Oceanside, CA – Oceanside Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 3736 (“OFA”) announced their endorsement of Oceanside Housing Commissioner Michelle Gomez for Oceanside City Council, District 4 today.
Historically, OFA is one of the most sought after and influential endorsements in Oceanside races. OFA joins a growing list of high-profile leaders who are backing Gomez which includes Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, an Oceanside native, among others.
In announcing their endorsement, Dave Overton, OFA President released the following statement:
“Michelle is a proven leader who has demonstrated her commitment to strengthening our communities and keeping our neighborhoods safe. She understands the challenges our first responders face and the essential role they play in our communities. That’s why we are proud to endorse Michelle Gomez for Oceanside City Council, District 4.”
OFA members including firefighters, lifeguards, and support staff share the daunting responsibility of protecting the lives and property of Oceanside’s approximately 180,000 residents and the scores of visitors the city receives annually. Just last year, OFA members responded to over 2,500 fires and 18,000 medical calls.
“Our mission is to save lives,” Overton remarked “we need people like Michelle on City Council who place a priority on public safety and will support our Police and Fire Departments ability to function at peak performance.”
Gomez currently serves on the Oceanside Housing Commission where she Chairs the ad hoc Committee on Homelessness and represents the Commission on the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Program Committee. A long-time community advocate, Gomez has served on variety of public commissions and nonprofit boards over the last two decades. In her professional capacity, Gomez works in the private sector in regulatory compliance, corporate policy, and data privacy.
“The respect and admiration I have for our local Fire Department and our Lifeguards is hard to put into words. Having the support of these local heroes is truly humbling. I am honored to stand with them in protecting Oceanside residents,” Gomez said.
Oceanside’s fourth City Council District is comprised of the neighborhoods of Ivey Ranch, Rancho del Oro, and portions of San Luis Rey. Notable landmarks in the district include Mission San Luis Rey, El Corazon Park, and the city’s primary industrial park. Due to redistricting which occurred in 2017, the fourth district is currently the only district without a sitting representative on council. The election date is November 3, 2020.
