A shift in leadership could be in store for Salinas City Council
The Salinas City Council showing a significant shift in leadership with all non-incumbent candidates taking the lead in their respective races.
The District seats for 1, 4, and 6 continue to hang in the balance whereas District 3 has been decided with Margeret D'Arrgio being elected to the seat.
This makes her the one non-incumbent so far to have been officially called as a councilmember.
“I don't know that that's ever been done before. Least having five seats open is unusual as well, but we're super excited. I just think it's I think it is historical and I believe it's because people they got out to vote and people were they wanted change desperately.”
Jose Luis Barajas is in the running for the District 1 race, having a lead over Alex Ayala running for re-election.
“I'm cautiously optimistic about the results so far. And, you know, just overall content with the work we did in my campaign about reaching voters, connecting with businesses, hearing what their needs are, and just being receptive to the community overall," Bajaras said.
Gloria De La Rosa is another non-incumbent running for district 4 against Albert Lomeli and, current councilmember Orlando Orsonio.
She’s hoping that the possible shift can bring about a team focused on the issue of public safety, something each candidate had expressed interest in tackling.
“I plan to have a good working relationship with with the rest of the council and I'm sure that there are we can all come together and find a solution to this very important problem that's going on.”
Barajas echoed those sentiments citing lack of a police presence in the city.
“I think we're at an inflection point in terms of that issue in our community. We have, as has been mentioned before, there are more people working at Chik-fil-A on any given Friday than we have officers patrolling our city."
The final results have yet to confirm the District races, but if so, a new council of non-incumbents could be a preview of the city’s future.
