Merced is growing, a couple more years and we will be at 100,000. Who would have thought that our little town could become one of 336 'larger' cities in the US? Merced is this amazing place that has the feel of a small town where people know each other, where we have connections, and where we still know our history and yet it is becoming a university town with all the experts and researchers and the people who think about global issues. Students come from all walks of life to learn and make a difference.

We also have hundreds of non-profits who make a difference in this county: each having their own niche: sports, children, youth, justice, health, faith, arts, education, science and the list goes on. Each one having a passion to change the outcomes of people. And let me tell you most nonprofits are living on a shoestring and their staff and directors are doing the work out of their passion to make a difference.

There are many faith communities, all of them trying to help people find purpose in life and direct them towards a loving God who is bigger than us. They provide resources and hope for the community.

With all this good why do we always complain about 'there is nothing good in Merced'? Why do we let outsiders determine where we want to go? Why do we allow voices that have no stake in Merced influence our decisions?

It is election time. We have to make decisions who will lead our town and our county, who is best suited to be our major, our city council members, our county of board of supervisors, our school board, and so much more. These decisions should not be made by angry outsiders who come into our city to disrupt things, to shame our officials, to feed us one sided information. This decision is up to you and me, citizens of this city and county.

So, as we enter the last couple of weeks before the election, take the time to learn about the people who you are voting for and then trust them to lead well, but also stay in touch with them and encourage them. Their job is not easy. And then do your part, volunteer, donate, invest... our city, our county is amazing, and your influence will make it better.

You get to impact our city!