[{"createTs":"2026-09-29T20:21:25.487148","statement":"<h1 dir=\"auto\" style=\"text-align: center\">STATEMENT OF LESLIE H. GARCIA</h1><h2 dir=\"auto\" style=\"text-align: center\">CANDIDATE FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL,<br dir=\"auto\">2nd District</h2><h3 dir=\"auto\" style=\"text-align: center\">CITY OF WEST COVINA GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION</h3><p dir=\"auto\">Age: 27</p><p dir=\"auto\">Occupation: Atmospheric Scientist</p><p dir=\"auto\">I'm Leslie Garcia, a lifelong West Covina resident and Atmospheric Scientist running to represent District 2 on our City Council. This City raised me. From volunteering at the West Covina library to founding the Best Buddies chapter at Edgewood High School, I have been serving my community since childhood. These experiences showed me that public service means uplifting people, expanding opportunity, and ensuring everyone has a voice.</p><p dir=\"auto\">At City Hall, I will protect residents from federal immigration enforcement by ending the city's contract with Flock Safety, I'll establish clear procedures for city employees, and connect families with legal and emergency aid.</p><p dir=\"auto\">We can make West Covina more affordable by opposing working - class fees like street sweeping tickets, advancing tenant protections and rent stabilization, and partnering with other levels of government to fund public services without bankrupting the city.</p><p dir=\"auto\">I will propose a ban against data centers that threaten our valuable resources, and quality of life. I will ensure small businesses survive rising costs and economic disruption. I will streamline city processes, revitalize dead spaces, and oppose deals that shift costs onto small businesses.</p><p dir=\"auto\">West Covina's District 2 deserves leadership grounded in science, integrity, and community, I would be honored to earn your vote.</p>","editTs":"2026-09-29T20:21:25.487148","language":"EN","status":4,"contestId":10527,"electionId":4348,"candidateId":26777,"publishedBy":69,"statementId":60702,"createdBy":69,"lastChangeBy":69,"publicCandidate":null}]