STORY BY:NOEL T. CASTORILLO
ANG PERYODIKO
CARSON – In an unprecedented move in this city of diverse cultures, fore former mayors
of this bay city have publicly declared their full support of the candidacy of Councilmember
and former mayor protem ELITO SANTARINA saying the former public school teacher
“is capable of bringing about the change that we all wanted to take place in this city.”
In an exclusive interview with Ang Peryodiko, Santarina a Filipino -American said he
would be the first ethnic candidate for the top elective post in this city to enjoy this “Distinct
Honor of being openly endorese by four great Leaders in the Carson community.
The Four Ex-Mayors are Gil Smith an African American who commands high respect
in this city for being one of the Founding Fathers of the City of Carson: Kay Calas,
who served this city for over 27 years in various capacities; Mike Mitoma of Japanese Heritage
who serves as mayor of this city for two terms; and Vera Robles Dewitt of Hispanic
origin and who has served this city for over 18 years.
This city needs an upright yet a humble and kind Leader. One who is pro-people and
genuinely concerned for their interests” said ex-Mayor Calas, who has served the City of Carson
as councilmember, mayor pro tem and mayor.
Calas has worked with Santarina when the latter was elected for the first time as a city
councilmember in the early 2000s.
Elito Santarina is a hard worker and selfless community leader. He is the kind of leader that we
the residents of this city, can really depend on and stand up for our interestes she said.
Santarina has the kind of learship that is “strong” and yet kind. The one that works for people.
“He definitely of the people and for the people,” Smith said.
For his part, ex Mayor Mitoma said that Santarina “is capable of taking back the city
for us residents, Elito is a hard worker and dedicated public servant. He will definitely
be a good mayor for this city.”
We have to take back this city for our residents. We need a selfless leader who will work
for the interest of the people and not for his vested interest. Elito can provide that kind
of leadership,” he said.
Ex-Mayor Robles-Dewitt, who has served this city for over 18 years, first as a councilmember
then as mayor pro-tem and finally as mayor said Santarina’s background first as an educator
and second as a councilmember and mayor pro-tem provides him with “a solid foundation of leardership
that we the residents of Carson need.”
Vera said Santarina “can and will provide the kind of leadership that Carson needs.”
He is definitely of the community and will work for the community” Dewitt said.
Meanwhile, Santarina said his is also being supported by the City of Carson group
called”REFORM CARSON MOVEMENT” Led by Diange Thomas, The group said. They will continuet to mobilize
in support of Santarina’s candidacy because they see in Santarina the leadership that “is capable of
reforming this city in the interest of its diverse population.”
