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-Editorial
The El Centro City Council on Feb. 11 formally honored former Mayor Sonia Carter for her year of service as mayor, recognizing her leadership after a delayed transition prevented a traditional sendoff.
The annual rotation of the mayorship was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, and Carter concluded her term without the customary public recognition. Wednesday’s meeting marked the first opportunity for the council and community organizations to acknowledge her tenure.
El Centro Mayor Michael Crankshaw praised Carter’s leadership, crediting her with launching initiatives that strengthened community connection and city operations.
“Mayor Carter created the quarterly recognition program to honor residents and employees who quietly serve without seeking attention, and I look forward to continuing that effort,” Crankshaw said. He also cited her push for renewed strategic planning and goal-setting aligned with the city’s 2022–2027 plan, her role in transitioning long-serving temporary employees into permanent positions, and her support for community events such as the return of the city’s ice cream socials.
Crankshaw further noted her advocacy for major projects, including the advancement of Gomez Park and efforts to revitalize downtown through improved walkability, business activity, and public engagement. “We appreciate her leadership and her commitment to moving El Centro forward,” he said.
El Centro City Manager Robert Sawyer presented Carter with a compiled record of her mayoral tenure and praised her public service and visibility in the community. “This binder represents months of daily work and is a reflection of your dedication to our residents, our visitors, and the projects that move El Centro forward,” Sawyer said. He noted that the collection of articles and records documents only part of her year in office but illustrates the breadth of her engagement. “Time and again, you were present in the community, accessible to the public, and committed to seeing initiatives through,” he said. Sawyer thanked Carter on behalf of the city staff and said the work she advanced during her term would continue.
Carter expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on her commitment to public service. “First, I thank God, and I thank this community, my friends, and my family for their support,” Carter said. She said her approach to leadership was shaped by her upbringing and her parents’ emphasis on service. “Serving others is what I was taught growing up, and that is what guided my time in office,” she said. “I’m grateful for what we’ve accomplished together and thankful for the opportunity to serve.”