L.A. Councilman Mitchell Englander won’t face ballot opposition

Los Angeles City Councilman Mitchell Englander will not have an opponent on the ballot as he runs for reelection on March 3, officials said Thursday.

Englander, who is seeking his second four-year term representing the northwest San Fernando Valley, was the only person to turn in a petition with voter signatures to qualify for the race. Without an opponent on the ballot, he is almost certainly ensured a victory.

“I am grateful that I can continue to focus on the needs of our community and the city,” he said in a statement.

Wednesday was the deadline for potential candidates to submit their signatures. Candidates must provide 1,000 valid voter signatures with their filing documents, or 500 if they pay a fee.

Englander still could face an opponent if someone decides to pursue a write-in candidacy, said Julio Esperias, spokesman for the Los Angeles city clerk’s elections division. Those who are interested in such a move may file the paperwork starting Jan. 5, Esperias said.

Two people -- businessman David Balen and disability rights advocate Daniel Garcia -- had taken out petitions to gather signatures for a possible council campaign against Englander. Neither turned them in to the city, according to information posted by the city clerk.

Englander’s district includes all or portions of Chatsworth, Granada Hills, West Hills, Porter Ranch, Northridge and North Hills. Before he was elected in 2011, Englander was a high-level aide to former Councilman Greig Smith.

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