Candidate for
Council Member; City of Coalinga

Hello my name is Kathy Merithew and I want your vote for Coalinga City Council.

I moved to Coalinga in 1980 where I met and married my husband, Clint. After nearly 28 years of marriage we have seen and experienced the changes and growth within Coalinga and our own family. We have four wonderful grown children: Holley, Morgan, Brandon, Aaron, two son-in-laws, John and Chris, and three grandchildren, Evan, Natalie and Chance Perkins. Our family certainly has grown. To add to this list, Clint and I are proud parents of two young military men. Our son Brandon is a Private First Class (Pfc) Explosive Ordinance Technician Specialist with the U.S. Army stationed in Washington. Our son-in-law Chris is a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LtJG) in the U.S. Navy stationed on a ship in Virginia. I am a proud mother, proud grandmother, proud voter, and proud supporter of our troops.

This election is different than the 1995 election I first ran in. I had four young children who knew their "mommy" was going to make a difference. Today, I am running with a strong mind, a strong heart, a strong conscience, and a strong support system from my entire family from around the country who believe I WILL make a difference.

Through the course of living in Coalinga, I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. There is no need to dwell on the latter two but there is a reason to point out the good. I have seen businesses sprout and develop out of the creative minds of many Coalinga residents. I have seen earthquakes that devastated our city only to be put back together through faith and hard work of every single person in this great city. I have seen families go from nothing to so much. I have experienced amazing opportunities as a prior council member and a small business owner. I have been there with other owners and experienced the economic struggles everyone is currently facing. I have been there on the sidelines while our bravest men and women battle breathtaking fires that destroy homes and lives. I have also seen the way this city bands together to help a friend in need. I have seen and experienced a lot of changes that were not for the betterment of our community. My goal this November is to make the changes this community NEEDS - not my own needs.

My goal is to listen to you, the voters of Coalinga, new and seasoned. To the young voters of today, this is your challenge. Take a stand and speak up for who you want to make decisions on your behalf. To the more seasoned voters, analyze the candidate, not just me, but everyone. Look at what we're saying. Look at what we're doing. Remember, this is a chance for CHANGE not the same old business but a real chance to make something new again. It may have been a few years since I was in office, but I remember the hard work, dedication and the success of everyday from listening and acting upon what the voters wanted.

On November 4th I ask that you examine the way politics have been done in the past. I ask that you remove those you deem unfit for the position and I ask that you vote for those who will bring about CHANGE and progress in this sunny side of the Valley. I ask that you vote for me, Kathy Merithew for Coalinga City Council.