18 to Run for 3 Seats on Lancaster Council

Drawn by two open seats, a crowded field of 18 candidates filed papers by Tuesday’s deadline to run for three spots that will be filled in the April 10 Lancaster City Council election.

Two of three incumbents, Mayor Lynn Harrison and Councilman Els Groves, are not running for reelection. Incumbent Arnie Rodio, who was elected in 1986, filed to run for a second term.

Candidates said the campaign will turn on issues related to the explosive growth of the city of more than 82,000. They said likely issues include the impact of development on schools, flight operations at Air Force Plant 42 and problems with the city’s infrastructure; public safety, especially growing gang and drug problems, and the need to create jobs in the Antelope Valley to reduce commuting.

The candidates are: Jack Abney, a businessman; Sandra Bateman, a retirement financial planner; Carl (Duke) Bloom, a businessman; Mike Dansand, a retired engineer; Barbara Kent, a restaurant employee; Henry Hearns, a minister; Martha Hughes, an insurance agent; Tom Lacey, a quality control consultant; Jeff Murray, a student; Ray Peeler, who is retired; Claude (Rocky) Pickering; Frank Roberts, a college administrator; incumbent Rodio, a plumbing contractor; George Root, an administrator; Michael Singer, a fire captain and paramedic; June Snow, an administrative coordinator; Freddie Steese, a retired mechanical engineer, and Tony Tsaousis, a manager.

The candidates will run at-large for the three seats, which will go to the three top vote-getters.