SAN CLEMENTE : Candidates Scarce as Filing Period Opens
In a city that is well-known for its political battles over growth issues, potential candidates were scarce as the filing period for November municipal elections opened Monday.
Councilman Brian J. Rice, one of three incumbents whose terms expire this year, and Lupe Martin, a teacher who moved to the city eight months ago, were the first to take out the necessary forms during the first day.
One of the reasons for the quiet is the gradual cooling of the anti-growth fever that has been a high-visibility issue during past elections, Rice said.
After a period of intense anti-growth sentiment that in 1986 saw voters pass laws such as Measure B, which limits new housing built in San Clemente to 500 units per year, more attention is focusing on the need to increase the city’s general fund.
“We need growth in commercial development for the revenue it produces,” Rice said. “I think many people have faced the reality that you have to have some growth.”
Rice will be running for office for a second time. Council members Thomas Lorch and Holly Veale have not announced whether they will run.
The deadline for return of candidate filing papers is Aug. 10, unless an incumbent decides not to run. The filing deadline would then be be extended to Aug. 15.
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