10/02/2026
WHY I DECLINED THE HANFORD SENTINEL INTERVIEW
Before I explain why I declined an interview with the Hanford Sentinel, I want you to look at the screenshots below and judge for yourself.
Former Mayor Russ Curry is already publicly talking about starting another recall campaign against me, and I am not even in office yet. His own comment states, “if elected, I would start a recall campaign.”
Think about that. I haven't even had an opportunity to serve again, and someone is already talking about trying to remove me. Russ doesn't even live in Hanford anymore, let alone California, yet he continues involving himself in Hanford politics.
Why does this matter? Because some of the same names and political circles I remember from the battles surrounding my previous recall are showing up again.
Marissa from the Hanford Sentinel reached out to interview me, and I genuinely wanted to do the interview. My decision to decline has nothing to do with Marissa personally. I appreciate her reaching out, and I have no reason to believe she wouldn't conduct a professional interview.
My concern is what happens at the editorial level.
I initially spoke with Marissa about concerns involving one page. After our conversation, I discovered interactions involving a second page. The screenshots below show Parker Bowman, the chief editor of the Hanford Sentinel, liking and reacting to content on pages that have repeatedly attacked me and another individual involved in local politics.
Everyone has a right to their personal opinions, including members of the media. But when someone holds that kind of editorial authority, I believe it is reasonable to question the appearance of impartiality.
How can I confidently expect a fair shake from the Hanford Sentinel when its chief editor is liking and reacting to posts attacking me and other individuals involved in local politics?
That is the question these screenshots raised for me, and ultimately why I decided to decline the interview. Marissa could conduct a completely professional interview, but my concern is what happens afterward at the editorial level and how the final story is ultimately presented.
Other familiar names appearing in these discussions include former Councilman Martin Devine, Angela LiAntonio, and Robert Ramos. I am also seeing supporters of Victor Chavarin Jr. and Travis Paden participating in criticism and attacks directed at me and another individual running for office.
I am intentionally not naming or linking to these pages because I don't believe they deserve additional attention or traffic. Instead, I'm providing screenshots so people can see what I saw.
There is also a third page involving another candidate that, in my view, crosses a far more serious line. It contains deeply personal attacks and material that I believe raises serious concerns about character defamation. I understand that matter is being investigated, so I will not identify the page or speculate about who is responsible.
Anyone who follows my writing knows something about me: I believe in showing the evidence.
When I write about an issue, I try to provide screenshots, documents, facts, and data. Don't simply take my word for it. Look at the evidence and judge for yourself.
If you disagree with me, challenge my record. Challenge my votes. Ask me about water rates, refuse rates, city finances, public safety, downtown, economic development, or decisions I made while serving this community. I welcome those debates. I welcome difficult questions.
But attacking someone's appearance, clothing, intelligence, or personal character isn't a debate about public policy.
I believe part of the reason I generate such strong opposition is simple: I can't be controlled. I make my decisions based on what I believe is best for the people I represent, not based on who is popular, who has political connections, or who wants me to fall in line.
And I care about the people of Hanford.
Water rates, refuse rates, and decisions coming out of City Hall have real consequences for families trying to pay their bills. Those are the issues I want to talk about. Those are the issues I intend to fight for.
So I ask everyone to do something very simple:
Look at who is attacking me. Look at the relationships and political alliances involved. Look at the screenshots. Look at the evidence.
Then judge for yourself.
That is why, in good conscience, I declined the Hanford Sentinel interview. This isn't about Marissa. It is about whether I can have confidence in the overall editorial process given what I have now seen.
You don't have to like me. You don't have to agree with me. But one thing I will not do is allow myself to be controlled or intimidated into silence when I believe decisions are hurting the people of Hanford.
I care about this community. I have fought for Hanford before, and I will continue fighting for the people who live here.
Look at the facts. Look at the evidence.
Judge for yourself.
