The Stanislaus County Democratic Central Committee named Oakdale Mayor Pat Paul as one of its Citizens of the Year at the Ninth Annual Edmund G “Pat “ Brown Award Dinner recently in Modesto. Also honored was area labor leader Marcie Bayne of Modesto.
“This really surprised me,” said Paul after the event, “especially since I’m in a non-partisan seat.”
Paul, a former Stanislaus County supervisor and the only woman elected to the Board of Supervisors, has been mayor of Oakdale since 2010. She has been active within Oakdale and Stanislaus County volunteering with the Haven Women’s Center of Stanislaus County, Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance, and Friends of the Oakdale Library.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a mayor more active than Pat,” said Oakdale resident Carolyn O’Neal who attended the event. “Several people are always commenting on her picking up trash in the community and planting flowers for the garden club.”
Mayor Paul was introduced at the awards ceremony by retired Oakdale High School teacher and longtime friend Yvonne Allen. During the introduction, Allen mentioned many of Paul’s community service endeavors, elected office committees Paul held, and personal stories of their friendship. Marcie Bayne who was also a citizen of the year recipient is currently the executive director of the North Valley Labor Federation, one of the largest labor organizations in California representing over 100,000 union members in the Central Valley. Bayne previously worked with the California School Employees Association for over 25 years.
Dr. Julius Manrique of the Central Valley Democratic Club nominated Paul for the Citizen of the Year award citing her many volunteer efforts, her local leadership, and community involvement.
The keynote speaker for the Edmund G “Pat” Brown Award Dinner was local NASA space shuttle astronaut and 11th Congressional District candidate Jose Hernandez.
Paul was very complimentary to those that have recognized her and vowed to continue her various volunteer efforts.
“I have fun doing it,” said Paul, “and I always want to make Oakdale better in some way.”
“She’s undoubtedly active in her role as both mayor and citizen,” said O’Neal about Paul. “I continue to be impressed.”
