NEWPORT BEACH : Hedges Surprises Incumbent Strauss

In a City Council race decided by fewer than 300 votes, political newcomer John Hedges defeated 12-year incumbent Donald A. Strauss for the District 1 seat.

In District 3, incumbent Evelyn Hart defeated environmental advocate Jan Vandersloot by more than 10%.

In the first race, Hedges had promised to increase police presence on Balboa Peninsula and had argued that District 1 residents deserved more vigorous representation on the council.

Strauss ran on the strength of his record and argued that the next four years would be crucial in battling flight increases at John Wayne Airport and continuing a cleanup of Newport Bay.

He conceded Wednesday that the defeat surprised him.

“I talked it over with my wife and with a number of people who are knowledgeable in the community, and none of us thought that it would go like this,” Strauss said. “But that’s the way it goes.”

He said he doubts a recount will be needed, unless absentee votes narrow the margin. Those ballots will be counted between now and Tuesday.

Hedges said Wednesday that he was elated with the outcome of the election. “It was certainly an uphill battle,” he said.

Hart, who won a fourth term, said, “I take this win very seriously and am going to continue to work hard for this city over the next four years.”

Vandersloot said he had been disheartened during the campaign by what he saw as pressure on residents to support the incumbents.

“There seems to be an intimidation factor in Newport Beach. . . . People feel that somehow supporting the challenger might jeopardize their standing with the Council,” Vandersloot said. “That’s one reason why I think there should be a two-term limit.”

The City Council will decide at its next meeting when the swearing-in ceremonies and election of the new mayor will be conducted.