Somerton mayor, at least two councilmen to seek re-election

SOMERTON — Somerton's Mayor Martin Porchas and two of three of its city council members say they plan to seek new terms of office in 2013.

But one of the incumbents, Arturo Magana, said the office he seeks may not be the council seat he currently holds, but that of Porchas.

Besides Porchas and Magana, council members Miguel Villalpando and Gerardo Anaya are up for re-election in 2013. Anaya says he'll run for re-election, while Villalpando hasn't decided what he'll do.

Beginning Tuesday, candidates can begin circulating nominating petition signatures to run for the mayoral and three council terms in the March primary election. Candidates must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age, and must be residents of the city for at least the 29 days prior to the primary.

Porchas confirmed he will run for what would be his third four-year term as mayor.

“I feel that there are projects under way that I can help to finish, and we have several new projects for the city. I want to continue working on those.”

The council terms also will be for four years.

Magana said he plans to run for either the council seat he holds or for mayor. He said he expects to make the decision next week as he takes out nominating petitions at City Hall.

Anaya will be seeking his second term on the council.

“When I got elected to the council, the economy was in crisis. There are pending (city) projects that I feel I can help to push along, now that the economy seems to be improving.”

Villalpando said he's undecided.

“Yes, I am considering running again, but I am an analyzing the decision along with my family.”