Clarissa Arceo
‘In the age of unlikely political candidates’, Margaret Villa joins the political scene in running for assemblywoman of the 58th district in hopes of ‘providing a better decision for the cities in my district’. “It’s time for a better choice in district 58,” she says, “I can be that choice.”
Margaret grew up in Watts and then moved to Santa Fe Springs and lived in Downey before marrying. She currently resides in Cerritos, California with her husband.
Originally pursuing a career in the medical field, Villa attended Cerritos College to advance in her position as a liaison between Nurse and Doctor on the floor with patients.
She has worked in the Airline Industry for almost 20 years; at LAX for four years as an auditor and now, in Orange County.
Villa is related to “El Fuerte”, Rodolfo Fierro, Pancho Villa’s right-hand man during the Mexican Revolution in the 1920s.
Growing up in the midst of the Chicano movement, Villa observed the struggle of families sending their sons off to fight in the Vietnam War, learned about her roots and was later taught to embrace her Chicana culture which she holds pride in to this day.
She says, “All of this plays a pivotal role in my views as an adult, and being Chicana is a pride I continue to hold deeply.”
She was inspired to run for assemblywoman of the 58th district one evening working with Cristina Garcia’s team at Bell Gardens High last year.
Villa says, “I was intentionally suppressed by her team one evening during a Q&A after showcasing a documentary, and students were noticing. She took a message I planned to convey to the students about the film and relating topics away from me by not allowing me to speak. She ultimately took that away from the students.”
Her Project
Margaret Villa has decided to launch her campaign to run in the 58th district against current assemblywoman Cristina Garcia.
She plans to bring awareness to subjects not already brought into light, in efforts of providing a ‘corporate-free, third party candidate’ to the district, “We need regular people to defend regular people’s interests.”
She goes on to say, “I want to bring awareness to the public that the two-party system is owned by big banks that do not serve our interest. Ultimately, if elected, I would solely use my power to advocate for concerns that affect our community.”
Villa’s campaign focuses on rent and mortgage forgiveness, Medicare for all, accessible and affordable food/resources for the communities of color, creating food co-ops and community farming, a focus on the housed and unhoused Seniors and Veterans, and reduced sales tax.
Medicare For All
Villa explains that the most important point in her campaign is her aim to provide Medicare for all, a desire she says the community has continuously brought to her attention.
With the pandemic causing many to lose their jobs, the ‘privilege’ of Medicare is taken with it. Villa shares her concern for this ‘privilege’, emphasizing its effects on families.
She says, “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Many uninsured refuse further treatment or hospitalization aware that they will be left with an exorbitant bill. And if unpaid, it’s always reported to the credit bureau for collection which dings our credit. Actions like these hurt families, children, and the middle class, in many ways.”
Looking at Garcia
When looking at current assemblywoman Cristina García and her image in the Assembly, Villa doesn’t think much of her as a person but of her actions, “Many issues of impropriety and misconduct are surrounding Cristina Garcia.”
She goes on to say, “I don’t think much of her but here is what I know: She wrote legislation to support sexual assault victims but didn’t hold herself accountable, she owns seven properties after being elected, she wrote SB-1974 to benefit her own private water company and later wrote SB-625 to eliminate the Basin.”
Putting the Community First
Margaret Villa gives her word to the district of putting the communities in need first. She plans to assist these families and communities with basic necessities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and out the interest of the people first.
“The distribution of food and basic necessities is essential throughout the year,” she says, “Not just during a pandemic.” Villa also emphasizes her aim to eliminate SB-1974 and SB-625.
She goes on to say, “It’s not about voting for me, it’s about why you shouldn’t be voting for her. I’m not in this for a career. If elected, I’m giving a portion of my salary to the communities and families most in need. If legislation doesn’t benefit my communities, I will not vote. I’m putting the interest of my communities first, not enriching myself “, she concluded.
