Carlton Jones new Tulare mayor?

The next Tulare City Council may be one for the history books.

Carlton Jones may become the first African American mayor in the city’s history. At the same meeting, Jose Sigala will become the first Mexican-American to be sworn in after being elected. Current Councilwoman Maritsa Castellanoz will serve a second term after being appointed, not elected, twice.

If elected by council, Jones would be moving up from the vice-mayor seat.

With the meeting is two weeks away, Jones said he’s not ready to celebrate just yet.

“You pray and hope people do the right thing,” he said. “I hope I get council’s support. It’s up to council. I don’t call anything a given.”

As with any elected governing board, majority rules on the Tulare City Council.

“Three people can say something else and there will be a different mayor,” Jones said.

David Macedo, the longest-tenured council member, is serving as mayor, finishing a four-year stint. Macedo, a livestock auctioneer, was mayor once before.

So was Craig Vejvoda, another council veteran.

Jones will start his third four-year term on the council.

“I am no longer the freshman council member,” he said.

While holding the vice-mayor title, Jones said he has stayed connected with other local elected boards, he’s run council meetings in Macedo’s absence and attended numerous community forums.

“You just try to put yourself in the position to be ready to represent your city,” he said.

At the Nov. 8 election, Jones was easily re-elected. Council names officers after every election.

“I am humbled to be elected,” he said. “To have the opportunity to be elected as mayor, it would be an honor. It will be an historic accomplishment.”

Sigala’s election was nearly as significant.

Since the city was incorporated, Sigala said there hasn’t been an elected Mexican American on the council.

“It’s an opportunity for different leadership to show up,” Sigala said. “It’s an opportunity to lead the city. I look forward to that opportunity.”

While campaigning for council, Sigala said he would support Jones’ candidacy for the city’s top elected position.

“I would be open to supporting Carlton as mayor,” he said.

Over the next two years, Sigala said Tulare will face issues such as drought and its impact on local growth and development.

“We have to deal with the lack of water and lack of infrastructure,” he said.

Also, Sigala said Tulare is facing issues such as economic development and enhancing downtown.

Those are just some of the issues council will face. A council that’s now represented by district.

Sigala said he is confident council members will be able to work and strike a balance between representing a district and working on an elected board.

“I think we are up to the challenge,” he said. “I think we can combine representation and leadership.”

For his district, Sigala said he wants to improve public safety, lighting and sidewalks.

Outside view

Ruben Macareno, chairman of the Tulare County Democratic Party, said Jones’ possible selection as mayor and Sigala’s council win makes the council a better reflection of Tulare’s population.

“What you see on the council, you can see in the city of Tulare,” he said. “It’s a long time coming.”

Macareno also applauded Sigala’s approach to winning. He walked neighborhoods, knocked on doors, talked to people and became aware of the issues. Macareno said Sigala also raised enough money to help him win.

“He has proven it can be done,” Macareno said. “His numbers are incredible. He has set the standard for all of us.”

With a new council, Macareno said there is the possibility of appointments to commissions and boards. It would open the possibility for some who might have been neglected, he added.

“They will have the opportunity to be engaged,” Macareno said.

Sigala said he plans to continue his community engagement. He said he’s working on scheduling a town hall meeting for his district and will hold office hours. He said he also wants to develop a master plan for Tulare’s west side.

“I want a blueprint of what’s to come in two, four, six, eight years for the west side,” he said.

Who to attend

What: Tulare City Council meeting

When: 7 p.m., Dec. 6

Where: Council Chambers, 491 N. M St.

Online: www.tulare.ca.gov