Congressman John Duarte hosted a town hall in Newman on Aug. 7, drawing a diverse crowd of residents from the Westside eager to discuss a range of issues that affect their daily lives. The town hall highlighted the challenges facing the Central Valley, as well as the complexities of representing such a diverse and often divided community.
The town hall began with Newman Mayor Casey Graham welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.
“Thank you everybody for being here and being involved. It's very important to be involved, no matter what party you're part of,” Mayor Graham said, underscoring the value of participation in local governance. Graham also expressed his appreciation for Duarte’s frequent presence in the community, which he contrasted with the limited attention the area had received from federal representatives in the past. “Before he came on, we rarely saw anybody from Congress, the Assembly, or the Senate out here. Since he's been in office, they’ve attended almost all of our meetings, and we appreciate that a lot,” Graham stated.
Duarte, taking the floor, introduced himself as a third-generation farmer deeply rooted in the Central Valley. “I’m a third-generation farmer on either side. I’m a fourth or fifth, if you want to count back to the Azores, and there’s no documented history of when my family wasn’t in farming,” Duarte shared. He explained that his decision to run for Congress in 2022 was driven by his concern for the direction the country was heading, particularly as it related to the well-being of Central Valley families. “I just didn’t feel like our representation in Washington, D.C., was taking America in a direction that was good for the families here in the Central Valley,” Duarte said.
Water management, a critical issue for the region, was one of the first topics Duarte addressed. “We need to be delivering more surface water into this area to provide treated surface drinking water for all of the towns in this area. And that’s a big priority I’d like to see resolved,” he stated. Duarte also discussed his efforts to secure federal funding for local projects through community project requests, highlighting a recent success in Newman. “For Newman, we actually got one of the smaller ones, tentatively approved for the city of Newman's downtown mixed-use project,” he announced, noting that this was just one of the many efforts underway to address local infrastructure needs.
As the town hall opened up for questions, it became evident that infrastructure and water management were top priorities for many in the room. A resident who uses a wheelchair expressed concern about the condition of Newman’s streets and sidewalks, which she said were deteriorating and posed a significant challenge to her mobility. “Sometimes I have to ask for help going through the streets because I worry my chair might have issues,” she shared, highlighting the daily difficulties she faces due to the poor state of the local infrastructure.
Duarte responded, “We can get $2 million, $3 million, sometimes $4 million for sidewalks, but we won't be able to provide the city enough money to do all of your roads and sidewalks generally,” Duarte emphasized that federal funds can only go so far and stressed the importance of local officials prioritizing which projects should receive attention. “It's our job to help you get federal money, but we need your local guidance to prioritize certain roads, certain sidewalks,” he added.
The discussion turned particularly heated when the topic of the high-speed rail project was raised. “The high-speed rail is a boondoggle. My position is very strongly against it. It's a waste of money, it's over budget by four times, and it's displacing other infrastructure needs here in the Valley,” he asserted. Duarte argued that the billions of dollars allocated to the high-speed rail could be better spent on more immediate infrastructure needs within the region. “We’re talking about $3.1 billion—enough to fund 62 Patterson overpasses—wasted on a project that will never benefit our communities,” he stated, underscoring his belief that the funds could be put to better use.
A significant portion of the town hall was devoted to the pressing issues faced by residents of Santa Nella, a small community grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire back in early July and long-standing infrastructure challenges. The residents of Santa Nella, located near the San Luis Reservoir, came forward to voice their deep concerns, particularly about the lack of response and assistance following a July fire that destroyed multiple homes and left the community in disarray.
Dulce Garcia, a longtime resident of Santa Nella, was among the first to speak. She described the dire situation her community has faced since the fire, which destroyed four trailers and caused significant damage to surrounding properties. "When does it become a public nuisance because now it’s affecting our health? We’ve lived there for 30 years, and it’s been 30 days and nothing has happened. There’s no electricity. Can you live like this?" Garcia asked, highlighting the severe health and safety risks posed by the lack of action to address the aftermath of the fire.
Garcia’s testimony underscored the frustration and desperation felt by many in her community, who have been living without basic utilities such as electricity for weeks. The fire not only displaced families but also left a significant amount of debris and hazardous materials in its wake, further endangering the health of the residents who remain. Garcia’s plea was a call for immediate intervention, pointing to the prolonged inaction as a critical issue that needed to be addressed urgently.
Paul Villarreal, another resident of Santa Nella, provided additional context on the historical neglect of the area. Villarreal explained that the trailer park where the fire occurred was originally established in the late 1960s to house workers who were building the San Luis Dam. Over the years, the park, like much of the community, has fallen into disrepair. "PG&E and the county of Merced refuse to go in and repair the roads. So the bottom line is PG&E is stalling, not stepping up. In the meantime, these families are suffering," Villarreal said, pointing out that the fire had only exacerbated existing infrastructure problems.
Villarreal also highlighted the broader issues of systemic neglect in Santa Nella, particularly concerning the aging infrastructure that has not been adequately maintained or upgraded over the decades. "This trailer park was formed back in the late 60s when they were completing assignments down when Kennedy came to give his blessing to San Luis Dam," Villarreal explained. He noted that while the community’s infrastructure, including water and sewage systems, has been in place for over 80 years, little has been done to address its deterioration. The fire, he argued, has brought these issues to a head, leaving residents with little recourse but to seek help from their federal representative.
Residents expressed their deep frustration with PG&E’s failure to restore power and address the hazardous conditions left by the fire. Villarreal mentioned that while the original owners of the land surrounding Santa Nella had managed fuel distribution, the transition of responsibilities to PG&E has been fraught with delays and inaction. "The fuel was passed on or negotiated with PG&E, and it’s still in process," Villarreal said, emphasizing that PG&E’s failure to act has left residents in a precarious situation.
The lack of governmental response at both the county and state levels was another major concern. Villarreal criticized the county of Merced for not stepping in to assist with road repairs and other infrastructure needs, despite the clear danger posed by the current conditions. "In the meantime, these families are suffering," he repeated, calling for immediate intervention to address the public health and safety risks in Santa Nella.
Garcia and Villarreal’s comments made it clear that the situation in Santa Nella is not just about the fire but about a broader pattern of neglect that has left the community vulnerable and struggling. The residents’ frustration was palpable as they called on Congressman Duarte to use his influence to push for action, not just from utility providers like PG&E but also from local and state governments.
Duarte promised to take immediate action. “I want a day to go out there and see the issue and what these people are facing to help with this issue,” Duarte directed his staff, committing to visit the site personally to assess the damage and work towards a resolution. His promise was met with cautious optimism from the affected residents, who have been waiting for action.
The town hall took another tense turn when the issue of communication between Duarte’s office and the community was brought up. Juanita Gaillard expressed her frustration with the lack of responsiveness from Duarte’s office, particularly in relation to invitations for community events. “We sent out several notices and didn’t receive anything. No representative showed up, and we didn’t even get a response back,” Gaillard said.
Duarte apologized for the oversight and assured residents that he would work to improve communication. “I’m in town on August recess until September 8th, so hopefully we can find a window there. If not, I’ll be back in October and we have pretty much all October off to campaign and do community events,” he said.
As the town hall in Newman transitioned from local issues to broader national and global concerns, the discussions took on a new dimension, reflecting the complex challenges that residents face not only in their own communities but also as citizens of a larger, interconnected world.
One of the significant topics raised during the town hall was the state of the U.S. military, particularly in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape. A resident expressed concern about whether the military is adequately funded to address the diverse and growing threats that the United States faces globally. “Is the military underfunded for the geopolitical realities we face today?” the resident asked, echoing a sentiment that has become increasingly prevalent as international tensions rise.
Duarte responded by acknowledging the complexities of military funding in today’s political and economic climate. “The military is underfunded for the geopolitical realities we face today on several fronts,” Duarte stated, recognizing the challenges posed by emerging threats from countries like China, Russia, and other adversaries. He explained that while there have been efforts to increase military spending, these have often been hampered by broader economic constraints, including the need to balance defense spending with domestic priorities.
Duarte highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong military to ensure national security, but he also pointed out the financial realities that complicate this goal. “We’ve done a lot of budget negotiations. We oftentimes reach compromises. In the last couple of years, we’ve actually been able to increase the military budget. Less than the rate of inflation, but we’ve disconnected it from the domestic discretionary, and we’ve done supplemental packages of $60 billion dollars for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan,” Duarte explained, providing a detailed overview of recent efforts to bolster military funding.
However, Duarte also expressed concern about the long-term sustainability of military spending without corresponding economic growth. “Unless we get this economy turned around... we will not sustain our role in the world geopolitically,” he warned. Duarte emphasized that a strong economy is essential to support the kind of military spending necessary to address global threats. Without it, the U.S. could find itself unable to maintain its position as a global leader, both militarily and economically.
This discussion on military funding touched on broader themes of national security and the role of the United States in the world. Duarte’s remarks reflected a pragmatic approach, balancing the need for a robust defense with the realities of economic constraints. He acknowledged that while military readiness is crucial, it must be supported by a strong, growing economy capable of sustaining long-term investments in defense.
Immigration reform was another critical issue that generated significant discussion during the town hall. Olivia Esquivez Gonzalez, a local resident, raised concerns about the high legal fees associated with immigration processes, which she said were placing an undue burden on families seeking legal status. “We need housing affordability for people who live and work in this area. The prices are out of reach,” Gonzalez said, but she quickly pivoted to the need for comprehensive immigration reform that would make the legal process more accessible to those in the community. She also emphasized the need for a cultural center where residents could gather for educational and social activities, particularly in communities with large immigrant populations.
Duarte responded by outlining his support for various immigration reform bills currently in Congress. He acknowledged the financial barriers that many immigrants face in obtaining legal status, stating, “I’m on about every immigration bill there is in Congress... to get people in our communities out of the shadows.” Duarte’s position on immigration reflects a balance between upholding the rule of law and providing pathways for those who have long contributed to their communities but have yet to secure legal status.
Duarte expressed particular concern about the high legal fees that immigrants often encounter, which can make the process of obtaining legal status prohibitively expensive. “We need to make sure that these processes are accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford the exorbitant fees,” he said. Duarte recognized that the current system disproportionately impacts lower-income families, many of whom are integral to the Central Valley’s economy and social fabric.
In addition to addressing legal fees, Duarte also touched on broader aspects of immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for DACA recipients and other long-term residents. He highlighted the importance of creating a system that allows immigrants who have been in the United States for years, and who have deep ties to their communities, to become fully integrated members of society.
The topic of government accountability, particularly the ethics of the Supreme Court, was brought up by Newman resident Juanita Gaillard. Gaillard questioned the integrity of the Supreme Court, particularly in light of recent reports that some justices had received significant gifts and benefits, potentially compromising their impartiality. “How do you feel about an oversight committee for the Supreme Court? Because obviously they’re not able to police themselves,” Gaillard asked, raising concerns that the highest court in the land might be subject to external influences.
Duarte responded with caution, expressing skepticism about the idea of external oversight but acknowledging the importance of maintaining high ethical standards within the judiciary. “I’m very, very reserved about any of these efforts to restructure the institution because they don’t like the outcome,” Duarte said, emphasizing the need to protect the independence of the judiciary. He warned that introducing external oversight could lead to a politicization of the Supreme Court, undermining its role as a check on the other branches of government.
However, Duarte did not dismiss the concerns outright. He agreed that the Supreme Court should have internal mechanisms to address ethical issues and ensure that justices adhere to the highest standards of conduct. “If the Supreme Court’s going to have an ethics procedure, it needs to occur within the Supreme Court, within the judiciary branch of government,” Duarte added, stressing the importance of maintaining the separation of powers as outlined in the Constitution.
The discussions on national defense, immigration reform, and government accountability at the town hall highlighted the interconnectedness of local and national issues. Residents of Newman and the surrounding areas are not only concerned with the immediate challenges they face in their communities but also with how broader national policies impact their lives.
Duarte’s responses to these concerns reflected a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in governing a diverse and dynamic country like the United States. Whether discussing the need for a strong military, the challenges of immigration reform, or the importance of maintaining ethical standards in government, Duarte emphasized the need for a balanced approach that takes into account both the practical realities and the broader principles of justice and fairness.
As the town hall came to a close, it was clear that the issues discussed would continue to shape the political landscape of the Central Valley and beyond. The residents of Newman and surrounding communities, through their engagement and questions, demonstrated a deep commitment to the democratic process and a desire to hold their elected officials accountable.
