Moreno Stays on Placentia Ballot

Placentia Councilwoman Maria Moreno will have her name on the November ballot despite missing the city’s filing deadline, an Orange County Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday.

Superior Court Judge Linda Sheldon rejected a lawsuit filed by four other candidates for the City Council, upholding a lower court ruling that Moreno should be allowed on the Nov. 7 ballot even though she turned her reelection papers into the city clerk three days late.

Sheldon ruled that the other council hopefuls were not injured by Moreno running for office with them.

Moreno, who has contended she was given misinformation about the filing deadline, expressed relief Wednesday.

“This all has been an emotional roller coaster for me,” she said. “I’m thrilled to be back on track representing the disenfranchised.”

Incumbent Constance Underhill and candidates Scott Brady, Judy Dickinson and Don Shepherd filed a petition Aug. 29, arguing that Moreno was getting preferential treatment and that her name should be stricken from the ballot.

“This is a ridiculous ruling,” said Bruce Peotter, the lawyer who filed the suit. “There’s no one more aggrieved by that action than my clients.”

Moreno’s lawyer, Mark Rosen, argued that the judge was acting fairly, since it gives voters the chance to decide whether Moreno has been good for the city. Even some of her opponents agreed with his assessment.

“This was all about principle, not politics,” council candidate Brady said. “If the voters decide she’s to be reelected, that’s fine with me.”