Beyond the Candidates: The Organizations Influencing Whittier’s Elections

In recent election cycles, attention has increasingly shifted beyond individual candidates to the organizations supporting them. Campaign finance filings show that several groups are actively participating in Whittier’s local elections through independent expenditures, funding mailers, billboards, and other campaign materials.

While these organizations operate separately from candidates, their financial activity can play a significant role in shaping the information voters receive.

Save Our Trees Whittier: Advocacy and Legal Action

One of the most active organizations in the current election cycle is Save Our Trees Whittier.

Campaign filings show that the group has made independent expenditures supporting multiple candidates, including those running for City Council and Mayor. These expenditures include campaign materials such as signage and advertising designed to promote specific candidates or oppose others.

At the same time, Save Our Trees Whittier is currently engaged in a legal dispute involving the City of Whittier over the planned removal of Ficus trees as part of the Greenleaf Promenade project.

The combination of ongoing litigation involving the city and active participation in local election spending raises potential questions about whether organizations with active disputes involving city decisions may seek to influence the outcome of local elections.

Campaign finance filings show that Save Our Trees Whittier has made independent expenditures supporting Vicky Santana, Aida Macedo, and James Beccera, while also opposing Mayor Joe Vinatieri.

No determination is made here regarding intent; however, the overlap between legal action and political spending is a matter of public record and may be relevant to voters evaluating the broader context of the election.

Reform Whittier: Governance Reform and Political Advocacy

Another organization involved in the election is Reform Whittier, a group focused on structural changes to the city’s governance.

Reform Whittier has advocated for measures such as:

• establishing term limits for elected officials

• changing the method of selecting the mayor from a voter-elected position to one appointed by the City Council

These proposals have generated mixed reactions among residents. Some support term limits as a way to promote accountability and turnover in office, while others—including members of the City Council—have argued that voters themselves should retain the authority to decide how long elected officials serve.

Campaign finance filings show that Reform Whittier is also supporting multiple candidates through independent expenditures and shared campaign materials.

Reform Whittier has supported multiple candidates through independent expenditures, including Santana, Macedo, and Beccera.

Unlike organizations involved in legal disputes with the city, Reform Whittier’s role appears to be centered on political advocacy and policy reform rather than any direct financial or contractual relationship with the city.

How Independent Expenditures Work

Independent expenditures are a common feature of modern elections. These are funds spent by individuals or organizations to support or oppose candidates without coordinating directly with the campaigns.

While candidates do not control these expenditures, they can still benefit from them through increased visibility and messaging.

This means that even when contributions do not go directly to a candidate’s campaign, outside spending can still influence the overall dynamics of an election.

Why This Matters to Voters

As outside organizations become more active in local elections, voters are increasingly paying attention not just to the candidates themselves, but to the networks of support behind them.

Key questions voters may consider include:

• Which organizations are supporting which candidates?

• What issues or policies are those organizations advocating for?

• Do those organizations have ongoing interests, disputes, or policy goals involving the city?

Understanding these relationships can provide additional context when evaluating campaign messaging and candidate platforms.

A Broader Shift in Local Elections

The presence of organized groups participating in Whittier’s elections reflects a broader shift in local politics, where independent expenditures and advocacy organizations are playing a more visible role.

Whether viewed as a form of civic engagement or as an added layer of influence, their participation is now part of the local political landscape.

As the election approaches, voters will ultimately decide how much weight to give not only to the candidates, but also to the organizations supporting them.