Three of the five positions on the La Center City Council are on the ballot for Nov. 5 general election but only one of the three involves a contested race.
Council members Kristine Carmona (Position No. 1) and Randy Williams (Position No. 3) are running unopposed to return to their positions on the council. Al Luiz was challenged in his bid to return to Position No. 2 by two challengers.
Luiz garnered about 48 percent of the votes in the Aug. 6 primary. Former La Center Police Chief Tim Hopkin received about 33 percent of the votes and advanced along with Luiz to the general election. Nathan Stokes, who received about 19 percent of the votes in the primary, was eliminated.
In the voter’s pamphlet for the general election, Luiz points out that he had a 38-year career in management and business, which he believes prepared him “to meet the development and fiscal challenges facing La Center.’’ Luiz was elected mayor pro tem by his fellow council members for the past four years.
Luiz also serves as president of the La Center Lions Club and served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam.
Hopkin served the City of La Center as its police chief before leaving the position Aug. 31, 2012 after reaching a settlement with the city. He had served as La Center’s police chief since 1996 and worked for the city as a police officer for 28 of his 41 years in law enforcement.
“I want to continue to serve this wonderful community and feel I bring a historical perspective that will enhance our working relationship and help the other council team members meet the challenges facing this city in the future,’’ Hopkin wrote in his message in the voter’s pamphlet.
“My confidence is high,’’ said Hopkin, referring to the upcoming election. “Everybody I see is supportive of what I’m doing and I’m anxious to get going. I have the support of the La Center Police Officers’ Association, so that has helped.’’
Hopkin believes the relationships he has fostered over the past 28 years in La Center will help him in the upcoming election.
“The residents have all known me for so long,’’ Hopkin said. “They know how I work. I’ve earned their trust over the years. They know I will serve them honestly and in their best interests.’’
Luiz always speaks of putting priority to put “La Center residents first and to “work for a strong economic future.’’
“That’s my sole purpose for being on the council,’’ Luiz said. “Somebody has to put the citizens first and I feel that is something I’ve done in the past and I will continue to do.’’
Luiz feels an example of that approach is shown in the improvements that have been made to city-owned Holley Park, which include water spray feature for children and a walking, skating trail.
“That has been my crowning glory,’’ Luiz said. “It took me three years to get it approved.’’
