CHULA VISTA.- “My legal career has been based on justice and integrity, two values that are essential for effective City government.”
The words above were expressed by Marco Verdugo, candidate for City Attorney of Chula Vista (City Attorney), during a presentation to the press this Tuesday, February 20, in front of the City’s main building.
Verdugo was introduced by Sara Ochoa, vice president of the southern area for the Democratic Party, to media representatives along with César Fernández, member of the Chula Vista Elementary School Board and candidate for councilor for the 4th electoral district.
The presentation occurred one day after Councilmember Andrea Cardenas confirmed her resignation, seeking to defend herself against accusations of using public funds for personal benefit.
(Photo credit: Horacio Renteria) Credit: Horacio Renteria
“I have an anti-corruption plan.”
At the end of the press conference, we asked him how we can be assured that these types of situations will not occur again.
“I have an anti-corruption plan with which we can suspend a City official when a criminal or illicit situation is incurred,” responded the candidate to lead one of the key departments of the local government.
“I have worked in the City of San Diego for almost ten years,” the interviewee continued. “I have also worked in Coronado and Solana Beach.”
“So you know the government system well?”, we insisted.
“Yes, I have dedicated my career to being a municipal lawyer,” Marco Verdugo answered.
He was then asked, “In the case of former councilor Andrea Cárdenas, what do you think failed? Did he act individually, separating himself from the City’s objectives?”
“Obviously she acted individually,” he said. “She turned away from the cause of the city. She used citizens’ money for her campaign. That cannot be done and that is why I asked her to resign from her position.”
“Advocate for resources”
It is worth mentioning that during the press conference, the candidate for the fourth district, César Fernández, said that his work plan is based on promoting affordable housing for the residents of his district, focused on serving the community, without distractions.
“I am committed to being a leader for residents and the public interest first. “My commitment is simple: attend to and address the challenges of the community,” he said.
Issues such as public safety, improvement in local schools, making housing more accessible, and advocating for the resources that residents require, he stressed, are priority issues in his electoral campaign.
The primary elections in which the positions of City Attorney and seats 3 and 4 of the electoral districts will be determined on Tuesday, March 5.