Santa Ana : Latino Citizens Vote to Endorse Measure C

The local chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens has voted to endorse Measure C, a proposition on Tuesday’s ballot that would alter the form of local government.

In a league convention held at Anaheim Stadium, members voted unanimously to urge voters to pass the measure, which would set up ward elections and a directly elected mayor in Santa Ana. Council members currently represent wards but are elected by a citywide vote, and the mayor is selected for a two-year term by the council.

LULAC chapter president Zeke Hernandez said he expected several Latino residents to become candidates if Measure C passes. He said Latinos would have an advantage in numbers in several wards, and the new system would mean community recognition would be more important than the amount of money raised.

However, he said, “the Hispanic community shouldn’t mount a vote for a candidate just because he or she is Hispanic; sometimes a non-Hispanic is the better candidate. Of primary concern is that the person balance the concerns of the multicultural community.”