Mission Statement: Our purpose is to enhance the quality of life of all Turlock residents through actively serving, pursuing excellence, and reflecting our four core values: Service, Accountability, Compassion, Respect
Mayor John Lazar
jlazar@turlock.ca.us Term Seated: 12/12/06 Expires: 2010*
John Lazar, elected Mayor of Turlock in 2006, served on the Turlock City Council from 1992 – 2006. He held the position of Vice Mayor in 2000, 2005 and 2006.
Lazar also served as a City representative to the Stanislaus County Local Agency Formation Commission from 2000 – 2006 and was the agency’s chairman in 2003.
He was appointed by the Turlock City Council to serve on the Stanislaus County Council of Governments from 1999 – 2000.
In 2000, former California Governor Gray Davis appointed Lazar as local government representative to the California State Mandates Commission. His Term ended in 2005.
In 1976, John Lazar served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Congressional Page for the late B.F. Sisk. He was employed from 1979 – 1982 by former Congressman Tony Coelho and also had worked as a legislative assistant in Sacramento to the former State assembly Members Gary Condit and Jack O’Connell.
Born and raised in Turlock, Lazar attended Keyes Elementary School, Brown Junior High School, and Turlock High School. He graduated from California State University, Stanislaus in 1981 and is employed as a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker Endsley and Associates of Turlock. Lazar resides in Turlock with his wife, Nellie, and their three sons.
Amy Bublak
abublak@yahoo.com Term Seated: 12/09/08 Expires: 2012*
Turlock City Council Member Amy Bublak has a long history of community involvement. Bublak attended Cal State Stanislaus earning a B.A. in Sociology and Criminal Justice, she also holds a Masters in Public Administration and Urban Government. A former Student Body President at Cal State Stanislaus, Bublak has an enduring passion for public service. As a student Bublak took the lead on innovative projects and created Good Neighbor Day, a collaborative effort between students and the City of Turlock concentrating on the restoration of public parks, painting of the Tything Place and planting trees throughout the community. In the fall of 2007, Turlock Mayor John Lazar appointed Bublak to the City Planning Commission where she has worked to ensure responsible growth.
Amy Bublak believes in a cost effective and efficient government that meets the needs of Turlock residents. It is imperative for our city that we focus on planned growth. As a member of the City Council, Bublak she places a great emphasis on public safety and quality of life issues and brings her sense of dedication, integrity and spirit of innovation to city hall.
A career police officer, Bublak and husband Dr. Milton Richards, Cal State Stanislaus Director of Athletics, have established deep roots in Turlock. She is Board member for the Modesto Red Cross and has a passion for activities which help young people become productive members of society.
Ted Howze
tedhowze@charter.net Term Seated: 12/12/06 Expires: 2010*
Councilmember Ted Howze settled in Turlock seven years ago. He graduated from University of California, Davis and is a large animal Veterinarian. He enjoys spending time with his family, coaching sports, and fishing with his sons. Ted belongs to Alpha Gamma Rho, a National Agriculture Fraternity, and numerous professional organizations. One of Councilmember Howze’s goals is to create quality jobs that will enhance the quality of the community.
Mary Jackson was born and raised on a farm, west of Turlock. She graduated from Turlock High School and completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia, majoring in journalism and political science. Mary spent a year working on her master’s degree in management and political science as a Rotary Foundation Scholar in Wellington, New Zealand.
Mary Jackson spent 12 years as a T.V. journalist in five states, and covered our State Capitol and legislature. She taught vocational education for 4 years in Merced County and currently is an instructor at Merced College. Mary served as the executive director for Lodi Grape Growers Association for 2 ˝ years.
Mary and her husband Kurt, a computer consultant, have been married 12 years and are the proud parents of twin daughters. Mary serves as the Turlock representative to Stanislaus Council of Governments, participates in the League of California Cities, and volunteers at United Samaritans Foundation. Mary is a former Turlock City Arts Commissioner, a member of the Carnegie Building Committee, and has served as a member of the Turlock Educational Summit and State Highway 165 Task Force.
Kurt Spycher
kspycher@turlock.ca.us Term Seated: 12/12/06 Expires: 2010*
Councilmember Kurt Spycher was born and raised in the Turlock area and is married and has two children. Kurt is a local farmer of almonds and peaches. His hobbies include riding motorcycles, and he is an active member of Monte Vista Chapel. Councilmember Spycher’s goals and passion for the City are supporting public safety and managing smart growth. Kurt believes in fostering an environment that allows local businesses to expand and help make Turlock attractive to new businesses.
*Term will expire following the City Council’s confirmation of the official results of the November election.
