Officials come out to support her candidacy
ARTESIA – About 40 people attended a Saturday meet-and-greet with Filipino-American Melissa Ramoso, who is the youngest candidate to run for a seat in the Artesia City Council.
The 30-year-old Ramoso is among a group of six candidates looking to fill one of three city council spots in the November 5 election.
“I feel like this is my time to make an impact in the community,” said Ramoso, a long-time resident of Artesia.
Ramoso, a Democrat, is currently a field representative for California State Senator Ted Lieu.
She has a long political background, having worked for Lieu for more than six years and serving as the Southern vice chair and also the chair of the California Democratic Party Filipino American Caucus.
She also holds a political science degree from the University of California in Irvine.
Ramoso said that initially, she wasn’t thinking of running for a council seat, until the day for filing her candidacy was due.
“I woke up that morning, thinking of all the reasons why not to run, but found every reason to run. I just said, ‘I’m going to do it. I have a message to convey to the residents. I’m here for them,” Ramoso said.
Several city officials (some from neighboring cities) came out to the meet-and-greet (which was held in Artesia Park) to publicly endorse Ramoso, including current Artesia City Councilmember Victor Canales, Norwalk Vice Mayor Marcel Rodarte and Cerritos Mayor Pro Tem Mark Pulido.
“It’s important to elect someone who knows the community and the school district in Artesia,” Canales said. “She is more than qualified to do the job and has the passion and energy to do so.”
Ramoso said she is the youngest Fil-Am to ever run for an elected office, but Pulido said residents should not hold her age against her.
“Melissa will [become one of] the next generation of leaders to lead the city of Artesia. People sometimes mistake youthfulness as inexperience but that’s not the case here. Melissa has been involved in politics her whole life. She has the knowledge, expertise and wisdom of someone who has been doing this for ten years,” ” Pulido said.
The city of Artesia has a population of 17,000. The councilmembers are responsible for implementing programs and services to the city’s residents.
Other candidates include three incumbents such as former Artesia Mayor and Filipino-American Victor Manalo, businesswoman Sally Flowers, and project manager John Lyon.
Insurance broker Manu Patel and financial advisor Ali Taj are also running for a spot in the city council.
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Midweek September 11, 2013 Sec A pg.4)
