Fourteen candidates running for Calexico City Council

Calexico voter Luis Fuentes said the city is going through some hard times and he believes that’s what’s motivating 12 people to run for city leadership, along with two running for re-election. “A person that goes in with an open mind about how we need to deal with issues in Calexico. He needs to have the utmost integrity. He needs to be honest about his decisions and his purpose on the podium,” Fuentes said.

Candidate Angel Esparza said his entrepreneurship background has prepared him for the job. “I got inspired to run because I see that Calexico has a lot of potential. And I believe that through my unique talents and my perspective I can make a change,” Esparza said.

Candidate Lewis Pacheco said he has experience, having served on the council before. “Fire and the police department. We’re understaffed. We need to bring up the staffing needs of both of those two departments to make sure that we have ample coverage for our city,” Pacheco said.

Candidate Esther Alicia Marquez said she’s focusing on families’ needs. “After school programs. The parks. All the programs for the housing. All the programs for the low-income. Where’s our budget going? What expenses are we having more? Like if we’re having more dining expenses let’s cut those off and let’s feed the homeless.”

Fuentes said most importantly, council members need to learn to work together. “They need to be able to deal with someone that may not agree with them,” Fuentes said.

Council members Armando Real and Maritza Hurtado will continue serving their terms.