De Witt Seeks Re-Election to South Gate City Council

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As the South Gate municipal elections of March 5th get closer, candidates are beginning to organize their campaigns.

South Gate Mayor Bill De Witt, 71, a longtime resident and business owner of South Gate, is among the three candidates competing for one of the two council seats that are up for grabs.

“The city has a bright future,” said De Witt as he finished his breakfast at the Pancake Corner in South Gate. “I would like to be part of the continued improvement.”

De Witt was most recently elected with 1350 votes during an uncontested election in 2009.  However, he has also served as a councilmember on and off since November 1980.

De Witt has been working with his family’s South Gate-based wood business, General Veneer Manufacturing Co., as an employee and owner since 1965. He believes that his years of experience, in city government and business, is a key asset that sets him apart from other candidates.

“I want to help in getting more businesses to the city and more jobs,” said De Witt. 

During the interview with Patch, De Witt expressed his support for the Azalea Retail Project.

Discussions and decisions on the latter shopping mall were something that De Witt did not take part in. He owns a property near to the construction site, and this was seen as a potential conflict of interest. 

Now that the project is underway, De Witt admitted to being optimistic about its potential success and the positive impact that it can have on the local economy.Promising to do what he could in regards to bringing occupants to the shopping center.

“I have already spoken with several folks who are potential tenants,” said De Witt.

He also told Patch that this will most likely be his last run.

“If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected I believe that this will be my last time,” concluded De Witt. "For this office or any other."

Watch for future Patch Latino interviews with the other candidates running for South Gate City Council.

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