Wiggins, Golonski, Murphy Win Council Seats

Mayor Bill Wiggins, Councilman Dave Golonski and newcomer Stacey Murphy all won City Council seats in Tuesday’s municipal primary, eliminating the need for a council runoff in April’s general election.

A runoff election will be needed, however, for two school board seats.

More than 50% of the voters cast ballots for Wiggins, Golonski and Murphy. Voters could cast votes for each of the three available council seats.

Wiggins and Golonski will begin serving four more years when their current terms expire at the end of April. Murphy, the only woman who ran for the council, will begin her first term at that time.

“Obviously I’m pleased,” Wiggins said. “It’s a tremendous vote of confidence.”

The city’s voters do not elect a mayor. Wiggins was chosen as mayor by his fellow council members.

Among the top issues facing city officials are disputes over the proposed Burbank Airport passenger terminal expansion, a $112.5-million school bond issue on the April ballot and plans for major developments by studios and other businesses.

In the council race, Wiggins received 6,229 votes, Golonski received 6,034 votes and Murphy received 5,124 votes.

The winners will join Vice Mayor Bob Kramer and Councilman Ted McConkey, who are halfway through their first council terms.

Councilwoman Susan Spanos declined to seek reelection.

The council candidates who fell short in their attempts for office were: Norman Furman, 2,117 votes; Ted Duane Bunch, 1,754 votes; Robert Olson, 990 votes; Richard Emerson, 745 votes and Bill Starr, 499 votes.

In the school board race, in which five candidates were vying for two seats on the five-member panel, no one emerged with approval of more than 50% of the voters.

The top four vote-getters, including current board members Denise Wilcox, with 3,439 votes and Connie Lackey, with 4,010 votes, advance to the April general election.

Also advancing to the general election are Patricia “Trish” Burnett, with 3,361 votes, and Anthony De Felicis, with 3,074 votes. Candidate Glen Robert Forsch received 1,590 votes, not enough to qualify for the runoff.

Election rules allow twice as many candidates as there are available seats to advance to the runoff election following the primary.

Also Tuesday, Deputy City Clerk Judie Marquiz won the race to replace City Clerk Margaret Lauerman, who is retiring. Sarquiz received 5,820 of the votes compared to 2,666 for candidate Sharon Lynn Muravez.

City Treasurer Jim Rogers, who ran unopposed for reelection, received 7,200 votes.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Election Returns

With 33 of 33 precincts reporting, the Burbank primary election results were as follows:

CITY COUNCIL

(Eight candidates running for three seats)

Ted Duane Bunch: 1,754

Richard Emerson: 745

Norman Furman: 2,117

* Dave Golonski: 6,034

Stacey Murphy: 5,124

Robert Olson: 900

Bill Starr: 499

* Bill Wiggins: 6,229

CITY TREASURER

(One candidate unopposed)

* Jim Rogers: 7,200

SCHOOL BOARD

(Five candidates vying for two seats)

Patricia “Trish” Burnett: 3,361

Anthony De Felicis: 3,074

Glen Robert Forsch: 1,590

* Connie Lackey: 4,010

* Denise Wilcox: 3,439

CITY CLERK

(Two candidates for one position)

Sharon Lynn Muravez: 2,666

Judie Sarquiz: 5,820

* denotes current officeholder