Overview

In a recent development, Bellflower Mayor pro tem Sonny Santa Ines has been appointed to a City Council seat for District 3 following the conclusion of the nomination period. With no opponents filing to run against him for the upcoming election, the city council opted to appoint him directly to the position.

The decision was influenced by the substantial cost associated with conducting the election for three City Council seats, which is estimated to be nearly $89,000. By appointing Santa Ines, the city stands to save approximately $28,000.

Key details

  • Sonny Santa Ines is the current Mayor pro tem of Bellflower.
  • No candidates filed to run against him for the November 8 election for District 3.
  • The election costs for three City Council offices are estimated at nearly $89,000.
  • Bellflower City Clerk Mayra Ochiqui confirmed Santa Ines as the only qualified candidate.
  • The California election code allows for the cancellation of elections when the number of nominees equals the number of offices.
  • A public notice regarding the election was published in various newspapers, excluding HMG-CN.
  • The city council’s decision to appoint Santa Ines was unanimously supported by Councilmembers Ray Hamada and Dan Koops.
  • The appointment is expected to save the city around $28,000.
  • The motion to appoint was made by Councilmember Ray Hamada.
  • Bellflower City Manager Jeff Stewart chose to publish notices in other newspapers instead of HMG-CN.
  • The appointment of Santa Ines to District 3 was carried out without a competitive election.
  • The decision reflects a procedural adherence to California's election code.

Context

This appointment comes amidst a backdrop of financial considerations for the city, as the cost of elections can be significant. The decision to bypass an election reflects both fiscal responsibility and the lack of competition for the seat.

What happens next

With the appointment finalized, Sonny Santa Ines will assume his role in District 3 without the need for an election, allowing the city to allocate resources elsewhere.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific reasons for the lack of opposition candidates and the implications of the decision on local governance are not confirmed.