See where Merced County Supervisors candidates stand on homeless crisis, other topics
Nearly all eight candidates vying for three Merced County Board of Supervisors seats attended a debate hosted by the Merced County Association of Realtors in February.
Three supervisors districts are on the March 3 presidential primary ballot. Incumbents Rodrigo Espinoza (District 1), Lee Lor (District 2) and Lloyd Pareira (District 4) are each seeking reelection against one or more competitors as their first term concludes.
Districts that do not receive a majority vote for one candidate will see the top two on the November general election ballot.
Sonia Alshami, a drug and alcohol counselor who is also involved with Court Appointed Special Advocates and the Boys and Girls Club of America, is contesting Espinoza for District 1.
District 2 has the most hopefuls. Challenging Lor are former Merced City Council member and high school social studies teacher Josh Pedrozo, Yosemite Church pastor and dean of students at Stoneridge Christian School Rev. Angel Barragan and general manager of Merced Indoor Sports Center Ricky Aguilera.
Pareira is in contest for District 4 with Merced College Board Trustee Mario Mendoza.
Mendoza was the only candidate not present at the debate.
Andy Krotik, government affairs director for the Realtors Association, moderated the debate. Krotik noted he was unable to connect with Mendoza despite repeatedly reaching out to him. Krotik was told Mendoza was away at a retreat, but had been given permission to attend the debate.
The Merced County Association of Realtors is a nonpartisan group that represents about 500 realtors.
Below are the major topics discussed during the debate, and each candidate’s stance:
What is your plan to address homelessness?
Rodrigo Espinoza said funding is his main concern. “Get them help and support before they get incarcerated,” he said, noting that more resources are available before incarceration.
Sonia Alshami stressed mental health treatment. “I think that’s probably the biggest factor why people are homeless,” she said.
Lee Lor said the county should lead homelessness efforts, but in collaboration with cities, groups and individuals.
Josh Pedrozo stressed a housing-first policy. He said that since the county hasn’t identified consistent funding for homeless operations, it would be a goal of his.
Ricky Aguilera said that as a business man, he personally understands how serious homelessness affects Merced residents and business owners. He said the incumbents have had the opportunity to decrease homelessness, but it continues to rise.
Angel Barragan noted he is the only candidate who has been homeless, both as a child and an adult. “I have an empathetic way of addressing it,” he said. But acknowledged, “I do believe there’s a level of tough love that needs to take place.”
Lloyd Pareira said the health concerns relating to homelessness are “incredible.” He noted up to 35 homeless reside in a single small and often unclean camp.
He acknowledged the county’s plan for a navigation center, but said additional steps should be taken in the interim. He said he pushed for a contract with a nonprofit that would clean up trash in encampments, or allow homeless individuals to place trash in trailers, which would then be taken to the dump.
The proposal was met with resistance by the board, he said.
Would you support an enforceable anti-panhandling ordinance?
Espinoza said panhandling in traffic is dangerous, and that he would support such an ordinance.
Alshami said she was in support, noting that individuals giving money are susceptible to crime. She emphasized donating to organizations equipped to help the homeless.
Lor was in support, and said signs that list suggested organizations to give money to could be effective. “We also need to work on educating drivers not to hand out food or money,” she said.
Pedrozo said he was on Merced City Council when a previous anti-panhandling ordinance was passed, which he supported. He said enforcement comes down to public safety having enough funds.
Aguilera said that while handouts may be tempting, “We also need to understand that when we give these homeless money, we’re telling them ‘good job’.” He said he spoke with people who love being homeless, and he would seek to make homelessness less attractive.
Barragan said he strongly disagreed that people want to be homeless, but is in support of an ordinance. He said he agrees with the “ hand up, not handout” philosophy.
“I advocate for a new panhandling ordinance every day that I talk with somebody about homelessness,” Pareira said, stating that handouts only serve to prolong homelessness.
Do you support or oppose rent control?
Each candidate said they opposed rent control.
Do you support or oppose Measure J?
Espinoza, Alshami, Pedrozo and Barragan all expressed support for the measure, which updates Merced College by authorizing the sale of $247 million in bonds, payable by property tax. Lor said she had mixed feelings about the measure. She said she attended Merced College and knows it needs updates. However, she is against another tax on properties.
Aguilera said he is meeting with Merced College President Chris Vitelli to find out more. Pareira said he was previously opposed to Measure J before speaking with Vitelli, but is now neutral.
Do you support or oppose Proposition 13?
Each candidate said they oppose Proposition 13, which authorizes $15 billion in bonds for California school and college facilities.
How much money have you raised for your campaign and who is your biggest contributor?
Espinoza said he has raised about $8,000, with Garcia Brothers Trucking as the highest contributor at $1,500.
Alshami said she has not yet reached the $2,000 threshold and has no donors to report.
Lor reported about $25,000 in cash donations and $5,000 non-monetary. Her largest donation is $2,000 by the Northern California Carpenters Regional Council.
Pedrozo said he has nearly reached $40,000. His highest donor is Bert Crane Jr. of Bert Crane Ranches at $2,500.
Aguilera said his campaign is self-funded.
Barragan’s campaign has raised about $25,000, he said. His largest donation was $1,000.
Pareira tops the candidates at about $48,000, he said. Select-Harvest USA LLC donated the most at $2,500.
This story was originally published February 16, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
