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Ervin to run for Lancaster City Council

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By Team Ervin

Johnathon Ervin
Johnathon Ervin

Johnathon Ervin on Friday announced his candidacy for Lancaster City Council for the April 2014 election.

After a long year of watching the Antelope Valley torn apart by election lawsuits, Mayor versus Mayor depositions and the contentious debate over the Palmdale Power Plant, Ervin says, “Enough is enough; the people of Lancaster deserve an honest dialogue with their elected officials. No excuses.”

“It is time for Lancaster to work together with Palmdale to improve our communities and bring new industries to the region. We cannot afford to keep fighting when the effects of the recession are still being felt in the Antelope Valley. We have to work together to build our way out of double-digit unemployment,” says Ervin.

He currently works for Raytheon as Senior Field Engineer Site Lead for the Global Hawk program in Palmdale. He is a former Lancaster Planning Commissioner and Muroc School Board Member. He has lived in the Antelope Valley since 2002.

Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Johnathon is a man with old school values.  At the age of 19, Johnathon enlisted in the United States Air Force where he defended our nation in the Middle East during Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and still protects America’s national security along the North Korean border every year as an Air Force Reservist. The veteran is currently in his 16th year of military service, currently holding the rank of Master Sergeant. He is 1st Vice Chairman of the Veterans Caucus for a statewide organization.

He is a husband to his wife Cathy, and father to their four children. Ervin also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Technology from Wayland Baptist University/Plainview,Texas.

Ervin looks forward to a campaign that will focus on growing Lancaster’s economy by partnering with industries to bring mortgage-paying jobs to the city. The City of Lancaster still experiences double-digit unemployment numbers. He will focus on strengthening community partnerships through the Antelope Valley. Ervin states, “It is time to tear down the Cactus Curtain once and for all. The people of Lancaster deserve better from their current council members.  I look forward to working alongside Palmdale to improve our valley. It is what the people of Lancaster expect of their elected officials.”

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The AV Times.

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Filed Under: Opinion

38 comments for "Ervin to run for Lancaster City Council"

  1. A vote for Jonathan is a vote against Rex, start to make the change, pull together and get over it and vote for Jonathan.

  2. Marvin Crist accepted around $5000 from pacific communities development in campaign contributions while his unqualified son acts as planning commissioner who also works for parris. Parris belongs in handcuffs because pacific received water on a project just rezoned under crist while former projects received none as Lancaster has control ove over water which they have no legal right

  4. Mike, why promote yourself on another candidates news article trying to paint him as something he is certainly not (Rex minion/puppet)??? You refer to him as being Democrat but last time I looked you up SO WERE YOU therefore you throw your party under the bus to try to bash another candidate because he is more viable than you. That shows real loyalty… NOT. This is a non partisan race and quite frankly Ervin’s history shows he can work with anyone if given the opportunity. You should be ashamed, Ervin has fought for The United States of America for 16.5 years of his life putting his life in jeopardy to protect YOUR LIFE as well as the lives of EVERY other citizen of this great country without concern of them being republican, democrat or anywhere in between but yet you come on an article about him and falsely accuse him of being buddy buddy with Rex (of all things). I listened to a radio show Christmas Eve where Ervin told his story of what happen while on Rex’s administration, how he was often the lone voice to stand up for the community which ultimately cost him his position as a commissioner. So, to me it sounds like you are trying to sell him up the river for your own personal agenda and not for the best interest of the citizens of Lancaster. His service to this country ALONE should make you think twice about posting BS that you know is not true. But hey i’ve seen you’re kind before; all for yourself! If you really cared about Lancaster you would rally behind and RESPECT a viable candidate like Ervin to help better the city instead of inserting yourself into another race where you have no chance of winning. Ervin is the ONLY candidate with enough courage and backbone to stand up against Rex to give the citizens a voice. Haven’t you ran for city council in the last few races… Why weren’t you ever elected if you’re so great?? I mean seriously was mentioning yourself on Ervin’s article the only way you were going to be noticed? GET YOUR OWN ARTICLE! Until you stand up against Rex, his bullying tactics and all the grief he is causing in Lancaster as well as in our neighboring communities Ervin has my vote!

      • Mike sent Rex a note on facebook telling him that he, Mike Rives, appreciates Rex treating him with respect and consideration when Mike speaks in front of the council. So who is in Rex’s pocket? Since Rex treats him like a bug on his shoe, along with the rest of the council (video of the last council meeting shows their contempt) I got to wonder if the man is slow, or just enamored with small town politicians. Man worship. Kissing up to Rex might get you a check Mike, but he respects no one. And what’s your weird relationship with Maggie Campbell? Sure that’ll help your campaign!

          • Here’s Mike’s post. Sounds like he would LOVE to work with Rex. This guy is clueless!

            Michael Rives Thank-you, Mayor, for the consideration that you and the council always show me when I speak before you. I hope the New Year brings much joy and good fortune to you and the council members!
            13 hours ago · Like

        • Just because Mike isn’t a rude a$$mat doesn’t mean he is “with Rex” or in his pocket. Mr. Rives researches every item on the city council agenda and asks questions. I think some of his questions and comments are made to get people thinking and talking. The council may not appreciate Mike Rives and his questions, but at least they are not having him arrested…. Rex needs to go, however, I don’t see anyone else stepping up to fill the position. Poor, poor Lancaster.

          • The bottom line is this, folks: you can disagree with someone without being ugly. The city council and I discuss issues after I have researched them. We disagree a whole lot, but we treat each other with respect. Unlike any other candidate in this race, I have faced and discussed issues for the past 3 1/2 years. The Mayor sometimes is agitated with me,but he gives me the respect as a speaker. As you who know me, I am not in anyone’s pocket or owe anyone anyone. Ervin has gotten union money, Crist auto mall money, and Smith special interest money. Me: zero. Just me, a friend, and my brother have financed my campaign. If you want a full-time councilman who will be up there like I have for the past 3 1/2 years, please elect me.

  5. I announced my candidacy on December 16th and returned my completed paperwork within 24 hours for certification. I am the only certified candidate on the ballot as of the 24th of Dec.

    I have spoken for over three years at every Lancaster City Council meeting. I have talked the talk and walked the walk. I would appreciate your support on April 8. Michael Rives for Lancaster City Council. (My last name is pronounced Reeves.)

    • Jonathan Ervin thinks he’s some sort of rock star who will be elected because of his own self-projected “popularity”. That in itself is a big RED FLAG for me!

      And then what about ethics issues? Why was he dismissed from the city planning commission again?

      • He was dismissed for voting against the Wallmart in Quartz Hill. Rex waited till he was in Korea serving his country, and then accused him of trying to shake down the developers. Rex forgot Vose had already shook down the developers. Because of all the non-substantiated accusations by Rex, the military had to investigate Mr. Ervin, as he has a very high military clearance. The military cleared Master Sargent Ervin of any and all wrongdoing. The half truth Rex tried to destroy this young man with? Ervin had asked WallMart during the process for approval what they were going to do for QH high school, if they built the store across the street. Rex called that a shake down. With all the lip service this valley gives our military personal, it’s disgusting to see Lancaster and Rex try to destroy this young man, who still serves proudly!

      • ervin was dumped by rex for not doing what rex wanted him to do. just like everyone else who goes against what rex wants. that is how dictatorships work. someday the good people of lancaster might wake up and see exactly the kind of person is running the city. until then get ready for more stupid lawsuits, stupid comments, incestuous appointments, deals for the good ole boys, bad credit ratings, birth tourism scandals, $1.50 an hour jobs, people boycotting businesses, DOJ investigations, self aggrandizement, spying on residents, et. al. happy holidays.

      • When an issue is between Rex Parris and anyone else over ‘The Truth’, I’ll take ‘Anyone else’ for $1,000 Alex.

        Whether its Rex vs. Mayor Ledford or Rex vs. Jonathan Ervin or Rex vs. anyone in town, I’ll take them over Rex.

        Rex has pathologies and lying is one of them. And lawyers know how to lie legally.

      • @The Truth, Jonathan is the only choice. He’s are chance, say what you want to but I’ve experienced the other, and it’s not pretty. A vote for Jonthan is a vote against Rex, we need to send a message!! If Jonathan acts like a rock star? You act like a Grumpy Old Person but we still let you do stuff.

    • This Michael Rives is kinda nutty, I have seen him at meetings and almost feel sorry for him. This guy has no chance but to drain votes from a real contender.

      • Mike rives has been the only one who reads agenda items and actually has something to say on every issue address not one to pick and choose certain items so stop trying to put him down with your own foolish ignorance and pay attention to what the man is saying.

      • Rivas a narcissist who’s just window dressing going to drain votes for Johnathon. Rivas don’t measure up-or out :p!

    • I am not endorsing any candidate for the Lancaster City Council and I am running as a non-partisan candidate. Ervin is supported by the Democratic party and Marvin Crist is supported by the Republican organization. I believe the council position should not beholden to any party or group. Ervin is a former Parris appointee, so that moves him closer to the Parris group on the council. It is time we have a council member who is NOT affliated with the Republican party or Mayor Parris. My email address; rives.mike@yahoo.com. I am soliciting support from the community. Thx.

      • Well DAMN Mike. Already trying to pass off BS as truth? A whole bunch of comments above concerning Ervin being kicked out of Rex’s kingdom, yet you try to say he’s in Rex’s corner? That try at twisting the truth alone is reason NOT to vote for you.

  7. Finally! I’ve been waiting for this election, and this time I am not going to forget to vote. I’ll have it marked on the calenders an I’m gonna try to get my family to vote as well so we can finally end the tyranny of king Rex!

    • Why is Lancaster’s election in April instead of normal election time in November? They has to be a story behind the strange date. Do many people vote, or is it just a small group of people who vote? example, city employees and certain churches?

      • Very good question. Probably for the very reasons you mention. Smaller turnout with only those that pay attention. For me, I cannot forget or forgive the L & 60th st west Walmart the current council allowed to happen no matter how many of us were against it! So I’m REALLY open to new blood that can prove to me that they will represent the peoples will!

  8. The Antelope Valley is the territory of the future. We need unity. We should be competing against other regions, not against each other. And we need new blood.

    • How many times does it have to be said?

      “Get rid of Rex Parris”

      He has been nothing but an unrepentant troublemaker for Quartz Hill and Palmdale and he’s brought unwanted negative publicity to Lancaster.

      He’s a bad neighbor and ultimately bad for Lancaster as well.

    • Whats with the united talk at Christmas Ed? Your all Mexican the rest of the year, you and your racist LULAC. We are on to your doublespeak.

        • that’s no way to address a lancaster commissioner. granted there are dozens and dozens of them and most are either rex cronies or rex lackeys or former rex opponents who he neutralizes by making them commissioners. show a little respect here. rex brilliantly neutered an opponent.

  10. Promises, promises! If I’m voted in I will do this an that!! Sad to say but it’s hard to trust anyone now this days! Antelope Valley can really be a nice place to live if it wasn’t for all the BS they keep sending out here! There’s the HARD WORKING PEOPLE an the Lazy ones that don’t want to work! Too much CRIME! Palmdale has there issues an so does Lancaster! Every politician will promise the world to us just to get our vote!

    • On an article about someone running for Lancaster City Council you write “Palmdale has there (sp) issues and so does Lancaster!”. Why did you include Palmdale on an article about a Lancaster election and placing Palmdale’s issues first?

      Actually, Palmdale has ‘issues’ while Lancaster has ‘ISSUES’.

      Is that you Rex?