Two Charter amendments will be on the April 9th ballot: 1. Would increase from 2 to 3 the number of consecutive 4 year terms a Councilman may serve and change the residence requirement from 2 years to 1. 2. Provides for a municipal election in February with offices to be filled by those candidates who receive the highest number of votes. However, if no candidate receives at least 40% of the votes cast, a run-off election would be held in April.
Arcadia attorney, former mayor Jim Helms, receives "Business Icon" Award from Arcadia Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Hettrick and Arcadia Historical Society President Gene Glasco for his dedicated work as an attorney since 1952. Jim is also a former Mayor of Arcadia (1971-1972), Arcadia Chamber President and Arcadia Citizen of the Year 1979 and 2004.
Arcadia voters will have an opportunity to vote for a change in the city charter at the April 10 election. A majority vote will be required to elect future members to the City Council of amendment is passed.
A charter amendment providing that council candidates in order to win must have a majority of votes cast or face a run-off will be on Arcadians' ballots in December 13 election, if there is an election.
James Helms' City Council seat will be "up for grabs" as the city Charter prohibits more than 2 consecutive terms. Also, Dr. Alton Scott's seat will be available as he has announced that he will not seek re-election. Candidates may pick up nomination papers on January 15 and must file by noon on February 5 for the April election.
Helms elected chamber president. James Helms, Jr. was elected president of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. Jim Clarke is vice president and president-elect. Clarke is owner of Clarke Directory Publications, Inc. Other officers are treasurer Dick Closson and budget director Lyle Cunningham. Carol Libby and Roy Long will be honored as Citizens of the Year. See hard copy of newspaper in Box 51.
Plan to consolidate elections debated. City Council and Board of Education informally discussing consolidating their elections, would require charter change.
Arcadia Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast 2019: we are all Americans in a great city. Columnist Joan Schmidt recaps the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto’s State of the City Address. Pictured: Kari Helman, Jim Helms and his daughter.
Jim Helms and Kelvin Mason were named Citizens of the year for 1978 by the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce. Article gives a brief sketch of community service of both recipients.
Incumbents Sheng Chang and Barbara Kuhn failed in their bids for re-election to City Council as voters gave first-time candidate Gail Marshall, former Mayor Roger Chandler and council appointee Gary Kovacic the nod for the next four years. Gino Roncilli came in well ahead of former Mayor George Fasching for the two year seat. Voters also gave thumbs down to Measure A, a ballot initiative that would have added 2 percent to the current 5 percent utility tax for the next four years.
City of Arcadia to place three measures on November 8, 2022 ballot. 1. Proposed City Charter Amendment Measure. The City Charter was last amended in 1998. The citizen-led Charter Review Committee recommends updates to mirror changes in state laws since 1998 and to reflect current local government standards, to include a) mirroring changes in state laws to increase voter turnout by moving the date of regularly scheduled city council elections from April in even-numbered years to the November Statewide General Election in even-numbered years. b) recognizing the city's change to by-district elections as required by California Voting Rights Act. c) Creating a rotation of mayor and mayor pro tem positions every 9.5 months to allow all council members to serve during their term. d) Change position of City Clerk from elected to appointed. e) other amendments to streamline government, utilize technology and increase transparency. 2. Two measures to increase locally controlled funding. One measure would increase Arcadia's local tax on stays at hotels and motels from 10% to 12%--similar rate to many neighboring cities. The other measure would enact a local tax on sports wagers if sports betting becomes legal in California through State Proposition 26, also on the November ballot
Sheng Chang, Mary Young and Barbara Kuhn were elected to the Arcadia City Council. The number of votes and percentages received are given for each candidate.
Photo is similar to #747. Mr. Jim Helms is shown at microphone while awarding Chairmen. Those clearly in view are: Carla Maggio (white dress); and, Jean Cope at extreme right.
Jim Helms stands near microphone as Ruth Gilb speaks to guests. Seen on left is Police Dept. Lt. Neal Johnson, who was Prize & Awards Chairman of Diamond Jubilee.
Results of a recount of ballots cast in the recent Arcadia City Council election confirmed the original vote. Johanna A.M. Hofer, a candidate in the election, ordered the recount.