11 challengers pull papers for three open Hermosa Beach City Council seats
by Kevin Cody
The Tuesday, November 8, Hermosa Beach City Council race for three open seats promises to be crowded, even if the three incumbents do not seek reelection.
Following a candidates workshop on Monday, presented by City Clerk Myra Maravilla, 10 residents requested nomination papers.
None of the three incumbents, whose terms expire in November, had requested nomination papers as of Tuesday morning. The three incumbents are attorney, and retired Army Colonel Raymond Jackson; attorney Stacey Armato, and Dr. Mary Campbell, a psychologist and founder of Penelope Consulting.
Nomination papers must be filed with the city clerk by Friday, August 12, or, if no incumbents file for reelection, by Wednesday, August 17.
Challengers must gather at least 20 signatures, but not more than 30 signatures on their nomination papers from registered voters to qualify for the ballot.
Residents who have obtained nomination papers are:
Daniel Godwin, an 11-year resident, and program manager at the Los Angeles Air Force Base, and a Major in the Air Force Reserves.
Dean Francois, a retired federal budget director, and long time Sierra Club and Red Cross volunteer. Francois ran unsuccessfully for council in 2021 when Council Member Hany Fangary resigned mid term.
Kieran Harrington, general manager of Fox and Farrow restaurant, and the previous owner of two other beach city restaurants. He is also commodore of the Redondo Beach Yacht Club.
Matt McCool, a business consultant. McCool became active in Hermosa Beach in 2013 when he joined Leadership Hermosa. He subsequently was appointed to the Emergency Advisory Commission, and ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2017. He has been a firefighter and served 16 years as a Navy reservist.
Richard Koenig, a native Hermosan, general contractor, former Hermosa Beach Historical Society President, and current Hermosa Beach Kiwanis president.
Tara McNamara Stable, a film journalist, and chair of the Critics Choice Association Women’s Committee. She ran unsuccessfully in 2021 for the seat vacated by Hany Fangary.
Other residents who have requested nomination papers are Drew Cesario, Michael Jensen, Ryan Grashow, and Jeff Raedy. Information on their backgrounds was not available at press time.
Participants in Monday’s candidates workshop received a 66-page candidates handbook prepared by City Clerk Maravilla.
Its subjects ranged from campaign finance requirements to campaign advertising restrictions.
Among its instructions:
Ballot statements are limited to 200 words and cost $400. The ballot statement may not make reference to another candidate, nor include political affiliation, (City Council is a non-partisan position.)
Ballot statements may not refer to a racial, religious, or ethnic group.
Campaign contributions from supporters are limited to $250. But there is no limit on the amount a candidate may contribute to his or her own campaign.
Campaign literature endorsements require written consent from the persons making the endorsements.
Posting of campaign signs in public property, and on utility poles is prohibited.
Editor’s note: In the Thursday, July 21 print edition, Easy Reader mistakenly reported that Council Member Justin Massey’s seat would be open in the upcoming November election. Massey’s term does not expire until November 2024. Easy Reader apologizes for the error. ER