Imperial Irrigation District Division 4
First name: Last name: Age: Occupation:
67
Joong Kim
Businessman
List your previous civic leadership experience.
Two and half years as school board member of Calexico Unified School District and four years as a Calexico City Council member, including one year as mayor. Imperial County Children and Families First Commission Member (current).
What issue will you focus on?
Lower electric rates and creating more jobs for our local licensed contractors and residents. Too many of the IID jobs go to San Diego-based construction companies who make big donations to the IID Board of Directors. Also more programs for our senior residents who are on limited incomes.
Why did you decide to challenge/seek re-election in your respective race?
District 4, including Calexico, has many needs: broken street lights, and no employment opportunities for residents, polluted Salton Sea, New River, and the All-American canal is very dirty. No leadership for many years. United we stand strong.
What is your strongest asset?
Integrity, experience, and the ability to see issues and speak for the community. Calexico has many senior residents and others who are limited incomes. I am not afraid to speak out for those who are most vulnerable.
Why should the voters vote for you?
The residents of Calexico and District 4 need a strong voice at the IID headquarters in Imperial. We are always getting neglected in capital improvement and community funds at the expense of other cities.
Ortega
41
Erik Ortega
Independent businessman
List your previous civic leadership experience.
Calexico Unified School District Board of Trustees and current Imperial Irrigation District director for Division 4. Club De Los Amigos Senior Citizen Club treasurer, vice president of Calexico Chamber of Commerce, city of Calexico Economic Development commissioner, Imperial County Transportation Commission Board member, Salton Sea Authority board member.
What issue will you focus on?
I will continue to focus on the issues that matter to the constituents of Division 4, namely, the protection of the Imperial Valley’s water rights, from external threats and those that originate right here at home, to preservation of the environment, including the Salton Sea and the New River.
Why did you decide to challenge/seek re-election in your respective race?
I am seeking to continue representing the interests of Division 4 voters and the greater Imperial Valley community that I want to help build for the future of this region. I have used both my voice and my vote on the IID board to advance the public interest, for all.
What is your strongest asset?
I listen to all points of view and try to learn from them. As an independent businessman, I also bring a private sector background to public service that is too often missing on local boards. But my strongest asset is I care about this valley and the people.
Why should the voters vote for you?
They know from my record that that I will fight for them: And that means all of them.