Commerce, CA Opens Council Meeting With Prayer

COMMERCE, Calif. - Jan. 14, 2014 - PRLog -- Councilmember invites 2014 California gubernatorial candidate Dr. Robert Ornelas to open council meeting with prayer. The council meeting took place January 7, at 5655 Jillson Street Commerce, CA 90040.

“I was invited by Councilman Ivan Altamirano to open the city of Commerce meeting with prayer. As an ordained minister and chaplain I have been blessed with the freedom to exercise my First Amendment right to solemnly invoke divine guidance from the Lord on behalf of the councilmembers and the community. My prayer was for clarity of direction in every situation. That we would be reminded to walk in riotousness, integrity and sensitivity towards the residential community,” stated Ornelas



While dispute over prayer at meetings confounds Supreme Court in Washington, city of Commerce publicly acknowledges that their religious civil liberties are guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Prayer before a legislative body, court doctrine has found that the country, from its very foundations and founding has always allowed it.

“Perfect! Dr. Robert Ordeals’ prayers were powerful. This was the first time in a very long time that our council meeting went well,” said Councilman Ivan Altamirano



Mayor Joe Aguilar was elected to the Commerce City Council in March of 2007.
A long-time resident and retired city employee with over 42 years of service, Aguilar possesses extensive knowledge of the City’s operations. His goal is to use this insight, as well as his strong rapport with City residents and staff to keep Commerce strong and moving forward. Aguilar’s priorities are to make Commerce’s government more accessible, promoting vital redevelopment projects to keep the City financially strong and repairing the City’s system of streets and roads.
Aguilar is focused on working with City staff to develop strategies to improve air quality and foster greater public education and participation from all segments of the community.
Aguilar is also very active in a number of Commerce’s civic organizations, including the Commerce Evening Lion’s Club, the Senior Citizens Club, the Commerce Social Club, Auld Lang Syne and the Sister City Association.

Mayor Pro Tem Lilia R. Leon was elected to the Commerce City Council in November 2008. A long time Commerce resident, Leon graduated from Bell Gardens High School and received an associate’s degree in accounting from East Los Angeles College.
Leon brings to the position of councilmember more than 30 years of experience working in administrative and financial positions. She has forged networks with other business and community leaders through her many years of participation in the Commerce Industrial Council.
She has maintained an active role in the community, serving on the City Council from 1998-2001, the Education Commission from 2002-2008, as a member of the Commerce Casino Advisory Committee and as Recreational Facilities Corporation Board President.
As mayor in 1999, Leon led the City Council in adopting a resolution encouraging the creation of a mentoring program to benefit Commerce youth. She is a strong advocate for affordable childcare for Commerce residents, City employees and the business community.
Leon’s efforts have earned her statewide recognition by the Junior Chamber of Commerce for her many civic and professional accomplishments.
Leon works as an accountant and marketing manager.

Ivan Altamirano was appointed to the Commerce City Council on March 13, 2012 to fill the unexpired term that runs through March of 2013. Altamirano previously served as chairperson and as a commissioner on the Commerce Planning Commission since 2005. Altamirano is an entrepreneur and has been self-employed since 2007. He serves independently as an inspirational speaker and coach for many organizations including the Les Brown Platinum Speaker Network and is a Board Member of Atlantic Health Services, which is a comprehensive substance use disorder and mental health agency serving Los Angeles County. Altamirano is a lifetime resident of 38 years. He is married and has three children.



Councilmember Tina Baca Del Rio was elected to the City of Commerce City Council in March of 2005 and elected to a second term in 2009.
She is a member of the Model City Democratic Club, the East Yard Communities Environmental Justice Group and has served on the City of Commerce Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission, as well as the Railroad Task Force and the Beautification Committee.
As a member of the City Council, Del Rio is focused on a number of important issues, including air quality, public safety and building stronger relationships between the City and the industrial community.
A lifelong Commerce resident, Del Rio is married and has three children.

City of Commerce Councilmember Denise M. Robles was elected to the Commerce City Council on March 8, 2011. A long time Commerce resident, Robles has served as a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain and as a commissioner on the City’s Library Commission and Community Services Commission.
Her priorities are to bring new businesses to Commerce, improve the City’s appearance and to protect residential programs and services.