Ontario City Council Candidates Forum, held at Treasure Valley Community College, October 7th, 2024

Six candidates vied for three open seats on the Ontario City Council. The forum was hosted by the Ontario Area Chamber of Commerce. Led by Chamber President and CEO John Breidenbach, the event provided a platform for candidates to present their visions for the community. Absent from the forum were candidates Ramon Palomo and Adrianna Contreras, leaving John Kirby, Eddy Melendrez, Martin Hernandez, and Michael Braden to articulate their positions on key local issues. The forum opened with candidates sharing their backgrounds and motivations for running for office, along with their previous committee work in the community. Candidates emphasized their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for Ontario residents and their desire to bring fresh perspectives to the council. The second question addressed the collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce and the city council. Candidates discussed strategies to foster a robust economic environment, highlighting the importance of partnerships in attracting new businesses and supporting local enterprises. As the discussion shifted to the city’s financial landscape, candidates were asked to share their views on the current fiscal state and potential reforms. An important topic also addressed was support for a proposed gas tax. Candidates expressed opinions, weighing the potential benefits against community concerns, providing attendees with insight into how fiscal policies could affect local residents. In their closing remarks, candidates seized the opportunity to reiterate their commitment to the community. For those unable to attend in person, the forum was recorded by the Ontario Chamber Of Commerce, in cooperation with Living In The News .Com, allowing a broader audience to engage with the candidates’ platforms. For more information about the Ontario Area Chamber of Commerce and future events, contact (541) 889-8012. As the city prepares for the upcoming elections, the discussions at this forum exemplify the critical engagement between candidates and the community they seek to serve.