Election Shows Support for Main Street Makeover
In an unofficial referendum on the city’s development of downtown, voters returned two council incumbents and elected a newcomer who all supported the city’s Main Street makeover.
Councilman Mark R. Paulson, a real estate broker, won the 1st District seat by a more than four-to-one margin over Aaron A. Maxfield, a Pasadena City College student.
Paulson, who won office unopposed in 1994, has been a leading advocate of the city using redevelopment funds to bring major stores to the downtown.
In the 5th District, Councilman Paul L. Talbot beat challenger Elizabeth Mack, an outspoken opponent of the redevelopment.
Joining them on the council is Planning Commissioner Daniel Arguello, who edged out Luis Arizmendez in the race to replace Councilwoman Barbara Messina in the 2nd District.
Meanwile, Messina won the 2nd District Alhambra school board seat, garnering 63% of the vote. Her opponent, Peggy Russell, received 37%.
In the school board’s 5th District, Robert Miranda beat Jimmy Gin 55% to 45%. A jury is hearing a lawsuit that alleges Miranda does not live in the district, as required.
In the school board’s 4th District race, incumbent Sophie C. Wong edged out former Mark Keppel High School Principal Rudy Chavez.
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