Candidate Filings for April Elections Begin

Filing of nomination papers begins today for municipal elections April 8 in nine South Bay cities. The nomination period ends Jan. 30, except for races in which an incumbent does not seek reelection. In those races, candidates have until Feb. 4 to file papers with the city clerk.

In Hermosa Beach, three City Council seats will be on the ballot. Councilman Gary Brutsch, who was elected in 1982, announced last month that he will not run again. Mayor Jack Wood and Councilman George Barks have said they will seek reelection.

In Manhattan Beach, two council seats will be on the ballot, with one of the two incumbents, Councilman Russell Lesser, saying he will not be a candidate. Councilman Jim Walker has not said whether he will run for another term.

In El Segundo, the mayor’s seat and one City Council position will appear on the ballot. Mayor Charles (Chip) Armstrong and Councilwoman Le Synadinos say they plan to seek reelection.

Rolling Hills voters will elect three council members. Incumbents Gordana Swanson and Jody Murdoch said they will seek re-election. Councilwoman Ginny Leeuwenburgh said she probably will run but has not made a final decision.

Incumbents to Run

In Palos Verdes Estates, three council seats will be on the ballot. Mayor James Kinney and council members Edward Ritscher and Ruth Gralow said they will seek new terms.

In Avalon, voters will decide on two council seats. Councilman W. F. (Oley) Olsen III and Councilwoman Irene Strobel have not announced if they will seek reelection.

In Hawthorne, voters will decide who should fill the council seat vacated by Betty Ainsworth, who was elected mayor in November. Announced candidates are Ginny McGinnis Lambert, who finished third in two-seat council elections in November, and recalled councilman Larry Guyer.

In Lawndale, voters will choose a mayor for a two-year term and one council member and the city clerk for four-year terms. Mayor Sarann Kruse has said she will seek reelection. Councilman James Ramsey has said he will run for office but has not announced whether he will run for council or mayor. Clerk Marsha Schutte said she has not decided whether she will run again.

In Gardena, two City Council seats will be on the ballot. Incumbents Gwen Duffy and Mas Fukai are expected to seek reelection to four-year terms. Voters will also choose a mayor for a two-year term, and incumbent Donald Dear is expected to run again.