National City Planning Commissioner Ditas Delossantos Yamane said she wants to make a difference in her community. She has volunteered with several organizations and helped local businesses but now she’s ready to make a difference in a larger capacity, she said.
Now that current National City Mayor Ron Morrison is termed-out out of office Delossantos Yamane said it’s a perfect situation for her to run for mayor.
“It’s an open position,” she said. “There is (an) opportunity to take the leadership position.”
Delossantos Yamane touts her business and leadership ability as reasons she can be the city’s next leader.
“With the background and experience that I have, I believe I will be the next mayor,” she said.
Delossantos Yamane owns a real estate company, Premium Real Estate Services, a marketing company and a printing press.
She has various leadership roles including chairing National City’s Planning Commission, being the former chairwoman of the National City Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Sweetwater Union High School District’s Citizen Bond Oversight Committee.
She said as a business owner she feels confident in her ability to lead the city.
“Just by being a business owner I know how to be prudent, how to make tough decisions and know how to tighten your belt when funding isn’t there,” she said.
If elected mayor her priorities include addressing job growth in the city, bringing more business into National City, creating more affordable housing units and helping public safety.
She said she will address job growth by inviting investors and businesses to come to National City that way they can create more jobs.
She said she would address affordable housing with the same method as attracting businesses: by inviting investors and builders into National City.
Regarding public safety she said she wants a full analysis to see whether or not public safety is actually receiving their fair share of the one-percent tax that was designated for them.
Delossantos Yamane said the safety of National City is essential for businesses to thrive.
“If we have a safe neighborhood, businesses will come, people will come live in our city,” she said. “It will be a good feeling for businesses to do business in National City because they know they will be safe.”
Delossantos Yamane opposes Measure W, an initiative that is on the November ballot for rent control.
“As a realtor, as a professional who understands real estate, rent control is not the answer,” she said.
She said when it comes to housing and the cost of rent, the city needs to address supply and demand. The city could also build more affordable housing units, she said, adding rent control will drive builders and developers away from National City.
