Imperial Valley Candidates Outline Priorities at Latest Political Forum

-Editorial

Imperial Valley Democrats hosted their second and latest political forum on April 16 at Hidalgo Hall in Brawley, bringing together candidates for several local offices ahead of the upcoming election. The event offered voters an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking public office and compare their qualifications, priorities, and approaches to key issues affecting Imperial County residents.

The forum featured candidates running for Imperial County Superior Court Judge, Imperial County Supervisor District 1, Imperial County Supervisor District 5, and Imperial County Assessor. Throughout the evening, candidates outlined their professional experience, leadership philosophies, and perspectives on transparency, accountability, and public service.

One of the most closely watched races was for Imperial County Superior Court Judge, where candidates Ben Salorio and Veronica Henderson presented differing backgrounds and visions for the local judiciary.

Ben Salorio, chief public defender of Imperial County, highlighted his decade of leadership within the office and his recognition for trial advocacy, including being named Trial Attorney of the Year by the Imperial County Bar Association. Salorio also emphasized his military service in the U.S. Army, where he served with the 101st Airborne Division. He noted that no military veteran has been elected to the local bench since 2003 and framed his candidacy as an opportunity to restore veteran representation within the court system.

Salorio further underscored his deep roots in the Imperial Valley, describing himself as a fourth-generation resident born in Calexico. He spoke about his family’s longstanding ties to the community and said his local upbringing, combined with his legal and military experience, uniquely positions him to serve the county as judge.

Veronica Henderson, an attorney with nearly 26 years of legal experience, focused on the breadth of her courtroom background and long-standing involvement in community service. Henderson said she has served as both a prosecutor and defense attorney in more than 60 jury trials, handling matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony cases. She also currently serves as a judge pro tem in Imperial County and in tribal court.

Beyond her courtroom experience, Henderson highlighted volunteer work with local organizations and her efforts to provide free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence and elder abuse. She also discussed her commitment to youth development through participation in mock trial competitions and student speech and debate programs.

Looking ahead, Henderson outlined a vision for expanding collaborative and treatment-based courts, including programs focused on mental health, substance abuse recovery, veterans, and young offenders. She said those approaches can address root causes of criminal behavior while improving outcomes for individuals and the broader community.

Candidates for the Imperial County Board of Supervisors also provided detailed responses regarding transparency, accountability, and campaign financing, themes that have become increasingly important to residents seeking trust and stability in county government.

In the District 5 race, candidate John Hawk framed transparency as both a personal and ethical responsibility shaped by faith and life experience. Drawing on 13 years of service on the Holtville School District board, Hawk said transparency requires consistency in both public and private conduct.

He stated that elected officials must be willing to take clear positions and cast votes with conviction, even when decisions may be unpopular. Hawk also referenced the Brown Act, emphasizing the importance of conducting public business openly while expressing concern over what he described as improper disclosures from closed sessions.

District 5 candidate Patricia Lizarraga emphasized her professional background in accounting, auditing, and public finance. She said transparency and accountability are not campaign slogans, but practices developed over decades of overseeing public resources.

Lizarraga said her focus would be on ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly and that county decisions are supported by clear explanations. She stressed the need to ask difficult questions, maintain strong ethical standards, and ensure projects, contracts, and policies reflect the best interests of the community. She also noted that accessibility and communication with residents are essential components of fair representation.

Lorena Minor-Montes, another candidate in the District 5 race, said her campaign is currently self-funded and emphasized that transparency must go beyond rhetoric. With 30 years of public sector experience, including work as a labor negotiator, she said she understands the importance of open communication while complying with legal requirements such as the Brown Act.

Minor-Montes said she would prioritize accessibility, returning calls, addressing constituent concerns directly, and ensuring residents feel heard. She added that effective leadership requires both responsiveness and adherence to public meeting laws.

In the District 1 race, Jesus Eduardo Escobar pointed to existing campaign finance disclosure laws, noting that candidates are already required to file regular public reports detailing contributions and expenditures. He said accountability ultimately rests with voters, who retain the power to remove elected officials through elections or recalls.

Escobar also emphasized communication, respect, and empathy in public service. He stated that leaders must remain responsive to constituents and willing to listen to differing viewpoints before making decisions that affect the community.

District 1 candidate Enrique “Kiki” Alvarado highlighted his experience as a former school board member and county employee of more than two decades. He said transparency begins with honesty, reliability, and personal responsibility.

Alvarado noted that his campaign is largely self-funded and stressed the importance of following through on commitments while making decisions openly. He said he would focus on clear communication with residents, ensure county actions are understandable to the public, and advocate for both employees and constituents. He also emphasized accessibility, saying he would remain available to residents before and after official meetings.

Throughout the evening, candidates repeatedly returned to themes of trust, openness, and service. While their backgrounds and policy priorities varied, many acknowledged that residents want elected officials who communicate clearly, act ethically, and remain accountable once in office.

As Election Day approaches, the forum served as an important platform for civic engagement, allowing voters to compare leadership styles and visions for Imperial County’s future. With key races on the ballot, the decisions made by voters in the coming weeks will help shape the county’s direction for years to come.