Merced County deputies endorse Espinoza, Steed, Cervantes for supervisor

Merced County sheriff’s deputies want to see new blood on the Board of Supervisors and have thrown their support behind the two challengers to longtime incumbents John Pedrozo and Hub Walsh.

The Merced County Deputy Sheriff’s Association announced Thursday morning its final endorsements in the supervisors races. Eleven union board members voted for the endorsements on behalf of about 90 members.

“We feel the current crop of supervisors, sans the newest member, Daron McDaniel, are disconnected from the people they serve,” said Phil Brooks, the association’s president. “We’re part of those people. I’ve been president since 2013, and I’ve never had a conversation with a supervisor.”

The association endorsed District 1 candidate Rodrigo Espinoza, the mayor of Livingston. Espinoza is challenging Pedrozo.

District 2 candidate Casey Steed also received the nod from the union. He is running against Walsh and challenger Lee Lor.

In District 4, the only race with no incumbent, the association recommended Fidel Cervantes. He is a UC Merced graduate and now the Delhi Unified school board president.

The endorsements come as the association is in negotiations with Merced County, hoping for a wage increase among other improvements to working conditions. The Sheriff’s Department has suffered a high vacancy rate while the murder rate in the county has been at historic highs in recent years.

Brooks said that while the candidates come from different walks of life, each endorsed candidate had one common factor – their commitment to public service. Espinoza’s experience on the Livingston City Council, Steed’s running for multiple offices and Cervantes’ commitment at his young age all demonstrate that, Brooks said.

The candidates who received the endorsements said it signaled the deputies and voters want to see change.

“The citizens are very tired of seeing constant crime, burglarized, broken into, the high murder rate,” Espinoza said.

“I think, ultimately, the DSA understands what a lot of voters in Merced County understand,” Cervantes said. “If we really want to improve the community and make it safer and more vibrant, we have to be willing to challenge the status quo and support candidates who are not under the old guard.”

Steed said he considers himself an underdog since he’s up against an incumbent, but he considers the endorsement “a call that change is needed.”

“For them to choose somebody from the outside is very telling,” Steed said. “If you look at all the county departments, the frustration with where we’re at is palpable.”

Walsh said the job of a supervisor isn’t about endorsements and he will continue to work with law enforcement to make the community safer.

The other candidates vying for the District 4 seat expressed disappointment in not receiving an endorsement.

Lloyd Pareira, a District 4 candidate, has received endorsements from Sheriff Vern Warnke and the county superintendent of schools, Steve Gomes.

Another District 4 candidate, Ramon Prado, has been endorsed by the medical marijuana growers and advocates Sisters of the Valley. Prado speculated that his support for medical marijuana reform did not sit well with deputies.

Pedrozo, Lor and District 4 candidate Jack Mobley did not return messages left by the Sun-Star seeking comment.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 10:51 AM with the headline "Merced County deputies endorse Espinoza, Steed, Cervantes for supervisor."