Blanca Pacheco kicks off election campaign

Blanca Pacheco, right, speaks with Mayor Alex Saab.

DOWNEY – Many of Downey’s political figures, business owners, and notable residents gathered Wednesday evening as city council candidate Blanca Pacheco held her campaign kickoff fundraiser.

Pacheco is running for the District 1 seat currently held by councilmember Luis Marquez, who will term out of office later this year after serving for eight years. 

The event was held at a Downey residence. Food was catered by Starfish Sushi and Joseph’s Bar and Grill.

In attendance in support of Pacheco were many elected officials, including DUSD Board Member Martha Sodetani, Lynwood councilmember Maria Santillan-Beas, and Judge James Horan of the Los Angeles County Superior Court. 

Also in attendance was Mayor Alex Saab and Mayor Pro Tem Fernado Vasquez. Both addressed the crowd. 

“We’re here tonight because we, as councilmembers of the city of Downey, we have a responsibility to make sure that those who are going to continue after us and are going to be sitting up there share the same, most important quality we feel is necessary for an elected official, and that is a person of ethics,” said Saab. “… [Blanca Pacheco] carries that with her day in and day out.” 

Blanca Pacheco and Mayor Pro Tem Fernando Vasquez.

“In this day and age when you see politics to be so polarizing at the national level, Blanca has this ability to bring people together,” said Vasquez. “…she has the ability to put aside our individual views and be able to find some common ground, and that’s something I know Alex and I have worked on that, to instill in our city council…to put the differences aside because you’re putting your city first.”

Pacheco also spoke, emphasizing how her unique point of view would benefit the city.

“As a resident, and as a business owner, I have pride in our city,” said Pacheco. “…I want to give our residents here in Downey a voice. Through me, they will have a voice. They will have a unique perspective; me as a female, as a business owner, and also as a longtime resident and a community leader. It’s because of all these elements that I believe that I can be the next councilwoman and I can make Downey great…”

Candidates can officially submit their nomination forms next month, and the election will be held Nov. 8.