Mendota can stand on its own feet

A few weeks ago, the 1 millionth box of food was given away in Mendota with many important people present. The box was “blinged” with glittery gold wrapping, I kid you not.

The Community Food Bank serves many communities throughout the Central Valley. But it was Mendota that was chosen for the dubious honor. Our community is not any more needy of pastas, rice, beans and canned goods, than say Clovis. We are affected by the drought, but we are standing on our own feet. We don’t need the “poor us” attention or for someone’s political gain.

Mendota leaders have quietly adopted policies such as the “enterprise incentive zone” that will make the costs of opening a new or improving an existing business much less than in the past. McDonalds and AutoZone broke ground recently and will take advantage of the opportunity to save. Five years ago, the Mendota Police Department was reinstated after 20 years of fine Fresno County Sheriff’s service.

I’m not trying to sound flippant, but there are many who apparently need Mendota to continue being the town known for receiving the lucky food box.

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 2:53 AM with the headline "Mendota can stand on its own feet."