Bruce Bennett Runs for City Council District 5

COLTON>> Bruce Bennett moved to Colton 37 years ago and has since made a home in the city he is now running for the position of council member representing District 5. “I want to continue the progress that has been going on for the last eight years,” Bennett said. Bennett explained he was not happy with the spending that the city council from eight years ago was making. “Eight years ago, the council changed and has been working diligently to improve the financial situation,” Bennett said. “We need to continue the progress of financial stability and continue moving the city forward.” Along with having a stabilized financial system, some of the other goals Bennett said he has is to continue the road improvements that have been going on in District 5 and to come up with alternative landscaping plans to beautify the city. He also said that public safety is his No. 1 concern and would like to see more police officers in the city since the population has continued to grow throughout the years. "I believe government's main purpose is service to community," his campaign flyers state. "People should know their voice is heard, their concerns are addressed and those they elect represent them. Your vote matters. I am someone who will listen and work hard to represent you and our community." Bennett, an automotive service technician, has worked in the auto industry since 1973 but has also been involved in local government since the early '90s. He sat on the planning commission until his wife, Deirdre Bennett, was elected to the Colton City Council in 1992. Bruce made the decision to step down. “They told me I didn’t need to (step down) but I just felt that was the right thing to do,” he said. “I feel it’s unethical to stay on as commissioner when your spouse is a council member.” His experience in the community did not stop there. He also worked with the citizen volunteers, Community Emergency Response Teams Program and an Amateur radio team working with the police. Deirdre, his wife of 39 years, is now serving her sixth term in office through December of this year. Deirdre has decided not to run for re-election of city council due to her health. “Now that Deirdre is stepping aside, I feel I can continue her progress and keep the city going forward,” Bennett said. Paid for by Friends of Bruce Bennett