Inglewood Election Appeal Ordered to Be Expedited

A state appellate court has moved to expedite the appeal of the annulment of Inglewood Councilman Ervin (Tony) Thomas’ election.

The election took place in June, 1987, and was challenged successfully in court last fall by candidate Garland Hardeman.

The order by Presiding Justice Arleigh Woods of the state Court of Appeal calls for oral arguments to take place on the first available court date after written briefs are filed. A decision from the court would follow within 90 days.

Citing the priority assigned to election cases by the Code of Civil Procedure, the judge ordered written arguments by the attorneys--for the city, Thomas and Hardeman--to be filed within 80 days after a transcript of last September’s trial is ready. Court officials said they cannot predict when a transcript of the five-day trial would be ready.

Woods also notified lawyers for the parties that there will be no extensions after the transcript is available.

Lawyers for Hardeman had asked the court to expedite the appeal. The city and Thomas opposed the request.

Thomas has continued to serve on the council while the case is on appeal. Hardeman’s lawyers argue that Thomas’ continuing presence on the council is an injustice to voters.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Leon Savitch annulled Thomas’ election in October and called for a new election. Savitch voided 31 votes for Thomas, implicating campaign workers, including Mayor Edward Vincent, in Election Code violations.

Hardeman lawyer Mark Borenstein said he welcomed the order because it will prevent the city or Thomas from prolonging the process by requesting extensions to file briefs or prepare arguments.

City Atty. Howard Rosten said the order is not significant and essentially outlines the procedure that the Legislature calls for in election cases.