On April 6, Arcadia will have a local election to fill two City Council seats and the position of City Clerk. Seven candidates are profiled: Charles Chivetta, George Fasching, Vincent Foley, Ruth Gilb, Bob Harbicht, Dennis Lojeski and Gino Roncelli. June Alford is also profiled. She is running unopposed for the office of City Clerk. Photos.
Current mayor Dennis Lojeski and former Councilman Bob Harbicht appear to have finished ahead of five other candidates Tuesday in the race for two City Council seats. Propositions A and B passed; Propositions C and D did not pass. Final tally is not expected until Thursday.
Former candidate, Vince Foley has filed a complaint with the State's Fair Political Practices Commission regarding alleged under-reporting of campaign contributions by George Fasching and Dennis Lojeski.
George Fasching, owner of Fasching's Car Wash who joined the City Council two years ago, was chosen as the city's mayor on Tuesday, replacing four-time mayor, Charles Gilb.
Incumbent councilwoman Mary Young is scheduled to take the gavel as the new Mayor of Arcadia. In the election, about 22% of the city's 25,000 registered voters participated. Here are the final results: George Fasching, 27.2%, 3996, Roger Chandler, 14.7%, 2162, Joseph Ciraulo, 22.1%, 3242, Charles Chivetta, 9.4% 1368, Robert Harbicht, 19.8%, 2907, Eileen Stephan, 6.9% 1014
Mayor Roger Chandler lost his bid for re-election as challengers George Fasching and Joseph Ciraulo and incumbent Robert Harbicht were elected to the Arcadia City Council. Fasching led with 27.2% of the vote, followed by Ciraulo with 22.1% and Harbicht with 19.8%.
City Council approved a 12% pay increase for City Clerk June Alford. The raise comes just as city voters are considering changing the city clerk's office from an elected one to an employee position.
The seven candidates who vie for two open City Council seats represent two rival political factions which stem from one political event four years ago; the firing of City Manager George Watts in May 1992.