By Joani Gillam
Staff Writer
and Jason Boxer
Managing Web Editor
Manhattan Beach planning commissioner David Lesser and two-term Manhattan Beach Unified School District board member Amy Howorth won the two open seats on the Manhattan Beach City Council in the elections on March 8.
To view a PDF of the election results published by the city, see here.
According to their respective campaign sites, Howorth and Lesser share the common goals of reducing pension costs for future city employees and ensuring financial responsibility for Manhattan Beach. Howorth also indicated plans to create programs for senior citizens, and Lesser wants to enhance the city’s partnership with schools.
“It is an honor to serve as a council member and to have the support I’ve had,” Lesser said on his website.
Lesser and Howorth each received 30 percent of the vote. Community activist Viet Ngo and attorney Kathleen Paralusz lost the election with Paralusz receiving 21.9 percent of the vote. Ngo finished in fourth with 4.8 percent of the votes.
Current councilman Mitch Ward did not run for re-election because he is currently running for state assembly. According to her website, current councilwoman Portia Cohen did not run for re-election because she wants a change and a new challenge.
Howorth hopes to draw on her experience as a school board member to address various issues that affect the community. Her main focus is expected to be budget challenges.
“I’ve been proud to serve the community for the past seven years as a member of the school board, and I want to continue to fight hard to protect what is great about our town,” Howorth said.
Howorth’s seat on the MBUSD board will need to be temporarily filled until the November elections, as she cannot hold both positions. The board will start interviewing potential members as early as April 13.
“We will sincerely miss Ms. Howorth,” MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews said. “She was a valuable member of the school board, but I believe that she’ll be an excellent addition to city council.”
Lesser has 21 years experience as a business advisor and six years of serving on the Manhattan Beach planning commission. He believes this experience will help him manage the budget crisis and develop ways to help schools.
“I treasure our city’s small town character, pristine beauty, and strong relationships,” Lesser said. “These are difficult economic times, and I want to ensure that our city is fiscally responsible so future generations can enjoy it as much as we do.”
Howorth and Lesser will take their places and be sworn in at City Hall on March 15, when current city council members Ward and Cohen leave office.
“I look forward to my continued mission of building a better community,” Howorth said. “I’ve faced challenges, and I’ve seen many improvements in our school district. I love what I do, and I am glad to continue serving the wonderful residents of Manhattan Beach.”
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