South Whittier : New Board Member Resigns to Settle Election Dispute

A newly elected board member of the South Whittier Community Coordinating Council has resigned after two of the losing candidates objected to the way the election was conducted.

Challenger Janet Hodges, who finished sixth in a field of 16 candidates for nine seats on the board, resigned after questions were raised about whether she was a valid candidate.

The coordinating council, an unpaid group of volunteers, operates like an unofficial city council for unincorporated South Whittier, an area with more than 50,000 residents.

The council bylaws require board candidates to be council members for three months before an election, council President Victor Ledesma said. Hodges’ name was recorded at only one meeting, even though she actually attended more, Ledesma said.

Shortly before the election, the board majority voted to waive the 90-day rule to allow more candidates, including Hodges.

But incumbent board members Angel Cabral and L.H. (Butch) Redman, who lost their seats Nov. 1, said Hodges should not have been allowed to run.

To settle the dispute, Hodges stepped down, Ledesma said. In the election, two candidates tied for the ninth and final seat and they both will join the board.

Ousted incumbent Cabral said he still wants a new election despite Hodges’ resignation. Ledesma was the leading vote-getter with 31 votes. Also winning board seats were Ben Read, Bill Braicov Jr., Phil Colunga, Genevieve de Grasse, Maggie Garcia, Ernie Masson, Leota Duarte and Andrew Enos.