(STOCKTON, CA) - Yesterday, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors announced that Robert Rickman from District 5 was officially sworn in during the first Board of Supervisors meeting of 2021. Supervisor Tom Patti from District 3 and Supervisor Miguel Villapudua from District 1 were also sworn in to serve on the Board for an additional four years. In addition, Supervisor Tom Patti was elected Chair of the Board and Supervisor Chuck Winn was elected as Vice-Chair.

District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman replaces Supervisor Bob Elliott who was termed out in 2020. Before his election as a San Joaquin County Supervisor, Rickman served as Mayor of Tracy since 2016 and served on the City Council since 2010. For two decades, Mr. Rickman has served as a State Police Officer and Sergeant.

"It’s an honor to be elected to represent the residents of San Joaquin County, especially those in District 5,” stated Rickman. "I look forward to working with my new colleagues on making San Joaquin County a safer and more desirable place to live and work."

Supervisor Villapudua stated, “I am completely humbled by the residents of the San Joaquin County First District electing me to a second term. I look forward continuing to serve them and work alongside my fellow supervisors to make San Joaquin County great.”

Supervisor Tom Patti said, “This is once again a privilege to serve an additional term on the County Board of Supervisors. This is a shared responsibility that we all take to heart especially during these difficult and challenging times with so many jobs lost and businesses affected by this current health crisis. As Chairman, I will remain dedicated to addressing the impact of COVID-19, partnering on Homeless issues, supporting our local Veterans and their needs and making sure that our Farmers have a voice and support for agriculture and water rights. I also want to thank my supporters, our County employees and the many residents of San Joaquin County, it is all of you that motivate all of us.”

In her outgoing comments as Board Chair, Supervisor Kathy Miller stated, “2020 was undeniably one of the most challenging years for San Joaquin County, and for our entire nation, as we responded to, and dealt with, the devastating impacts of COVID-19. Our County employees, all deemed essential workers, responded with commitment and compassion, providing uninterrupted services and leading the Public Health response to the pandemic. The Board is proud to lead such an outstanding team of professionals and we will continue to work to ensure that our employees - especially our frontline healthcare workforce - have the equipment and supplies they need to safely perform their duties. We welcome our newest Supervisor and are ready to roll up our collective sleeves to provide the resources necessary to enable our residents and businesses to recover from these dark days."

In his closing remarks at the end of his term, Supervisor Bob Elliott noted, “This is a bittersweet yet proud day with much positive reflection due to the things that were accomplished but also from the knowledge that they were accomplished through the actions of many at every level with whom I had the honor and privilege to interact. I am confident that the San Joaquin County team is up to any challenge and will continue to provide excellence in service to our constituents just as we have for the past eight years.”

Vice-Chair Chuck Winn said, “I look forward to working with the new Board and reopening our county businesses and schools. I believe with the current Board we will accomplish it sooner rather than later. Hopefully, this year will be better than 2020.”

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