Salinas with political allies state assembly member Bill Quirk (left) and Mayor Mike Sweeney (right).

Hayward, Ca – The local political scene is heating up with the recent announcement by councilmember Francisco Zermeño that he is running for city mayor next year. And because incumbent mayor Mike Sweeney is not making known whether he will seek another term until “sometime in the summer”, others are maneuvering into position.

Council member Mark Salinas has talked to his supporters, urging them not to make any commitments until after summer when Mayor Sweeney makes a decision. Salinas has made it known that if Sweeney does not run, he will. He has categorically stated that he is “more electable” than Zermeño whom he believes will lose to any other candidate.

Others who might run for mayor if the incumbent decides not to are council members Greg Jones, Barbara Halliday, and Al Mendall. However, only Salinas has made a move so far. Zermeño’s city council term ends in 2016, which gives him an edge because he has nothing to lose if he doesn’t make the mayorship. Salinas, on the other hand will be out of office if he runs for mayor and loses. He is confident, however, that he can easily beat Zermeño.

Let’s wait and see!