In early returns from the Ontario, California elections held on November 3, Daisy Macias, a City Council member, emerged as a frontrunner in the mayoral race against longtime Mayor Paul Leon. Voters were faced with the critical decision of whether to retain Leon amid an ongoing FBI investigation, concerns regarding public spending practices, and rapid development within the city.
Macias secured 7,216 votes, accounting for 38.62% of the total, compared to Leon's 6,058 votes, or 32.43%, according to initial results released by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters. Businessman Kevin Kizzee trailed in third place with 16.74%, while UC Riverside student Nicolo Lalama garnered 12.21% of the votes.
City Council Races: Significant Leads and Narrow Margins
In the City Council contests, former councilmember Ruben Valencia maintained a lead over Stephanie Martinez in District 2, with 57.56% of the vote, translating to 2,190 votes, while Martinez received 1,615 votes, representing 42.44%.
The District 3 race saw longtime incumbent Alan Wapner holding a slight edge over software engineer Michael Rios. Wapner received 1,990 votes, equating to 31.26%, whereas Rios was close behind with 1,855 votes, or 29.14%. The margin between them was a narrow 135 votes. Larry Trinidad and D’Andre Lampkin trailed with 22.78% and 16.81%, respectively.
The Impact of the FBI Investigation
This election unfolded under the shadow of an FBI investigation involving several officials, including Wapner. On July 28, FBI agents executed searches at properties linked to Wapner, San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, attorney Frank Lizarraga, and businessman James Su. Subpoenas were also served at Ontario City Hall and the Ontario International Airport. While the specific focus of the investigation remains undisclosed, it has raised questions and concerns in the community. To date, no criminal charges have been filed publicly.
Wapner, who has been on the City Council since 1994 and is a retired police sergeant, had initially intended to run for mayor but shifted his focus to seeking reelection for his District 3 seat following the ongoing investigation. He relinquished his committee assignments, including the presidency of the Ontario International Airport Authority board.
In an October report by Southern California News Group, it was revealed that Wapner billed the airport authority almost $185,000 for 72 trips over a five-year period, which he defended as necessary for airport business. In response to the investigation, the airport authority revised its reimbursement policies.
Candidates' Platforms and Community Concerns
Throughout the campaign, candidates took differing stances on key issues affecting the city. Macias focused on fiscal responsibility, while Kizzee, a businessman who turned his life around after serving 22 years in federal prison, called for a forensic audit of city expenditures amid the federal scrutiny. Lalama emphasized the need for government transparency, advocating against excessive city spending and the unchecked expansion of warehouses.
Wapner campaigned on issues such as reducing street racing, addressing homelessness, and alleviating traffic congestion. Rios's platform included opposing warehouse expansion and combating increased truck traffic and unnecessary tax hikes. Lampkin aimed to create safer neighborhoods while promoting economic growth, whereas Trinidad concentrated on affordability, homelessness, and enhancing the number of first responders in the city.
In District 2, Valencia, who is a retired sheriff’s deputy, concentrated on homelessness and promoting transparency in spending and campaign finance. Martinez, a bilingual interpreter, prioritized public safety alongside responsible economic growth in her campaign.
The Voter Sentiment
The ongoing FBI investigation has likely influenced voter sentiment, as many in Ontario are seeking leadership that prioritizes accountability and transparency. Macias’s lead may reflect a desire for a fresh perspective in city governance, especially considering the long tenure of current leadership.
As the final votes are tallied and the details of the ongoing investigation unfold, Ontario’s residents remain attentive to how these election results will shape the future of their city. The results not only reflect individual candidates’ platforms but also highlight broader community concerns about governance and transparency in local politics.
As Ontario navigates these significant challenges, the importance of informed leadership and community engagement becomes increasingly clear, setting the stage for future elections and the potential reshaping of city policies.
Source: Daily Bulletin
Illustration photo: Nolin, Jean Baptiste, 1648-1708 / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
