Faced with long-running perchlorate and police problems, Rialto is a city trying to rebuild. And it needs strong council leadership to deal with such complex issues head on.

Incumbent council members Deborah Robertson and Joseph Sampson, who face four challengers, have worked long and hard to address these issues and, in contrast to their opponents, possess the experience and commitment necessary to make positive inroads.

Among those vying to replace them is Joe Baca Jr., an assemblyman until December, who has run for three offices over the last two years. After losing a bid for state Senate in the June primary, the soon-to-be out-of-office Baca Jr. is now vying for a job on the Rialto City Council.

But he has nothing on the two incumbents, who for the last several years have devoted themselves to working on Rialto citizens' behalf.

Sampson, mayor pro tem, has been on the council 12 years, after serving 191⁄2 years as city clerk. Though he's not a fire-starter, he is extremely competent, in his own quiet, resourceful way he knows the city inside and out. His institutional knowledge and insight are invaluable to coherent city government.

Though Sampson joined the council majority in its vote last year

to disband the troubled Police Department, he holds out confidence that both the department, now under a new chief, and the community are stronger as a result.

Integrity and honesty are qualities that exemplify Sampson, an Air Force veteran who professes dedication and love for the city.

Robertson, on the council six years, has been a big force for economic development and financial stability. She is behind the city's transportation commission, one of the first in San Bernardino County, and sees the imperative in getting the city to take a more comprehensive look at infrastructure and transportation projects needed to keep up with the city's growth.

Robertson is anxious to build up city services. She has been intensely involved in the city's efforts to seek compensation from polluters for perchlorate contamination that has tainted the city's drinking water. Still, we'd have to say the city may be too hard-nosed in choosing to sue, rather than work with the county to go after the real polluters, and we would urge the city to work toward that resolution.

Like Sampson, Robertson is confident that the reconfigured Police Department can be restored to a high level of service. Streamlining recruitment is a priority for both.

Sampson and Robertson have proven themselves hardworking, conscientious public servants. Their opponents have failed to offer much to entice voters.

Vote for Joseph Sampson and Deborah Robertson for Rialto City Council.