From the Javelin to City Hall: Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak Throws Down for Accountability on the Good Government Show

Turlock, California Mayor Amy Bublak brings grit, accountability, and a shot put champion’s discipline to local government—literally. In a wide-ranging and refreshingly candid appearance on The Good Government Show podcast, Bublak opened up about her path from a one-room schoolhouse to police detective to City Hall—and why she believes local leadership is all about action and connection.

“Government is just basically people taking their thoughts, putting them on paper and trying to formulate plans and get something done,” said Bublak. “It’s never going to be perfect. It’s never going to be pretty. But if I can take something and make it better when I leave, then I’ve done something right.”

The podcast episode dives deep into Bublak’s approach to accountability—most notably, how she pivoted from opposing a citywide tax to fiercely ensuring it was spent with purpose once it passed. “It’s not my money,” she told host Dave Martin. “It’s the people’s money. And I want them to know we’re doing what they asked us to do.” With a dedicated citizens’ oversight group and strict benchmarks for infrastructure reinvestment, Bublak has helped Turlock go from fixing one road a year to over 25 annually.

A 23-year police veteran and a decorated athlete, Bublak also touched on her no-nonsense but people-first style of leadership. “I go to all 60 churches in Turlock,” she said. “I want to be with people where they are. The one-on-ones matter to me more than the headlines.”

From improving roads and water access to training for her next World Police & Fire Games competition, Bublak leads with purpose and a bit of Central Valley flair. “People are amazing. That’s the best part of the job,” she said. “I put in full-time hours, and I love every minute.”