Imperial Beach voters have re-elected City Council members Jack Fisher and Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez, who pledged to continue the council’s momentum in addressing the ongoing cross-border sewage crisis.
According to the San Diego County Registrar of Voters’ tally on Thursday, Fisher won the three-way contest for District 2 with 42% of the vote or 1,069 votes. Martin Mattes, a veteran and local business owner, came in second, followed by Ben Swearingen, a public utilities regulatory analyst.
For District 4, Leyba-Gonzalez secured first place against Linda Kaye, a real estate broker, with 1,053 votes, or 68%.
The incumbents will serve part-time, four-year terms and receive a base monthly salary of $950.
Officials said they will prioritize finding more ways the small city can end the Tijuana River sewage crisis, which is affecting their constituent’s quality of life.
One effort is already underway: the city’s push to have toll revenue from the forthcoming Otay Mesa East border crossing set aside for projects to help mitigate sewage pollution. The effort requires approval from the San Diego Association of Governments and amending state law, which Fisher and Leyba-Gonzalez said they support.
Fisher said he will also create a youth advisory council. The board will consist of 5 high school-aged youth, one from each district and one appointed by the mayor.
“The youth have a unique vision and I want them to know that their voices need to be heard, and prepare them to be the leaders of the future,” he said.
Leyba-Gonzalez said he will also focus on rent stabilization policies and bringing more street lights to District 4 to improve public safety.
