When the subject of LGBT acceptance and support in Merced was raised, again all candidates voiced a need for inclusion and tolerance. Several candidates noted the LGBT forum that took place earlier this year as a necessary place for learning and growth. Thurston called discrimination “intolerable,” Monica Kay Villa said that support from parents is important, citing her own queer child, and Peter Padilla said that he felt Merced was already a tolerant town.

Later in the forum, a question was raised about how the south side of Merced can flourish, as development seems to be pushing north. Noah Lohr said he wants to see more opportunity in the south side and Padilla said he wanted to make it a more desirable place to live. Belluomini felt there was a misconception about the south side of the city and Blake cited “quality of life” issues in the area. Josh Pedrozo pushed back on the question, saying conversations should stop “fracturing” the city into parts and that the fact that the city has developed a citywide revitalization plan shows they are already working on that side of the city.

[pullquote_right]Thurston called discrimination “intolerable,” Monica Kay Villa said that support from parents is important, citing her own queer child, and Peter Padilla said that he felt Merced was already a tolerant town.[/pullquote_right]

When answering a question about how to gather and incorporate youth input into city decision making, the answers ranged from Mowrer’s idea of a Merced mobile app to garner youth input, while Belluomini also thought the internet was a good way of engaging youth. Villa emphasized more traditional methods for tapping into youth perspectives, from one-on-one meetings with youth to town hall-style public forums. Both Blake and Padilla specifically cited the city’s emerging Youth Council as a solid first step in bringing youth into the fold.

Tags: city council, elections, mayor, merced, spotlight