Candidates Forum: Who came out strong, and who flopped
City Council candidates pose after the Candidate’s Forum, held by the Chamber of Commerce and the Downey Patriot
I’ve watched the Downey City Council Candidates’ Forum two or three times at this point, and can honestly say I’ve changed my mind about the results.
That doesn’t usually happen.
As my editor stated in his analysis, candidates often play it safe. While that is true, I’d like to add and also argue that often times by forum time, you should already have a decent idea of who is who, and what they stand for and believe in (that is, if you pay attention to the news articles, press releases and podcasts, or even take a few seconds to visit a campaign website or two).
Such was the case last Thursday, and I can’t say I was all that surprised or impressed by much that was said. As I left the Barbara J. Riley Center, I thought I had a good idea of who “won” the evening.
But as I’ve watched the taping back, I’ve found to be more struck by each candidate’s individual performance. More than just their stances, each participant gave valuable insight into just where they stand in their knowledge of and experience in Downey.
District 1
Ramon Casas Jr. was the loudest of the candidates, probably because he had the least of anything substantial to say. Despite being the only candidate in District 1 to show up to city council meetings with any regularity (as he reminded the crowd ad nauseum), Casas displayed an obvious lack of deep understanding of Downey’s current issues and intricacies. He also claimed to be the originator of the idea to bring a Dave and Busters to the city (he’s not), and he wants Downtown Downey to be revitalized (it’s already in the process).
At the forum, Casas came across aggressive and - at the very least - arrogant. When he lacked in policy and general knowledge, he resorted to slinging mud – be it at his opponents or liberals in general. One thing is for sure, the only thing “blue” about him was his tie he was wearing.
Horacio Ortiz Jr. didn’t have much competition at the forum: you just read my takeaways of Casas and Elvira Meraz couldn’t participate because of illness. While that could seem like an advantage, I saw it as a detriment by no fault of his own; adversity creates opportunity, and unfortunately last Thursday was practically a bye for Ortiz.
He played things safe and somewhat reserved, only striking back at Casas a couple of times and keeping his composure when doing so. He showed he has a solid understanding of where Downey is currently at, and some experience to back it up, especially through his role on the Planning Commission. His attempt to distance himself from Mayor Pro Tem Trujillo (and more specifically, Trujillo’s association with District Attorney George Gascon) was good, although didn’t land as strong with me as I wish it had (and that could easily be because I had heard a similar answer before, when candidate Art Montoya had to answer for his connection to then Mayor Pro Tem Catherine Alvarez at the 2022 forum).
District 3
I don’t dislike Ernesto Valle; if he asked me to tend the field, work the snack shack, or announce players to the plate at Northwest Downey Little League, I’d happily do it (He might even be able to convince me to coach, if I had the time).
But as a city council member, I’m not so sure. In terms of city politics, he’s in over his head and I’m not sure he realizes it yet; for example, his silly pitch for a parking structure with tennis courts up top (you read that right).
If there was anything that did resonate with me, it was his four pillars: impact on youth, impact on residents, impact on the bottom line, and impact on the city’s brand.
Valle is the “not a politician” of this race (there’s always one). His heart is in the right place, but he needs more time to grow and learn the city. His work with Northwest Downey Little League and the PTA is commendable and a great start, but he needs to marinate more before taking on this bigger stage.
Admittedly, Dorothy Pemberton has been my pick for the seat all along, mostly because I know she knows and cares for the city and has a long resume of volunteerism to back it up.
She showed that off on Thursday, with extensive numbers, facts, and statistics. Where she fell flat is vocalizing how she would use this information to better the city and propel it forward; she threw out a couple of ideas (a dog park, skate park, family friendly business, increased police presence), but offered little on how to get there.
Pemberton took some fire from her opponents for being endorsed by many of Downey’s current and former leaders. She took it in stride, and delivered what I thought to be one of the strongest answers of the night: there’s nothing wrong taking a donation from someone who believes in you, and what was given was within the limits of what was allowed.
I’m sure Pemberton has a vision; she just needs to shout it from the rooftops.
Gil Contreras Legaspi, in my opinion, had the strongest showing of the night.
Where he lacks in experience and history against Pemberton, he more than made up for in confidence and conviction. Legaspi presented ideas and backed them up with some shape of a roadmap of how to deliver them (he’s big on police and business).
My only gripe with Legaspi is sometimes he was so charismatic he came off schmoozy. That is most definitely a nitpick on my part; I may want him to tone it down a bit, but there is no denying where Legaspi stands as a candidate.
The Downey City Council Forum can be watched on the Downey Patriot Facebook page. The election is Nov. 7.