Dr. Terrence Stone, Dr. Travis Tramel, Chris McDonald, candidate for Colton City Council District 4 Joseph Paulino, Glenn Scott, and Darlo Murray share a quick photo together at the campaign kick off.
Colton, CA — Surrounded by friends, family, co-workers and colleagues, Joe Paulino, former police chief of San Bernardino Unified School District, kicked off his campaign for Colton City Council District 4 on Thursday.
On his campaign page, Paulino talked about his central message, which focuses on public safety, attracting new businesses to the city and improving customer service among city workers.
“I’m running for one simple reason: District 4 deserves safe neighborhoods, reliable city services, and leadership that listens and delivers,” Paulino said in a statement on his campaign website. “Like many of you, I care deeply about the safety of our families, the condition of our streets, and the opportunities available to our children and seniors. I’ve spent my career working to solve problems, build trust, and bring people together, and I believe that same steady leadership is needed right here in Colton.”
Apart from having a long career in law enforcement, Paulino is also retired from the U.S. Army. He is also a graduate of the FBI Academy and is working on a Ph.D. from Liberty University.
In his opening speech, Paulino shared his views on leadership, family and community. In his view, leadership is about accountability. He also said it is important to support youths and build community partnerships.
“It’s important that we are supportive of this leadership. Leadership is about being informed. Uninformed people do uninformed things. So it’s incumbent upon us as leaders to be informed. Read good books, have mentor coaches that speak into your life. And also, leadership is about accountability, responsibility,” Paulino said.
He stressed the importance of connecting with youths and setting an example for them.
“All of us in this room have a responsibility to our youth,” Paulino said.
“Make sure you are an example for our youth,” he added.
Paulino also said one reason he is running for a leadership position in the city is because he believes it is important to have a seat at the table.
“If you’re not in the room, you’re on the menu,” Paulino said.
Paulino said public service has always been central to his life.
John Echevarria, the outgoing District 4 council member, also endorsed Paulino and said he would be a great successor.
“Joe will do a good job,” Echevarria said.
Dan Flores, a member of the Colton school board, was also present to endorse Paulino.
“I know that you’ll be a fantastic councilman because you’ve already laid the foundation for that through a lifetime of service,” Flores said.
Flores also said Paulino is a “man of character.”
“I know that you’ll walk into any of those school districts protecting, inspiring and serving those students. So I can say wholeheartedly that I’m with you. I believe this community is with you. And I have no doubt that we’ll make Chief Paulino Council Member Paulino come November,” he added.
Paulino was also supported by several area political figures, including Echevarria, who announced he is running for Colton mayor, and a representative from Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.)’s office.
