[{"createTs":"2026-09-29T20:21:29.583281","statement":"<h1 dir=\"auto\" style=\"text-align: center\">STATEMENT OF MARISOL CORTEZ</h1><h2 dir=\"auto\" style=\"text-align: center\">CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL,<br dir=\"auto\">6th District</h2><h3 dir=\"auto\" style=\"text-align: center\">CITY OF EL MONTE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION</h3><p dir=\"auto\">Age: 38</p><p dir=\"auto\">Occupation: Councilmember/School Administrator</p><p dir=\"auto\">Ballot Designation: Councilmember/School Administrator</p><p dir=\"auto\">El Monte has been my home my entire life, and I am proud of what we have achieved as a community.</p><p dir=\"auto\">As the daughter of immigrant parents, I learned nothing is given, and everything is earned. Family and striving for a better future are core values we share. Many in our community work hard yet struggle to make ends meet. As your councilmember, I supported building housing to help working families stay in El Monte. </p><p dir=\"auto\">Economic opportunities are crucial for providing critical services. We need to invest in repaving roads, bringing in retail businesses, restaurants, and entertainment to create jobs and new revenue sources. </p><p dir=\"auto\">Safety is also essential for our residents and investment in our community. As your councilmember, I voted to keep our police funded and fire stations open.</p><p dir=\"auto\">I will continue to prioritize projects in each district and be accountable to you. </p><p dir=\"auto\">We need to listen more to the community to better understand our City's needs.</p><p dir=\"auto\">Together, we can make our community better for all generations.</p><p dir=\"auto\">I respectfully ask for your vote.  </p><p dir=\"auto\"></p>","editTs":"2026-09-29T20:21:29.583281","language":"EN","status":4,"contestId":10451,"electionId":4348,"candidateId":26630,"publishedBy":69,"statementId":60819,"createdBy":69,"lastChangeBy":69,"publicCandidate":null}]