-Editorial
The El Centro City Council underwent its annual reorganization during an oath of office and reorganization ceremony, marking a significant shift in leadership. The council welcomed newly elected councilmembers, Claudia Camarena and Marty Ellett, while Tomas Oliva was elected as Mayor, and Sonia Carter was unanimously chosen as Mayor Pro Tem.
The ceremony was an emotional and reflective moment for outgoing council members Martha Cardenas-Singh and Edgard Garcia, each of whom delivered heartfelt farewell speeches highlighting their service and accomplishments.
Tomas Oliva was elected as the city’s new mayor, although Councilwoman Claudia Camarena abstained from the vote. Sonia Carter was unanimously selected as Mayor Pro Tem. Both officials emphasized their commitment to working collaboratively for the betterment of El Centro.
“This is my second time as mayor, and I want to recognize my mom, my sister, and all the friends and family watching from afar. My first term taught me the weight of this role — from navigating the pandemic to responding to natural disasters like the Eighth Street flood. Those experiences showed me the responsibility to lead and ensure our community knows we will never forget them,” Oliva said.
Reflecting on personal sacrifices, Oliva acknowledged the recent loss of his father. “Serving as mayor is a privilege and an honor, but it comes with sacrifices,” he said. “We understand the gravity of this responsibility, and I promise we will work diligently on your behalf.”
Outgoing Mayor Sylvia Marroquin reflected on her tenure, describing it as an honor filled with both challenges and growth. She highlighted the unseen responsibilities of being mayor and the sacrifices that come with the role. “I think a lot of folks do not realize the huge responsibility that it is to be the mayor,” she said. Marroquin thanked her family, council colleagues, and the community for their support, stating, “I will go back to being a council member, but I will always put my community first.”
Cardenas-Singh, whose four-year term came to an end, delivered an emotional farewell speech that underscored her service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her words were marked by gratitude for city staff, colleagues, and family, especially her father, a longtime city employee. “My dad has been ill for the past four months, and I know that we’re saving this for him to be able to hear this,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Garcia, after nine years of service, reflected on his journey from a young, motivated candidate to a seasoned councilman. “When I ran nine years ago, it was with the goal to give back to the city that took in my family,” he said. He highlighted the city’s progress during his tenure, including the construction of a new library, police station, and parks, as well as the development of the Aquatic Center. He ended with a call for his successors to “dream big” and “put the interests of the city and its residents above all else.”
Newly elected Councilwoman Claudia Camarena delivered an emotional speech of gratitude, thanking her family, mentors, and church community for their support. She paid tribute to loved ones who had passed away but whose influence remains strong in her life. Camarena pledged to prioritize community needs and remain accessible to residents. “I’m here to serve all of you, and I’m very grateful,” she said.
Councilman Marty Ellett’s speech blended humor and heartfelt gratitude. He credited his sister, who also ran for local office, with boosting his visibility among voters. “Some of you are wondering, ‘How in the world did you get elected?’” Ellett quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. On a more serious note, he expressed his faith in God and his gratitude to those who supported his campaign. “If you prayed for this election, if you prayed for the outcome, if you prayed for a better El Centro — thank you,” he said.
