City & Government

Mark Molina: ‘Bringing empathy and compassion’

Molina

MARK MOLINA, 57

Birthplace: May 26, 1964, Lompoc, Calif. – George Air Force Base

Marital status: Married

Spouse: Abigail, sole proprietor Molina Law Group

Child: 9 years old, public school student

Residence neighborhood: Thurston

Online: Facebook – Mark Anthony Molina for Ward 5, Springfield City Council

Education: Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies, N2N Christian University, Master’s Christian Leadership, Christian Leadership University

Occupation: Owner, Molina Leadership Solutions & Leadership Coaching

Public sector experience: 11.5 years U.S. Army Infantry, Pastor, Operations Manager

Elected Office: Current – Springfield Utility Board Member for Position 5, 4-year term began Jan. 1, 2020. Ran for Springfield City Council Ward 2, 2006.

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I have been a resident of Springfield since my Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army in 1995. I have lived through and shared many of the similar struggles as all of you. Transition from military life was difficult and overwhelming. 

I was a young man with a young family. I couldn’t find work. I had to survive on food stamps, free medical clinics for my children and any odd job I could find beyond working for $4.50 an hour. I realized my body wasn’t the same. My mind and emotions had to relearn how to live as a civilian under immense pressures. 

From my inception into this community I began to serve. I volunteered where the greatest needs were, in Boy Scouts and sports for several years, coaching and as referee. I am coaching the Springfield Girls 4th Grade team currently for Kidsports. Additionally, I have served on multiple boards of directors for non-profits and as a community member on municipal boards within our city. 

Our city government is facing uncertainty with serious budget constraints due to the loss of revenue post pandemic. I served on the budget committee for the Springfield during the housing market crash. Like many of you, I lost my job. My wife was in her second year of law school. We ended up losing our home, selling all we had and moving in with friends. With the forbearance period ending for home owners and renters we could be facing similar circumstances. 

I will bring empathy and compassion from my lived experiences to these policy processes. We will not recover well without being deliberate, intentional and thoughtful towards the totality of the constituency of Springfield. We need each other. 

If elected, all the needs of Springfield, who they represent, will be recognized and given equal importance.

Read the Q&A here.

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