Page 7 - Mid Valley Times 10-15-20 E-edition

Thursday, October 15, 2020 | A7 | Mid Valley TiMes
Profiling the Reedley City Council District 1 race
By Jon Earnest
Mid Valley Times
Two new candidates are vying for the District 1 seat of the Reedley City Council this November.
Ken Baker and Matthew Tuttle have entered the race to replace Frank Pinon, who opted not to run for another term on the council. Two other incumbents, Bob Beck in Dis- trict 3 and Anita Betancourt in District 5, are running unop- posed.
Here's a look at the candi- dates, followed by five ques- tions and answers from the candidates:
Brief biography in their own words
Ken Baker — I have spent the last 23 years of my life serving in ministry and serv- ing communities that I call home. I’m a third generation “Reedleyite”, raised with strong Christian and moral values that I am governed by. My faith, wife of 23 years this November, and my three chil- dren are the foundation of my life.
My wife and I started pas- toring the Heritage Church in November 2011 which was previously located at the old Mennonite Zion Church on Ave 400, in 2015 we had a bold vision to sell the prop- erty and relocate the Church to Reedley to get “back in the community” where we have continued to grow and move forward.
Over the past five years, it has been my honor and privi- lege to serve as a Police Chap- lain for the Reedley Police De- partment where I have been able to provide support to our
Ken Baker
community and its officers in very tragic times. While I’ve spent the last 23 years in min- istry and working in the com- munity, I'm bi-vocational by working for Cummins Sales and Service as Account Ex- ecutive of Industrial Sales.
Matthew Tuttle — I am 40 years old, born in the Reedley Hospital in 1980 and grew up in Reedley schools. Following the 9/11 attacks I felt a desire to serve, I followed my heart by joining the U.S. Army and fought in the war in Iraq as a Combat Medic and Military Police.
I came home (Reedley) and realized I will live here the rest of my life. After see- ing the world there is no place like the familiarity and feel of our hometown!
I am married with chil- dren who also attend Reedley schools. I opened Gnardog CrossFit in downtown Reedley the summer of 2015 and con- tinue to own and operate it.
What prompted you to run for City Council?
KB — To serve our com- munity in a greater capacity and be a voice for the people.
Matthew Tuttle
To ensure that we are always a community that supports law enforcement, affordable housing, businesses growth and youth activities.
MT — The challenges of running my business and spe- cifically adjusting my service offering during this year's COVID closure kicked my civ- ic duty into gear. Continually working on bringing care and quality to my members. I felt the Lord nudge me to do more and He put the opportunity to run for City Council in front of me. This was a decision I made solely with my wife, I had no one tell me to accept this responsibility except God. All glory to Him, I am his ser- vant.
What do you feel is the most challenging issue involv- ing the city of Reedley?
KB—Tobeacitythat people want to do business with. We have to grow our tax revenue base by bringing in new businesses, while at the same time retain our small town vibe. This will help ad- dress many budget issues like roads, alley ways, parks, etc...
MT — We have streets and
infrastructure that need to be fixed. We have youth and homeless that need attention. We have desires of new and quality business. We have many concerned Citizens who should all be heard.
The most challenging issue that we can do better with is hearing and communicating with the residents of Reedley. The more we are all effective- ly communicating with each other and respecting every- one's perspective and desires, the better equipped our city, and specifically our depart- ment heads and City Council will be to be representatives of them.
What is your position on economic growth and devel- opment in the city?
KB — New business growth! Why should cities like Dinuba, Selma and Sanger have retail business that Reedley doesn’t? We spend our money in these other communities, why not spend it here?
MT—Inordertogrowa bit of an image shift in our business culture is needed. Reedley has a great and long
history, we should embrace this and at the same time look to move forward. We are in the middle of a chang- ing business landscape due to current events. When new and exciting businesses and industries look to Reedley we want them to see us as an op- portunity! Further, driven and excited Entrepreneurs should be embraced and encouraged to bring their passion in their industry to our great town.
What are your thoughts on the city's schools and public safety?
KB — That education is the main responsibility of the parents, public and private schools exist to aid in educa- tion. The parents, Teachers & staff along with governing school board bodies should all work together to educate our kids in an “in classroom" setting. Kids belong in school and parents and students should be given a choice. If parents feel that “in class learning “ is not for them, then they should have a choice for remote learning.
#IstandwithImmanuel, just so there are no questions about that, my kids go to Im- manuel and if people would like to have that discussion with me, I’m open to discuss privately. Kids belong in school and that right should not be taken away from them. If this cost me votes, I will not
SeeCANDIDATESonpage A10
REEDLEY
FULL GOSPEL TABERNACLE
519 E. 11th Street (at corner of 11th & East Aves.) Reedley, CA 93654
Meets Sunday at 830am Outdoors on the property All are welcome
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For more information: www.reedleyfullgospel.com Pastor Ron Robertson • Pastor Frank Pinon
Christ Lutheran Church
1254 N Frankwood Ave. Reedley | 559-638-2112 | www.clcreedley.org Sunday morning Worship begins at 10:00am | All are welcome! Pastor Virgil Miller is Preaching | Musicians: Aarne Kela & Jason Awbrey Facebook: Christ Lutheran Church ELCA
DINUBA
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