Today’s newsletter is presented by Evinco.
Hello, La Mesa!
It’s normally too early to call races Tuesday night unless there’s a major landslide, as California’s mail-in ballots can take weeks to process. But there are two La Mesa races that could be called even before the first votes were counted: Amanda-Dawn Natalia and Moana Alo will have seats on the city council.
The pair ran uncontested for two seats vacated by Patricia Dillard and Laura Lothian, who faced off in the mayoral race. Former La Mesa treasurer Jim Steiringer and regenerative farmer Quinn Reese also ran to replace Mayor Mark Arapostathis, who termed out after 12 years in office.
The race is significant as the city of 60,000 has only had two mayors since 1990.
The mayoral race is still pretty close, although Dillard is leading by two percentage points. The race for treasurer is even closer, with Bill Exeter and Emmett Stewart swapping for first place with less than 50 votes between them. We likely won’t know a winner until every vote is counted. I had wondered if in such a Democratic-leaning city, a Republican candidate could even win, but if Exeter manages to overtake interim treasurer Emmett Stewart, he would show that it’s possible. It would be especially impressive amid a national blue wave that exceeded expectations. Although perhaps the treasurer race is less about party than it is about age and experience. Stewart defenders said the 20-year-old college student brings a fresh perspective to city finances. Exeter’s backers point to his four decades of experience managing other people’s money, not just his own.
No matter who wins the mayoral or treasurer race, the election will make La Mesa history. For the first time, the city council will be filled with all women.
“I’m excited, as excited as a person can be,” said Councilmember Genevieve Suzuki, in an interview on election night. “It’s about time.”
Drew Sitton
La Mesa Courier newsletter host
La Mesa story spotlight
Democrat Patricia Dillard takes early lead in race to be La Mesa’s next mayor
By Drew Sitton • Times of San Diego
After her watch party Tuesday, Dillard said she was “cautiously optimistic“ about the results.
La Mesa Courier thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.
More La Mesa news
La Mesa Courier thanks our corporate sponsors. Find out more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities here.