Six CV candidates vie for same number of seats

This year, all six people running for Crescenta Valley Town Council will likely be elected — there are six open seats — but it will be up to how many votes the candidates get that will determine their influence.

The town council serves as an advisory board for Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich for unincorporated La Crescenta. Recently, the council has worked with the county to bring a new dog park and establish new land use rules.

The council has 12 seats, nine of them regular with three-year terms, and three alternates who each serve one year. Alternates often stand-in for regular members that miss meetings.

Each year, six seats are up for grabs.

The candidates include incumbents Danette Erickson, a longtime community volunteer; Charles Beatty, a retiree; Odalis Suarez, an attorney; Robert Thomas, a Realtor; and newcomer Mike Claessens, also an attorney. Frank Beyt, a retiree, who was a member a few years ago, is running again.

Suarez and Beatty, who are both currently alternates, said they would like better communication between the council and other government agencies, such as the city of Glendale, according to their candidate statements.

Erickson said she would like to curb drug use and gang graffiti and establish a town council prayer breakfast. Beyt said he would like to create a new system to respond to citizen complaints.

Claessens said he would like to dig deeper into the Crescenta Valley Water District’s proposed water rate increase and amp up public safety measures.

Council President Cheryl Davis said the new council will be faced with being the community voice on a variety of zoning issues as the county prepares to update its general plan.

“People should understand, when they have an issue, we’re here to help them,” Davis said.

The election is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 at La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd.