Steven Orihuela, a candidate for Inyo County District 3 Supervisor, has publicly acknowledged an endorsement from Ted Carleton, a fellow candidate in the recent June primary election for the same supervisor seat. Orihuela shared his appreciation for Carleton's support, which Carleton conveyed through a recent column.
Carleton's column, which communicated his decision, explicitly stated, “I’ll be voting Orihuela.” In his published remarks, Carleton recognized several aspects of Orihuela's background and intentions for the role. Specifically, Carleton highlighted Orihuela's educational background as a qualification for the supervisorial position. Furthermore, Carleton pointed to Orihuela's experience in Tribal leadership as a key asset that would contribute to his effectiveness as a supervisor. Acknowledging Orihuela's dedication, Carleton also noted the candidate's commitment to representing the entirety of the district, an important factor for local elected officials.
Orihuela expressed his gratitude for Carleton's “thoughtful words” concerning his qualifications, experience, and commitment to serving the Inyo County District 3. He emphasized the weight of the endorsement, stating that it “means a great deal coming from someone who also stepped forward to serve our community.” This sentiment underscores a common ground of public service between the two individuals, despite their previous competition in the primary.
Both Orihuela and Carleton were contenders for the Inyo County District 3 Supervisor position during the primary election held in June. Their shared experience as candidates provided a basis for mutual understanding, which Orihuela suggested in his acknowledgment. Orihuela further articulated his broader philosophy on public service, stating his belief that the role is fundamentally about prioritizing the needs of communities. He explained that effective public service involves actively listening to various perspectives and fostering collaboration. Orihuela believes these elements are crucial for working collectively toward the overall betterment of Inyo County.
The endorsement from a former primary election opponent signifies a potentially unifying moment within the local political landscape. Orihuela's public acceptance and thanks indicate an embrace of broader community support as the election progresses. The specific attributes Carleton chose to highlight — Orihuela's education, Tribal leadership experience, and district-wide commitment — offer insight into the qualities Carleton believes are essential for the role of District 3 Supervisor. Orihuela's consistent message emphasizes local leadership and focusing on “People Over Politics” to achieve “Real Results” for the district, aligning with his stated commitment to community betterment and collaborative efforts.
