La Mirada local elections are heating up as candidate's forum nears

La Mirada-  It wouldn't feel like local elections were approaching until campaign signs began appearing at La Mirada's unofficial public forum on the walls at La Mirada Blvd and Rosecrans Ave.

Councilmember Andrew Sarega and his father John kept the tradition going Monday by placing the first signs up promoting 4th District candidate Jackie Fowler.

 Fowler the owner of Eagles Nest Preschool located at old Fire Station 49 at  Valley View Av and De Alcala Dr also owns a second location in South Whittier is running against incumbent Mayor Steve De Ruse, the senior pastor of an Artesia congregation in his bid for a third term on the city council.

Mayor Steve De Ruse

Mayor De Ruse isn't taking re-election for granted and he has released a detailed rebuttal to claims made on Jackie Fowler's platform that allege the current council is not leading the city to its full potential. 

Fowler's platform has caused a growing amount of controversy due to its similarity to the one District 5 candidate Matthew Morse has posted on his website: www.morse2020.com 

Titled 'The Truth is: 'Don't be fooled by my opponent's false claims' , De Ruse addresses each claim Fowler makes in a direct and factual manner on his re-election website https://www.stevederuse2020.com/  A direct link can be found below.

Fowler's platform can be viewed at www.fowler2020.com/platform

Mayor De Ruse's response: stevederuse2020.com/post/the-truth-is

District 4 covers parts of Southwest La Mirada including neighborhoods near Hutchinson and Escalona Schools, Neff Park and the western section of the industrial district.

On Saturday District 5 candidate Anthony Otero held an impromptu have a 'donut with a cop' meet and greet in the Ross center where the police lieutenant and local Scoutmaster introduced himself to voters. 

Anthony Otero talks to voters Jan. 4

Otero spent several hours answering questions and sharing with attendees some of the points that will be included in an upcoming Public Safety Initiative he will release soon. Feedback on social media has been positive from the event. 

The public is invited to attend a  BBQ at the home of Tim and Debbie Escobar kicking off the Otero campaign on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.  For further information including the location go and RSVP go to https://www.facebook.com/events/581878062381676/

One of Otero's opponents has been busy himself, as evident by all the campaign signs that have been going up for Biola grad and current La Mirada Planning Commission member Matthew Morse. 

The Morse campaign began distributing colorful signs around the district this past weekend after walking the district twice before the New Year handing out a candidate door hanger and a holiday greeting card.

Morse, active in Brea youth soccer is an advocate for expanded youth and city athletic programs is endorsed by city councilmember Andrew Sarega.  No public events are listed on his campaign social media sites.

At the end of the post you can view Matthew Morse's candidacy announcement video.


Upcoming Candidate Forum 


A candidate's forum will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23 at the La Mirada Activity Center at 6:30 p.m. after an absence during the 2017 city election campaigns.

The forum is being organized and hosted by La Mirada Ebell, the Rotary Club of La Mirada, the Kiwanis of La Mirada and the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce.

The La Mirada Activity Center is located at the rear of City Hall at 13810 La Mirada Blvd. 

                          Matthew Morse candidacy message
                                      to La Mirada voters