Robert Moreno Photo Courtesy of SWC
Mary Salas Photo Courtesy of The Star News
Editor’s Note: Robert Moreno served on The Southwestern College Sun in his time at Southwestern College.
The Southwestern Governing Board may be seeing some change this upcoming November as incumbent Robert Moreno is up for re-election against former Chula Vista mayor Mary Salas.
The two are competing for the seat representing Area 1 which includes the Higher Education Center at National City and much of the surrounding space. As a Governing Board member, some of their responsibilities include deciding the new Superintendent/President, managing the school’s fiscal health and helping set the standards for students and staff on campus.
The race between the two began as a tense affair as Salas’ team attempted to have Moreno’s Democratic Endorsement revoked and Moreno tried to have Salas’ Ex-Chula Vista Mayor designation changed on the ballot. Since then, both candidates have shifted focus to their respective campaigns.
Robert Moreno has been serving as a Board Member since 2022. In his term, he contributed to achieving a balanced budget, bringing 4-year degrees to Southwestern College and expanding dual enrollment to Sweetwater Union High School Students. Beyond that, he’s become a familiar face on campus.
“How can I know what student’s concerns are, how can I know what faculty’s issues are, how can I know what’s going on here at the ground level if I don’t make myself present,” Moreno said.
Moreno has familiarized himself with the campus and the people he represents. The Southwestern College Education Association, the union for Southwestern Faculty, endorsed Moreno in his re-election campaign.
“Robert makes a special point to visit the student’s clubs,” said Professor Eric Maag. “He’s very well known for talking to students, faculty and staff and getting our perspective.”
Maag serves as the PAC Chairman of the SCEA. They are one of the many organizations endorsing Moreno as other groups like San Diego County Democratic Party and South Bay Democratic Club are backing him as well.
The challenger in this race is no stranger to public service as Mary Salas served as Chula Vista’s mayor from 2014 to 2022 and has 30 years of experience beyond that. Salas has been a strong contender for the Governing Board since announcing that she was running, with endorsements including political powerhouses like California Assemblyman David Alvarez and State Senator Steve Padilla. She’s also backed by current Governing Board members Don Dumas, Nicholas Segura and Kristine Galicia Brown.
“Leadership matters,” said Board President Brown in a social media post announcing her endorsement of Salas. “And experience matters. Mary Salas is a proven leader in our south county communities. Southwestern College needs seasoned effective leadership.”
Mary Salas declined an interview request.
Moreno’s priorities if re-elected include addressing the housing needs of students by pursuing a funded path towards student housing in National City, making sure students are surrounded by excellent faculty by making sure they are offered a competitive pay and strengthening career education in fields like nursing, construction and cross-border logistics.
Salas’ promises if elected are very similar. She also wants to remove barriers that prevent students from succeeding in their educational journey and strengthen career education to help students get to a 4 year university or secure a high paying career. She’s also focused on creating stronger community partnerships in order to make more opportunities for Southwestern students.
Both candidates’ goals are student orientated but with Moreno’s local support and Salas’ political pull, the outcome of this race is uncertain.
Ballots for the Nov. 3 election have already been mailed out.
