Ive learned a lot serving on the Modesto City Council. And I think I've done some good things.

But perhaps the most important thing I've learned is that too often politicians battle over their 'turf', instead of working together for our 'home.'

County roads. City streets. State highways. The same people are paying for them. You and me. And we're all stuck in the same traffic. That's a regional issue. And we're only going to solve it as a region.

In November, the voters are going to decide if we want to tax ourselves for transportation improvements. If we do, I promise you that I will be the #1 watchdog of our tax money. And the money is going to be spent on important projects.

County Sheriffs. City Police. Highway Patrol. We pay for them all. And the crime that these dedicated men and women fight is all of our problem. Today, our law enforcement officers are a model for government - they cooperate.

But they need our political leaders to cooperate. Can we eliminate duplicate administrative costs in law enforcement budgets and put more money on patrol? I think we can.

Local government needs to put its own house in order before approving new ones. That means working together to plan for development, growth and our future--regionally. And developers aren't going to get away without paying their share.

We all breathe the same air, drink the same water, drive the same roads. Political turf wars must end.

It's time to work together on 'Our home,' Stanislaus County.

I have decided to run for Supervisor. I want to be a regional leader. I can't fill Ray Simon's shoes. My feet are too small. But I can walk - door-to-door talking to voters, sharing my vision, and asking for your vote.

I look forward to meeting you during the campaign.