- The Sun News Lounge hit the road Thursday, Oct. 17, for a town hall meeting at Chavez Middle School in San Bernardino's north end. The meeting gave voters an opportunity to tell candidates in the Nov. 5 municipal and recall elections what they hope for in March, when officials take their seats on the City Council dais. The event was the first gathering for candidates and voters following the shocking news that two councilmen had been criminally charged -- Mayoral candidate Chas Kelley pleaded guilty to a perjury charge, resigned from office and withdrew from the race, while 2nd Ward representative Robert Jenkins awaits arraignment on felony identity theft and stalking charges in Riverside County.
- By the time the event began, more than 100 voters had gathered to speak to the 22 candidates in attendance. Voters spoke about the importance of rebuilding the foundation for the city's government, urged candidates to turn away from the political division that has plagued San Bernardino, and demanded officials do more to address public safety and quality-of-life issues.
Sun editorial board member Kim Carter says those in the city have lost their passion for one another. pic.twitter.com/qnXqhAd0NPting_edits/status/391012752459710465/photo/1- Once voters had their say, it was time to turn the microphone over to candidates. First up, John Abad, candidate for the 1st Ward. Councilwoman Virginia Marquez, who seeks re-election, could not attend the town hall due to a prior commitment with constitutents.
1st Ward candidate John Abad: make carousel mall an education center pic.twitter.com/iiURpklzYlting_edits/status/391021341576400896/photo/1- Casey Dailey, the second challenger in the 1st Ward, is a former aide to Mayor Pat Morris.
1st Ward candidate Casey Dailey: divisiveness must end for city to move forward. pic.twitter.com/Ik6YoCS2jrting_edits/status/391022953892028416/photo/1- Voters in the 2nd Ward missed hearing from Jenkins and challenger Benito Barrios. Both were no-shows. Moving along to the 4th Ward, challenger Kathy Pinegar addressed the crowd.
4th Ward candidate Kathy Pinegar: check out backgrounds to clean up city gov. pic.twitter.com/E6ryQKEH1dting_edits/status/391023479211819008/photo/1- Incumbent Fred Shorett,also spoke. The second challenger for the seat, Anthony Jones, did not attend.
4th Ward candidate Fred Shorett: city must create environment that makes it possible for jobs and Econ dev. pic.twitter.com/Om2nZC6MLcting_edits/status/391024341120331776/photo/1- Next up, candidates for perhaps the most critical office on the ballot: Mayor of San Bernardino. Mayor Pat Morris chose not to seek re-election after two terms. The field is wide open, with now 10 challengers in pursuit of the coveted seat.
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Town hall puts spotlight on voters
Voters gathered Oct. 17 at Chavez Middle School to tell candidates for San Bernardino mayor and City Council exactly what they want from them come March, when elected officials take office.
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