Patterson City Council

Seven candidates, who talked about infrastructure issues and the residential growth of the city, will contest the five seats on the Patterson City Council.

“I would continue to serve Patterson to the best of my ability and strive for continued growth in Patterson and make the improvements we need in infrastructure to foster that growth,” incumbent Larry Medoza Jr. said.

Joe Russo III, another incumbent, said it’s not so much fostering growth, but sustaining the recent progress the city has enjoyed in welcoming new residents.

“Unlike a lot of municipalities that are not faring well, we’ve actually added over 100 homes in our community,” Russo said. “We are bringing in economic growth, but the problem will be to sustain it.”

The growth of the city will bring in additional tax revenue, which helps the community as a whole, but the prospective council members are also trying to help current residents – especially those south of Highway 90 – in another way.

“The infrastructure and streets in Patterson need to be upgraded and that is my biggest concern,” incumbent Claire Sawyer said. “We need to get the I-49 overpass installed from Red Cypress Road to south of the railroad tracks.”

As of now, traffic must cross the railroad tracks along Highway 90 and there is no emergency plan in place should a train derail.

John Rentrop, one of three challengers, said the I-49 extension is important in helping the city reach its potential.

“There is a lot that Patterson needs,” Rentrop said. “It has great potential, and I want to be part of its growth. I have some ideas, and I want to see them through. I want to put some of my soul and heart back into Patterson, because of what Patterson has given me.”

Challenger Sandra Turner wants to help the youth of the city with recreational improvements.

“I’m concerned about the youth in our community,” Turner said. “We have our rec program, but we are not able to give them the things they need as far as another facility. We don’t have a rec center, and I would love to see that happen for our city.”

Deniesee Robertson, running for the first time, said the council must improve the level of citizen involvement.

“As far as the lack of communication, I want to find a way to advertise upcoming events, and agendas and provide office space for the council so the citizens can have a one-on-one sit-down,” Robertson said. “Attending council meetings for the last five years, I felt that there was a lack of communication between the citizens and the council. I believe I can make a difference.”

Peg Rentrop, who has served four inconsecutive terms, said the proposed water plant needs to be completed and flooding issues need to be combated, but she also warned against voting for challengers touting change.

“People talk about change but they don’t realize you can’t do change overnight,” Ms. Rentrop said. “That’s one of the big issues for some of the candidates running. It takes time and money. These are hard economic times right now and you’re not going to get a big handout from the state.”