By Francisco Ramirez Jr.

GOSHEN, Calif. — Residents gathered Wednesday evening at the Goshen Village Community Center for a public forum featuring candidates running for Tulare County Supervisor District 4, where discussions focused on housing, infrastructure, agriculture, public safety, and government accountability.

The forum was hosted by the League of Women Voters of Tulare County alongside several community organizations, including AAUW, Language Access Plus, Sun-Gazette, Tulare County League of Mexican-American Women, and Valley Voice. Former Visalia Times-Delta editor Paul Hurley moderated the discussion.

Candidates Rudy Mendoza, mayor of Woodlake, and Ian Bakke, chief operating officer of Bakke Ag Services in Tulare, participated in the forum and answered questions from community members regarding issues facing District 4 and Tulare County as a whole.

Incumbent Supervisor Eddie Valero was invited to participate in the forum but did not attend. Kings Network News attempted to reach out to Valero for comment regarding his absence but did not receive a response prior to publication.

During opening remarks, Mendoza discussed his upbringing in Woodlake and his background working in agriculture before entering public service.

“I grew up in the community of Woodlake. I come from a hard working farm labor family,” Mendoza said. “I used to pick oranges and grapes and believe it or not, when we had tomatoes and get them, I used to pick those too.”

Mendoza told attendees that his approach to government has been shaped by years of working through local issues and trying to find practical solutions for communities.

“One was, when you have a problem, just work to solve it,” Mendoza said.

Throughout the discussion, Mendoza emphasized collaboration between local governments and highlighted concerns involving housing affordability, infrastructure improvements, water issues, and maintaining public safety services in growing communities. He also spoke about the importance of planning for future development while protecting the character of local communities.

Bakke focused heavily on agriculture, family values, and what he described as the need for stronger accountability and action within government.

“I think family’s at the heart of everything we do here in the Valley,” Bakke said. “We raise people here that feed the world.”

Bakke also argued that local government should focus more aggressively on solving long-standing problems impacting residents throughout the county.

“Now, we have a problem in government and we like to talk about problems, but we’re here to fix problems tonight,” Bakke said. “We’re here to fix problems come January.”

During the conversation, Bakke raised concerns about deteriorating county infrastructure, including roads and services in rural communities. He also discussed frustrations involving government spending, homelessness programs, and what he believes should be stronger oversight and accountability tied to taxpayer-funded programs.

The forum additionally touched on housing growth in communities such as Goshen, economic development, public safety concerns, and how county leadership should address increasing service demands across District 4.

Audience members listened as both candidates outlined differing approaches to county leadership and shared their perspectives on how Tulare County should balance development, agriculture, infrastructure investment, and community needs moving forward.

The District 4 supervisor race is expected to play an important role in future county discussions involving development, infrastructure, public safety, and regional growth throughout Tulare County.

What issues do you believe should be the top priority for the next Tulare County Supervisor representing District 4? Share your thoughts in the comments below.