Modesto Bee Article
Last updated: February 7, 2008 04:40:22 AM
Throughout his years on the Board of Supervisors, Tom Mayfield has been known for his straight farmer talk. He frequently asks to have complicated subjects summarized in words that he -- and others -- can understand. Mayfield showed that proclivity for straight talk Tuesday in his State of the County speech, the annual review/forecast that falls to the supervisor heading the board for the year.
Mayfield's most important message was his assurance that the county has survived tough times before and it will again. As the board's senior member -- both in age, 77, and in years of service -- he's in a position to offer such counsel.
As is customary for these speeches, Mayfield's State of the County included a recap of recent accomplishments and upcoming projects. The accomplishments include the Gallo Center for the Arts, which never would have become reality without the county's support, and the financial health of the county retirement system. The importance of the latter is often overlooked; many government agencies have seriously underfunded retirement programs.
The county has several large, multiyear projects in the works: improving its inadequate animal shelter, enlarging jail facilities, putting road repaving on a 10-year cycle and enhancing sheriff patrols. This is the kind of list that reminds us of the depth and breadth of county responsibilities.
Staff always contributes to the State of the County speech, but Mayfield's signature candor was sprinkled throughout this one. For instance, he noted that the Health Services Agency is in much better financial shape than a year ago. "But we are not off the hook," Mayfield said. "We still need to make reductions."
He has been skeptical of the need for a half-cent sales tax increase for road improvements. He didn't overtly endorse it Tuesday, but spoke of its value and the need for convincing voters that the money will be spent as promised.
Mayfield closed with a thank you to board colleagues -- and a message that could well serve many in and around politics: "When the public dollar is at stake, and when programs that impact so many lives are on the line, we have an obligation to fight hard for our beliefs. But we should also be mindful that to disagree doesn't mean we disrespect each other. It simply means we disagree. ... We can all learn from each other, and the county is better off for the discussion."
Mayfield is in his last year in elected office; he got it off to a good start with some straight talk about the county's successes and challenges.
