A group of five Stanislaus County mayors, including Riverbank Mayor Richard O’Brien, have issued their endorsement of incumbent Congressman Jeff Denham in the Nov. 8 election.

Every two years this region sends a representative to the U.S. House of Representatives to voice unique needs and concerns within the federal government.

“As mayors representing Ceres, Modesto, Riverbank, Turlock, and Waterford, we’re tasked with the everyday quality of life issues that include keeping street lamps lit, providing police and fire services and clearing storm drains. Congressman Denham doesn’t dodge our cities’ mainstay issues; instead, he rolls up his sleeves and gets to work alongside us as we help our local residents,” the mayors wrote in a combined statement. “Washington, D.C. is almost 3,000 miles away from Stanislaus County and, as our Congressman, Jeff Denham could’ve easily insulated himself in this far away location, but he hasn’t. He flies home almost every weekend to work with local leaders to better serve our communities and our residents.”

The mayors also pointed to Denham’s assistance in securing Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants that allow communities to better equip firefighters to serve communities.

“He has also taken care of our community’s veterans, as he works tirelessly to secure the French Camp Veterans Affairs’ hospital facility here in our backyard,” said the statement. “His record of accomplishments proves that he deserves another term.”

Along with Riverbank Mayor O’Brien, the other mayors signing off on the statement of support included Ted Brandvold, Modesto; Gary Soiseth, Turlock; Chris Vierra, Ceres; and Mike Van Winkle, Waterford.