With election day just around the corner, candidates are trying to get their voices heard. From the mayoral candidates, to the city council candidates.Crossword Christian Church assisted with letting residents of Moreno Valley hear their candidates and their issues.
On October 11th, residents and candidates filled the church for a candidate forum. The forum was led in a prayer and then the MC, Christina Dixon, for the night took over the mic and began the forum.
Questions were submitted by residents of Moreno Valley and provided the dialogue throughout the night.
Jeff Hewitt began the night with the County Supervisor panel. His opponent Russ Bogh was not in attendance. Hewitt discussed during his panel his views on honesty, dedication, and his stance on Measure C. Hewitt was asked what he foresaw as the most challenging part of his job and he responded with, “your ability to govern is directly proportional to your ability to persuade the other members of the body on your idea. That is one of my better abilities.”
The panels continued with the candidate for District 4, Cheylynda Bernard, answering questions as her opponent, Ulyses Cabrera, was not in attendance. Bernard says that she is running for council for District 4 because, “we have no representation, no transparency, and we have no level of decorum at city hall.” She continued in her panel dialogue that she wants Moreno Valley to be more of a family environment.”
She pleased the crowd with her responses by discussing her values and how similar they were to many people in the audience.
In the District 2 City Council candidates, 3 of the candidates were in attendance, Corey Jackson, Keri Then, and Carla Thorton. With Corey Jackson letting the audience know that he wants the audience to understand “what we are up against in the city and what the stakes are.” He is striving for a change in the city council and is willing to do what it takes to get that change. He ran in the last election and fell short of the victory by less than a dozen votes.
Next up was Carla Thorton who is a veteran and educator. She stated that part of her reason for her running for city council is because “the high level of integrity that is not being utilized in our local government.” When asked, “What is your vision for your district and how will you achieve it?” She answered with, “That we are able to live, work, and play in our own district. And it all comes down to funding and networking.”
Keri Then was asked, “what makes you able to identify with the average citizen?” She explained her families history and how her children attended MVUSD schools as well as how her and her husband “have worked for every single penny” because two retirees did not make enough money.
For the last panel, Mayoral candidates, Denise Fleming, David Marquez, and Mary McBean, took the stage to engage in the forum dialogue. With current Mayor, Yxstian Gutierrez, and mayoral candidates Jeffrey Giba, and Lawrence Baird missing in attendance.
One of the most notable questions of the evening was “If elected as Mayor of Moreno Valley, would you champion transparency and fire the current city staff?
Fleming stated that “what I do believe is that we have to come in and we have to look and see what is going on within our city.” She does not believe in going in as Mayor as firing everyone from the city staff.
Marquez came in stating that part of his platform is being transparent. He only wants to be honest with the residents of Moreno Valley. As being part of the current city council for District 3 he had to refrain himself from answering certain questions. However, he stated, “when I become mayor that will be something on my platform to look at. Who we keep and who we don’t keep, its not that easy.”
Lastly, McBean firmly stated, “I will not fire the city staff, but I will try to work with them.” Claiming that each staff member has their own expertise and would champion transparency. She is striving to allow the city staff of Moreno Valley to work as a team with one another.
Each candidate discussed their stances and histories with the city of Moreno Valley. All long time residents of this beautiful city and each candidate passionate for a change in the city.
The evening was filled with passionate dialogues and firm standing responses. Candidates gave their full views in response to some difficult questions. Ultimately providing the audience with a lot to think about.
One thing is for certain, the residents of Moreno Valley will have some choices come voting day. Be sure to make it to the polls on November 6th and cast your vote!