Turlock City Council

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Mayor Amy Bublak

Term Seated: 12/09/08
Expires: 2026
abublak@turlock.ca.us

Background:
Amy Bublak was re-elected on November 8, 2022 to a second four-year term as the Mayor of the City of Turlock after city voters made history in 2018 by electing Amy as Turlock's first retired police officer and first woman to serve as their mayor.

Amy was first elected to the Turlock City Council in 2008. The hallmark of her approach to elected public service is to always base her decisions upon a wide-range of input from every sector of Turlock. Depending upon the nature of the decision before her, Amy can be found seeking input from: voters, residents, retirees, employees, owners of businesses small and large, representatives from non-profits, education, churches and other religious associations, unions, business and trade associations, civic organizations, as well as city staff and her colleagues on the City Council.

She has lived in Turlock for over thirty years.

She graduated from California State University Stanislaus in 1988 with a B.A. degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. During her time there, Amy was twice elected student body President and earned NCAA All American honors as a member of the Track and Field team. In the fall of 2001, Amy was inducted into the CSU Stanislaus Athletics Hall of Fame.

In 2005, she earned a Master of Public Administration degree (M.P.A) in Urban Government.

As Mayor, Amy keeps her focus on the following goals:

Fiscal Policy:
Mayor Bublak believes in a "balanced-budget" fiscal policy where budget priorities are discussed openly allocating financial resources in the best interest of all Turlock residents. Fiscal prudence is a top priority.

Public Safety:
A retired law enforcement officer with over two decades of service, Mayor Bublak has always believed in a strong public safety program to ensure the safety of all residents. As part of her ongoing plan, she will always make decisions that keep Turlock residents safe by prioritizing funding for public safety as that is local government's first duty and solemn obligation to its citizens.

Economic Growth and Transparency:
As Chair of the Turlock Council Economic Development Committee, Amy strives to work to create a business-friendly environment that enhances the quality of life for Turlock City residents. Quality of life begins with robust job and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Government Transparency:

Mayor Bublak believes that the public's business should be conducted in public. Amy believes that City business should be undertaken solely in the best interest for the people of Turlock.

Amy is married to former CSU Stanislaus Athletic Director Dr. Milton Richards who currently represents the Turlock area as elected trustee of the Yosemite Community College District.

In addition to her time as Mayor and three terms on the City Council, Amy's has served as: President of the Stanislaus County Red Cross, Vice Mayor of Turlock three times, member and chairperson of the Stanislaus Local Agency Commission (LAFCO) and the State Legislation Director for California Women for Agriculture.

On October 18, 2019, Amy was appointed by President Donald Trump to Attorney General William P Barry's Social Problems Working Group, a subcommittee of the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.

Councilmember Kevin Bixel

District 1
Term Seated: 12/13/2022
Expires: 2026
kbixel@turlock.ca.us

Councilmember Rebecka Monez

District 2
Term Seated: 12/8/20
Expires: 2024*
rmonez@turlock.ca.us

Born and raised on the West Side, Rebecka Monez was elected to the Turlock City Council in November 2020. Her campaign for Council centered on her desire to give the West Side a voice on City Council. "For too long, my friends and neighbors on the West Side have been overlooked. My election will end that practice. I will be an advocate for the West Side."

No stranger to community service, Council Member Monez owns and operates three non-profit charity thrift stores in Modesto and Turlock that give those less fortunate the opportunity to purchase goods and services while feeding and providing drug and alcohol rehab support programs to the homeless on a daily basis. All proceeds from her store sales support local charities.

Council Member Monez is a member of the California Bar Association and she works as a criminal defense attorney defending people who might otherwise be unable to afford an attorney.

Her goals for her term on Council are to work with the Mayor and Council colleagues to:

1. Support issues that benefit her West Side constituents.
2. Fix Columbia pool.
3. Fix Turlock roads.
4. Address the unsheltered population while protecting the rights of all city residents.
5. Deliver city services to all Turlock residents, businesses and visitors in the best, most economical manner.
6. Approve fiscally conservative budgets.
7. Support Public Safety insuring the safety of all Turlock residents.

Councilmember Cassandra Abram

District 3
Term Seated: 12/13/2022
Expires: 2026
cabram@turlock.ca.us

Cassandra Abram was elected to represent District 3 on Turlock City Council in 2022. Born and raised in Turlock, Cassie is honored to have the opportunity to serve the community that has provided a wonderful setting for her own upbringing and for the family she is now raising.

Before becoming a Councilmember, Cassandra earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern California College of Optometry at the age of 25, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the Pacific, both with highest honors. She then returned to Turlock to serve the residents of her hometown as an optometrist. In her professional life and her personal endeavors, Cassandra prides herself on her empathy, analytical skills, and her ability to work collaboratively to solve problems for her patients, family, and community.

Cassie will work hard for the residents of Turlock and hopes to make a difference particularly in the areas of operational efficiency and community engagement. She also brings a unique perspective to the council as a mother of two young daughters.

Cassie cares deeply about the democratic process and believes the success of our city depends on all of us working together. She is committed to serving the public good as a Councilmember by ensuring Turlock is continually improving and becoming an even better place to work and live. If you have ideas, questions, or concerns, please reach out to Cassie at cabram@turlock.ca.us.

Councilmember Erika Phillips

District 4
12/10/2024
Expires:2028
ephillips@turlock.ca.us

Councilmember Erika Phillips is serving her first term as the District 4 representative. Erika is a business owner and an active professional athlete in the IFBB or International Federation of Bodybuilding.

Erika was born and raised in Modesto, California and has lived in Turlock since 2015.

Erika has been in business since 2020, when she and her husband Mike decided to take a leap of faith, quit their jobs during the pandemic, and start their business. Fit Kitchen was an online only store until they acquired property in downtown Turlock in 2023 to expand their business.
Turlock responded so well with the location that Erika decided she wanted to do more for her community and decided to run for City Council.

Erika has built many relationships with the local residents and business owners, and brings a unique perspective being a pro athlete. She plans to bring a positive approach and work together with Turlock residents, so that we can all make and keep Turlock strong while also keeping the small town feel that everyone loves. Feel free to contact her anytime should you wish to share any concerns you have about our fine City.

* Term will expire following the City Council's confirmation of the official results of the November election.