Brian López
for Somerton City Council

A Higher Standard for Somerton

Why I’m Running

Often, people vote based on popularity — not competency. I believe Somerton deserves leaders who are prepared, capable, and ready to do the work.

I know what this community has given me. I know the sacrifices that families make. I know the pride people take in working hard, raising their children, and building a better life.

This city deserves more than good intentions. It deserves preparation. It deserves strategy. It deserves follow-through.

I want to be part of the next generation of leadership in Somerton: a generation that honors the sacrifices of the past while building a stronger future for all the current and future families who call this city home.

My name is Brian Lopez, and I am running for Somerton City Council because I believe our city deserves leadership rooted in qualification, integrity, and a genuine commitment to service.

This campaign is personal to me. Somerton has been home since 1996. I come from a hardworking family with deep roots in this community. My mother has served the Somerton School District for 28 years, first as a food service worker and then as a custodian. My father also served the district for 11 years as a mechanic. Their example taught me the value of hard work, humility, and serving the community with pride.

I am also a first-generation American and a first-generation college graduate. I understand what it means to work for opportunity, value sacrifice, and carry forward the hopes of the people who came before me. I was fortunate to have teachers in Somerton who saw more in me, encouraged me to aim higher, and planted the seed to pursue a better future.

Now, at this stage of my life, I find myself at the same age many of my teachers were when they inspired me growing up. I'm reminded that leadership is not just about holding a title.

Leadership is about becoming the kind of person who opens doors for others.

Experience That Matters

My foundation led me to earn a Master of Global Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management — a graduate degree that gave me an MBA-level foundation with a geopolitical and international lens.

For Somerton, that perspective matters.

Our city is located just 12 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Somerton’s future is shaped not only by local decisions, but also by cross-border economics, regional partnerships, workforce development, infrastructure, public services, and long-term planning.

I believe Somerton needs leaders who can see the bigger picture while staying grounded in the everyday needs of residents.

I also hold a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, an advanced credential in process improvement, efficiency, quality, and strategic problem-solving. That training has taught me how to identify the problem, understand the process, reduce waste, improve quality, and focus on measurable results.

I believe city government should operate with that same mindset. Taxpayer resources should be respected. City services should work effectively. Decisions should be thoughtful, transparent, and tied to real outcomes for the people of Somerton.

Plan for Roads, Water, and SewerGrowth brings costs. Roads, water, sewer, sanitation, parks, and public buildings all need long-term planning.If we plan ahead, we can avoid larger problems later.

Better Communication and City TechnologyResidents should be able to find city information, report problems, and track requests without confusion.Somerton’s website should be easier to use, especially for basic needs like finding forms, checking city services, viewing public notices, and contacting the right department.I would also like to see the city explore a simple online reporting system or mobile app where residents can report issues such as potholes, uneven sidewalks, broken lights, drainage concerns, or city landscaping that needs attention.Each request should receive a case number so residents know it was received. The city should also have clear response targets, so requests can be tracked and followed up on.This would help residents stay informed and help the city manage work in a more organized way.

Keep Residents UpdatedResidents should know what the city is working on.Simple updates on projects, grants, permits, and public improvements can help build trust and keep the city focused on follow-through.

Support Local BusinessesA stronger local business community gives residents more choices and helps keep more spending in Somerton.The city should support small businesses, welcome responsible development, and make it easier for good projects to move forward. Local businesses should be waived from paying a fee to register for city-hosted events.

Go After More Outside Funding and Create Less Burden for Tax PayersSomerton should be more prepared when grants and other funding become available.That means having a clear list of projects, applying on time, and using the money with care. Somerton should invest in a grant strategist who can proactively assess project development, research, write proposals, and implement projects.

City Hall Should Be Easier to Work WithResidents and small businesses should know what steps they need to follow, what something will cost, and how long it should take.Rules matter. Safety matters. But the process should be clear and fair.

Contact

• Brian Lopez
• Brian Lopez
• [email protected]