No surprises in Crescenta Valley Town Council election

All six people who ran for the Crescenta Valley Town Council were elected, according to voting results released after the Nov. 5 election.

There were just six open seats, so the only real competition was for who got the most votes, which determines who gets a regular seat, and who serves as an alternate.

Local volunteer Danette Erickson got the most votes, according to the council’s website, followed by retirees Frank Beyt and Charlie Beatty, meaning they will serve as regular council members.

Attorney Odalis C. Suarez, Realtor Robert Thomas and attorney Mike Claessens will serve as the council’s first, second and third alternates, respectively.

Residents cast their votes Saturday at the La Crescenta Library.

Erickson said she wished more people had voted and run for the election.

“Last election we had 10 candidates and it got a little more cut throat,” she said. “We have to get candidates. That’s the essence of the election, to get a lot of candidates.”

The total number of votes cast in the election was not immediately available.

Erickson has taken on various roles on the council since 1995, most recently as recording secretary.

Beyt has served the council in the past as vice president.

Beatty most recently served as the council’s first alternate. Suarez formerly served as second alternate and Thomas as council member.

Claessens is the council’s only newcomer.

The three council members will serve three-year terms while the alternates serve for one year, filling in for members who are absent from meetings.

-- Kelly Corrigan, Times Community News

Editor’s note: This post has been updated from an earlier version.