Meet your candidate: John Hawk runs for Imperial County Board of Supervisors District 5
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - We are just days away from the June 2 primary election, and the race for the Imperial County Board of Supervisors District 5 seat is entering its final, critical stretch.
District 5 spans the largest geographical territory on the county map. Incumbent John Hawk is currently fighting to retain his seat against challengers Patricia Lizarraga and Lorena Minor-Montes.
We recently sat down with John Hawk to discuss his re-election campaign, addressing local unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and growing community rifts.
"We're looking at ways to make things work," Hawk said regarding political divisions. "That just takes a phone call to say, 'Hey, I can get over a difference with you, but let's work together on issues.'"
One of the most contentious issues facing the district is the debate over incoming data centers. While Hawk acknowledged the community concern surrounding their placement, he emphasized the legal constraints faced by local leadership.
"No, it's not a great location, but it was a permitted use for that area," Hawk explained. "So as a supervisor, you're required to follow the laws, but at the same time, you understand the issue that Imperial was in."
If new data centers continue to move into the region, Hawk is demanding a strict set of new regulations. His proposed protections include double-spectrum noise studies, mandatory landscaping, local hiring mandates, and an official "good neighbor" policy.
Hawk is leveraging regional partnerships to secure federal funding for infrastructure. He confirmed plans for a joint trip to Washington, D.C., alongside representatives from the Bard Water District and the Quechan Nation to lobby for financial support.
Beyond infrastructure, Hawk plans to address border issues during his capital visit.
"We do honor those that come to our country and want to work," Hawk said. "We wanna have a place for them."
While Hawk remains a strong supporter of the local agricultural sector, he stressed that farming alone can no longer sustain the regional economy. He points to the ongoing development of Lithium Valley as the key to future job creation.
"We need to bring industry," Hawk said. "We could provide jobs and all kinds of measures for graduates of Imperial Valley College (IVC) or San Diego State University."
The incumbent also noted that his platform addresses the area's growing homelessness crisis. He stated that the county is currently looking at developing new areas dedicated to providing aid and rehabilitation sessions for unhoused residents.
Voters will decide this Tuesday whether Hawk keeps his seat or if a challenger will take the reins.
Under local election rules, if no candidate secures a clear majority of the vote on Tuesday night, the top two vote-getters will advance to a runoff in the November general election.
