Miguel Pulido
Miguel Pulido was the Mayor of Santa Ana in California. Pulido assumed office in 1994. Pulido left office on December 8, 2020.
Pulido ran for election to the Orange County Board of Supervisors to represent District 1 in California. Pulido lost in the primary on March 3, 2020.
Before becoming mayor, Pulido represented Ward 4 on the Santa Ana City Council from 1986 to 1994.[1]
Biography
Pulido was born in Mexico City, Mexico, in 1956. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from California State University, Fullerton.[1] His professional experience includes working as a business consultant for several different consulting agencies in and around Orange County and serving as the president of the La Farga Group, a business consulting agency.[2]
Career
Below is a brief summary of Pulido's political career:
- 1994-Present: Mayor of Santa Ana
- 1986-1994: Santa Ana City Council, Ward 4
Issues
2014
Downtown streetcar
Pulido has been a vocal supporter of the development of a streetcar that will run through downtown Santa Ana and other parts of Orange County. The issue was one of the major issues in the 2014 election and became controversial in the city with supporters arguing that the streetcar will help revitalize the downtown area, while opponents argued that it will gentrify downtown by raising the price of housing and commercial spaces. In reference to the streetcar, The Orange County Register quoted Pulido as saying, "We’re basically setting a framework, which I think long term is going to make this county – and I mean this entire county – a better county.” Conversely, Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait has argued that a more economical mass transit option for Orange County would be electric buses. At a board meeting of the Orange County Transportation Authority on August 11, 2014, Tait noted that the streetcar is "wildly expensive compared to other alternatives that I think are better.” At the same meeting, he went on to say that the electric bus option is "wildly cheaper. You don’t have the upfront capital costs [...] You could have a system almost countywide.”[3]
Mayoral term limits
In the November 2006 elections, mayoral term limits became a significant issue in the city of Santa Ana. The Santa Ana city charter does not establish term limits for the mayor or city council members.[4] But in 2006, three council members crafted a charter amendment that limited the mayor to five two-year terms. Pulido staunchly opposed the amendment. According to The OC Register, he argued that some large-scale projects require several terms or more to complete and that "[a] strong mayor is important for the city." Supporters of the amendment responded by citing presidential term limits and noting that taking longer than ten to twelve years to complete a project should be considered an "embarrassment." In a June 2006 meeting, the Santa Ana City Council voted four-to-three against including the amendment proposal on the November ballot.[5]
In 2012, the issue of mayoral term limits returned. This time, four members of the Santa Ana City Council - David Benavides, Michele Martinez, Sal Tinajero and Vicente Sarmiento - held a special coucil meeting on August 1, 2012, in which they unanimously voted in favor of adding a mayoral term limit amendment to the ballot. Though controversial, the special meeting was legal - the mayor or a council majority has the right to call a special meeting. Pulido was not present for the vote, but his supporters personally lobbied the four council members to suspend the meeting. Pulido himself did not address the issue publicly.[6] The amendment, known as "Measure GG," limited the mayor to a total of eight years, and, if passed, would take effect starting in 2013. Past terms would not be counted toward an elected official's tenure. On November 6, 2013, 77.5% of Santa Ana voters approved the amendment.[7]
Elections
2020
See also: Municipal elections in Orange County, California (2020)
General election
General election for Orange County Board of Supervisors District 1
Incumbent Andrew Do defeated Sergio Contreras in the general election for Orange County Board of Supervisors District 1 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Andrew Do (Nonpartisan) | 51.8 | 106,252 |
![]() | Sergio Contreras (Nonpartisan) | 48.2 | 98,693 |
Total votes: 204,945 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Orange County Board of Supervisors District 1
Incumbent Andrew Do and Sergio Contreras defeated Miguel Pulido and Kim Nguyen-Penaloza in the primary for Orange County Board of Supervisors District 1 on March 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Andrew Do (Nonpartisan) | 42.3 | 40,999 |
✔ | ![]() | Sergio Contreras (Nonpartisan) | 22.4 | 21,721 |
![]() | Miguel Pulido (Nonpartisan) | 20.2 | 19,616 | |
![]() | Kim Nguyen-Penaloza (Nonpartisan) | 15.0 | 14,570 |
Total votes: 96,906 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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2018
General election
General election for Mayor of Santa Ana
Incumbent Miguel Pulido defeated Sal Tinajero in the general election for Mayor of Santa Ana on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Miguel Pulido (Nonpartisan) | 50.6 | 28,360 |
![]() | Sal Tinajero (Nonpartisan) | 49.4 | 27,674 |
Total votes: 56,034 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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2016
Mayor of Santa Ana, General Election, 2016 | ||
---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
![]() |
50.71% | 34,317 |
Ben Vazquez | 36.32% | 24,576 |
Steve Rocco | 12.97% | 8,774 |
Total Votes | 67,667 | |
Source: Orange County Elections, "Official Results for Election," accessed December 7, 2016 |
2014
The city of Santa Ana, California held elections for mayor on November 4, 2014. The filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was August 8, 2014. Incumbent Miguel Pulido defeated Mark Lopez and Santa Ana city council member Roman Reyna.[10][11][12]
Mayor of Santa Ana, 2014 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
50.2% | 16,608 | |
Roman Reyna | 34.6% | 11,447 | |
Mark Lopez | 15.1% | 5,000 | |
Total Votes | 33,055 | ||
Source: Orange County Elections - 2014 General Election Results |
Below is a survey of Pulido's electoral history from 1994-2012. It is based on records prepared by the Santa Ana Clerk of Council Office. The records can be viewed in their entirety here.
Mayor of Santa Ana, 2012 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
48.2% | 27,092 | |
David Benavides | 26.7% | 14,995 | |
George M. Collins | 11.2% | 6,289 | |
Lupe Moreno | 5.6% | 3,147 | |
Roy Alvardo | 5.5% | 3,082 | |
Miguel Angel Briseno | 2.9% | 1,626 | |
Total Votes | 54,605 | ||
Source: City of Santa Ana Election History |
Mayor of Santa Ana, 2010 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
49.5% | 21,588 | |
Alfredo Amezuca | 26.8% | 11,689 | |
Charles Hart | 9.7% | 4,216 | |
George M. Collins | 8.8% | 3,820 | |
Roy Alvardo | 5.4% | 2,339 | |
Total Votes | 43,652 | ||
Source: City of Santa Ana Election History |
Mayor of Santa Ana, 2008 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
55% | 30,352 | |
Michele Martinez | 29.3% | 16,199 | |
George M. Collins | 13.8% | 7,610 | |
Stanley Fiala | 1.9% | 1,069 | |
Total Votes | 55,230 | ||
Source: City of Santa Ana Election History |
Mayor of Santa Ana, 2006 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
68.8% | 23,170 | |
Thomas Gordon | 24.5% | 8,262 | |
Stanley Fiala | 6.7% | 2,259 | |
Total Votes | 33,691 | ||
Source: City of Santa Ana Election History |
Mayor of Santa Ana, 2004 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
80.6% | 38,634 | |
Stanley Fiala | 19.4% | 9,327 | |
Total Votes | 47,961 | ||
Source: City of Santa Ana Election History |
In 2002, Pulido ran unopposed.[13]
Mayor of Santa Ana, 2000 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
71.3% | 34,102 | |
Vital D'Caprio | 16.8% | 8,025 | |
Steve Rocco | 12% | 5,733 | |
Total Votes | 47,860 | ||
Source: City of Santa Ana Election History |
Mayor of Santa Ana, 1998 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
70.2% | 24,032 | |
Ted Moreno | 29.8% | 10,214 | |
Total Votes | 34,246 | ||
Source: City of Santa Ana Election History |
Mayor of Santa Ana, 1996 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
65.8% | 26,688 | |
Leah Dupont | 34.2% | 13,871 | |
Total Votes | 40,559 | ||
Source: City of Santa Ana Election History |
Mayor of Santa Ana, 1994 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
![]() |
29.5% | 10,288 | |
Ann Avery Andres | 25.3% | 8,830 | |
Sal Mendoza | 15.7% | 5,496 | |
Randall Young | 10.6% | 3,701 | |
James Richards | 6.1% | 2,129 | |
Joseph L. Wagstaff | 5.7% | 1,983 | |
John M. Raya | 5.4% | 1,880 | |
Arthur A. Castro | 1.7% | 595 | |
Total Votes | 30,444 | ||
Source: City of Santa Ana Election History |
Campaign themes
2020
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Miguel Pulido did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
Endorsements
2016
Pulido received the endorsement of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association in October 2016.[14]
2012
In 2012, Pulido's endorsements included the following:[15]
- U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein
- State Assemblyman Jose Solorio
- Santa Ana School Board President Rob Richardson
- Santa Ana School Board Member Jose Hernandez
- Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez
- Former Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Bist
- Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee Larry Labrado
- Democratic Party of Orange County Chair Frank Barbaro
- Democratic Foundation of Orange County Chair Dan Jacobson
- Orange County Professional Firefighters
- Los Angeles/Orange County Building Trades Council
- Teamsters, Local 952
- Laborers’ Union, Local 652
- Orange County Taxpayers Association PAC
- Orange County Business Council
- Orange County Business Council CEO Lucy Dunn
Noteworthy events
Events and activity following the death of George Floyd
Pulido was mayor of Santa Ana during the weekend of May 29-31, 2020, when events and activity took place in cities across the U.S. following the death of George Floyd. Events in Santa Ana, California, began on Saturday, May 30, following days of protests in the larger Los Angeles area.[16] On May 31, Mayor Miguel Pulido (D) instituted a curfew.[17] The national guard was not deployed.
To read more about the death of George Floyd and subsequent events, click [show] to the right. | |||
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Real-estate transaction
In January 2014, the city of Santa Ana launched an investigation centered on a real-estate transaction that occurred in 2010 between Pulido and Rupen James Akoubian, the president of Napa Orange County Auto Parts.[24] In February 2014, the Los Angeles Times uncovered that the Fair Political Practices Commission (henceforth the FPPC) of the state of California was also investigating the transaction.[25]
According to the Los Angeles Times and the Voice of OC, Pulido purchased a home from Akoubian in 2010 in Westminster, California, for about $230,000 below the fair market value. In the transaction, Akoubian acquired a downtown parking lot that had previously been owned by Pulido's family. The transaction was never disclosed by either party. In 2012, Pulido sold the Westminster home and netted a profit of approximately $197,000. In between these two events, Pulido and the Santa Ana City Council voted to award Napa Orange County Auto Parts a city contract that made the auto company the sole provider for Santa Ana's 753 city vehicles. The contract allowed for annual renewals for up to three consecutive years and was estimated to be worth $1.35 million.[26]
The Los Angeles Times reported that the FPPC "[was] looking into possible conflicts of interest, failure to report real property and violations of the state's limit on gifts."[26] Pulido refrained from commenting on the issue in public.
In June 2014, the Santa Ana City Council voted to allow the contract with Napa Orange County Auto Parts to expire in July 2014. The council then voted 6-0 to award the contract to Warren Distributing, an automotive parts company based in Santa Ana.[27]
In November 2014, a legal investigation commissioned by the city of Santa Ana and conducted by the Riverside District Attorney's Office argued that Pulido had violated the State of California Political Reform Act by attempting to cover up the real estate transaction with Akoubian.[28] The Riverside DA office, however, left the decision to prosecute Pulido in the hands of the Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. Based on California state law, Rackauckas had until January 2, 2015, to charge Pulido with willfully violating the Political Reform Act or any other charges. The deadline passed without action. As reported in the Voice of OC, if Pulido had been charged and convicted, he could have been permanently prohibited from holding public office in California.[24]
In regards to the Office of the Orange County District Attorney's decision not to bring charges against Pulido, Santa Ana City Council member David Benavides said, "Does it really come down to who you know for what you can get away with? It gives any taxpayer reason to lose confidence in the system... the DA himself is choosing to remain silent, and that’s disappointing."[29] Instead, a $13,000 fine handed down by state regulators was his only punishment.[30]
See also
2020 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Office of the Mayor, "Bio," accessed August 11, 2014
- ↑ The Voice of OC, "Miguel Pulido's Many Hats," February 4, 2011
- ↑ The Orange County Register, "OCTA debates proposed Santa Ana streetcar," August 13, 2014
- ↑ Santa Ana City Charter, Sec. 400, accessed August 27, 2014
- ↑ The OC Register, "Mayoral term limits pulled from Santa Ana ballot," June 30, 2006
- ↑ The OC Register, "Santa Ana voters to consider term limits for mayor," August 1, 2012
- ↑ The Voice of OC, "Santa Ana Voters Overwhelmingly OK Eight-Year Term Limit for Mayors," November 6, 2012
- ↑ Orange County Registrar of Voters, "Election Results Archives," accessed September 16, 2021
- ↑ City of Santa Ana, "City Elections," accessed August 16, 2016
- ↑ City of Santa Ana, "City Elections," accessed March 10, 2014
- ↑ City of Santa Ana, "2014 Official Candidate List," accessed August 27, 2014
- ↑ Orange County Elections, "2014 Unofficial Election Results," accessed November 4, 2014
- ↑ City of Santa Ana, "City of Santa Ana Election History," accessed August 19, 2014
- ↑ New Santa Ana, "Campaign mailers promote the pro law enforcement Santa Ana City Council candidates," October 9, 2016
- ↑ Mayor Pulido 2012, "Endorsements," accessed August 18, 2014
- ↑ The Los Angeles Times, "Protesters clash with police in Santa Ana," May 30, 2020
- ↑ The Orange County Register, "Santa Ana mayor declares curfew after violence at George Floyd protest; cleanup begins," June 1, 2020
- ↑ Washington Post, "The death of George Floyd: What video and other records show about his final minutes," May 30, 2020
- ↑ The New York Times, "8 Minutes and 46 Seconds: How George Floyd Was Killed in Police Custody," May 31, 2020
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 USA Today, "Medical examiner and family-commissioned autopsy agree: George Floyd's death was a homicide," June 1, 2020
- ↑ Associated Press, "Chauvin guilty of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s death," April 20, 2021
- ↑ CNN, "Protests across America after George Floyd's death," accessed June 2, 2020
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Voice of OC, "Clock Running Out On a Criminal Charge Against Pulido," December 29, 2014
- ↑ Los Angeles Times, "Santa Ana mayor's dealings with businessman are under investigation," February 24, 2014
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 The Voice of OC, "Santa Ana Mayor's Property Swap Raises Questions," November 20, 2013
- ↑ The Voice of OC, "Santa Ana Replaces Controversial Auto Parts Contractor," June 20, 2014
- ↑ LA Times, "Miguel Pulido returns to lead Santa Ana as potential charges linger," November 16, 2014
- ↑ Voice of OC, "With Deadline Passed, DA Mum on Potential Charge Against Pulido," January 6, 2015
- ↑ The Orange County Register, "Orange County D.A.: No charges for Santa Ana mayor Miguel Pulido, $13,000 fine was enough," May 23, 2015
Political offices | ||
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Preceded by Dan Young |
Mayor of Santa Ana 1994–2020 |
Succeeded by [[ Vicente Sarmiento]] |
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