It's been rumored and referenced around City Hall for a couple of months, but Vice Mayor Val Lerch finally confirmed this week that he does plan to run a write-in campaign for a third term when his current term is up in 2010.
Lerch said he won't make an official announcement until next year.
"I will run a write-in," Lerch said. "The problem is, in politics things can change."
He said he has received much public support to stay in office.
"I've been asked too many times in my community and neighborhood associations to run a write-in," Lerch said.
Lerch was elected to represent the 9th District in North Long Beach in 2002 and was re-elected in 2006. Under the City Charter, his name can't appear on the ballot again, but he can win a third term as a write-in candidate.
While write-in candidates face tougher odds, getting elected through a write-in campaign isn't an unheard of feat in Long Beach. In 2002, then-Mayor Beverly O'Neill won a third term as a write-in candidate.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
Leave a comment