Santa Clarita is personal to me. I graduated from Hart High School, and all four of my children graduated from the William S. Hart Union High School District. As a proud father and proud alumnus, I care deeply about the future of the community that helped shape our lives. That is why I support Gloria Mercado-Fortine for Santa Clarita City Council.
To me, servant leadership means listening, showing up, and doing the work that helps other people succeed. That is the leadership I have seen in Gloria.
During my time as first director of the Small Business Development Center, Gloria took an active role in supporting our mission to support local small businesses, mentoring entrepreneurs, and promoting business development. I saw her commitment firsthand. She understood that behind every small business is someone taking a chance, a family investing its savings, and an employer creating opportunities for others. Her involvement mattered.
Three priorities in her platform speak directly to the future we strive for Santa Clarita.
First, safe neighborhoods and quality of life. Gloria supports stronger partnerships among law enforcement, schools, businesses and residents. As a father, I know how much it matters to feel confident that our children can learn, grow and participate in their community safely.
Second, economic development and sustainable public infrastructure. Her commitment to supporting local businesses, attracting industries with good paying jobs, and improving transportation and infrastructure can build on Santa Clarita’s accomplishments. From my experience helping businesses grow, I know our continued success requires leadership that understands both the needs of employers and the people they hire. She wants our youth and adults to have meaningful career opportunities close to home.
Third, education and youth. Gloria’s focus on partnerships with the Hart district and College of the Canyons, expanded career technical education, and after-school programs reflects an understanding that young people need multiple pathways to success. Having watched four children move through our local schools, that commitment means a great deal to me.
I also value Gloria’s dedication to the most vulnerable members of our community, especially the children and elderly of the Santa Clarita Valley. Her involvement in education and community service reflects a willingness to step forward for families who need support. Our city’s success must include them.
My support comes from my experience as an educator, a business development leader and entrepreneur, and a father. I have seen Gloria invest her time and energy in others. I trust her to bring that same spirit of service to City Hall.
Santa Clarita deserves a leader who listens, follows through, and measures success by the lives she helps improve. That is why Gloria has my support.
Paul De La Cerda
Santa Clarita
