First published in the June 16 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
Nine days removed from Election Day, Mike Davitt and Kim Bowman separated themselves further from the rest of the pack in the final leg of the race for La Cañada Flintridge City Council.
Though Los Angeles County estimates that more than 360,000 ballots countywide still need to be counted, Davitt secured his reelection bid by garnering nearly 30% of the votes — totaling 2,481 — as of Tuesday.
“I am truly thankful for the support which has come from our community,” Davitt said in an email to the Outlook Valley Sun. “It is humbling to receive the opportunity to continue to serve our community. La Cañada Flintridge is a wonderful place to live and work, and I will work to ensure, protect and advance our great quality of life.”
Bowman, who serves on the LCF Parks and Recreation Commission, isn’t far behind with 2,397 votes (28.79%) and leads candidate Jack Schaedel by nearly 490 votes for the second and final seat on the council. However, he wouldn’t declare victory just yet.
“Whatever the final ballot count, I want to thank everyone for getting to know my family, our values and our vision for the future of the city we all love and share,” he said. “Whenever I needed a boost during the campaign, my spouse, Cynthia, always reminded me that the fun part is not the politics, but the new friendships we make and the good that we get to accomplish by working together after the election is over to shape policy for the future of La Cañada. I also want to express my appreciation for the other three candidates in this race, because they are public servants.”
Schaedel remains in third with 22.91% of the votes and is waiting for the final tally from the county, which will not declare the official results until July 19.
“I want to thank the community and the thousands of people who put their trust in me to lead,” Schaedel said. “While the votes have not yet been fully counted, if the current status holds, I will congratulate Mike Davitt and Kim Bowman on their success, wish them the best in governing our city and offer my assistance to them in any way possible. Regardless of the outcome, I will continue to serve La Cañada Flintridge as I’ve done for the past 20 years and will continue to build community unity.”
Candidate Marija Decker has tallied 1,540 votes so far, which accounts for 18.5%, and says she looks forward to continuing her work as a Parks and Recreation commissioner.
“I want to thank all those who voted for me and helped in the campaign,” she said. “Congratulations to the winners, and I look forward to continuing to meet with the community to increase support for a run next time.”
