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By Brian Hews
Long Beach Vice Mayor Robert Garcia has taken to social media to announce that he will be a candidate for Mayor in 2014.
Long Beach Vice Mayor Robert Garcia announces plans to run for the city’s top spot in 2014. Photo from the Garcia campaign,
Garcia said in a statement via You Tube and Facebook this past Friday, that “over the course of the next few months, I look forward to meeting with you in person, sitting on your porch or patio, and hearing your story. I want to hear your ideas for Long Beach, and I want to share with you my vision for how we can move Long Beach forward.”
He also said in his You Tube clip, “It’s been an incredible experience partnering with Mayor Bob Foster over the last few years, and I want to ensure that we continue on a path of fiscal responsibility. There is much more we can do, and I look forward to talking with you about my plans for education, public safety, technology, and economic growth.”
If elected, Garcia would also become the city’s first openly gay mayor. Current Mayor Bob Foster will be forced out of office due to term limits. Several other candidates are also lining up for the race including current City Councilwoman Gerrie Shipske.
Garcia was elected Vice Mayor of Long Beach by a unanimous vote in July, 2012, becoming the youngest person ever to hold that position. He was first elected to the Long Beach City Council in April of 2009, and re-elected to a full four-year term in April 2010 to serve the citizens of the First City Council District.
Garcia also serves on the California Coastal Commission.
