1st Candidate Files Papers in Special Election

The race is on in Anaheim and businessman William D. Ehrle, 44, Thursday became the first candidate to file his nomination papers for a special City Council election.

Another six potential candidates for the June 2 election have taken out applications, which must be returned by 5 p.m. March 26, City Clerk Lee Sohl said.

Charlene LaClaire, a city planning for almost 12 years, said Thursday that she plans to run against Ehrle for the open council seat. The 49-year-old LaClaire ran unsuccessfully for a council seat last November.

Whoever wins the seat vacated by Don R. Roth, who was elected to the county Board of Supervisors, could form a new council majority.

The council is split 2 to 2 on some major issues, including its role in the day-to-day operations of the city.

Garners Support

Ehrle, the runner-up in the race for three council seats last November, already has lined up a variety of support, including some groups, such as the Anaheim Municipal Employees Assn., that have been at odds with the city.

Ehrle also has the support of Michael Schreter, vice president of the California Angels, who is scheduled to be the honorary chairman of an Ehrle fund-raiser later this month.

Two of the four current council members strongly back Ehrle and the other two staunchly oppose him. The council members decided to hold a special election after they had deadlocked over proposed appointees for the vacancy.

The election will cost the city at least $60,000, Sohl said. Candidates interested in applying for the $400-a-month job must have been registered voters in the City of Anaheim for at least one year.

Nomination papers can be taken out and filed at the city clerk’s office in City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd.