Mayoral candidate: Tracy needs togetherness
My name is Ronald (Ron) Stephens and I am running for Mayor of the City of Tracy.
Let me start by telling you a little bit about who I am and why Tracy means so much to me.
I am a disabled Air Force veteran of the 62nd Security Police Squadron, where I trained German Shepherd police dogs. After serving in the military, I came to Tracy in 1982 with my wife, Mary. Since then, we have raised our three children here, and we are now proud grandparents of a third generation who calls Tracy home.
I have served our community in several capacities. I was employed by the City of Tracy as an officer with the Tracy Police Department and also served with the Tracy Ambulance Service. I was also a snowmobile safety and firearms safety instructor for the youth of the community.
In 1984, I joined the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department, where I became a Firearms and Use-of-Force Instructor. I also spent more than 17 years as a Team Leader for the Brown, Lyon and Redwood County Drug Task Force Emergency Response Unit and SWAT Team.
During my years in local law enforcement, I conducted drug awareness programs and classes in the schools of Tracy, Marshall, Minneota, Balaton and Cottonwood. Working with our youth and promoting their safety has always been important to me. I am also a strong supporter of our police, fire, ambulance and other First Responder departments.
My wife, Mary, managed Dueber’s General Store here in Tracy for more than 12 years before going on to manage Slumberland in Marshall.
After living in Tracy for more than 44 years, I have come to know this community as my home. Over the years, my neighbors have become my friends, and many have become like family.
Many of you know me as “Santa Ron.” Through that role, I have had the privilege of of getting to know generations of Tracy families. In many ways, I have become intertwined with their lives and traditions. These families hold a special place in my heart, and I still make it a point to visit some of them each year during the holiday season.
I decided to run for mayor because numerous people approached me when the position became available and encouraged my to step forward. They told me they knew me as a fair and honest friend and neighbor and believed my experience and commitment to this community could help move Tracy forward.
I believe communication is vital to a successful community. It shouldn’t happen only once a week or when an issue becomes pressing. It should happen every day.
As mayor, I would make it a priority to listen to every citizen. Whether it is a passing hello and a wave, or a conversation about something a neighbor believes is important, every voice matters. Without communication, we cannot share our ideas, concerns, hopes and goals for the future of Tracy.
Regardless of our individual backgrounds, many of you are already my friends. But every one of you is my neighbor. As a candidate for mayor of Tracy, I would sincerely appreciate your support in the upcoming election.
When it is time to cast your ballot, I ask you consider my history, my experience, my commitment to this community and our shared love for this great city.
We can make Tracy better together. Together, we can establish achievable goals for our city and work toward a transparent and accountable city government. Together, we can continue building a community of friends, neighbors, co-workers and family.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and learn a little more about me.
RON STEPHENS TRACY
