Big money backs mayor

Businessman helping Johnston, Fritchen campaigns


By Scott Smith
Record Staff Writer
October 17, 2012 12:00 AM

STOCKTON - Big money backing incumbent Mayor Ann Johnston and two council candidates has poured in from a wealthy businessman who lives in Nevada and made his fortune in the auto repossession industry.

Patrick K. Willis also bought Stockton's glitzy University Waterfront Plaza Hotel two years ago and turned around the once bankrupt business, giving him a personal interest in the city's vitality.

Anthony Silva for Mayor!

He also supports incumbent Councilman Dale Fritchen and newcomer Randy Hatch in the Nov. 6 election, contributing a total of $67,500, which makes him the largest single contributor, according to the candidates' most recent campaign statements.

Willis contributed $37,500 to Johnston, giving her a campaign fund of $105,235, including $20,000 from Stockton developer Alex Spanos. Willis was not available for comment Tuesday.

oh zee TV: 4409 -- PIRATES say I look suspicious...WTF

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oh zee TV: 'ATTA BOY:Well Said Mitt, when will you Quit!

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News10: What concerns Stockton residents?

"GET IN-VOLVED!"

This is the Solution for Stockton residents, simply becoming involved will spread around the world like an infection of a positive result for everyone. This is Stockton's moment of glory, and it seems as if it is I that has to rise up for the rest to follow. Mistakes are the only lessons in life, don't be afraid to make mistakes, otherwise you'll never learn.

"RISE-UP! LET'S LEND A HAND TO ALL NEIGHBORS IN NEED!"



"Elevate the game, instead of placing the blame, It's like life'll neva' change, its always staying the same."

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Banner Island Ballpark to host 2013 WCC Baseball Championship

STOCKTON, Calif.- The Stockton Ports, in cooperation with the Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau, are excited to announce that Banner Island Ballpark will host the 2013 West Coast Conference Baseball Championship. The 2013 WCC Championship is set to take place at the ballpark from May 23-25, which will mark the first year the conference has gone to a four-team, neutral-site championship. "This is a big move for the West Coast Conference and we're excited to be a part of it," Ports Director of Business Development Tim Pasisz said. "We're proud to announce that Banner Island Ballpark is the WCC Baseball Championship's new home."

Banner Island Ballpark will host the top four teams from the WCC in the Championship next year, with a practice day taking place on May 22, and competition from the 23-25. The Conference currently consists of nine schools: Brigham Young, Gonzaga, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, Portland, Saint Mary's, San Diego, San Francisco, and Santa Clara. The WCC is the future home of University of the Pacific, which will join the conference in 2013-14. "We are thrilled to bring the West Coast Conference baseball championship to Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton," said WCC Commissioner Jamie Zaninovich. "The Stockton Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Stockton Ports have been great partners throughout the bid process, and we look forward to hosting our event there in 2013. We believe this event is a great vehicle to introduce the West Coast Conference to Stockton and the Central Valley, an important new market for us with the University of the Pacific joining our conference in 2013-2014."

More information on the game schedule and game tickets will be released this fall. Contact Tim Pasisz with any questions at (209) 644-1900.