Che Wright (Mayor of Rialto, California, candidate 2024)

Che Wright (Nonpartisan) ran for election to Mayor of Rialto in California.^[1]

Elections

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Che Wright completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wright's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Chè Wright is a proud native of Rialto with deep roots in her community, having been born and raised in San Bernardino County. Her civic engagement journey began as a youth and fueled her early entrepreneurial aspirations. At just 15 years old, supported by her home church, New Hope Missionary Baptist, and local mentors, Chè became a small business owner. Receiving a grant further boosted her ambitions and enabled her to serve her community while succeeding as an entrepreneur.

With over two decades of business success, Chè has returned to her hometown, focusing on giving back. She teaches entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and the importance of small business ownership, while leading impactful community programs. As President of the Women’s Inspirational Network (WIN) and Vice-President of the San Bernardino NAACP, she advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Chè empowers individuals to live authentically, develop their talents, and create meaningful opportunities, contributing to the overall well-being of her community. Through outreach initiatives, she educates on financial literacy, substance abuse prevention, mental health, and civic engagement, ensuring the next generation inherits a thriving, sustainable community.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Transparency and Accountability: As Mayor of Rialto, I will enforce term limits for city council members, ensuring no one can hold office for more than 8 years, fostering fresh leadership. I will also protect our community by prohibiting sitting council members from suing the city, ensuring they serve the people without conflict of interest.
Downtown Revitalization and Economic Growth: I am committed to remodeling City Hall and revitalizing downtown Rialto to provide small business owners with opportunities to scale and thrive. By creating a business-friendly environment, we will stimulate local commerce and boost the city’s sales tax revenue.
Prioritizing Residents for Jobs and Housing Solutions: I will work to ensure that abandoned warehouses are repurposed for homeless housing or educational spaces for youth. Additionally, I will prioritize hiring Rialto residents for city jobs and warehouse employment, creating opportunities for our community to grow and circulate money locally.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, accountability, and transparency are crucial. Elected officials must serve the community with honesty, prioritize the public’s interests over personal gain, and ensure their actions are open to scrutiny. A commitment to fairness and inclusivity also matters, ensuring all voices are heard.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A mayor must be a strong advocate for their community, focusing on policy development, economic growth, and public safety. They should foster collaboration between city officials, residents, and other stakeholders, while ensuring the city operates efficiently and ethically.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

For someone interested in understanding my political philosophy, I would recommend the book Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. It’s a simple yet profound allegory about dealing with change, which resonates with my approach to leadership and public service. The book teaches the importance of adaptability, foresight, and being proactive in facing challenges—qualities I believe are essential for anyone in a leadership position. In politics, much like in life, success comes from being open to change, finding solutions, and leading others toward progress, even in uncertain times.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to building and maintaining trust with the community. As an elected official, it is my responsibility to ensure that the public knows how their tax dollars are being spent and that every decision is made in the best interest of the people. Clear, open communication about city budgets and expenditures is essential, as is holding officials accountable for their actions. By implementing strong oversight and making information accessible to the public, we can create a government that operates ethically, efficiently, and in the service of the community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that drive economic development, social equity, and community empowerment. I prioritize fostering small business growth by reducing bureaucratic barriers and revitalizing downtown Rialto. I am committed to addressing homelessness by repurposing abandoned warehouses into housing or educational spaces. Providing youth with life skills and career training through mentorship is key to our city’s future. Lastly, I believe in transparency and accountability, enforcing term limits for city council members and ensuring elected officials serve the community without conflicts of interest.

A mayor is a leader in his or her city. What does that mean to you?

Leadership as mayor means being a visionary, problem solver, and advocate. It involves setting a clear direction for the city’s future while addressing present challenges. It also requires building a team that works together to improve residents’ quality of life and fostering community unity.

If the mayor in your city is a member of the city council and there's a city manager appointed to handle the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe should be the mayor's top priority in office?

The mayor must work collaboratively with the city council to set clear, strategic goals, focusing on long-term development, economic growth, and community welfare. Additionally, the mayor should prioritize being a bridge between the council, city manager, and residents, ensuring transparent communication and alignment on major initiatives that affect the city’s future.

If the mayor in your city is not a member of the city council and oversees the day-to-day administration of the city government, what do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor and city council?

Leadership as mayor means being a visionary, problem solver, and advocate. It involves setting a clear direction for the city’s future while addressing present challenges. It also requires building a team that works together to improve residents’ quality of life and fostering community unity.

What do you love most about your city?

What I love most about Rialto is its deep sense of community and resilience. The people here are passionate, hardworking, and have a strong commitment to supporting one another. There’s a unique blend of history, culture, and diversity that gives Rialto its vibrant character. I’m inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit in our small businesses and the dedication of our youth who are eager to contribute to the future of our city. Rialto’s potential for growth, coupled with its close-knit community, makes it a place where I am proud to serve and invest in a better tomorrow.

What do you perceive to be your city's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Rialto’s greatest challenges include addressing homelessness, revitalizing downtown, ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities, and managing sustainable growth as the city continues to develop. We need to create policies that support local businesses and provide pathways for youth success.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the state government?

The ideal relationship between a city and the state government is one of collaboration, mutual respect, and open communication. The state government should provide support and resources to help cities like Rialto address local challenges, while respecting the city’s autonomy to make decisions that reflect the unique needs of its residents. A strong partnership ensures that state policies align with local priorities, from infrastructure improvements to public safety initiatives. By working closely with the state, cities can secure funding, access technical expertise, and advocate for policies that benefit both the local community and the broader region.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between your city and the federal government?

The ideal relationship between a city and the federal government is one of active partnership and advocacy. The federal government should provide cities with the resources, funding, and support needed to address critical local issues such as infrastructure, housing, education, and public safety. At the same time, the city should advocate for its specific needs and ensure federal policies are adapted to benefit local communities. By fostering strong communication channels and leveraging federal programs, cities like Rialto can advance local goals while contributing to national priorities, creating a dynamic and supportive relationship.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the mayor's office and law enforcement?

The ideal relationship between the mayor’s office and law enforcement is built on mutual trust, transparency, and accountability. As mayor, it is crucial to work closely with law enforcement to ensure public safety while also fostering community engagement and trust. The mayor’s office should provide the resources and support needed for law enforcement to perform their duties effectively, while also holding them accountable to the highest standards of ethics and fairness. Collaboration on community policing strategies, open dialogue with residents, and a focus on transparency will help build a safer, more cohesive community where everyone feels respected and protected.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was as a small business owner when I started my own venture at the age of 15. With the support of my home church and local mentors, I received a grant that focused on teen pregnancy prevention and advocating for youth. This opportunity allowed me to serve my community while gaining valuable entrepreneurial experience. I ran the business for several years, learning how to manage operations, finances, and customer relationships. This early experience sparked my passion for both entrepreneurship and community advocacy, setting the foundation for my long-term success in business and leadership.

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