Arturo Magana, faced with the choice of seeking reelection to his city council seat or challenging Somerton Mayor Martin Porchas, has opted to run for mayor.
The council candidates are two incumbents, Gerardo Anaya and Miguel Villalpando, plus Francisco Vazquez, Carlos González, Patricia Miranda and Arturo Vargas.
Magana, 55, coordinator of the Head Start program for the social service organization Chicanos Por La Causa, is wrapping up his first term as a Somerton city councilman. He says his goal in running for mayor is to bring about more consistent leadership to city government.
Porchas said he was surprised to face a challenge from someone currently serving with him on the council. He said seeing the city’s goals fulfilled is exactly his reason for seeking a second four-year term as mayor.
