Stanton : New Council Member Undecided on Running

Former Police Chief Edward L. Allen, who has been unanimously selected to replace Councilman Jim Hayes and serve out the remaining year of Hayes’ term, says he’ll have to get a taste of council life before deciding whether to seek election in 1986.

“That remains to be seen,” he said, stressing that he’ll have to make a decision after being in the public spotlight for a few months. “Maybe I’m not wanted.” He will begin serving the term at tonight’s meeting.

Allen, 65, served as police chief from 1960 to 1965 before moving out of the city and starting a trucking firm in Long Beach. He worked as a security supervisor for the Postal Inspection Service in Los Angeles and as an oil-drilling supervisor and returned to Stanton in 1975. He has also been active in community service, notably on behalf of city youths, starting the city’s first Boys Club and raising funds to build baseball and football fields.

The Hannibal, Mo., native was a unanimous choice of the four remaining council members, a significant point to Mayor Jean Siriani. “I think it’s a good sign that we can all work together in the next year. It’s hard enough to come in with just a year to go,” she said.

Hayes, 33, stepped down earlier this month after three years on the council because he and his family purchased a house in Laguna Niguel. The council received four applications for the empty seat.