Page 12 - Mid Valley Times 10-29-20 E-edition

Thursday, October 29, 2020 | A12 | Mid Valley TiMes
Statements from Dinuba City Council candidates
MVT Staff Report
The Dinuba City Council has two candidates vying for the Ward 1 seat that is being vacated by council member Joey Morales. The candidates are Joshua Huerta and Rachel Nerio-Guerrero. Meanwhile, Ward 5 incumbent Linda Launer is being challenged by Geno Gomez and Andrea McComb-Sotello.
Here are candidate state- ments for those running for
council:
WARD 1 Joshua Huerta
My name is Joshua Huerta I am a husband, father, grand- father and a member of the community for over 20 years. My occupation is a Behavioral Interventionist for the Visalia School District, for 20 years I have dedi-
cated my life
helping oth-
ers become
productive
citizens of Tu-
lare County.
where I help with rehabilita- tion and restoration. All Along I have worked from the grass roots and now I am seeking the honor of representing Ward 1 for policy making at the city level. To help the city in general and my ward in particular.
Rachel Nerio-Guerrero
I’m a lifelong resident of Dinuba, where my husband and I have raised our two children. After high school, I attended Reedley College and received an A.S. degree in Administration of Justice. Currently, I am employed with Tulare
WARD 5 Linda Launer
I’m Linda Launer, the in- cumbent, a resident of Dinuba for 35 years raising a family and remaining active within my community. As a business- woman, educator and com- munity vol-
Geno Gomez
My name is Geno Gomez, candidate for Dinuba City Council District 5. On Sept. 11, 1961 I was born in Dinuba. I attended Lincoln Elementary, Washington Intermediate and graduated Dinuba High. I at- tended Reedley College re- ceiving an Associate of Arts Degree in Business and Com- puters. I started a Manager training program with Trans- america Financial Services. I opened GNO Computers Inc. I service doctors, churches, and schools.
Andrea McComb-Sotelo
As a Dinuba native and graduate of Dinuba High, it will be a great privilege to serve my community through the City Council.
For over 20 years, I have been in healthcare and am a hospital donation coordinator for a non-profit organization. My role is to support hospi- tal donation programs and to advocate for those who are in need of a life-saving organ and/or tissue transplant.
As an essential healthcare worker, I know firsthand the challenges this
pandemic
has brought. The health and welfare of our loved ones and community has never been more critical.
Public
safety must
be our top
priority. This includes work- ing with first responders to strengthen relationships by lis- tening and ensuring they have resources needed to help keep our city and residents safe. I also stand behind the construc- tion of the proposed second Fire Station.
I am committed to our ag- ing population by supporting senior citizen programs and also for helping our young families through pro youth activities.
I'll listen openly to the concerns of our community members with the goal of building a better Dinuba yet maintaining that "small town" feel we love about our neigh- borhoods.
Iama
basketball
and football
coach in Di-
nuba as well
as a mentor
to many students in Ward 1. I have lived in Dinuba over two decades I know the pulse of Dinuba I know people that are struggling. I have partici- pated in these struggles, I am from Ward 1 and have seen the need in our neighborhood since I've been here. My fam- ily and I have participated in many community projects from food giveaways to cloth- ing to housing for homeless.
Iamapartofthelead- ership team in my church,
Joshua Huerta
County for
the last 26
years. In ad-
dition, I have
volunteered
in many as-
pects such
as, serving
on the school
site council
and also as
vice presi-
dent of the
Home Run Club for Dinuba High School. Now, I would like to represent you on the City Council to further our city’s development. Our city has gone through some changes, such as expanding Randall St. to El Monte. I believe this is a very good start to add more businesses and homes to fill the vacant buildings and prop- erty in that area.
As Councilwoman, I will work hard with the residents of our city and commercial developers to grow more businesses and bring projects back to life. It will be my hon- or and privilege to serve you on City Council and I would appreciate your vote.
Linda Launer
Rachel Nerio-Guerrero
Geno Gomez
Andrea McComb-Sotelo
unteer, I am
passionate
about Dinu-
ba’s econom-
ic growth,
continuing
community
programs
and services,
public safety,
and a safe
and vibrant
community.
and social future remains challenging. With the trust and support of the community, I ask for your vote to continue as councilwoman.
The last four years have been busy with a list of proud accomplishments. Housing developments continue in- dicating a strong population growth which is necessary to bring new businesses for job opportunities and services. Appropriate incentives and a more aggressive approach of marketing must continue to inform potential commercial and manufacturing business to learn of the benefits Dinuba offers.
Well-funded police and fire support services and collab- orative efforts between these services and residents are necessary to provide for safe neighborhoods and commu- nity. The city works together to provide quality programs and events for all ages which I find critical for us as a com- munity family.
I am married to my wife Lupe (clear-
ly my bet-
ter half)
she teaches
at Wilson
School and
has been
teaching for
20 years. I
have seven
children with
the last two
still at home.
I bring experience having served on the City Council 20 years ago, I bring knowledge as a business owner I bring commitment as a man of faith serving as a Lector, Eucharist Minister, and Bible study in- structor for 20 years at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. I am ready to work for my constituents.
My platform is “Bringing our families together” which include biological families, Firefighters, Police, first re- sponders, including city em- ployees, business owners, farmers and regular citizens. Dinuba is our future! Dinuba is our home! Please join on Nov. 3 by voting and I ask for your vote.
Our economic
RE-ELECT CLOTILDA MORA
Kings Canyon Uni ed School District School Board Representative, Area 7
Let’s continue to put our kids rst!
I am the current incumbent for Area 7 and have proudly supported our kids for the last 7 years as your school board representative. Our board relationship with our Superintendent, Administration, teachers, and sta is extremely important, and this relationship must continue so that we can meet the educational needs of our students. I will continue to work diligently to keep this relationship owing and growing. I have served as school board President and regularly attend school board meetings.
I rmly believe that students bene t most from learning in the classroom with their teacher and the social interaction with their peers. I will continue to support measures that ensure our kids have a safe return to the classroom while taking all recommended safety precautions.
It is with great honor that I have served not only Reedley, but our surrounding communities of Or- ange Cove and Dunlap as your school board representative. During my time in o ce, I have voted for and helped implement the following:
• Supported higher achievement for all schools
• Added new facilities, including classrooms and libraries, opened Reedley Middle College High School • Implemented A er School Program, Transitional Kindergartens and added Pre-schools
• Increased our social workers to support our students, teachers, and families
• Increased safety measures for the protection of our students and teachers
• Supported additional VROP career pathways
• Purchased land for a future elementary school
• Helped maintain scal stability.
• Supported partnerships with City of Reedley, Adventist Health, Community Youth Ministries, and POM Wonderful for the enhancement of safety, health and educational programs for students
OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE. I want to continue to help make decisions that provide stu- dents with increased educational opportunities, emotional support, and co-curricular activities so that they may become well rounded and successful in life. is is why I became a school board member.
I am asking for your vote & support this November so that I may continue to serve our students, teachers, and sta .
• Dale W. Martinez
• Lupe Martinez
• Louie Arias
• Juan Garza - Former KCUSD
Superintendent
• Mary Ann Carousso - Student
Services Adm., KCUSD
Former Jefferson Principal • Reggie Wagner - Principal
Lincoln School
• Noel Remick - KCUSD
Trustee
Endorsements
• Anita Bentancourt - Reedley Councilwoman
• Monica Benner - Assistant Superintendent C&I, Former Grant Middle School Principal
• Sarah Rola - KCUSD Trustee
• Pete Chavez - Former Reedley Councilman
• Maria Morales - Just For You Hair Studio
• Sharon Matsuzaki - Principal Grant Middle School
• Rick McCollum - Principal TL Reed School
• Patricia Ledesma - Principal Jefferson Elementery School • Rodney Cisneros - Principal
Silas Bartsch School
• Virginia “Ginny” Zalky -
Founding Principal,
TL Reed
• Aurelia Guzman - Ideal Income
Tax Service
VOTE TO RE-ELECT CLOTILDA MORA, AREA 7
006315
006386