Incumbents Have Backing of Remaining South Gate Council

South Gate Mayor Bill De Witt and Vice-Mayor Gil Hurtado are running on a slate in the up and coming March 5^th council elections. The incumbents are hoping to keep both of their seats from the other candidate in the race.

“If you like the way the city is going and its direction I solicit your vote, and for Vice-Mayor Gil Hurtado,” said De Witt during an interview with Patch at the Pancake Corner in South Gate. “I think we have done a good job.”

Hurtado concurred with De Witt’s statement.  

“We have come a long way, but the job is not done,” said Hurtado in a telephone interview. “The honesty [De Witt] bring to this council is irreplaceable.”

The remainder of the South Gate City Council, whose seats are not up for re-election, also told Patch about their support for the incumbents in this race.

The councilmembers pointed to the importance of having colleagues that are familiar with the current economic situation. Projects such as the azalea retail center were listed among the reasons why the incumbents should serve again, according to the councilmembers.

“This is no time for on the job training,” warned councilmember of Henry Gonzalez in a recent interview with Patch. “We have big projects going on.”

Councilmember Maria Davila also stressed the importance of continuity.

“I think it’s important to have continuity at this point in time,” said Davila. “We need to make sure that projects get done.”

Councilmember Jorge Morales told Patch that he was also supporting the incumbents. This is despite the fact that they did not back him when elected in 2011.

“They didn’t support me when I first ran, but in the last two years we have been working closely,” said Morales. “They have proven to me that they have a hard work ethic, and that their integrity is second to none.”

Ricardo Reyes told Patch that he was not surprised about these recent endorsements.

“Incumbents always support each other,” said Reyes. “Come next election, they are hoping that the favor is then returned.”

When Patch asked Reyes as to how these endorsements impacted his chances for success, the non-incumbent could not say, but added that his campaign is more focused on its message.

”It’s hard to say how that will affect the race” said Reyes. “I am running on my vision and the kind leadership I can bring.” 

Keep up with South Gate - Lynwood Patch Latino by subscribing to breaking news alerts, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Have an event or announcement you'd like to publicize? Submit them for free.