The main objective of every type of politician, whether a city council member, mayor, senator, governor, or president, is to act as a public servant. The qualities of leadership, patience, and empathy required to serve successfully are not for everyone, but some politicians find fulfillment in these responsibilities.
Acquanetta Warren is the first female and African American mayor of Fontana, CA, a mid-sized city in San Bernardino County with almost a quarter of a million residents from diverse backgrounds. Mayor Warren expressed that her favorite part of the job is working with the residents. She shared, “I care about [these] people. Sometimes they’re mad at me, and you find if you can talk it out, you can work it out… you have to make sure you’re bringing value to your city.”
In fact, upon her reelection in 2014, Warren decided to retire from her position as Deputy Director of Public Works to focus on her role as mayor fully.
One of her remarkable initiatives is Healthy Fontana. Warren admitted, “When I was first elected, I was way overweight… Women were dying of heart disease at high levels, we had high rate obesity with children, and diabetes.” She shared an inspiring story about her personal weight loss journey and her goal to improve the health of her constituents.
In a dedicated fashion, she made a bet with the previous mayor of Fontana, Mark Nuaimi: if she lost 40 pounds, he had to shave his head. After achieving her weight loss goal, Warren became a significant figure in the Fontana community, advocating for a safe, clean, and beautiful Fontana.
Mayor Warren’s current focus is on the downtown area, aiming to modernize it with housing, bars, restaurants, and theaters. She has partnered with rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist Sammy Hagar to restore the Center Stage Theater, which recently reopened.
Furthermore, she envisions Fontana as an educational hub, aiming to provide students with exposure to career options and opportunities for higher education. Additionally, she prioritizes public safety, highlighting the trust and positive relationship between Fontana residents and the police department.
Mayor Warren’s overarching message to voters across California is: “Your vote counts. Vote in everything.” She emphasizes the importance of local, state, and presidential elections and the impact of every vote cast.
