By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Ben Cantu says Bill Barnhardt is making judgments, slings mug
letter to editor

Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

Oh Bill, Bill, Bill, (Barnhardt) you know so little about me, yet you continue to make judgments and to sling mud. 

I have lived in this community for over 60 years and I worked at city hall for over 34 years and I deal with city hall almost every day. For over 30 years I worked and lived consensus building while working at many times under arduous and contentious and political conditions. My workings have never been a one-man task, and I challenge anyone that claims they can do it alone. I have always had a team of focused and dedicated individuals; together we tackled and worked through a number projects important to this community.

I am not sure where the comment “one man shop” is founded, for my life experience was not only being a “lowly planner.” I have owned and managed several businesses —a 5-truck company hauling steel and agricultural products statewide, a local coffee shop, a screen-printing business, a retail store in downtown, a building construction plans service, an electronic product manufacturing business, and today, a land use planning and design consulting service.

Perhaps, Steve DeBrum’s and my comments sound familiar today because after 20 years of pounding the message to city hall and the Councils, he has finally heard my message and that of the community. 

And finally, Bill, let’s ponder one last thought. Why don’t we look at the mayoral campaign contributions received to date; the numbers is public information and available to anyone. My contributors list includes me, family, friends and Manteca residents. Steve’s list of major contributors and endorsers includes developers, homebuilders, construction unions, the building Industry, new home contractors, special interests, etc. I wonder Bill, who really represents the peoples’ interest?

Have a great day my friend.


Ben Cantu

Manteca