ANAHEIM : Election Complaints to Be Heard by Panel

Allegations of irregularities in a neighborhood election will be the topic of a public meeting Monday of the Community Development Advisory Board.

The situation arose after the annual officers election by the Patrick Henry Neighborhood Council, one of four such groups in the city. Among those elected Sept. 6 were two Latinas, Concepcion Perez and Delia Varela, who would represent the council on the community development board. The 15-member panel advises the City Council on the use of federal community development block grants.

Election results became an issue after city officials received complaints, including allegations that some of the voters were ineligible because they do not live in the neighborhood.

Some Latino community leaders said they fear the complaints might be an attempt by their white neighbors to discourage Latinos from participating in city government.

“I hope that’s not the case,” said Benny Hernandez, the first Latino president of the South Anaheim Neighborhood Council. “But what else can you think?”

Christopher K. Jarvi, director of Anaheim’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, said, “We’re not sure if there is any validity to these complaints, but we’re certainly looking into them.”

Jarvi said he will report on the investigation at Monday’s meeting.

Elections will not be held by the other three neighborhood councils, Jarvi said, until the Patrick Henry situation is resolved.

The advisory board meeting will be at 7 p.m. at City Hall West, 201 S. Anaheim Blvd.