By Miriam Raftery
Photo: Challenger Teresa Rosiak says even if she doesn't win, she hopes to restart a Chamber of Commerce to help bring new businsses to Lemon Grove and help improve the city's economy.
November 6, 2018 ( Lemon Grove) – With 14% of precincts counted, incumbent Councilmenbers Jennifer Mendoza and Jerry Jones appear headed for reelection in Lemon Grove. They are leading with 32.48% and 29% of the votes respectively.
The race is nonpartisan, but Mendoza is endorsed by Democrats and Jones by Republicans. Teresa Rosiak, a Republican and former Chamber of Commerce president, is in third place with 22.78%, ahead of Kamaal Martin with 15.72%. If Mendoza and Jones win reelection, Democrats will retain a 3-2 majority on the ostensibly nonpartisan council.
Lemon Grove is facing a serious budget deficit that has sparked talk of unincorporating as a city.
Rosiak spoke with East County Magazine tonight at the U.S. Grant Hotel, where Republicans had their gathering. “What Lemon Grove needs is a Chamber of Commerce,” she said, suggesting she might lead that effort if she can muster up a board of directors, with an eye toward attracting new businesses to Lemon Grove that would bring in sales tax revenues.