Dec. 11 Vote Set for Wachs’ Council Seat

A special election will be held Dec. 11 to fill an expected vacancy in the east San Fernando Valley’s 2nd Council District seat, the Los Angeles City Council decided Wednesday.

But the council split over when to allow candidates to begin fund-raising, an issue with potential political implications.

Council President Alex Padilla, who has backed Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar) in the race, sought unsuccessfully to block any fund-raising until Councilman Joel Wachs vacates the seat Oct. 1.

Opponents of a delay said it would give an advantage to any candidate with an established base of contributors while discouraging new candidates.

Another motion would have allowed candidates to begin collecting donations immediately. But a vote on that was postponed until the council returns from recess in early September.

“We’ve got a short enough window as it is,” Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski said. Allowing fund-raising now, she said, “is the best way we can create that level playing field today.”

Cardenas, the only elected official in the race, has raised $384,000 this year, left over from an aborted campaign for secretary of state.

Padilla denied that he sought the delay to benefit Cardenas. He said it would create a problem if candidates raised money and then Wachs decided not to accept a job heading a New York City arts foundation.

Wachs said he is committed to leaving Oct. 1 and supported an immediate start to fund-raising.