It is that time again. The time where we, members of our respective communities, take the time to carefully consider the people in whom we believe and trust in. The ones we feel will do their best to lead the city and make the difficult choices that will ultimately lead to making our city a better place.
With the November 6th election rapidly approaching we want everyone to understand and know who their candidates are. Knowing them is just the beginning. As the political season makes its way through the communities everyone will get the opportunity to hear and see how each candidate plans to make a difference in their community.
Candidates for Grand Terrace Mayor:
• Darcy McNaboe - Incumbent
A twenty-five year resident of Grand Terrace, small business owner, dedicated to community service, active in the community and running for re-election for Mayor. Darcy currently serves on the board of the Foundation of Grand Terrace and Guide Dogs of the Desert; is an active member of the Grand Terrace Lions Club, the Grand Terrace Woman’s Club, the Grand Terrace Chamber of Commerce, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Economic Development and Governmental Affairs Committee.
•Sylvia A.Robles - Realtor/Committee Member
Sylvia Robles has been a resident of Grand Terrace for more than 38 years and has more than 25 years of local government experience. Robles was elected to the Grand Terrace City Council in November 2012 and has continued her role as Mayor Pro Tem. Robles also serves as the vice chair for the Housing Authority, the vice chair for the Public Finance Authority and vice chair for the Successor Agency to the Community Redevelopment Agency. She also represents the city on the Omnitrans transportation agency board of directors and Southern California Associated Governments. Also, Robles is a member of the Grand Terrace Women’s Club.
Candidates for City Council 4 year term:
•Greg Batla -Executive Director of Marketing
Greg Batla has been a pastor, TV producer, and is now an Executive Director of Marketing at Loma Linda University Health. Greg wants to bring a fresh perspective to city hall while working hard to return the city to the small town, community-feeling of the past. Personally courting high-quality, locally-owned businesses to fill vacant spaces: potentially including retail shops, a gym, and a coffee shop. Using increased tax revenue from new businesses to invest in infrastructure improvements: roadways and sidewalks, street lighting, community areas, walking trails and crime prevention.
•Doug A. Wilson - Incumbent
Wilson has said his priority has always been the citizens of Grand Terrace, and that he is not afraid to stand on principle. Since 2005 he has tried for mayor, ran for council, and chased vacated council seats, all while serving as Chairman of the Grand Terrace Planning Commission for 21 years. He has promised to always oppose waste, bail-outs, budget mysteries, and taxes. 42 years of troubleshooting and working with local jurisdictions to create places for families to live have taught him that government and business must walk hand-in-hand with the needs of the community to prosper.
Candidates for City Council 2 year term:
•Ken Henderson - Incumbent
Ken has a long history in public service, and the end of 2018 will mark his 38th year in government service Ken believes that, despite the cities size, it is better positioned than other, larger cities to leverage our land, natural resources and the expertise of our labor force, our retirees and executives of top companies who live in Grand Terrace, to grow our economy and to, finally, fulfill the promise contained in our geography, demographic profile and civic engagement that led to the city’s incorporation in the first place.
•Jeff Allen -Planning Commission
Allen opposes the continuous effort of members of the council to force a tax increase on GT residents. He is currently serving his second 4 year term as one of Grand Terrace’s planning commissioners. Allen has worked together with other Grand Terrace residents to build their own Community Emergency Response Team and led the team as director for 5 years. Allen stated, “Our city is already one of the safest in the area. With the right leadership it can become the safest without raising taxes or imposing assessments on us. I will provide that leadership.”
•Jeffrey McConnell - Business Owner/Realtor
Jeffrey McConnell, long-time Grand Terrace resident and real estate broker, has been growing gardens since the second grade. He was recently appointed to the planning commission and a finalist for Man of the Year. His goal is to make the city business friendly and wants to be the outspoken candidate for We the People. He has been a member of the lions club for 14 years and is determined to make the city strive.
Good luck to all of the candidates this election. Be sure to get to the polls and make your vote count.