It is that time again. The time where we, members of our respective communities, take the time to carefully consider the people in whom we believe and trust in. The ones we feel will do their best to lead the city and make the difficult choices that will ultimately lead to making our city a better place.
With the November 6th election rapidly approaching we want everyone to understand and know who their candidates are. Knowing them is just the beginning. As the political season makes its way through the communities everyone will get the opportunity to hear and see how each candidate plans to make a difference in their community.
Candidates for City Council Ward 1:
•Gil Botello - Serves on the John Muir Charter School Governing Board of Directors, as the Workforce appointee and serve as Chair of the City’s Fine Arts Commission.
Botello says, “Our Ward needs an active democratic voice to bring prosperity and hope back to our struggling community. I am a lifelong resident of the 1st Ward and am 100 percent committed to being the voice that supports local business and jobs for residents in the Ward; advocates for safe neighborhoods, parks and streets; developing a vibrant downtown and promoting vocational training for our City’s youth.”
•Theodore Sanchez - Construction equipment manager and has experience as a neighborhood leader.
Sanchez says, “The people of Ward 1 deserve a representative at City Hall who will fight for our families, our neighborhoods and our small businesses. That’s why I am seeking to be our community’s new voice on the City Council. Working together, we rebuild our San Bernardino’s economy and restore the All American quality of life we used to enjoy. I would be honored to earn your vote and represent your concerns on our City Council.”
Candidates for City Council Ward 2:
•Cecilia Miranda- Dolan - Elementary School Teacher
Miranda Dole says, “To strengthen the talents and leadership of children and young people. Give women the opportunity to create their own businesses. Demonstrate the diversity, cultural richness, traditions and arts that represents San Bernardino. If elected to the San Bernardino City Council, I will fight for the interests of families who often struggle to make ends meet and who believe the city must do more to make neighborhoods safe. I want to rebuild our city so that every resident has access to healthy spaces and activities.”
•Sandra Ibarra - Agency Support Coordinator, Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (2016–2018) City Commissioner for Ward 2
Ibarra says, “I envision a safe, vibrant, and engaged community for all. There is beauty in this city. There is potential here. There is HOPE. We all deserve to live a good life. I want to bring out the goodness in this city. 2nd Ward citizens deserve a councilperson who will be accountable, transparent, and accessible to them. They deserve a voice of reason, someone who will voice their concerns at the table with decision-makers, behind closed doors and at public meetings. I am here to stay. It’s time for change: ‘Time to build the bridge between the city and the community.’”
Candidates for City Council Ward 4:
•Alexandra Beltran - Serving the San Bernardino community for the past 10 years previously working as a youth mentor, County employee, and community advocate.
Beltran says, “Vote for a candidate that will work hard for the 4th Ward in San Bernardino. Supporting small businesses, boosting the local economy, and creating jobs. Working with leaders to find long-term solutions and seeking funds to help combat homelessness. Promote and support arts and culture which would help increase local spending. Being a voice for the community at City Hall.”
•Fred Shorett - San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tempore
Fred Shorett, a third-generation San Bernardino resident and small businessman, was elected to represent the citizens of the Fourth Ward in a Special Election in March of 2009. He received more than 72% of the total vote. Shorett brings over 30 years of local business experience to the City Council.
Candidates for Mayor:
• R. Carey Davis - Incumbent
Davis says, “As a CPA and previous Controller, I remain a strong advocate of fiscal responsibility and sustainability. I committed to this position to reposition the City of San Bernardino as a vibrant and economically sound and sustainable organization. I remain committed to working alongside the people of this great community to rebuild and redevelop the components of San Bernardino that make us all proud. We are a community rich in history, strength and resilience. Let’s continue banding together for the betterment of our future.”
• John Valdivia - Currently the Councilman for the 3rd Ward.
Valdivia was elected to the council in 2011 and re-elected without opposition in 2015. I want to serve as Mayor to forge a path for success for the great community where I was born and raised. As a Councilman, I fought hard to attract new jobs and improve city services in the 3rd Ward. As Mayor, I will bring this same proven leadership to fight for all the residents of San Bernardino.
Good luck to all of the candidates this election. Be sure to get to the polls and make your vote count.