Frank Navarro Receives Support During Campaign

COLTON>> Many community leaders and local residents gathered to join one another for a fundraiser to support Colton Councilmember Frank Navarro as he runs for re-election. Navarro moved to Colton in 1965 and married his wife, Mary Lou, a year later. In 2012, Navarro was elected a councilman for the City of Colton where he has served for the last four years. He said, "The city has progressed significantly through the city council learning to work together, which they have now done." “We agree to disagree but the bottom line is that it’s for the residents,” Navarro said. “It’s not about me. I don’t have any aspirations to go to the state assembly, state senate or board of supervisors; this is my hometown and this is where I want to stay because my passion is here.” Speakers including Mayor Richard DeLaRosa, City Treasurer Aurelio W. De La Torre and Councilmember Isaac Suchil spoke at the event, as well as other local leaders and members of Navarro’s family. Bruce Bennett, a candidate running for city council for District 5, announced his support for Navarro and spoke about his own run for council. Bennett said he hopes he can continue the legacy his wife, Deirdre, has left. Deirdre is currently on the council but decided to not to run due to her health. DeLaRosa said Navarro has the support of the city council and that as a councilmember, Navarro is able to open up, relate to and get along with the mayor and other councilmembers. “There takes a lot of things in order to be successful for your residents,” DeLaRosa said. “In order to be successful for your businesses and to carry Colton to a new level is very important. Frank has that.” De La Torre, Colton City Treasure, is also running for re-election and said it’s important for the public to not take the election for granted and sees how committed Navarro is to the position. “Every vote counts,” he said. “There is going to be opposition but we just can’t take it for granted. Let’s get out the vote. This is a good team. They are all committed. Keep the tax dollars here and keep it moving. Re-elect Frank.” Councilmember Suchil, also running for re-election, stressed the importance of the election and said the council is a strong and working council, moving in a positive direction. “We have a very cohesive council,” Suchil said. “We all work together and our minds are in the same place and moving our city forward.” Many of Navarro’s family were in attendance including his wife, his sons, Frank Navarro Jr. and Richard, and Richard’s wife, Debbie, along with their children. “This is the family I have,” Navarro said. “The family that supports me. They are my backbone and someone I know I can fall back on.” Frank Navarro Jr. said his father has accomplished a lot and will go that extra mile for his city. “He is very deep rooted here and loves this city as you can tell in the last few years of his involvement and the entire 50 years he has lived in Colton. He really loves this town,” Navarro Jr. said. “He really holds it dear to his heart. I couldn’t be more proud as his eldest son for all the accomplishments he has made and all the dedication he has given to this city.” DeLaRosa said the community involvement does not stop at the event. “We have to go to our neighborhoods, our stores, our gas stations, we have to go to our pharmacies, our pizza places and say there is an election Nov. 8. Vote Frank Navarro,” DeLaRossa said. “We have to tell our kids, relatives, neighbors and business people to get out and vote.”