As a 60-year resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, and someone who has lived, worked, played, married, raised children and a local business owner, I care deeply about Santa Clarita. Being engaged and volunteering with our local nonprofits, civic and political organizations, I understand the importance of supporting good, honest people to serve our community. Our city has been blessed from the beginning to have some of the best people looking out for the best interest of our citizens. I believe Denise Lite will continue this legacy. Communication, transparency, accessibility, and accountability are the key to any qualified elected official and Denise will provide that for our city and specifically City Council District 2.
There are two others running and I personally know them both. Gloria Mercado-Fortine has decades of experience serving the SCV as well as a long history in Santa Clarita. Brett Haddoack, I have known since we both ran for City Council in 2016. (We both lost, but that was before district elections, of which I have been a long-time advocate – not because it is the best solution, but because the state passed a law making it mandatory.) Both are smart, capable individuals.
However, Gloria seems to have come to this election a little on the late side. Brett has a viewpoint on many issues that do not meet my standards of common sense and practical solutions. The recent Flock controversary, housing, and Bouquet Canyon solutions are just a few. I do believe his support from a loud, vocal and boisterous small group of folks — who seem more interested in gaining power and creating drama than finding solutions — makes him a candidate who will be beholden to those who support and promote him, and will be contrary to the best interests of all of Santa Clarita.
Denise Lite has demonstrated that she is fine with taking on the status quo and will challenge the establishment if needed, or when something deserves closer scrutiny, she will not be afraid to have an open and candid conversation. That is what we need in our elected officials – independence in public and no backroom deals. As a former planning commissioner, Denise asked some difficult questions about a private negotiation involving a developer and was ultimately removed for doing her job as a commissioner by a slim 3-2 vote, and the removal was spearheaded ironically by the person who appointed her. Seemed a little bit of backroom dealing was going on and now, over a year later, Gloria Mercado-Fortine entered the District 2 race and is supported by the very same council persons who voted to remove (Lite) for doing her job. That’s seems a little off.
That doesn’t make Gloria Mercado-Fortine a bad person or erase her volunteerism. And Brett Haddoack’s views and opinions do not make him a bad person, either. But I hope voters will recognize that our city is best served by independent, focused leaders who will continue the great traditions and excellence of our great city, and in my opinion that is Denise Lite.
The ultimate question for the voters in District 2 is if you want an establishment candidate (Gloria) or someone whose views (Brett) do not align with our strong SCV common-sense values, or Denise Lite. I am choosing Denise Lite and encourage you to do the same.
Mark White
Santa Clarita
