Friné Medrano kicks off city council campaign

Frine Medrano, left, with state Sen. Ricardo Lara (center). Campaign photo

DOWNEY – Downey City Council hopeful Friné Medrano officially started her campaign on Friday with a kickoff fundraiser held at the historic Rives Mansion. 

Medrano is running to fill the council’s District 3 seat, where Councilmember Roger Brossmer currently sits. The position will be vacated later this year due to Brossmer’s term officially being up. 

According to Medrano and her team, around 100 people attended Friday’s kickoff based off of registration. Some of these included representatives from Downey AYSO, the Historical Society of Downey, colleagues and friends from Medrano’s network, and Medrano’s own family.

State Senator Tony Mendoza was also present to say a few words and pledge his support for Medrano. 

“I am so excited the Friné decided to run. I am so excited because Downey needs that experience, that commitment, that home-grown commitment that she brings,” said Mendoza.  
Improved representation was also one of Mendoza’s selling points during his speech.

“I looked at the population makeup of this city; 70 percent of this city is Latino. I’m just floored by that, I’m thinking ‘wow that’s awesome,’” said Mendoza. “And yet I look at the representation of the district, of the city; yes it’s a little bit diverse, but I do think it’s been seven or eight years now since they’ve actually had a woman on the council period.

"I’m thinking women bring a different perspective, Latina’s bring a different perspective, and I do think that Friné, not only – not because she’s a Latina - but she has the experience, she has the education, she has a relationship to make sure that Downey gets their fair share in any capacity whether it be local, state, or federal.”

Medrano also spoke briefly about some of her ideas, and also encouraging those in attendance to support and donate to her campaign and to spread the word.

“I think Downey could do better. I think my vision is 20/30,” said Medrano. “And so I definitely need all of your support…I am so ready to lead. I’ve known Downey for 20 years, I bring over a decade of professional and community experience, and I’m ready. I’m ready to be the next councilwoman of District 3. But I’m not going to be able to do it on my own…” 

Medrano has agreed to be interviewed by a Downey Patriot reporter to discuss her campaign and plans for Downey. That interview is scheduled to take place later this week.