Compton elections head to June run-off
Compton voters declared they want change after participating in the city’s all vote-by-mail April primary election. Candidates who didn’t receive more than 50% of votes cast are heading to a June runoff.
Long-time city treasurer Douglas Sanders was soundly defeated and will end his nearly two decades in office June 30 after receiving 22% of votes cast. Residents place blame squarely on Sanders shoulders for nearly $4 million of taxpayer’s money, walking out of the finance office, during his time on the council. Despite changes dictated by a state audit, voters decided now was the time to change direction.
Sanders could not be reached for comment.
Compton Unified Board Trustee Satra Zurita was the top vote getter receiving 39% of the votes, and was closely followed by Brandon Mims who received 38%.
District 2 voters sent a clear and loud message to embattled incumbent, Isaac Galvan, that his apathy towards city issues will no longer be tolerated.
“Galvan comes to council meetings and is always seen on his phone and during the pandemic has refused to turn on his camera,” said a long-time resident who refused to identify themselves. “His office is non-responsive to our needs and we need a representative who cares about our concerns.”
Galvan made history in 2013 as the city’s first Latino councilman. Since then, he has displayed a destructive pattern of immaturity ranging from representing residents, at official events, under the influence of alcohol. He has gotten n into public fight, had his driver’s license suspended, and had his home raided by the FBI in connection to an investigation emanating from the city of Baldwin Park
Community activist Andre “HubCityDre” Spicer was the top vote getter, receiving 35% of the vote, and campaigned on bringing more professionalism to the office.
Spicer had a few missteps while serving as council liaison for Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, which residents looked beyond to focus on his decade of community service to the residents, specifically the city’s youth.
“I’m excited to see the final numbers, but we are on our way,” said Spicer.
Galvan received 26% of the vote and will face Spicer in the June runoff.
District 3 Councilwoman Tana McCoy failed to capture the majority of votes despite new projects heading to her constituents. She ran a campaign highlighting successes of the current administration, however, former Compton Firefighter Jonathan Bowers captured an impressive number of votes to force a June runoff.
“I truly appreciate the residents of the 3rd District for their support and would like to extend my congratulations to each person that ran for office,” said McCoy. “It shows your love and commitment for the community but don’t stop here, lets continue to work together to improve the great city of Compton.”
The crowded mayoral field was whittled down to two candidates: Councilwoman Emma Sharif and Christian Reynaga were the top two vote getters.
Reynaga received 29% of the vote, while Sharif received 20%.
Reynaga appears to have benefited from the assistance of current Mayor Aja Brown, who has televised multiple public tirades against her council colleagues calling them “dysfunctional”.
Brown also condemned Sharif stating certain projects stalled due to her desire to be mayor.
Reynaga could become the city’s first Latino mayor when he faces Sharif in June. Neither Reynaga nor Sharif were available for comment.
Alita Godwin received 53% of votes cast to deny challenger Lynn Boone an opportunity for a runoff. City Attorney Damon Brown ran unopposed.
The county will certify the official election results after all votes have been tabulated that were sent through the mail.
As of press time, the county received roughly 5,300 votes out of 49,133 registered voters.
Best to kick strawman Reynaga to the curb and rid yourself of Brown’s influence and complete failure. Zurita is definitely not the best choice. Let’s get it done Compton voters!
First it was the mayor, now Satra!!!! This campaign should be labeled “Beat Up On the Brothers.” It seems when you can’t go toe to toe, face to face with an opponent and talk about your qualifications and the positive solutions you have to offer, you go thru the BACK DOOR and use a candidates kids. Pretty low in my book!! But I’m just one individual. I guess one could call this the Dark Side of the pinkness and the humble smiles!!!! Voters BEWARE!!!!
Voters rejected Richard Alatorre when he was also irresponsible in his personal life and his finances. Shouldn’t that be discussed? If your personal financial affairs aren’t in order, how can you maintain the city’s?
All due respect, 2urbangirls, but I don’t think Mr. Alatorre’s personal life or his finances is why he was rejected, I was there at the debates and from what I could see, his experience and his qualifications were weak. And in all honesty have you not had some personal life, finance situations in your life? If you haven’t please write a book on how you did it!!
As usual, the best candidate for mayor did not win. Lets hope the rest of the sane voters of Compton who truly and sincerely want change, look beyond the smiles and the pinkness of Zurita and vote, for once, someone who has the qualifications, the education, the legal language and knowledge for the position. Voters of Compton do your homework this time! Lets STOP going backward!!! I agree; Zurita stay at the school district. If you are so good, help bring up the scores of our failing school system!!!!!
I hope Bowers wins and get McCoy out of office. We need a complete change. If you cant accomplish anything in 4 years, you need to give someone else a chance. As for Zurita, stay at the school district.