Dear Editor,

This week I read an article focusing on people building a strong community by getting to know their neighbors, by volunteering, and by participating in local government. Pat Paul, who is running for Mayor of Oakdale, has been working to build such a community as long as she has lived in Oakdale. As an active volunteer in organizations like the American Association of University Women, the Oakdale Garden Club, the Friends of the Oakdale Library, and Oakdale Reads, a literacy program, Pat is working to improve the lives of people in our community. Having served on the Oakdale City Council and the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Pat has developed the skills to be an effective mayor. I currently work with Pat in the literacy program and have worked with her on a number of projects in the past. She is a true community leader who cares about people. Oakdale will be a stronger community with Pat Paul as mayor.

Sincerely,
Sharon Arpoika