New star in Carson Politics

Manny Ontal credits tremendous support of Fil-Am community as reasons for victory

Suddenly, a new star has risen in the Carson political sky. From relative obscurity, Manuel “Manny” Ontal Jr. has risen to become one of the most promising politicians in the City of Carson.

When he first announced his intention to run for a council seat in Carson, a city he has called home for less than two years, not many people gave Ontal a chance of winning. But after smart maneuverings, Ontal is now a distinguished member of the Carson City Council, winning over veteran political leaders Lito Santarina and Jim Dear by a comfortable margin. And for premier supporter Rose Bonoan of the Pilipino American Alliance and other followers, “this is not the end, but just the beginning” of a great political career for the 34-year-old Ontal.

Ontal credits his victory to at least five factors:
1. The tremendous support of the Filipino-American community.
2. The support of Mayor Pete Fajardo.
3. The coalition that was established with Congresswoman McDonald, Councilman Darryl Sweeney, Atty. Raunda Frank, Mayor Protem Kay Callas, and Marty McHale of the the Homeowners Against Rent Decontrol.
4. The endorsement and support of the various community leaders, including incumbent commissioners and the various church leaders.
5. The combined efforts of three political organizations (Sweeney group, Callas group, and the Filipino group, led by PAA).

Ontal, who made mathematical projections every step of the campaign, knew that the black votes would be crucial to his victory.

“When I spoke during Raunda Frank’s campaign headquarters opening, I told the African- Americans gathered there that they didn’t have to make me second or third, but just to make him a strong fourth,” Ontal said, knowing fully well that there were three African-American candidates.

Ontal indeed finished a strong fourth in the black-dominated northern precincts, garnering 522 votes, according to his own estimates, which proved to be his winning margin over Santarina.

“I think people listened to our vision, our ideas, rather than to the negative campaign that focused on my being a newcomer in the city of Carson,” Ontal said. “But now that the campaign is over, I hope that we shall now focus on the task of healing the community. As soon as I was assured of victory, I extended an olive branch to the supporters of the other candidates, and called on them to join us in moving this city towards the next century.”

Ontal said he has talked to outgoing Councilwomen Lorelei Olaes and O’Neal and requested them to help him and the council in uniting the community. Together with Mayor Fajardo, Ontal said he has also requested the different pastors and ministers of the various churches to help in the process of healing.

On May 16, Ontal was set to be formally sworn in as a member of the Carson City Council together with Councilwoman Raunda Frank during the first session of the City Council at the Community Center. On May 23, Ontal will have his first test as a councilman when the City Council starts tackling official business.

Ontal said he has sat down with several community leaders to get their inputs on various city issues. Among his priorities, according to Ontal, are:

1. An examination of the ordinance regulating the putting up of political signs, Ontal noted that during the campaign, people complained that the city was flooded with too many posters, which created a circus atmosphere in the city.
2. Creation of a Crime and Safety Commission that deals with related services for public safety and emergency programs.
3. Establishment of a beautification program for the City of Carson.
4. Taking the leadership in examining the city’s educational system, and providing better alternatives, by encouraging the community to talk about the issue and finding solutions to the problems.

As far as service to the Filipino community is concerned, Ontal promised to support the Filipinos’ desire to build a Filipino Community Center, and to help strengthen the Pilipino American Alliance as a major player in the political empowerment of Filipino-Americans.

Thanking the Filipino community for its support, Ontal added: “In Carson, Filipinos have only one leader, and that is Mayor Pete Fajardo. I am honored that Pete also sees me as a leader, and now, there are two leaders to work for the community.” — Val G. Abelgas