Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Election to Replace Councilwoman Hahn Is Positively Special; Vote Dates Set
Photo by Nic Adler via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Special elections aren't cheap, but Council District 15 needs one to replace Janice Hahn, who was sworn in yesterday as the Congresswoman from California's 36th District. The L.A. City Council debated mightily about the $1.5 million price tag for a special election to replace the departed councilwoman, but they did manage to set a couple of dates, reports the Daily News.
A primary will be held on November 8, 2011, and a runoff between the top two, if needed, will happen January 17th, 2012.
Five candidates have already put their hats in the ring for the job; right now the "city's chief legislative analyst will act as a caretaker for the council seat until the election, but will not have a vote in City Council."
Councilman Bill Rosendahl wondered about making this election one that was done by mail, however the City Clerk reminded Council they "rejected a 2010 recommendation by her office that would greatly reduce election costs by making vote-by-mail the default method of voting in city elections."
One way they could save bucks would be if there was also a statewide special election scheduled for that day. That's up to Governor Jerry Brown, and would only shave less than a third of the price off.
The idea of appointing someone to Hahn's vacant post also came up, however, members of the council balked at stepping over the voices of the constituents in CD 15 who would not have a say in the council's appointment.
There is a chance that, with the $1.5 million cost just an estimate, the election could come in, as so few things do in L.A., under budget.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
