After listening to the seven city council candidates campaign for months, Cerritos voters made their choice clear on March 8 when it came to filling three open spots on the Cerritos City Council.
, Bruce Barrows and led the way with the most votes among the pool of seven, according to election results announced shortly after midnight by interim city clerk Vida Barone of the.
Pulido, a current ABC School District board member and longtime resident who grew up in Cerritos, claimed the top spot among vote-getters capturing 4,550 votes.
"I want to thank the voters of Cerritos for coming out to vote and speaking loud and clear to send a message to the leadership of our community ... to what you want and what work you want to be done in these chambers in this city hall," Pulido said before a crowd gathered inside the council chambers.
Barrows, current councilmember and former three-time mayor, followed with the second most votes at 4,170.
"This is the fifth race I’ve been in and it has probably been the most difficult," he said. "Thank you to our residents for giving me another four years to serve you."
Cho, the city's current mayor, filled the final council seat with 3,947 votes.
"It’s (been) a long evening and a long day, and it’s been tight and a very exciting night," Cho said. "Finally the election is over."
"We are all winners in this election," he added. "Including the candidates who didn’t make it this time."
Candidates (3,609 votes), (1,246), (952 votes), and (317 votes) fell short in the race.
Here are the Semi-Official Results from the March 8, 2011 Municipal Election:
Semi-Offical Results for 11 of 11 Precincts
Candidates in Ballot Order Semi-Official Totals Kiran Rami 952 Christopher Fuentes 1,246 Bruce Barrows 4,170 Joseph Cho 3,947 Harshad Mody 317 Mark Pulido4,550 Grace Hu 3,609
For a complete precinct breakdown of votes, visit the Election section on the City's website.
Thank you Cerritos Voters for taking the time to weigh the important issues facing our city and exercise your right to VOTE! My wish is that the momentum created during this campaign and in recent years for more accessible, transparent and accountable city government will continue and result in ever increasing responsive representation for ALL Cerritos Residents in every corner of our city. My sincere THANKS for the kindness and support you have shown me in my quest for Good Government! My sincere Thanks to the 1246 Cerritos Residents who voted for me and cast their votes for change. I am proud of what was accomplished and the issues brought forward. We didn't score a touchdown but we've moved the ball down the field a ways. God bless you all. Chris Fuentes