Kelli Lynn O’Brien is running for Santee mayor against incumbent Mayor John Minto. The 27-year-old Republican is a lifelong Santee resident.
“I am a former Santee School District employee who had the honor of being able to educate and influence our amazing kids and support their families here,” she said.
O’Brien said she decided to run for mayor because the current mayor was running unopposed and she “wanted to give voters a choice for change in this election.”
O’Brien said her top three priorities as mayor are enhancing public safety, accountability, and creating a stronger sense of community.
She said she is in support of Measure S, a half-cent measure on the November ballot to be used for infrastructure improvements, including the construction of fire stations and the addition of firefighter position, initiated by the Santee Firefighters Association.
“I think that it is critical to support our first responders and reduce response times,” she said.
When asked about the current plan for the building of the Fanita Ranch current plan, O’Brien said that “a judge ruled against that last month. As far as I know, it is null.”
When asked about the need for high-density housing in Santee, O’Brien responded. “I would do what is best for residents in Santee. I would work with the residents to find a balance between maintaining the culture of the city and providing housing.”
