Leti Valle-Moretti, Hood River County Commissioner
“I am proud to endorse Council President Gladys Rivera for Mayor of Hood River.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Gladys in public service, and I’ve seen firsthand the kind of leader she is. She leads with passion, compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving everyone in our community. She focuses on listening and learning, building relationships, and finding practical solutions to the challenges our community faces.
Gladys brings an extraordinary combination of experience in public health, emergency preparedness, and local government. She understands that healthy communities are built through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and making sure every voice has a seat at the table. Whether she’s working with families, nonprofits, businesses, or fellow elected officials, she approaches every conversation with respect and a genuine desire to move our community forward together.
As someone born and raised in Hood River, Gladys understands both our history and our future. She recognizes the importance of preserving what makes Hood River special while ensuring that working families, young people, longtime residents, and newcomers all have the opportunity to thrive.
Perhaps what I admire most is her heart for service with a sense of urgency. Gladys leads with humility, treats people with dignity, and never forgets that public office is about serving others. She has earned the trust of our community through years of steady leadership, and I have every confidence that she will serve as an outstanding mayor.
I wholeheartedly support Gladys Rivera for Mayor of Hood River and encourage our community to join me in voting for a leader who will continue building a welcoming, resilient, and vibrant Hood River for everyone.
Vote Gladys Rivera for Hood River City Mayor!”
Kate McBride, former Hood River Mayor
“Working with Gladys as a fellow City Council member for several years has shown me her tenacity, thoughtfulness, and ability to communicate with others on hard issues. Her compassion for people stands out above all other traits.”
Megan Saunders, former City Councilor
“Gladys is an incredibly dedicated and passionate City Councilor. If elected Mayor, she will bring the same dedication and passion to serve the community.”
Martha Verduzco-Oretega, community leader
“Working with Council President Rivera has been a pleasure. Her commitment to our community is clear, and I look forward to seeing her lead as our next mayor.”
Doug Stepina, City Councilor
“It’s been a honor and a privilege to work with Gladys on the city council during my 4 years as a councilor. In her 6+ years on council, she has worked tirelessly with city councilors, city staff, community organizations, state and local government officials and community members to truly understand the challenges and needs of our community. Her empathy for the underserved members of our community is unmatched. The City of Hood River will face many challenges in the years to come, but I can not think of an individual more well-suited for the role of mayor to face those challenges and ultimately improve the lives of all the citizens of Hood River. I am honored to endorse Hood River’s hometown candidate and first Latina Mayor of the City of Hood River, Gladys Rivera.”
Joan Bird, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council Board Member
“I would like to endorse Gladys Rivera, as she runs for the position as Mayor of the City of Hood River. Gladys and I have served on the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) Board of Directors together for several years. She possesses a rare ability to listen to diverse viewpoints, ask insightful questions, and find practical, fair solutions that benefit everyone involved. I have witnessed her deep commitment to her community. The mission of MCCAC is to build a better future for our community through partnership and equity centered programs that prevent and eliminate poverty and houselessness. Gladys has continued to be a strong voice for this mission and has always stood strong for residents in the Mid-Columbia and specifically Hood River.”
Tina Castañares, community leader, retired physician, and healthcare executive
“I’m so proud to endorse Gladys Rivera for the mayoral election. I’ve known Gladys for over 12 years and have observed her natural leadership in numerous important public service roles….teaching CPR and life support skills, implementing group classes for people with diabetes, organizing vital vaccination outreach, and much more. Her longtime dedication to increasing health care access for everyone in the Gorge is now echoed by her commitment to expanding housing for working families.
Our first Latina city councilwoman, Gladys raises her children here and actively supports our public school system. As a hardworking professional, Gladys is highly capable, compassionate and insightful. She doesn’t just have opinions; she does her homework, educating herself about every important issue (including how the city spends its money)and strives to include all voices in community engagement.
And whenever a situation calls for a firm stance and advocacy, we can rely on Gladys Rivera. She doesn’t just care about Hood River, she knows it.
We couldn’t ask for a better Mayor for Hood River. I hope you’ll join me in voting for her in November.”
Megan Ramey, Safe Routes to School manager and community leader
“Gladys leads with her heart and the belief that every neighbor deserves the opportunity to live their best life. More importantly, she isn’t afraid to ACT on that belief. She is intellectually curious, always looking to other towns and cities for ideas that improve people’s daily lives, while questioning policies that no longer serve our community.
One example is her support for creating safer streets that give children the freedom to walk, bike, play, and explore independently. She understands that when children have that freedom, families connect, neighbors know one another, and the entire community grows stronger. She sees children’s independence not as a niche issue, but as the social glue that binds a healthy, vibrant town together.”
Ben Mitchell, City Councilor
“Gladys exemplifies all the qualities you want in a leader. She is experienced, capable, compassionate, prepared, and personable. She cares deeply about Hood River and its people. She has a well of energy, passion, and drive that never seems to run dry. I have learned much from Gladys and am honored to serve with her on council. She will make an exceptional mayor.”
Claudia Munk, Community Leader
“I’ve watched Gladys grow as a City Councilor, a mother of three, and a community health worker. She approaches every issue with integrity, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to serving our community.
Gladys doesn’t make decisions based on political pressure or the loudest voice in the room. She listens to her neighbors, seeks out the facts, and isn’t afraid to ask questions when an issue is complex. She forms her own opinions, stays true to her values, and consistently puts Hood River first. That’s the kind of thoughtful, independent leadership we need in our next mayor.”
Billy Sullivan, Local Builder, Simple Works LLC
“As a longtime Hood River business owner and Height’s property design/builder, I fully support Council president Gladys Rivera as the next Mayor of our fair city! I have known Gladys as our city councilor and have never ceased to be impressed by her attention to issues, problem solving and critical thinking all the while considering the whole population of Hood River. She has proven experience and we are fortunate to have her as a candidate for Mayor.”