SANTA MONICA : Abdo Loses Bid for Seat on Coastal Panel
Santa Monica City Councilwoman Judy Abdo this week failed to win a seat on the powerful California Coastal Commission.
On Monday, Senate Rules Committee Chairman Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) announced the appointment of Agoura Hills City Councilwoman Fran Pavely and former Assemblyman Rusty Areias (D-San Jose) to fill the two-year positions. Abdo was one of nine finalists for an open Southern California seat on the commission, which regulates coastal lands. The other open seat was in Northern California.
Abdo had run an aggressive campaign, but drew criticism from council colleagues when it was found she had used public resources and a city-paid lobbyist to aid her in her bid for the seat. When the issue surfaced in March, Abdo denied any impropriety. In fact, none of her actions were illegal.
“Senator Lockyer said the controversy was not a factor in the decision,” said Sandy Harrison, Lockyer’s press secretary.
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