Imperial County Democrats Launch Candidate Forum Series Focused on Key Regional Issues

-Editorial 

The Imperial County Democrats on April 9 hosted the first in a planned series of candidate forums, featuring candidates running for local and state offices. The event took place at Hidalgo Hall in Brawley and focused on candidates for Imperial Irrigation District divisions 1 and 5, as well as contenders for the state Assembly.

Participants included IID candidates Carlos Duran and Alex Cardenas, as well as Eric Rodriguez and Karin Eugenio. 

The discussion centered on how IID, as the region’s primary electricity provider, should prepare for significant increases in demand tied to lithium extraction and the potential arrival of large-scale data centers, while maintaining reliable and affordable service for Imperial County residents.

Incumbent Director Karin Eugenio emphasized IID’s status as a publicly owned utility, noting that it operates for the benefit of ratepayers rather than shareholders. She said that structure requires the district to be cautious when considering proposals from large developers seeking substantial energy allocations.

Eugenio described IID’s power resources as limited relative to the scale of some proposed projects and said the board has taken a protective stance to ensure that new development does not place additional burdens on customers. She added that the district is working to ensure that any large-scale projects contribute positively to the community and do not undermine affordability or reliability.

Candidate Eric Rodriguez focused on the impact of rising electricity costs on residents, arguing that IID customers are facing increasing utility bills despite reports of strong district revenues. He said decision-makers are too removed from the financial pressures experienced by working- and middle-class households.

Rodriguez called for a pause on what he characterized as unnecessary rate increases and urged the district to identify inefficiencies and reduce administrative costs before seeking additional revenue from ratepayers. He also advocated for stronger oversight and accountability within IID leadership, framing affordability as a central concern for local families.

Candidate Carlos Duran said the issue is not whether development should occur, but how to ensure that Imperial County benefits from it. He pointed to the region’s significant energy production and questioned why infrastructure challenges persist despite those advantages.

Duran argued that large-scale energy users, including data centers and other industrial developments, should bear the cost of necessary infrastructure upgrades. He said shifting those costs onto developers, rather than ratepayers, would help protect residents while allowing economic growth to move forward. He described this approach as essential to ensuring that new investment translates into tangible community benefits.

Candidate Alex Cardenas emphasized the size and complexity of IID’s system, which serves roughly 7,000 square miles with thousands of miles of transmission and distribution lines. He said the district has not kept pace with inflation and infrastructure needs over time, contributing to current reliability and cost challenges.

Cardenas argued that significant investment in infrastructure is necessary to maintain reliable service and meet future demand. He pointed to a long-term capital improvement plan that would invest more than $3 billion over the next 15 years in generation, transmission, and distribution. He said increasing local power generation would allow IID to reduce reliance on imported energy, which he identified as a major cost driver, particularly during peak summer months when power purchases and natural gas expenses rise sharply.

He also noted that personnel costs represent a relatively small portion of IID’s overall budget compared to energy procurement, suggesting that focusing solely on administrative savings would not significantly impact rates. Instead, he said, long-term affordability depends on strengthening the district’s infrastructure and energy independence.

State Assembly Candidates 

At the forum, three Democratic candidates for California’s 36th State Assembly District outlined their backgrounds and priorities, focusing on affordability, healthcare access, and regional investment.

Oscar Ortiz, a council member and former mayor of Indio, highlighted his experience in local government and a background in chemistry from Stanford University. He pointed to efforts to expand affordable housing, revitalize downtown development, and strengthen coordination between public safety and social services. Ortiz said his campaign is centered on addressing housing, energy, healthcare costs, and improving public education through what he described as innovative, science-based solutions.

Ida Obeso-Martinez, Mayor of Imperial, emphasized her career in healthcare, describing firsthand experience with gaps in access to medical services in underserved communities. She said her campaign is focused on lowering healthcare costs, expanding access, and advocating for families facing rising living expenses. Obeso also highlighted the need for stronger schools, workforce opportunities, and infrastructure investment, adding that she would bring the perspective of a healthcare professional and working mother to Sacramento.

Tomas Oliva, former mayor of El Centro, focused on regional challenges, including healthcare availability and economic pressures. He referenced his role in efforts to preserve the local healthcare system and stressed the need for improved services. Oliva also pointed to affordability concerns, including fuel and living costs, and said his campaign prioritizes access, advocacy, and economic stability for residents in the district.