Council election returns in Huntington Beach favor 3 incumbents, 1 challenger

Mayor Mike Posey, Mayor Pro Tem Erik Peterson, Councilwoman Barbara Delgleize and newcomer Kim Carr emerged on top after voters went to the polls Tuesday to select four candidates from a pool of 15 to serve on Huntington Beach’s seven-member City Council.

Posey had captured 13.5% of the votes and Delgleize 11.6% as of early Wednesday, with all precincts reporting.

“I think we ran a solid, good campaign and my message resonated with voters,” Posey said Tuesday night. “I think the last couple of agenda items of bringing money back from Sacramento exemplifies my mantra to regain and maintain local control.”

Meanwhile, Carr, a city public works commissioner, netted 10.5% of the votes and Peterson 10.3%.

Councilman Billy O’Connell, the fourth incumbent seeking reelection, trailed the leaders, with 8.1%. The remaining 10 candidates tallied 8% or less.

High-density development, homelessness and pensions dominated this season’s election forums as candidates shared their vision for Surf City. Some proposed amending the local zoning code to help cap high-density development, while others shared their council track records.

The majority agreed the city should eschew overdevelopment and retain the character of a suburban beach town.

The race drew 11 challengers to the incumbents, including Carr, information technology analyst Brian Burley, business owner Darren Ellis, history teacher and business manager Kevin “KC” Fockler, activist Amory Hanson, city Planning Commissioner Dan Kalmick, business development consultant Don “DK” Kennedy, teacher Shayna Lathus, lawyer Charles “CJ” Ray, Huntington Beach Union High School District trustee Michael Simons and city Finance Commissioner Ron Sterud.

Priscella.Vega@latimes.com

Twitter: @vegapriscella