Political turf wars began in 1926

For The Madera Tribune

Sheriff John Barnett (R), although he was doing his job, came under severe criticism in 1926 and gave up his position in a turf war.

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For the first 19 years of its existence as an incorporated city, Madera’s political machinery ran without rancor or hard feelings, for the most part. Most office seekers simply offered their services to fill various community needs and did little to tarnish the political landscape. During those early years, challenges to incumbent office holders were rare.

In 1926, however, things began to change, and real political turf wars appeared for the first time in Madera in contests for the city council and the office of sheriff.

It all started when three members of the city council were challenged in their bids for reelection.