Santa Clarita '08 Election Update

Only 18 days remain until Election Day in the city of Santa Clarita's municipal election. On April 8, voters will elect two candidates, of five possible candidates, to two open City Council seats.

Bob Kellar, realtor, broker and Mayor of Santa Clarita, who is currently facing a state investigation for alleged violations of the campaign finance laws, is the only incumbent running in the race. Because only one incumbent is running, at least one new candidate will find a seat on the council of five this election cycle.

Diane Trautman, an educator and avid participant in city politics and planning has enjoyed an active and widespread grassroots campaign. Trautman made a nearly-successful bid for City Council in 2004, losing by a margin of 801 votes. Trautman has garnered four more years of planning commission experience since 2004 and recently received the Sierra Club's endorsement.

Voters in the Santa Clarita Valley have probably noticed plenty of signs for Maria Gutzeit another potential candidate for the City Council this Spring. Gutzeit has experience as an elected official and currently sits on the Newhall County Water District Board. Gutzeit supports consideration for 'day-labor' city ordinances.

Bob Spierer represents the law enforcement bid for an open City Council seat, boasting local law enforcement experience. A recent poll of SCV voters showed that Bob Spierer's popularity locally mirrored that of Bob Kellar's.

Laurie Ender has vocational experience as a Parks Commissioner and has the support of Howard P. 'Buck' McKeon- the so called 'Republican Godfather'. Ender has received widespread criticism for her inaccurate and ungenerous remarks about other candidates in the race. Ender has also been criticized for a promotional mailer sent this month by Frank Ferry, a current Council member, who may have illegally used his own campaign funds to promote 'Buck' McKeon's endorsement of Ender.