"Last year, Council Member Lane Santa Cruz approved TEP's proposal to build an electric substation in flood and erosion zones in Ward 1, which could put at least eight westside neighborhoods at risk of power outages in the event of a flood. As a Certified Floodplain Manager, I and over a dozen other floodplain professionals know this site is dangerous because it has been flooded many times. Unfortunately, Santa Cruz approved the plan without consulting experts. We had a meeting at Ward 1 in March 2023 (long after the approval) to express our safety concerns to Santa Cruz, who did not attend. According to campaign finance reports, two months later, Santa Cruz accepted the maximum legally allowable campaign donation from a TEP vice president. Ward 1 deserves a representative who will listen to experts and prioritize public safety and neighborhood concerns over TEP's profits. Miguel Ortega will listen to all his constituents and has pledged to not take money from TEP, which is why I support his campaign."
- Steve Dolan, Certified Floodplain Manager
"Last election cycle, the Ward One Council office trotted out the Joaquín Murietta Master Plan. Once the election was over, Murietta Park was tossed aside. Another election year, and again, Murietta Park is “discovered.” The disrepair of Murietta Park is disgraceful. The beautiful green space of yesteryear is today a neglected brown space. A tree is growing in the long-shuttered swimming pool! We urge Ward One residents to vote for Miguel Ortega for City Council – he listens to and respects the people whose taxes sustain the city."
"I had the pleasure of working with Miguel when he was a Ward 3 council aide. Miguel helped our neighborhood navigate issues with his calm, caring manner. He was always responsive to our questions, willing to help find the answers in a timely manner."
"Lane Santa Cruz has suggested that those who opposed the change of annexation at 36th/La Cholla represent a 'loud minority'...Dedicated west-side neighbors collected 476 signatures from our richly diverse neighborhood...[Lane Santa Cruz] disrespects the people who worked long hours to make sure their neighbors’ views were heard. Vote for Miguel Ortega, who respects community neighborhood activism."
"Santa Cruz is helping the bigwigs in the community make money at the expense of taxpayers. If she doesn’t know better, or as the $500 donation for Keri Silvyn shows, she does know better, and she doesn’t deserve the vote of the community."
"Ward 1 developers have received massive giveaways while residents continually pay more in taxes, utilities, fees and basics. The Caterpillar building received 50 million in incentives while parks and public services are funding starved."
"We were denied the whole process...[Lane Santa Cruz] supported the developer. Please vote for Miguel Ortega."
"Communication between the Ward 1 office and constituents is weak, in my experience...I voted for Lane Santa Cruz once, but in the August Democratic Primary, I will vote for Miguel Ortega."
"I am supporting Miguel Ortega because we deserve better representation for all residents."
"I support Democrat Miguel Ortega, an independent and honest voice to represent the citizens of Ward One at this crucial time in our community's history."
"Ward 1 deserves a council member who doesn’t divide, but listens. For this reason, I encourage every west and south side voter to vote for (D)Miguel Ortega."