Observer Publisher
As election night closed out last Tuesday, Assistant City Manager and City Clerk Martin Cole announced that approximately 140 provisional ballots still needed counting. Jeff Cooper led Meghan Sahli-Wells by 42 votes. While it wasn’t an insurmountable lead it seemed reasonable that Cooper had almost assuredly won the election.
By Wednesday morning everything had changed. The clerk’s office had a total of 446 provisional ballots and last minute vote-by-mail ballots yet to be counted. The City Clerk’s office had swung into a totally different mode. The clerk’s office simply responded to inquiries with “no comment” and the fact that a statement would be issued later in the day.
While frustrating to the press, candidates and interested parties, the clerk’s office had moved to a different level. Their job had changed overnight and now, with a close election at hand, protecting the integrity of the ballots and ultimately the integrity of the election had become their chief responsibility.
The late absentee and provisional ballots were hand carried by Cole to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office for signature verification.
Once verified the vote counting process resumed in full public view on Friday afternoon.
The final vote count shows Scott Malsin 2911, Jeff Cooper 2486, Meghan Sahli-Wells 2455, and Robert Zirgulis 841. Sahli-Wells reduced her deficit from 42 to 31 but still fell short of winning a seat on the City Council.
Voter turnout was 20.9%.
Cooper will take his seat on the council on Monday, when he replaces outgoing councilmember Gary Silbiger. Vice Mayor Christopher Armenta is expected to be elected Mayor by his fellow councilmembers at that meeting.
Cooper ran for a Council seat two years ago but was not successful. After winning this time he quickly headed to City Hall, hoping to meet staff and familiarize himself with procedures.
Sahli-wells was a candidate for the first time.
Reader Comments(0)