Hermosa Beach Candidates Shell Out Bucks

In the 1960s, candidates for the Hermosa Beach City Council figured they could reach all of the tiny city’s registered voters with a single mailer or a doorstep visit.

Some of today’s candidates still rely on such old-fashioned campaign methods. But the vast majority of the 12 candidates for three seats are using everything from political consultants to television ads to get their message to the city’s 14,406 voters.

The technology behind these campaigns does not come cheap. As of last week, three candidates had spent more than $5,000 on their campaigns.

“People seem to be spending more in this race than I can remember,” said Deputy City Clerk Naoma Valdes. “In previous years, to raise $3,000 I think would have been considered quite an achievement.”

Inflation explains some of the change, as does the fact that in the 1960s, municipal law restricted candidates for local office from receiving more than $25 in campaign donations from a single source. Today, the limit is $249.

According to the most recent campaign disclosure reports, which cover the period from Sept. 19 to Oct. 16, the biggest spenders are tavern owner John Bowler, attorney Thomas Loversky and retired physician and restaurant owner Peter Y. Mangurian.

Bowler said he spent $7,115 on his candidacy, while Loversky reported spending $6,611. Mangurian said he spent $5,571.

Business adviser Jeanette Jones spent $2,345, and electrical supervisor J.R. Reviczky spent $1,969. Architect Joseph DiMonda had $1,809 in campaign expenditures, while architect Julie A. Oakes had $1,205. Aerospace engineer Roger Carlson spent $1,077. Retired county administrator Phil Pennington spent $835.

Entrepreneur Christian Burke, businessman Gene Dreher and attorney and incumbent Mayor Albert G. Wiemans have not itemized their expenditures. They filed forms stating they expect to spend and receive less than $1,000.

Michael D’Amico is not an active candidate although his name will appear on the ballot because he withdrew from the race too late to have it removed.