Challengers plan run against mayor in San Luis
David Lara, Joe Harper take out nomination petitions for primary
SAN LUIS, Ariz. — Mayor Gerardo Sanchez could face at least two challengers in his bid for re-election later this year.
David Lara, a member of the Yuma Union High School District governing board, and former San Luis Mayor Joe Harper have taken out nomination petitions from City Hall to run against Sanchez in the Aug. 28 primary election.
Lara, 52, is owner of Desert Water, a purified water distributor, and a community activist and frequent critic of San Luis government.
“There are things that have not been accomplished by the current (administration),” Lara said. “There are many issues that have been left hanging in the air for many years that have yet to be resolved.”
Lara previously ran unsuccessfully for mayor and council in San Luis and for the Yuma County Board of Supervisors. He says he believes his prospects of winning are better this time, given that he become better known in San Luis, as evidenced by having won a seat on the YUHSD board in 2016.
Harper, 77, a retired engineer, served as mayor of San Luis from 1998 to 2003. He sought the office again in 2014, losing to Sanchez.
“I see some things that need to be taken care of and completed in San Luis,” Harper said. “Some of them we don’t have but we need them for the growth of the city. There are a lot of things that need to be done by the council, and that need to be pushed by the mayor.”
Sanchez has said he plans to seen re-election.
Adrian Siqueiros also has taken out petitions to run for mayor. He could not be reached immediately for comment.
The terms of San Luis City Council members Africa Luna, Ruben Walshe and Mario Buchanan Jr. also expire this year. All say they plan to seek re-election.
To appear on the primary election ballot, candidates for city office in San Luis must turn in nominating petitions signatures to City Hall between April 30 and May 30.