Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

I would like to thank Rich Silverman for his letter in Saturday’s paper (“Silverman backing...”), for letting me know who not to vote for on Nov. 6.

Silverman cites Steve DeBrum’s “calm, carefully crafted leadership” and “experience.” That same careful leadership and experience gave us roads that we can’t drive on, homelessness not being addressed, and downtown that is falling apart. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not have that same careful leadership and experience for another 4 years.

Mr. Silverman also says that other candidates talk about the doom and gloom in the community. I think neither Mr. Silverman or Mr. DeBrum are aware of the challenges ordinary people face in this city. For us, “doom and gloom” means talking about the real issues that Manteca faces. It might be easy to sugarcoat those issues when you attend dinners every other weekend, but neglect to take a stroll Downtown on a regular basis.

Ben Cantu is honest about the situation Manteca is facing and is willing to actually come up with solutions, instead of pretending that everything in Manteca is wonderful. The same goes for Chris Silva. I can tell by Mr. Silverman’s lack of support for these two gentlemen that they are not the favorites of politicians and the “good old boys.” That’s fine with me. I’d rather have a Mayor that is willing to take a stand and tell the truth, not one who tries to sell us a false narrative on how the Council is doing a fantastic job.

I am voting for Ben Cantu for Mayor and Chris Silva for City Council. I hope everyone else who wants Manteca improved does so as well.

Rachel Wood

Manteca