By Mario Conde

This past Tuesday a new day in Calexico politics started as the Maritza Hurtado-Barron and Bill Hodge era begins.

For Maritza Hurtado-Barron, the third councilwoman in the history of Calexico, thank the support of her family and said he will work hard and contribute to improve the City. She defined herself as a team player and looks forward to the hard work that is coming. Outgoing Councilman Guillermo “Willie” Hermosillo thanked the Council for appointing him and said it was a worth while experience that demanded a lot of work but said he will do it all over again. Former Council member David Ouzan thanked the City and Staff and wished luck to the incoming council members.

Councilman Bill Hodge said that Calexico has turned a corner in Calexico politics confident that the new council will work to have the people’s voice be head and respected. Hodge said he will keep his promise to work for accountability, integrity, and transparency in city government. He asked to the council to work together as a team to move Calexico forward.

The council also selected John Moreno as the new Mayor of the City of Calexico. He said being a council member is not as easy as he taught it would be. “We know that there is a shortfall unlike we have ever seen but we also know that we need to cut spending across the board. It is not about us versus them but it’s we as a group of individuals who need to do right for the community as a whole.” Moreno said.

The new Mayor of Calexico said that Calexico needs to be more prudent and wiser to see every dime they spend or not spend. The job of the city council is to increase sales tax revenue. Moreno said to be optimistic that the better days are coming to Calexico.

“We are looking into the development of a casino at the north of the City that will bring jobs, revenue, and new form of entertainment to our City. To the development of a new outlet center that will bring jobs and complement our downtown with the addition of factory stores. To the development of our downtown with new and better buildings that will replace those that were demolished.” He said. Moreno mentioned that these projects will make Calexico a destination point.

“This coming years will test or internal and intestinal fortitude to see if we can prevail and eliminate the stigma of the phrase “Only in Calexico” which will now be an encouraging echo and this City of underdogs and immigrants will rise up and become the jewel of the Imperial County.”