Nominations Open for Three Santa Maria City Council Seats
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - A one-month nomination period is open for three Santa Maria City Council seats.
There are steps potential candidates must follow.
Gloria Soto represents District 3 and Maribel Aguilera represents District 4, and their current terms end this December.
“Voters will elect one city council member for district one to serve the remainder of an unexpired term ending in November of 2028,” says Jane Teh, administrative analyst for the City Of Santa Maria.
Richard Batalla was appointed as Santa Maria’s interim District 1 representative after Carlos Escobedo vacated the seat in March.
He says he intends to campaign for election this November to serve the remainder of the term.
“And the city council members for districts three and four to serve full four year terms,” says Teh.
Aguilera is campaigning for Santa Barbara County Board Of Supervisors’ District 5 seat.
“Voters will also consider our Ballot Measure C,” says Teh.
To be nominated, you must be over 18, a resident and registered voter of the district you intend to represent.
“In the event an incumbent does not file nomination papers by August 7th, the last date to file the nomination for that office will be extended to Wednesday, August 12th,” says Teh.
Anyone who wants to campaign for a council seat must visit the city clerk’s office and declare their intent to run, then obtain 20 to 30 registered voter signatures from their district.
“City council members are responsible for establishing city policies, adopting the city's budget, approving local ordinances and resolutions, and making decisions that affect city services, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and the overall quality of life for residents,” Teh explains.
After the nomination month is over, the applications are processed and all candidates who meet qualifications will appear on the November ballots.
From late August through October, qualifying candidates campaign for voter support.
“Serving on the City Council is an opportunity to contribute to the future of Santa Maria,” says Teh. “Council members play an important role in shaping local policy and helping address the needs and priorities of the community.”
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