When I moved to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1973 I met someone who has remained my friend since, Gloria Mercado-Fortine. Over years I have watched and supported her efforts on behalf our community. Through the years I have been privileged to support her through the constant efforts on her behalf of Santa Clarita, and I have voted for her numerous times, and I had the confidence to work on her campaigns
For example, the recent fire in Newhall. Gloria was immediately working with the other businesses to rebuild and recuperate as a member of the board of that association. It isn’t just promises, it is a constant track record that those of us who know her recognize and admire.
Honesty is very important to me, so I have had no reason to doubt Gloria. I have never known her to lie or even to dance around the fact with little white lies. If it is not true, she doesn’t say it.
Over the years, I have watched Gloria as she served on the William S. Hart Union High School District board. Sixteen years of tireless efforts on behalf of our children. As a parent of three who graduated from Hart High, the oldest of the district schools, I was particularly interested in her efforts. As a reasonable adult taxpayer and parent, I was pleased with her promoting the building the newest schools, e.g. Castaic, Golden Valley, West Ranch. However, I was far more interested in what she would do on behalf of the three oldest schools, Hart, Canyon and Saugus. I sat in the front row of those meetings for 17 years and witnessed firsthand Gloria’s work and collaboration with the other board members and the district staff in achieving the goals put forward in bond measures V and SA. It was often uphill and almost always contentious, but finally, through her efforts, Hart High School, the oldest school in the district, was repaired and modernized to meet the promises of those bond issues that we, as taxpayers, voted for.
As a parent of a law enforcement officer, I am also grateful for her continuous support of the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation as president and board member for years. We live in a safe city, not only due to the tireless and courageous efforts of those officers themselves, but to Gloria and those who have always supported them.
Bill Miranda, as outgoing City Council member, is helping with Gloria’s campaign. As he leaves his office, he wants the assurance that it will be in good, dedicated hands. Mr. Miranda has served SCV for many years and supports Gloria to step into the responsibility of District 2.
If you live in District 2, you cannot find a better person in whom to place your trust and vote than Gloria Mercado-Fortine.  
Michele Lecrivain
Santa Clarita
