CORRECTION: Jake Wachtel was erroneously omitted from the list of candidates for school board in the original version of this story. That error has been correct in this version of the story.
The de facto political party Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (SMRR) steering committee officially supports three more November election candidates.
The 12 voting members made a private vote to support incumbents for the school board members Oscar de la Torre and Ralph Mechur, as well as incumbent councilmember Pam O’Connor, the group announced on Aug. 6.
Support from the steering committee means the candidates will be allowed in campaign literature, but is not as strong as a full endorsement. A two-thirds vote by SMRR members is required for a full endorsement by the group.
De la Torre and Mechur, both continuing SMRR members, garnered support from the powerful group in past elections. Current board member Jose Escarse is another one of the few members that received committee support in the past 20 years.
The group allows the committee to support candidates to ensure a complete list of runners. The move has rumored to create discontent with members for devaluing the voting system. Only members can vote for the endorsement bids, and anyone can join with a $25 fee as the only requirement for SMRR membership.
Running for the board of education is Ralph Mechur, Barry Snell, Laurie Lieberman, Jake Wachtel, Chris Bley, and Pat Cady as the only Malibu contender.
For the City Council four-year term Linda Armstrong, Daniel Cody, Bob Holbrook, Terence Later, Jean McNeil Wyner, Jerry Rubin, Ted Winterer, and Incumbents Kevin McKeown and Pam O’Connor will compete.
Two year City Council terms pits David Ganezer, Susan Hartly, Robert Kronovet, and incumbents Gleam Davis and Terry O’Day against one another this November.
