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- The Madera Tribune

Max Rodriguez is joined by family and friends at Pedro's Place for an election celebration. From left, Karen Rogue, daughter, Mark Rogue, son-in-law, Max Rodriguez, his wife Sarah Rodriguez and daughter Barbara Dolan.

Photo by: Wendy Alexander

Political newcomer Max Rodriguez last night defeated incumbent John Silva for the District 4 seat on the Madera County Board of Supervisors, winning with 1,588 votes to Silva's 1,255.

Silva and Rodriguez were neck to neck during the vote count until approximately 10 p.m., when Rodriguez pulled ahead.

"It is not about the candidates. I feel like this is a movement," Rodriguez said last night.

Rodriguez has resided in District 4 for more than 25 years.

"I would like to see more qualified people from the community run for political positions," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said he feels it is important to get young people involved in the political process and he wants to encourage local youth to do so.

Rodriguez, family members, friends and community supporters gathered at Pedro's Place to celebrate and show their support Tuesday night.

Currently the Board of Supervisors consists of Chairman Ronn Dominici and Supervisors Gary Gilbert, Frank Bigelow, Vern Moss and Silva.

Silva has served on the Madera County Board of Supervisors for eight years. This is the first time Rodriguez has run for a board seat.

The supervisors' terms are four years long.

Rodriguez is a lifetime resident of Madera.

After spending years helping others with their campaigns, Rodriguez said he decided to step up to the plate and take his own turn at bat.

An insurance agent, the 64-year-old Rodriguez said he has built a good business helping his clients. He says he has a nice home and a good life.

"I was raised in Madera. I have lived here all my life and have spent the last 25 years living in the same house. In the last several years I have watched some areas of Madera deteriorate and have seen drug problems rise dramatically," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said he has witnessed cuts to the sheriff's department staff.

Rodriguez was endorsed by Madera County Probation Officer's Association, the Deputy Sheriff's Association, Madera County Prosecutors and from the Chowchilla and Madera city police associations

Silva and Rodriguez took part in a candidates forum sponsored by the Madera Coalition for Community Justice last week.

Silva had not returned a phone call from The Madera Tribune by press time last night.