Council’s Carruth Won’t Seek Reelection

Councilwoman Melody Carruth, the first mayor of Laguna Hills, announced Thursday that she will not seek reelection in November.

Carruth, 44, a member of the charter City Council when Laguna Hills incorporated in 1991, said that it is time for others to take a turn at local government.

“I support term limits at all levels of government, and after 10 years of intense civic involvement, it’s time to step aside and let someone else serve,” Carruth said.

Carruth said she believes incumbents have an overwhelming advantage over challengers seeking election for the first time and thought it was best to give up her seat.

“I could easily stay and keep doing this for 25 or 30 years, but I believe others should take a turn,” said Carruth, a resident of the city’s Nellie Gail Ranch neighborhood. “Local government is a richly rewarding experience, and I’d like others to have the chance to represent their neighbors and have the opportunity to serve them.”

Carruth was one of the early city activists who joined forces to fight a proposed “supercity” in the Saddleback Valley in 1987. That fight led to a local incorporation drive, and in 1991 Carruth was the leading vote winner in Laguna Hills’ first election.