Carson, CA — More than 100 residents gathered at the DoubleTree Hotel on Oct. 5 for Carson’s Candidate Forum, where four City Council candidates fielded questions on public safety, economic development, city responsiveness, transparency and quality-of-life issues facing residents.

The forum was presented by The Carson Compass, the Carson Chamber of Commerce and Carson Accountability & Transparency (CAT) and co-moderated by Carson Compass Publisher Ta Lese Morrow, and Raquel Beltran.

Councilwoman Arleen B. Rojas, Councilman Jim Dear, Derek Haskell and John Hollaway participated in the discussion as they compete for two City Council seats in the Nov. 3 election.

Candidates were asked how they would improve public safety and economic development, strengthen transparency and accountability at City Hall, and ensure residents are heard before major decisions are finalized.

Other questions challenged candidates to explain what measurable actions they would take during their first year in office, how they would improve services for youth and seniors, and whether they would support more direct opportunities for residents and business owners to meet with elected officials.

Candidates were also asked several yes-or-no questions, including whether they would support weekly constituent meetings outside City Hall, Business Round Table meetings in their districts and hospitality and tourism initiatives in the city budget.

Following the candidate discussion, Beltran held a fireside conversation with City Clerk Dr. Khaleah Bradshaw, who discussed the responsibilities of the clerk’s office, the importance of maintaining accessible public records and the responsibility that comes with being elected by Carson voters.

Bradshaw also reviewed voter registration and election deadlines ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Want to hear more from the candidates? Scan the QR code to watch the entire candidates’ forum.