Newest member of Logan Council brings new perspectives
Ernesto Lopez was unanimously voted in to be the newest member of the Logan City Municipal Council on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Lopez is a native of Tijuana, Mexico and first generation immigrant. Lopez is also an instructional course designer for Extension Services at Utah State University.
Lopez hopes his diverse perspective will amplify the Hispanic communities’ voice.
“I am aware that I am serving Logan as a whole but I do want to make the city, the council and Logan’s population aware of the Hispanic population,” he said.
Out of 15 applicants for the city council position, he was selected as a finalist alongside former Council Member Dean Quayle.
His term will last until Dec. 31, 2021. By that time Lopez hopes to be able to accomplish many things to improve the city and community in Logan.
One thing he hopes to accomplish during this time is to establish an official dialogue between the city government and the Hispanic community.
With only 15% of Logan’s population being Hispanic, Lopez believes this can help solve the longstanding need for the Hispanic population to have a voice.
Lopez also said he wants to be an example for others to show how anyone can serve their community.
“I would love to, if anything, open doors for other diverse individuals,” he said.
As a representative, Lopez wants to convey to the youth and diverse individuals that everyone has the power to improve their community.
“As citizens, we have the best probability of making change if we are involved in service,” he said, “rather than waiting for someone else to do it.”
Since Lopez came to Logan in 1999, he has worked in several local schools, including South Cache Middle School, as a tutor and mentor for youth.
He has also been involved in volunteer work as church youth leader, speaker for Latinos in Action groups and has participated in musical programs at church. Lopez said this gave him the opportunity to promote youth development and helped him see the need for diverse populations.
“Now working, with the city government, I just feel that there is room for improvement in relations all around.”
Having these experiences and being an example to others by showing how anyone can serve their community is something that Lopez is “definitely proud of.”
City council member Jeannie Simmonds agreed and said that choosing Lopez will enhance the overall strength of the council.
Simmonds said that she is proud Logan is represented by diverse perspectives from all members of the council, not just Lopez.
“Our city is comprised of many layers and I feel that we each have life and work experiences that expand and enhance our collective understanding of how Logan is today and can be tomorrow,” she said.
In Lopez’s application for this position he wrote “Representing Logan to me would be more than just attending meetings and approving or disapproving initiatives or motions. More than a responsibility, it would be truly a privilege. One that I would perform with sincerity and dedication to make a difference for our community.”