About Manuel
Manuel is a first generation American. Hearing his grandparents talk about life in the Old Country ( Azores ), has really given him a perspective of the great opportunities America provides. Manuel is a die hard constitution loving American. He believes we need to embrace government's responsibility to protect life, liberty and property. If there is any part of government that is infringing upon the peoples' inherent natural rights, he will dedicate all his time to eradicating that part of government. He believes Economic Freedom built this great nation and state, the lack of Economic Freedom is devastating the beautiful State of California.
Manuel was born and raised on his grandfather's farm, where he still lives. Manuel is Catholic and attends church regularly. From an early age he learned the value of a dollar. As a young boy he used to sweep the family farm driveway in the hope his grandfather would reward him with a dollar. His first real job occurred when he was 12 years old. His grandfather wanted him to cut hay, which involved piloting a $75,000 dollar machine. He was nervous; driving a swather at such a young age was a daunting task. His grandfather disliked teaching people how to drive agriculture equipment. Manuel’s instructions lasted about 3 minutes; his grandfather exited the cab and let his 12 year old grandson cut a 30 acre alfalfa field alone. This was a lesson in responsibility and accountability. That was a challenge he was willing to take and a challenge which he met. Manuel worked on his family farm from the age of twelve to twenty two. He pursued his entrepreneurial passion for a while when he started a jelly company, Martins Jellies. He specialized in pomegranate jellies. He had three varieties of jelly and at one time had his product in more than ten grocery stores, including Whole Foods. He decided to shut down his company in order to become more involved in local politics.
Manuel is the founder and chairmen of the Stockton Tea Party Patriots. He has an immeasurable love for this land. Getting people involved in this State's future was his goal when establishing the Stockton Tea Party Patriots. Stockton needed a Tea Party and he was willing to step up to the plate. He is not running for Assembly District 13 because he wants to, rather he feels compelled to do so. This State’s economic condition is continuously deteriorating. Sacramento cannot seem to keep their tentacles from infringing upon the private sector. Whether it be in manufacturing, agriculture, or retail, the bureaucrats will not leave entrepreneurs alone to create jobs, which would help provide for society. This over reaching government needs to be stopped. Manuel wants be part of the solution; the solution found in liberty.
