Antioch community leader withdraws endorsement of Wright, now backs Makinano for Mayor instead
Editor:
It is very important that I make myself clear. Regardless of the fact that there are photos of me on early positive flyers supporting Sean Wright’s campaign, before the attack flyers against Lamar Thorpe were designed and distributed, I had shifted my support to Gabriel Makinano for Mayor and here is why.
Back a few years ago when many of us in the community were trying to find a better way forward for our youth of all race and ethnic groups, I met a young man named Gabriel Makinano who had the same mission and passion as the rest of us and aligned and partnered his organization with the Youth Intervention Network team.
Most of you know about the work YIN was able to accomplish with youth who were struggling and it was recognized by the United Nations and Attorney General Eric Holder after we saw the first 100 youth of all colors and economic status who finished the initiative go from a 1.0 GPA to an average of 3.5 and go to college after graduation.
This city was united with our police department, beginning with Chief Jim Hyde, and later Chief Allan Cantando, and now Chief Tammany Brooks. Over 300 residents of all racial backgrounds spent a full 40 hours with our Northern Irish team and then went through background checks to work with families.
During all of this, Gabe and his team were strong participants, allies and partners. He and his organization have and continue to make a tremendous contribution to our youth and our community.
Gabriel Makinano is loving and humble, and will be an amazing mayor
Iris Archuleta, JD
Antioch