A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Monrovia’s Election

By Terry Miller

Last week we ran a story on a Monrovia candidate’s husband and his unique way of promoting his wife’s re-election bid.

Sincethen, scores of people have approached us for what they feel should be “equaltime” in print. It should be noted, however, that the page one story last weekwas a feature on a unique approach to political advertising and not necessarilya political endorsement by this news organization.

Forthe record, a few weeks ago Monrovia Weekly published campaign statements (atno charge, I might add) of each and every candidate running for Monroviacouncil or mayor.

Eachcandidate has, traditionally, kicked off his/her campaign with a party as a wayof getting citizens to endorse, take a campaign sign for the yard or simply getto know the candidate’s view on the city’s most pressing issues.

OnMonday evening, Gloria Grudgington — who recently battled and beat a rare formof cancer — held her official campaign kick-off at a popular pub on MyrtleAvenue. The affable councilwoman outlined her accomplishments and plans for thefuture of Monrovia to a standing-room-only crowd of supporters at Basin 141.

MayorTom Adams was present as was Councilwoman Becky Shevlin to show their support.  Other city and school board notables includedRob Hammond and Terrance Williams as well as City Treasurer Steve Baker, MayorPro Tem Larry Spicer and the unofficial mayor of Monrovia, and famous tennisplayer, Hal Leavens.

MayorAdams quipped that this particular combination of candidates (Adams,Crudgington and Shevlin) is perhaps the winning “trifecta” for Monrovia.

Whilemany people often equate local and national elections with horse racing, itreally is a challenge for any candidate to get their message across to thevoter, especially with so much print and social media targeting differentdemographics.

Beginningin March of 2020, as required by State law, Monrovia municipal elections willcoincide with statewide primary election dates. General municipalelections will be held in March of even-numbered years to elect members to serveon the City Council, and as city clerk and city treasurer. There are fivemembers of the Monrovia City Council, including the directly elected mayor whoserves a two-year term, and four councilmembers serving a four-year term ofoffice. The city clerk and city treasurer are also elected and serve afour-year term.

Themunicipal election will be held on March 3, 2020, for the positions of mayor(vote for one) and city councilmembers (vote for two). Dates to keep inmind:

• Feb.5 – First day to request vote by mail ballot.
• Feb.18 – Last day to register to vote.
• Feb.22 – Vote centers open.

Visit www.lavote.net for your vote center location.

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