STEVE GOBLE AND BEN KALASHO TO JOIN EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL DEC. 13

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version Share this

 

 

By Jonathan Goetz

Photos:  Ben Kalasho,  Steve Goble and Bob McClellan

December 6, 2016 (El Cajon) -- Challengers Steve Goble and Ben Kalasho have won seats on the El Cajon City Council, and will be joining Bob McClellan, who won reelection. The swearing-in ceremony will be held on December 13th at Council Chambers.

Incumbent Star Bales came in fourth place, losing her appointed seat on the Council.

Kalasho’s election means that Democrats will have a seat on the Council after being shut-out in recent elections. His election also means there will still be a Chaldean on the Council after Bales’ loss. Kalasho is President of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce and owns a carwash in Santee; he is to the right of his party on taxation and immigration issues.

Goble had the endorsement of County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and the El Cajon Police Officers Association.

Asked about budget and other priorities by the East County Magazine, Goble responded “My priority in the budget is public safety for all citizens.  People are seeing increased crime in their neighborhoods.  It’s government’s responsibility to protect the citizens, and the citizens’ rights.   Increased crime affects the quality of life and the attractiveness for business.  Other priorities are looking how to increase response times on fire/medical emergency calls; to improve our neighborhoods, keeping roads in good condition, getting rid of graffiti quickly; streamlining regulations to grow and attract business; invest in kids and seniors through arts and recreational programs; and ensuring sound, fiscal responsibility.”

November’s election marked the final time El Cajon residents had the opportunity to vote for up to three candidates for City Council on the same day. Measure S, District Elections, passed in El Cajon with a two-thirds majority. This will result in four approximately equal sized City Council districts in which each person votes every four years for Council, as in most urban areas.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.