KTLA producer running for council

Another candidate has entered the running for Huntington Beach City Council, bringing the total pool of contenders to 19.

Landon Fichtner, a first-time candidate, filed his intention to run last week. He joins incumbent Joe Carchio and 17 other challengers in the race, in which four council seats are open. Mayor Cathy Green, Mayor Pro-Tem Jill Hardy and Councilman Gil Coerper will be termed out in November.

A weather producer for KTLA and science teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Fichtner has lived in Huntington Beach for five years. He favors tightening government spending and also increasing revenue, which he said the city could accomplish by luring more visitors.

“Since we are a tourism destination, as a city, we can’t rely solely on taxing our citizens,� Fichtner said. “We have too vital a resource to not better utilize that.�

The Long Beach native added that although he has lived in several communities in California and Washington, he feels a special attachment to Surf City.

“I feel I want to be more than just your average, everyday Joe Blow citizen who lives within the boundaries of the city,� Fichtner said.

Candidates have until Aug. 6 to file statements of intention and may pull papers to run for council between July 12 and Aug. 6, with the general election to take place Nov. 2.

— Michael Miller