Hernandez to finish out DeBrum’s council term after DeBrum as elected mayor, several people spoke in favor of Hernandez as being the jack-of-all-trades, master of none.

Silverman said he had been wrestling with what to do concerning the Hernandez issue. Perhaps Silverman should resign his seat and becoming a professional wrestler if he is going to “wrestle with decisions” concerning council issues.

At the close of the meeting, City Manager Karen McLaughlin said to Hernandez, “welcome back.” Immediately after McLaughlin’s remarks the entire council hopped on board the bandwagon welcoming Hernandez back. They knew all along Hernandez had been appointed weeks ago.

The favorite song of cowboy star Gene Autry from the good ol’ 1950s era was “Back in the Saddle Again.

It should now be Hernandez’ favorite song as well.

Fred Millner

Manteca