Meet John Valdivia II

John Valdivia II pulled nomination papers on Dec. 18. He is a potential candidate in the special election to succeed Neil Derry as the 4th Ward's City Council representative.

Valdivia said he works for a major pharmaceuticals company but was not willing to disclose the name of his employer before the Jan. 8 closing of the nomination period.

Asked about where he stands poltically, Valdivia said he is a registered Republican.

Valdivia - who has not previously held public office - calls the 4th Ward "the gem of the city of San Bernardino" and said he's concerned about crime and San Bernardino's economic situation.

Police Chief Michael Billdt has said he will retire in March and Valdivia said city officials need to select a new leader for the Police Department as soon as possible. He also favors increased foot and bicycle patrols.

Valdivia also said he is concerned about foreclosures and the recent wave of auto dealership closures. He would favor tax incentives or other strategies to bring replacement dealerships into San Bernardino.

"Let's make opportunities for (car) dealers to come back to our city," he said.

If elected Valdivia said he would "want to build a bridge between all the City Council members and Mayor (Pat) Morris."