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Candidates share their plans for city

The five candidates running for two seats in in the El Centro City Council said they understand the many issues and challenges facing the city at the moment.

Jaime Honold said, “I want to build something for the city. I want to make sure that we utilize all the investments that are out there waiting to come to the city.”

Tomas Oliva said, “I have the experience, the education, the passion, the drive to be a voice for the community on our city council.”

Sylvia Marroquin said, “[My] employment history includes over 25 years in the banking industry. I rose to many management level positions.”

Incumbent Cheryl Viegas-Walker said, “I am the biggest advocate, the biggest cheerleader for the City of El Centro.”

Les Smith said, “I will remain transparent and totally available to the community to voice their concerns.”

One of the pressing issues facing the area is homelessness.

“The only thing we can do is help fund organizations that can help the homeless get up on their feet,” Honold said.

“We need to have a better relationship with mental health services that are provided here, specifically for people who are homeless,” Oliva said.

“It’s not just in our city, it’s in every city in this nation worldwide,” Marroquin said.

“[I’ve] supported non-profit agencies that provide direct services to the homeless,” Viegas-Walker said.

They spoke about the need for increased public security.

“We need to hire more cops. We need to lift the morale of our officers,” Honold said.

“That is the foundation and the cornerstone that has affected other aspects of our community,” Oliva said.

“We have strategies in place that we are working very hard and very diligently to address those challenges,” Viegas-Walker said.

“We have a great police department but there’s nine vacancies right now,” Smith said.

They have ideas on how to approach economic growth for the city.

“We need to bring businesses to the city. We need the city to welcome businesses,” Honold said.

“Create an environment where entrepreneurs or investors feel comfortable,” Oliva said.

“Focus in the downtown area and the mall,” Marroquin said.

“All of these things benefit from someone who has 20 years of experience that knows what works,” Viegas-Walker said.

They all want the the community to make their voices heard on election day.

The candidates will be facing each other at a special candidate forum on Thursday at 6 p.m. at

Ryerson Hall, 225 Wake Avenue, in El Centro.

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