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-Editorial
For the first time in nearly 40 years, women are once again seated on the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. Martha Cardenas-Singh and Margarita “Peggy” Price took their oaths of office on Dec. 27, during a formal swearing-in ceremony held at the County Administration Center Board Chambers in El Centro. They join Supervisor Ryan Kelley, who was re-elected to represent the 4th District following a decisive victory in the March Primary.
This marks a historic moment for the county, as Cardenas-Singh and Price are the first women to serve on the board at the same time. Val Blume and Jeanie Vogel are the other two women that had a seat in the county board.
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Rebecca Terrazas-Baxter, Assistant County Executive Officer, followed by an invocation delivered by Carlos Fletes of the Knights of Columbus Cristo Rey Council 16073. Attendees united to recite the Pledge of Allegiance before Judge Poli Flores administered the oaths of office.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity,” Singh-Cardenas said. “As we make history in Imperial County, it’s been over 117 years, and we have never had an elected female Latina. So it is with great honor and privilege to know that we’re breaking that glass ceiling, and likewise with Ms. Peggy Price. It’s the first time that two women will be serving on the Board of Supervisors. We’re excited, and we know that girls are watching, and we’re hoping to set that excellent example.”
Singh-Cardenas outlined three key priorities she plans to tackle during her term. First, she intends to address illegal dumping by advocating for stricter enforcement measures. Second, she aims to improve public safety, focusing on enhancing public lighting and supporting local law enforcement agencies. Finally, Singh-Cardenas is committed to ensuring equitable development as the region transitions into the burgeoning Lithium Valley.
“As we move into Lithium Valley, we need to make sure we are being equitable in regards to the lithium tax and that we have the workforce and infrastructure in place to meet the demands of the growth,” she said.
Price expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and shared her vision for addressing key issues affecting the county.
“I’m just so honored to be the second woman ever to be elected to this board,” Price said. “Some of my priorities are to really look at the county budget, make sure that our departments are running efficiently and effectively, and ensure that our employees’ salaries and wages are fair and equitable, as they’ve been working on for some time now.”
Price also highlighted the importance of senior services and healthcare in the community, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing these critical areas.
“Healthcare and senior services are vital to our residents, and I want to ensure that these needs are met,” she said.
Infrastructure and small business support are also at the forefront of Price’s agenda.
“Maintaining and improving our infrastructure is essential, and I want to focus on simplifying processes for small businesses,” she said. “Supporting our entrepreneurs and business owners will strengthen our community and foster economic growth.”
Supervisor Kelley reflected on the significance of this moment while emphasizing the shared mission of representing all county residents.
“Well, as you mentioned, it is a momentous day of having two women joining the Board of Supervisors, and it should be celebrated,” Kelley said. “But regardless of their gender, faith, or ethnicity, they are representing the interests of the county of Imperial.”
Kelley reiterated his commitment to the prosperity of Imperial County’s residents and the vision of a brighter future for families across the region.
“My focus is the prosperity of the people that live here, that have the dust on their feet, so that someday soon, they’ll be able to have a greater livelihood, stronger families, and a home that can keep their children here employed with a future,” he added.
