Santa Ana Councilwoman Michele Martinez announces mayoral run

Santa Ana Councilwoman Michele Martinez announced her run for mayor Friday, Jan. 19, though the period to officially file candidacy papers doesn’t begin until July.
The announcement pits the three-term councilwoman, who represents Ward 2 and serves as mayor pro tem, against Ward 6 Councilman Sal Tinajero, according to campaign intention statements.
In a statement, Martinez said the city needs to address its financial health, foster greater transparency and tackle pressing issues.
“It’s time for a mayor whose priority is the people who live here now,” she said. “It’s time Santa Ana had a mayor for all of us.”
Mayor Miguel Pulido’s term ends in November.
Martinez cited her work in helping to spearhead the city’s first general plan update in more than 30 years; the expansion of more than 22 acres of open space in the city; an increase in affordable housing; the securing of $40 million for transportation programs; the creation of Santa Ana’s first fiscal reserve policy; and the repair of nearly 300 miles of residential streets.
Martinez was not immediately available for comment.
She was elected to the council in 2006 and re-elected in 2010 and 2014. In 2016, she lost a bid to unseat Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do.
Source: Oc Register