Four candidates are running for three open seats on the Willits City Council this year.
Two of the candidates had careers in law enforcement years before pursuing politics.
Incumbent Gerardo “Gerry” Gonzalez is seeking re-election. Gonzalez has been on the City Council for eight years and currently serves as vice mayor. He was mayor in 2016. A native of Willits, Gonzalez served as chief of police for the Willits Police Department for 13 years.
He serves on myriad local boards, including Adventist Health Howard Memorial and West Business Development Center. He also co-founded the Willits Kids Club.
In his candidate statement, Gonzalez lists accomplishments such as diversifying the city’s water resources, local business development and implementing Measure K, a sales tax passed in 2020 to fund city services.
Former Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman is also vying for a council seat. He served as sheriff for 13 years. Now retired, he works as a real estate agent while volunteering as an auctioneer at nonprofit fundraisers throughout the county.
In his candidate statement, Allman cites his 40 years of involvement in the Willits community.
“From the bypass to the challenges of the pandemic and local emergencies, it’s clear that we need leadership that can prepare us for tomorrow while addressing the needs of today,” Allman said.
U.S. Highway 101 once traveled through downtown Willits, bringing travelers to the main business district. In 2016, Caltrans completed a multi-million-dollar project to divert traffic from the city, which impacted both the local economy and wetland areas where the bypass was built. It remains a hot button subject for many Willits residents.
The bypass, completed in 2016, diverts U.S. Highway 101 traffic from downtown Willits
Allman’s priorities include public safety, small business development, and improving city employee work conditions.
The other two candidates are public school teachers. Matthew Alaniz grew up in Southern California before moving to Willits in 2016.
According to his candidate statement, Alaniz has worked in education for over 24 years and teaches math for Willits Unified School District. He also teaches religious education at St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Alaniz said he was inspired to run by his “love for democracy and education” and “a strong spirit of service.”
“I have tremendous respect for those that have served and for others who are willing to serve,” he added. “If the 2024 election is about anything, it is about our need for new leadership, different voices.”
Alaniz did not cite specific policy issues or priorities.
The fourth and final candidate is Robin Leler. She is a substitute teacher for Willits Unified School District and has taught locally in public schools for over 30 years. Leler is a volunteer with the Sierra Club and Willits Community Theatre.
She ran unsuccessfully for the City Council in the past.
She is endorsed by the Mendocino Women’s Political Coalition. In a questionnaire submitted to the coalition, Leler said she is qualified to serve on the council because “I seek out people on all sides of an issue and keep asking questions until everyone has been heard and a sharing understanding emerges.”
If elected, Leler’s priorities include water sustainability and expanding family-friendly housing.
She has been a vocal critic of the City Council in past letters to the editor published in The Willits News and Anderson Valley Advertiser, particularly around public transit, tourism, government transparency, water quality and environmental conservation.
Winners of the election will go on to serve four-year terms starting Dec. 1. Councilmembers have the opportunity to serve as mayor on a rotational basis.
A candidate forum will take place Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at the Little Lake Grange, 291 School St., Willits and on Zoom.