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-Editorial
The Imperial County Board of Supervisors celebrated the distinguished careers of outgoing Supervisors Luis Plancarte and Michael Kelley during the Board’s final meeting of the year on Dec. 17. The event was marked by heartfelt tributes, reflections on years of service, and acknowledgments of the legacy both leaders left behind.
Supervisor Luis Plancarte, who has represented Imperial County’s Second District since 2017, was praised for his unwavering commitment to community service and his role as a consensus builder. Known for his work in Corporate Social Responsibility, Human Resources, and Personal Development, Plancarte’s leadership extended beyond the boardroom. His journey of service began in the 1970s as a Police Explorer and Boy Scout, foreshadowing his lifelong dedication to civic engagement.
Plancarte’s Second District includes the City of El Centro, portions of Calexico, and communities like Heber and Ocotillo. His work on issues affecting these areas, including economic development and border community support, earned him the respect of constituents and colleagues alike.
Supervisor Michael Kelley, a lifelong resident of Imperial County, was also honored for his extraordinary career spanning nearly 50 years in public service. Kelley served on the Board of Supervisors for 16 years, including three terms as Board Chairman. His career highlights include key roles in juvenile corrections, court administration, and leadership as Chief Probation Officer.
Kelley’s experience managing personnel, multi-million dollar budgets, and regional policy issues made him a prominent figure in local government. He served as President of the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions (CALAFCo) and Chair of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) in Imperial County.
During the meeting, fellow supervisors, county staff, and community leaders expressed gratitude for the legacies of Plancarte and Kelley, presenting them with plaques and tokens of appreciation.
District 1 Supervisor Jesus Eduardo Escobar delivered a heartfelt tribute that highlighted the profound personal and professional impact Kelley had on him. Escobar’s words were filled with gratitude, humor, and admiration, offering a glimpse into the deep bond the two leaders developed over their years of service together.
Reflecting on his initial impressions of Kelley, Escobar admitted he wasn’t sure how the two would connect. Over time, however, Escobar said he discovered a side of Kelley that left a lasting impression. “But as time went by, we were able to — or I was able to — recognize a lot of the strengths that Michael brings to the table.”
Of all Kelley’s strengths, Escobar emphasized one that stood out most: respect. “Most among them, above all, is respect, and that’s something that he showed me,” Escobar said, pausing as his voice filled with emotion. “Because I have a very short fuse, as some of you may know, maybe, and he’s always shown me — through good times and bad — respect.”
Escobar underscored the importance of mutual respect, especially in the often-contentious world of local government. “Whether we agree to disagree, at the end of the day, we’re all human beings, and we have the right to believe what we believe in,” he said. “And the important thing here is respect, and for that, I thank you, and I will thank you for the rest of my life.”
Kelley’s life motto has guided his decades of public service and personal relationships. “Never make a decision based on envy, greed, jealousy, ego, power, fear, anger, hatred, or retaliation,” Kelley often advises. “Make it for the right reason.”
During his farewell remarks, Supervisor Plancarte reflected on the pivotal moment that led him to pursue public office, emphasizing the unwavering support of his family.
“When I was dating my wife, I had told her that I always wanted to run for city council,” Plancarte shared. “But I put those aspirations on the back burner and eventually forgot about it — until I got a call from Jack Terrazas.” That call reignited a dream, but it was his family’s encouragement that made it a reality. “I mentioned it to my wife, and she said, ‘So why don’t you do it?’ Our youngest, Kathy, was off to college, and that’s when you figure out who really supports you,” he recalled.
Plancarte said his family immediately rallied behind him, providing marketing, finance, and campaign support. “Although there was a lot of public support, my family was the campaign,” he said. As he concluded his remarks, Plancarte invited his family to join him for a photo, recognizing their sacrifices and thanking them for “giving up eight years” so he could serve the community. “I want to recognize them and thank them for everything they’ve done to support my being here, time after time,” he said.
