Dear Editor:

On Sept. 21, I attended the candidates forum at the Barbara J. Riley Community Center. Since I live in District 1, I am definitely interested in the three candidates running in my district.

I was very disappointed to learn that one candidate, Elvira Meraz, was unable to attend due to illness. I think that her absence put her at an extreme disadvantage since she was unable to speak about her candidacy.

It was my good fortune that Mrs. Meraz came to my home as she was canvassing my neighborhood. We spent about half an hour discussing the same items about which the other candidates had been questioned.

I wish she could have actually been at the forum and shown herself against the other two candidates as her answers were on point and clearly stated. Mrs..Meraz is a homeowner in District 1 and has been for a long time. Mrs. Meraz is the mother of four children, three who attend Downey schools, and she is the PTA president of Ward Elementary School. She has been a neighborhood watch captain and was recognized by the Downey Chamber of Commerce for her work as an ambassador thereof.

One of her opponents repeatedly stated that he was the only conservative running. I questioned Mrs. Meraz about this and found that she is also conservative and attends a local church. She has strong family values and her children were actually walking the canvas route with her.

I encourage every voter in District 1 to go to her website to learn more about this amazing woman. She delineates her five-point plan there, under “Positions.” Please check it out.

Susan Bouris
Downey