Petros drops bid for second term on Newport council
With his first four-year term coming to an end this year, Newport Beach Councilman Tony Petros announced Tuesday night that he is ending his bid for re-election to the City Council.
Petros, 55, was elected in 2012 to replace termed-out Councilman Steve Rosansky to represent West Newport neighborhoods, including Newport Heights and Newport Shores.
Petros said during Tuesday night’s council meeting that his desire to spend more time with his family and his ailing mother, as well as increased responsibility in his career as a principal with LSA Associates, an Irvine planning and engineering firm, led to his decision.
“I am proud of what we accomplished over the last four years,” Petros said. “I honestly believe I have achieved my goals for the residents and taxpayers of this city. Now it’s time to move on.”
During his time on the council, Petros has been a strong advocate of improving safety for bicyclists citywide, moving the city’s bicycle master plan through to adoption, improving and opening city parks and maintaining a strong police, fire and lifeguard staff.
He also has been involved in the city’s Finance Committee the past four years, most recently as chairman.
“I have been guided in every action on the City Council as a responsible steward of the public finances and have worked to address the increasing unfunded pension liability in Newport Beach,” he said. “I sincerely believe our city is positioned to move forward in a financially responsible manner.”
Petros plans to serve the remainder of his term and exit alongside council members Ed Selich and Keith Curry, both of whom are termed out this year. Selich currently represents District 5, which includes Balboa Island, Newport Center and portions of Big Canyon. Curry represents District 7, which includes Newport Coast and Newport Ridge.
All three seats are up for grabs in November’s election.
The only candidate currently running to replace Petros in District 2 is Shelley Henderson, a law student who has lived in Newport Beach since 2014.
“I’m looking forward to still running my race,” Henderson said Wednesday. “Whether or not anyone else gets in the race, I’m still going to work hard to earn votes in the district and the rest of the city. I wish Tony all the best.”
Local lawyer Phil Greer, lawyer and Finance Committee member Will O’Neill and former Planning Commissioner Fred Ameri are running for the District 7 seat.
Businessman Lee Lowrey, community activist Mike Glenn and longtime Balboa Island resident Jeff Herdman have launched campaigns for the District 5 seat.
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Hannah Fry, hannah.fry@latimes.com
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
