DOWNEY — Five of the six city council hopefuls running in November’s special election participated in a candidate’s forum last Thursday night.

Moderated by retired Emmy Award-winning journalist Dave Lopez, Horacio Ortiz Jr. and Ramon Casas Jr. (District 1), and Dorothy Pemberton, Gil Legaspi, and Ernesto Valle (District 3) sat in front of a full room of community members, business owners, and civic leaders to pitch their ideas and answer questions, giving a clearer glimpse into who voters will choose from on Nov. 7.

District 1 candidate Elvira Meraz was scheduled to participate as well but pulled out last-minute due to illness.

The event was put on in partnership by the Downey Patriot and the Downey Chamber of Commerce.

DISTRICT 1

District 1 covers Southeast Downey, and was previously represented by now Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco, who resigned after being elected to her current position. Councilman Timothy Horn is currently sitting in the seat, but is not seeking reelection. There is one more year left in the term.

Ramon Casas Jr.

Casas kept on an aggressive footing for a good portion of the night, throwing jabs at his political opponents for their lack of presence at City Council meetings. He emphasized his conservative values, voicing a need for “safety first” and more all-inclusive events.

Have you been arrested / have a felony / criminal record?: No

What is the most pressing issue facing Downey?: Crime

Are you for or against converting hotels / motels into long-term housing for homeless?: No

Do you support opening Marijuana dispensaries in Downey?: No

Do you support the installation of lights at Furman Park?: Yes

Do you support a gay pride parade / festival in Downey?: No, we need more all-inclusive events, such as a “Downey Community Fest”

Why is Downey struggling to attract quality businesses? What would you use the undeveloped land at the Downey Promenade for?: Downey needs to redevelop Downtown Downey and incorporate new infrastructure, bringing in private equity when needed.

Do you support rent control?: No

How long have you lived in your district, and where is your campaign funding coming from?: Born and raised in Downey, campaign funding was self-raised in large part.

Horacio Ortiz Jr.

Ortiz promoted his platform of public safety, quality of life, reducing homelessness and support of small business. Currently serving as chair of the Planning Commission as District 5’s representative under Mayor Pro Tem Mario Trujillo, Ortiz attempted to establish himself as his own person and distance himself from the councilmember, specifically over Trujillo’s close relationship with controversial District Attorney George Gascon.

Have you been arrested / have a felony / criminal record?: No

What is the most pressing issue facing Downey?: Homelessness and crime

Are you for or against converting hotels / motels into long-term housing for homeless?: No

Do you support opening Marijuana dispensaries in Downey?: No

Do you support the installation of lights at Furman Park?: Yes

Do you support a gay pride parade / festival in Downey?: No parade, but supports any festivities that have been done so far

Why is Downey struggling to attract quality businesses? What would you use the undeveloped land at the Downey Promenade for?: Downey needs to address current City Hall protocols and policies that “repel” new business

Do you support rent control?: No

How long have you lived in your district, and where is your campaign funding coming from?: Born and raised in Downey, has lived in District 1 for two years. Campaign is largely funded by small mom-and-pop businesses.

DISTRICT 3

District 3 covers Northwest Downey. The seat has remained empty sinceFebruary when previous representative, Catherine Alvarez, was recalled. There is one year left on the term.

Dorothy Pemberton

An established volunteer already and one of the faces of the recall of former councilwoman Catherine Alvarez, Pemberton said it was “the right time” for her to run for council. Her priorities are safety, quality of life, fiscal responsibility and community development, and she would like to bring a dog park and community garden into her district. She has the support of several of Downey’s former and current elected leaders.

Have you been arrested / have a felony / criminal record?: No

What is the most pressing issue facing Downey?: Crime

Are you for or against converting hotels / motels into long-term housing for homeless?: Would need to know more details

Do you support opening Marijuana dispensaries in Downey?: No

Do you support the installation of lights at Furman Park?: Not opposed to it, but the neighborhood should be surveyed and a solution needs to “meet in the middle”

Do you support a gay pride parade / festival in Downey?: Not a parade, but other events that groups wish to hold, yes. City needs to be mindful of costs and street closures.

Why is Downey struggling to attract quality businesses? What would you use the undeveloped land at the Downey Promenade for?: We need more family-friendly businesses, anchor stores, and businesses that create good-paying jobs

Do you support rent control?: No

How long have you lived in your district, and where is your campaign funding coming from?: Lived in Downey for entire life. Funding is mostly from within Downey, primarily from residents. Does have some donations from some former mayors and some current council members

Gil Legaspi

Legaspi said he was running for City Council because it was missing professionalism, integrity, transparency, and unity. A sworn part-time police officer, Legaspi said he would be “the biggest champion” for Downey Police Department, calling for more funding and boots-on-the-ground.

Have you been arrested / have a felony / criminal record?: No

What is the most pressing issue facing Downey?: Crime

Are you for or against converting hotels / motels into long-term housing for homeless?: No

Do you support opening Marijuana dispensaries in Downey?: No

Do you support the installation of lights at Furman Park?: Yes, but in a limited capacity as to not disturb the neighboring residents

Do you support a gay pride parade / festival in Downey?: No parade, but supports any festivities that have been done so far

Why is Downey struggling to attract quality businesses? What would you use the undeveloped land at the Downey Promenade for?: City needs to approach desired companies and propose available space

Do you support rent control?: No

How long have you lived in your district, and where is your campaign funding coming from?: Has lived in District 3 since 2008. Campaign funds have come from law enforcement, former clients, friends and family, as well as self-funding.

Ernesto Valle

Valle said that “he is Downey,” touting the four pillars of his “Downey first” youth-centric campaign, those being: impact on youth, impact on residents, impact on the bottom line, and impact on the city’s brand. He claimed that he has “the most skin in the game,” and that he was the only candidate with children currently in the Downey Unified School District. He supports the construction of a parking garage at Furman Park, with tennis courts installed up top.

Have you been arrested / have a felony / criminal record?: No

What is the most pressing issue facing Downey?: Crime and homelessness

Are you for or against converting hotels / motels into long-term housing for homeless?: No

Do you support opening Marijuana dispensaries in Downey?: No

Do you support the installation of lights at Furman Park?: Yes

Do you support a gay pride parade / festival in Downey?: “To each their own,” but the city needs to be mindful of its resources that it allocates to different events and groups, and make sure other organizations have the same share and opportunity

Why is Downey struggling to attract quality businesses? What would you use the undeveloped land at the Downey Promenade for?: Businesses won’t want to come to Downey due to rising crime. A police substation should be put in the Promenade to promote safety. Also, city should offer tax breaks

Do you support rent control?: No

How long have you lived in your district, and where is your campaign funding coming from?: Lived in District 3 since 2007. Provided $3,000 of own funds to campaign.

The candidates forum can be watched on the Downey Patriot Facebook page.