New Names to Run for City Council

The upcoming in Hermosa Beach will include some new names as two residents have submitted candidate statements to run against councilmen Peter Tucker and Michael DiVirgilio for two seats on the five-member City Council.

Hany Fangary and Steve Powers have submitted their names for the election, which will be held Nov. 8. Here is a roundup of the candidates.

Hany Fangary

Fangary, 44, is an environmental engineer and lawyer who has lived in the Beach Cities for 15 years. The name might sound familiar because in recent City Council meetings he has spoken against the number of tattoo studios opening for business in town and served as a member of the Hermosa Beach Citizens United group.

In his candidate statement for the upcoming election, Fangary focused on environmental issues.

"If I earn the honor of your support my decisions will fairly reflect the concerns of residents and businesses by:

Addressing the significant risks associated with the , the AES plant, and budget issues including . Informing the community of important issues, gathering input from stakeholders, and equitably balancing the interests of all.

Supporting our school district and upholding quality standards for police, fire, and City services. Working with residents and businesses to address safety and nuisance concerns in the downtown area. Protecting our environment through sustainable green programs," he wrote.

Steve Powers

Powers, 62, is a local business consultant and wrote in his candidate statement that, if elected, he will be a "champion for small business" in our community.

"With over 40 years experience in running multi-million dollar companies, I have the experience and acumen to deal with both small business and corporate conglomerates...

I will fight to ensure a fair process in which small business owners receive the same treatment and concern as large corporations. Small business in Hermosa Beach is the lifeblood of our community. We have an amazing opportunity as Hermosa Beach citizens to cultivate and grow small businesses that reflect the innate special qualities that are purely unique to our 'quaint village by the sea,'" he wrote.

Peter Tucker

Tucker, who has a long history of serving the community as a city official, wrote in his candidate statement that he has "the passion to make sound fiscal policies, ensuring a high quality of life for Hermosa Beach residents."

During Tucker's in the fall and winter, the Upper Pier Avenue Street Improvement Project , and the council adopted a .

If elected, Tucker wrote that he'll focus on:

• "Reducing legacy cost of pensions and healthcare;
• Quality police, fire and city services;
• Residential quality of life;
• Street repaving and sewer repair;
• Revitalization of Pacific Coast Highway and Aviation Boulevard;
• Successfully conclude the Macpherson Oil lawsuit;
• Supporting public art;
• Developing a new Conditional Use Permit process;
• Local bus routes;
• City parks;
• Cool Cities and carbon neutrality goals;
• Feasibility of a city dog park;
• and the future of Hermosa Beach Schools."

Michael DiVirgilio

Similar to when DiVirgilio previously campaigned for a seat on the City Council, he has focused on developing a "partnership" with the community.

"During my 2007 campaign I solicited citizen’s comments regarding their concerns, which became the foundation and focus of my problem-solving efforts as your city councilman," he wrote in his candidate statement. "I look forward to hearing your priorities for the next four years and working with you to implement them."

This focus on transparency within government was put into action when City Hall last year released  during DiVirgilio's mayoral term.

While serving on council, he also looked closely at , revitalizing Pier Avenue, street repair, and the panel created a join committee with the School Board, he wrote. 

If elected, DiVirgilio wrote that he will:

• "Do everything possible to resolve the oil lawsuit in a way that protects our community.
• Guide financial decisions with a same, balanced and long-term focus on our core needs.
• Provide the public with tools to hold their government accountable.
• Continue our innovative efforts protecting the environment in a meaningful and budget- smart way."

The positions of city treasurer and city clerk are also up for election. Treasurer John Workman will face Hermosa Beach resident David Cohn, a corporate managing director. City Clerk Elaine Doerfling has submitted her name to fill her own seat, according to the city. And the also has seats up for election.

Who do you support in the City Council race?