| Author |
Message |
Newshound (Newshound)
| | Posted on Thursday, September 09, 2004 - 11:26 pm: | |
Sept. 9-NPB Empty council seat lures six,Daily Pilot
Alicia Robinson
Daily Pilot
Today is the last day candidates can apply to replace Newport Beach City Councilman Gary Adams, who resigned Sept. 1 because of a job promotion that took him to Washington, D.C. As of Wednesday afternoon, six people filed papers to seek Adams' seat, and the group consisted of a few newcomers.
The list included Michael Browning, city Planning Commissioner Barry Eaton, airport activist Charles Griffin, Gerald Hegger, Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce President Richard Luehrs and Ron Winship, who lost a 2002 bid for the 4th district seat.
The council plans to interview candidates for that 4th district seat at a special meeting Sept. 21, and if someone is not appointed that night, the issue will be continued at the regular meeting Sept. 28. The appointment is the council's second in two years. In 2003, council members selected Steve Rosansky to fill a vacancy left by Gary Proctor.
Ebbing number of endorsements open
Endorsements in November races aren't flying as furiously as they did in the weeks before the primary election, but some candidates are still actively seeking official nods. For instance, Costa Mesa City Council candidate Katrina Foley last week gained the support of Newport Beach City Councilman Steve Bromberg.
While council seats are nonpartisan, it's notable that Bromberg, a Republican, is endorsing registered Democrat Foley. But how much weight do the opinions of Newport Beach officials carry with voters in Costa Mesa? No one seems certain.
"I don't know if it'll make any difference," Bromberg said of his endorsement, which he said Foley sought.
He gave it because he's been impressed by Foley's work ethic, intellect and ability to build consensus, which is vital for neighbor cities such as Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, Bromberg said.
He doesn't usually do endorsements, and he's not seeking any this time around because he's unopposed in his reelection bid, he said.
"Local officials are generally reluctant to endorse other candidates for office in other cities," Bromberg said. "If they lose, we may have to work with their opponent."
Costa Mesa Mayor Gary Monahan, who is not up for reelection this year, said not everyone in Costa Mesa knows who Newport Beach's officials are, but candidates' endorsements show that someone thinks they're the best person for the job.
"How much pull [Bromberg's endorsement] has in Costa Mesa I don't know, but it's still an honor to be endorsed by somebody of his stature," Monahan said.
Monahan has no qualms about making endorsements. He's holding a fundraiser tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at his Costa Mesa restaurant, Skosh Monahan's, for Mike Scheafer, who is seeking reelection to Costa Mesa City Council.
|
|