The Long Beach city clerk’s office completed a final count on April 18 of remaining ballots from last week’s primary election, determining that two incumbents have won re-election and one race will head into a run-off.
Dee Andrews will serve a third term as councilmember for the 6th District after launching a write-in campaign against three other candidates whose names were on the ballot: Robert Harmon, Erik Miller and Josephine Villaseñor.
Andrews is the first councilmember in the city’s history to be re-elected to a third term without a run-off.
He joins the ranks of former Mayor Beverly O’Neill and former 4th District Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell as the only Long Beach officials to be re-elected as write-ins.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”250px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-21-at-2.56.12-PM.png” align=”left” lightbox=”on” caption=”Al Austin” captionposition=”left”] “I have always been grateful for the support of my community, but today I am truly humbled,” Andrews wrote in a statement shortly after receiving official news of his win. “Our campaign earned the support of residents in every corner of the 6th District because we worked hard for the past eight years and my neighbors want me to continue to do the hard work. I look forward to continuing to fight for the needs of the 6th District. Thank you to all who supported me.”
Al Austin has won a second term as councilmember representing the 8th District after narrowly— by 20 votes— avoiding a run-off with Wesley Turnbow, who came in second place in a three-candidate race that also included Laurie Angel.
“I’m pleased to have been re-elected to serve another term on behalf of the residents of [the] great 8th District,” Austin wrote in an email to the Signal Tribune Wednesday. “I am looking forward to continuing my work to improve economic development, neighborhoods and park space in my district and city. This hard-fought campaign allowed our residents to hear the values and ideas from three strong candidates and express their choice with their votes. I’m obviously encouraged and pleased with the outcome. My district is truly a microcosm of the city. It is an honor to serve Long Beach.”
Two days before the remaining ballots had been counted, Turnbow issued a statement congratulating Austin and announcing that his campaign would not request a recount of votes.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”250px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-21-at-2.56.16-PM.png” align=”right” lightbox=”on” caption=”Eric Gray” captionposition=”right”] “We ran a great campaign,” Turnbow wrote. “I thank everyone that supported me and made their voices heard. A lot of 8th District voters cast their ballot for change and are looking to the city council to make better decisions with taxpayer dollars. Hopefully, a close race like this will motivate City Hall to better align spending priorities and address the needs and expectations of our residents. I’d like to congratulate Councilman Austin on his win, and I look forward to working with him to make our community better.”
On Monday, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia released a statement announcing the results of the completed ballot count and congratulating the winners.
“A huge congratulations to 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrews and 8th District Councilman Al Austin, who both won re-election by receiving more than 50 percent of the vote, avoiding a run-off in June,” Garcia wrote. “[Andrews] won as a write-in-candidate, which is also unprecedented in a primary.”
Garcia said Andrews and Austin have served the city with “integrity, commitment and skill for many years, and their victories are well deserved,” adding that he is proud to have supported both of them and is looking forward to serving with them in the years ahead.
The 2nd District election, however, did necessitate a run-off between Eric Gray and Jeannine Pearce, whose names will appear on the ballot in June. Their opponent in the primary was Joen Garnica.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”250px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Screen-Shot-2016-04-21-at-2.56.22-PM.png” align=”right” lightbox=”on” caption=”Jeannine Pearce” captionposition=”right”] Clearly winning enough votes during the primary were a number of candidates for two educational boards.
Vivian Malauulu beat out incumbent Irma Archuleta for Long Beach City College Governing Board Area 2. Doug Otto retained his seat in the Area 4 race against Davina Keiser.
For School Board District 2, incumbent Felton Williams also kept his seat by earning more votes than his opponent, Jessica Vargas-Alvarez. In School Board District 4, incumbent Jon Meyer won against Rosi Pedersen.
“I also want to thank all those who ran for public office, whether they won or lost, and to congratulate each and every one of them for their hard work and commitment to our community,” Garcia wrote. “Jessica Vargas-Alvarez, Rosi Pedersen, Erik Miller, Josephine Villaseñor, Irma Archuleta, Robert Harmon, Joen Garnica, Laurie Angel, Wesley Turnbow and Davina Keiser represented our city well, and I expect they will all stay involved in the community.”
The mayor added that it was his pleasure to speak personally to most of the candidates since the election to thank them for their service and hard work.
“Running for office is tough and takes an incredible toll on candidates’ lives and those of their families,” Garcia wrote. “Anyone who steps up in this way to serve the public deserves our respect and gratitude.”
