This is the first installment of "Spotlight on Supporters," a series showcasing the talented and dedicated Cityhood supporters who make up East LA.

Miguel Haro Jr. was born and raised in East LA. He's a student at East Los Angeles College, works with Southern California Edison, and is an enthusiastic Obama supporter and volunteer. On top of all that, he's dedicated many hours to the Cityhood movement. Check out below how and why Miguel is involved.

Q. Can you tell us a little bit about what East Los Angeles means to you?

A. I have been a resident of East Los Angeles my whole life. I grew up enjoying many of the great traditions and culture our community has to offer. From dancing in the Cinco de Mayo celebrations as a kid, enjoying the yearly parades, or just simply having a Carne Asada with friends and family every time Oscar De La Hoya fights. One of my most favorite memories was having the honor to play football for Garfield High School during "The East Los Angeles Classic" homecoming game against Roosevelt High School. This rivalry goes on from generation to generation but what is most important is how much pride everyone has for their community and how we come together during that week.

Q. How did you hear about Cityhood and what attracted you to it?

A. The first time I heard about the Cityhood effort was in the news when the City of Los Angeles announced a plan to try to make East Los Angeles one of their districts. I was furious by the news because becoming part of Los Angeles would have been a huge setback. After that segment they also announced that a group of residents have banned together to try to make East Los Angeles a city. One of my friends knew a volunteer and gave them my information. They contacted me and I asked them, "Where Do I sign up?". Ever since I have been in contact with the volunteers and check the website for updates regularly.

Q. Why do you support Cityhood and why have chosen to volunteer for the effort?

A. The reason I have chosen to volunteer for this effort is because I am very proud to be from East Los Angeles. This is my community and it deserves to be treated better than it has for many years now. It is time for a change. For many years representatives have made decisions of what is best for the county rather than what is best for East Los Angeles. This is why I seek representation at a local level. With a local government we will not be neglected anymore because if we are, we will have the power to put in new leadership in the form of electing a new Mayor and City Council. This process is not only what is best for us, but what is best for the future residents of this great area. I want to volunteer my time to give back to a great community who has given me a lot.

Q. What volunteer event did you enjoy the most?

A. From all the many great events I really enjoyed the petition launching press conference the most. On the 4th of July we the residents declared our own independence from the county and took the next big step towards becoming a city. There was a huge amount of anticipation for this day, the day we finally got the petition in our hands. We gathered the first of many signatures under the East Los Angeles Arch. History was being made and I was just happy to be part of it. Then came my favorite moment were under the "Signature of Resident" box in the petition, I proudly signed, Miguel Haro Jr.

Q. What would you tell somebody who is on the fence or disagrees with the idea of Cityhood?

A. If someone is unsure or disagrees with the idea of Cityhood their different points of views are welcomed and encouraged. That is the whole purpose of this effort, for the residents of East Los Angeles to decide what is best for us. To become a city or not is the first decision we will make together. Having the power to decide will give all the residents a taste of political freedom, a taste that we will want more of. Once we become a city I encourage people who are skeptical about the process to show up to the City Council meetings to ask questions and voice their opinions. With everyone's concerns we can all work towards our common goal which is to make the future City of East Los Angeles a better place.