ELECTION EL SEGUNDO : Incumbent Quits Race, But He Stays on Ballot

El Segundo City Councilman H. R. (Bob) Anderson, who filed for reelection earlier this month, surprised city officials Tuesday by announcing at a council meeting that he is withdrawing from the April election.

Anderson, 66, who has had heart surgery, said he acted on the advice of his physician.

Despite Anderson’s announcement, City Clerk Ron Hart said the name of the one-term councilman will remain on the ballot, and he is still technically a candidate.

Others said that they believe Anderson’s public announcement will prevent his reelection.

Anderson’s withdrawal creates an open seat in the April race for two positions on the five-member council. Candidates are the other incumbent, Councilman Alan West, and challengers J. B. Wise, Terry L. Ceretto, Gerhardt Van Drie and Thomas A. Jolly. El Segundo elects its council at large.

Anderson on Tuesday drew some laughter when he urged residents to vote for candidates of his choice. Council members and candidates interpreted the statement as an endorsement of West, Anderson’s council ally, and Wise, who ran unsuccessfully for the council two years ago. Anderson was not available for comment.

However, West, who teamed with Anderson four years ago to win election, said he was planning to talk to Anderson about teaming up again. Now, he said, he may approach Wise. Wise was out of town and could not be reached for comment.

“There’s no doubt it’s J. B. and West,” said Councilman Jim Clutter, a resident-oriented council member who is sometimes at odds with West and Anderson, who are generally labeled pro-business.

In January, Anderson was hit with 10 conflict of interest charges for participating in council votes and discussions relating to Chevron U.S.A. while owning Chevron stock then valued at $470,000. Anderson is a retired employee of Chevron, which is a major landowner and taxpayer in the city. The charges, which Anderson denied, were filed with the state Fair Political Practices Commission by fellow Councilman Scot D. Dannen.

Anderson said during the dispute with Dannen that he was undecided about running for reelection because of his health. “I’ve had two bypass surgeries, and stress . . . causes heart problems,” he said.

Nevertheless, Anderson filed for reelection on Feb. 1, the final day for candidates to get into the council race.