IRVINE : Petition Period Starts for Council Election

Residents hoping to fill a vacant seat on the City Council by holding a special election have 19 days to collect about 5,000 signatures.

If the signatures, which represent 7% of the city’s registered voters, are collected, a November election must be called to replace William A. (Art) Bloomer, whose resignation from the council takes effect today. Bloomer, a three-year council member, gave up his seat to accept a new job in Virginia.

Petition signatures collected before today and after July 19 will not be accepted, said Constance M. Hauck, the acting city clerk.

If less than the required signatures are collected, the City Council will decide at its July 27 meeting whether to call an election or appoint someone to fill the year remaining on Bloomer’s term, Hauck said.

Between now and July 19, residents interested in being appointed to the council, if an election is not held, can submit applications to the city clerk’s office. Applicants must also submit a 200-word statement.

Bloomer, 60, announced his resignation last month. He is a retired general and served as base commander of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station.

Bloomer is moving to to accept a promotion to executive vice president of American Protective Services Inc.