Lodi News-Sentinel editorial: McNerney has "proven us wrong"

The Lodi News-Sentinel editorial board chose not to endorse Jerry McNerney last year, choosing instead to endorse incumbent Richard Pombo. But they are now realizing why Jerry was endorsed by 53% of voters on November 7.

According to the editorial writers, their newfound appreciation for McNerney "boils down to respect for voters. McNerney has shown it in recent weeks."

Being a citizen Congressman means being open and accessible to constituents across the district -- a quality that the Lodi News-Sentinel feels compelled to praise:

We liked McNerney personally but felt he was too raw and perhaps too low-key to be an effective Congressman.

So far, he's proven us wrong.

He seems to be in Lodi practically every week, chatting and sipping coffee with local citizens. He recently held a open-door meeting in Lodi on No Child Left Behind.

As Ken Davis, the Lodi Unified trustee, put it: "Sometimes the policy needs to be fixed. I'm just glad he's here to listen."

McNerney has also formed local advisory groups on education, health, business and agriculture.

The man seems intent on listening and responding. Clearly, the proof will be in the pudding. Will he deliver leadership and federal dollars to help with our region's varied needs, including health care, transportation and land use challenges?

Time will tell.

So far, though, our congressman has lived up to his promise of being ethical. He has far exceeded our expectations as an honest and assertive communicator.

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While the Lodi-News Sentinel may disagree with the Congressman on certain issues, they are now understanding why citizens across the district actively decided to elect Jerry to Congress.