Transparency is key in the upcoming local elections

Imperial Valley community members said transparency is the key in the upcoming elections.

Calexico resident Ben Horton said it’s the main thing he looks at in candidates.

“It’s extremely important, because transparency, character, ethics and integrity is all that important for the people to know what the candidate stands for and what his outlook towards the city is,” Horton said.

El Centro resident Rachel Cunningham said people should research candidates carefully before making a voting decision.

“It’s very important and it’s so hard to believe half of what you read, so you have to read between the lines,” Cunningham said.

There are 16 local races and 12 local measures to consider and make a decision on. Among them, for Superior Court Judge Monica Lepe Negrete faces Tom Storey; for County Supervisor District 1 it’s John R. Renison and Jesus Eduardo Escobar.

“I always read their opinions and their articles, whatever they put out,” Cunningham said.

There are 4 contenders for two seats in the Heffernan Memorial Healthcare. And a race that has given a lot to talk about on social media is Carlos Zaragoza challenging Norma Sierra Galindo for Imperial Irrigation District Director Division 5.

Horton said it’s important to know who’s contributing to all the candidates’ campaigns.

“Because you get an idea of what special interests if any plays in the election,” Horton added.

El Centro City Council has 5 candidates looking at two seats, Calexico has 7 candidates battling it out for two seats.

“I’d like to see that they support our community and our projects and specially the older seniors,” Cunningham said.

Please join us as we look closely at these candidates and races every week.

For a complete list of local candidates, click here.