By ROBIN SHEPARD
Times Correspondent
Michael Anthony Gomez stands tall and engages others with a big smile that exudes confidence. His speech is measured and thoughtful, and he listens intently, giving the impression that he is communicating sincerely and assuredly.
These qualities will likely benefit him as he seeks election to the Atwater City Council.
Gomez, 29, a local real estate agent and 2013 graduate of Golden Valley High School in Merced, is a political newcomer challenging District 1 incumbent John Cale.
“I want to work with the Council to make Atwater a better place for all of us,” he said.
A recent ride-a-long with an Atwater police sergeant provided an example of his estimation of current city government: Everyone is doing the best they can, but we can always improve.
“I know the police are doing everything they can to keep the city safe,” he said, noting that a more proactive stance is necessary at times, especially as it relates to homelessness and other thorny issues.
“It’s a tough issue to tackle,” Gomez said. “The police are handcuffed it seems. But at the end of the day, [the homeless] are people too.”
Gomez is particularly concerned about drivers speeding through neighborhoods, imperiling citizens, “especially children walking to school.”
Gomez said he is “very supportive” of local law enforcement, though, as in other areas of city management, “there’s always room for improvement.”
Born in Merced, Gomez has lived in Atwater for 11 years, having earned his masters of business administration degree at CSU Stanislaus. His interest in politics was spurred by his real estate career.
“I’ve been involved in student organizations and non-profits, but I didn’t think about running for any political positions until I began working in real estate,” he said.
The opportunity to talk to a variety of people through his work, and by meeting community leaders convinced him to seek election to the City Council.
“I decided to run because I believe I can make the city better by working with the Council.”
Because he is unmarried and without children, and because of the flexibility of his work schedule, Gomez said he has time to devote to city governance.
Confidence, commitment, and a strict discipline signals the strength of Gomez’s professional and personal life. When not working, he trains in mixed martial arts. He holds a Blue Belt in Jujitsu and has competed in sanctioned tournaments.
“It’s helped me to stay focused in everything I do,” he said, explaining that training and competing in MMA tournaments has “made me humble. I’m not arrogant.”
If elected to the Council, Gomez said he believes he can help bring a more pro-active position on economic issues.
“Big Lots is closing,” he said. “The 99 Cent Store closed on Bellevue. Working with the Council, I believe we can develop our downtown and the business centers on Bellevue Road.”
Gomez said he respects the current members of the City Council, while stressing the need to work together cooperatively.
“For those people who put themselves out there and run for office, I commend you,” he said.
Gomez is a member of the Merced County Board of Realtors Young Professional Network. He is a board member for the Merced County Nut Festival, and has participated in the Board of Realtors annual rib cookoff fundraising event for the past 11 years.
“There’s a great potential to make Atwater a better place. I believe that if people see your work ethic, they’ll support you.”
District 1 includes neighborhoods west of Shaffer Road, bounded by Juniper Road to the south and areas north to the Atwater-Livingston Canal. The eastern boundary captures voters west of Winton Way and extends to neighborhoods to the south and west of Atwater High School.