Residents hoping to have a direct hand in Signal Hill’s laws, budget and important City proceedings have until Aug. 9 to file the documents necessary to run for a position.
Signal Hill will hold an election on Nov. 5, in accordance with the Los Angeles County general election schedule. This year’s election cycle will see three city council member seats and the city clerk position on the ballot.
As of now, incumbents Lori Y. Woods and Robert D. Copeland have filed for another term and will be on the November ballot, according to the city’s website. Longtime Councilmember Edward H.J. Wilson has not filed to return to his seat on the city council, and newcomer Charlie Honeycutt is running for a city council seat.
City Clerk Daritza Gonzalez has not filed to return to the city clerk position. The city clerk is responsible for administering local elections, arranging ceremonies and official functions, providing access to City records and ensuring compliance for federal, state and local statutes.
City councilmembers serve four-year terms while the city clerk candidate will hold the position for the remaining two-year term. City clerks usually serve a four-year term as well, but Signal Hill hired Gonzalez in the middle of a term after the previous city clerk left the city.
Currently, city councilmembers hold part-time positions and earn a base pay of $722.18 per month, while the city clerk is a full-time position which earns $438.22 per month.
The city council voted in May to review the pay for councilmembers, the city clerk and city treasurer positions every two years.
How to File for Candidacy
In order to run for a City position on the ballot this year, residents should meet with the city clerk at City Hall (2175 Cherry Ave.) to review the required forms and filing deadlines and to receive all necessary documents.
Anyone interested in running must complete the required forms and collect a minimum of 20 or maximum of 30 signatures from residents and turn them into the city clerk by Aug. 9 at 4:30 p.m.
If an incumbent does not file to return to their position, the nomination period will be extended to Aug. 14.
Additional requirements to run for a Signal Hill elected position include:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be a registered voter and a resident of Signal Hill for at least 29 days prior to the date of filing nomination papers
According to the City Charter, an elected official must reside in Signal Hill for the duration of their tenure.
If any residents have questions about running for local office, or would like to schedule an appointment, they can email the City Clerk’s Office cityclerk@cityofsignalhill.org or call (562) 989-7305.
Charlie Honeycutt is far from being a newcomer. He had worked for and lived in the city of Signal Hill for decades. He retired as City Manager.