Sonia Alshami: Merced mayor’s mind made up on Hostetler proposal
I wouldn’t have believed what transpired during the Dec. 15 Merced City Council meeting had I not seen it myself. The mayor’s behavior was short of childish; he kept berating the councilmen when their opinions weren’t siding with how he felt on issues. I found that even more peculiar when he kept saying he wanted everyone to be “impartial.”
Well, sir, you were speaking like someone who already had their mind made up! I’ve seen Hostetler’s ranches operating; you can’t hear these machines. These are some of the best machines and the quietest the industry has to offer. He will employ dozens of people. Why wouldn’t you want to bring that into Merced? It just makes no sense.
Hostetler has agreed to go above and beyond what is required by law in regards to notifying the public, but that wasn’t good enough for you? I wish you could have heard yourself, Mayor (Stan) Thurston, cutting off councilman (Mike) Murphy and (Joshua) Pedrozo. Wait your turn to speak.
Sonia Alshami, Los Banos
This story was originally published December 18, 2014 at 11:54 AM with the headline "Sonia Alshami: Merced mayor’s mind made up on Hostetler proposal."