City of Gonzales City Council Councilmember Maria Orozco

Maria Orozco, who served as mayor for the city of Gonzales for 12 years, has also previously served as a councilmember for approximately 19 years. She was elected again as councilmember in the November 2022 election for a four-year term starting in December 2022. Orozco says her extensive experience gives her the ability to address the biggest issue facing Gonzales right now, which is funding for the proposed community center.

A Gonzales resident for more than three decades, Orozco is a member of several local community organizations which have allowed her to engage with many residents, especially Spanish-speaking and farmworker families.

In addition to the community center, Orozco supports infill projects for the older part of the city with deep lots, and would also like to see more job creation by providing incentives.

Notable quote: “I would work closely with developers and non profit organizations to ensure that as new housing is developed, there be a percentage of it for low-income families to moderate-income for middle income families.” (Source: Monterey County Weekly)