On Nov. 6,  in short order, voters will decide between candidates in two districts: Mayor Ray Madrigal and his challenger, Stuart Lyons in District A, and in District C, Chad Billingsley and Tony Garcia will square off for the right to represent a small swath of Lemoore.

In 2020 the other three districts that make up our five-member council will be up for election. This year the choice – in at least District A – is not a difficult one.

The Leader highly recommends that voters return Mayor Madrigal to the council dais. The longtime Lemoore resident, former California Highway Patrol Captain, and the city’s mayor has during his first term, proved that he has the demeanor and the intelligence to be an effective leader. He has certainly proved it these last four years.

Madrigal’s composed demeanor and positive behavior during his four-year tenure have been learned lessons for others in how leadership should and can be defined. He is the leader Lemoore needs to tackle the difficult issues we face in the coming years: economic development, growth, water, public safety and more. This community is at a nexus of sorts as these issues and others will help define Lemoore's future. Mr. Madrigal is poised to face these common challenges.

Leadership comes easily to the personable Madrigal, and he began his leadership lessons early. His Tiger teammates, aware of his character and work ethic, voted him captain of his Lemoore High School baseball team, and during a 30-year career as a California Highway Patrol officer, he wasn’t handed leadership responsibilities on a golden plate, he earned them. He took on new challenges and steadily advanced through the ranks, and in his final command, as a captain, he held sway over an entire swath of Northern California.

Others have recognized the same virtues. His list of endorsements is impressive. Kings County police chiefs from Lemoore, Hanford, Corcoran, and Avenal have cited their faith in his leadership while leading educators – Frank Gornick, Chancellor Emeritus, West Hills College District, Brook Warkentin, Betty Warkentin, West Hills College District Boardmember Jeff Levison and Bob Clement – have all lent their support. The list goes on: Dr. Jeff Garcia, Family Eye Care, Councilmember Dave Brown, Councilmember Jeff Chedester, and former Mayor Lois Wynne. All have endorsed the mayor.

When CHP  retirement beckoned, to where did he retreat? He returned to his hometown, the place where he first learned the meaning of leadership.

In 2014 he easily won a four-year term on the council, and two years ago his fellow councilmembers made him their mayor. He has become a steadying force in turbulent times. He brings ideas and an innate willingness to communicate freely and openly with Lemoore’s constituents. He is a steadying influence who governs in ways that ultimately benefit this charming, vibrant community.

Mr. Madrigal has resolutely served in difficult times. No doubt about it. The last two years have been a period defined by the selfish behavior and unwelcome conduct of a self-centered councilmember, who in 2014 fooled the public and at least one newspaper editor.

Mr. Madrigal and his fellow councilmembers recently voted to censure the wayward councilmember, sending an important message that bad behavior is not acceptable. The actions of Madrigal and his council compatriots were the right choices at the right time. A recall effort continues, but the councilmember should do the right thing and resign, saving the taxpayers the cost of a recall election.

Chad Billingsley, a safety professional and Lemoore volunteer fireman, seems to have the right demeanor to serve his constituents in the city's other open seat (District C) and Lemoore. He is a personable and thoughtful candidate, and his responses to The Leader’s candidates’ questions were well-written and displayed a sense of innate understanding about the demands of the job.

However, we strongly disagree with his reasoning – and the other challengers – who have declined opportunities to speak before the public. Serving – and listening to your constituents – in the capacity of an elected leader, whether in the post of councilmember or the office of president of the United States – is an essential component of the trust established between elected leaders and their constituents.

We not only chide those candidates for ignoring this imperative, but we criticize other elected leaders, from local congressmen and senators to our president who ignore the will of the people. They are certainly not absolved from the national responsibility of regularly interacting with the public, and confidently answering constituents’ questions in open, fair forums.