Candidates can start filing papers July 14
DOWNTOWN Mayor Pro Tem Richard Bloom kicked off his re-election campaign on Monday with a party at the Santa Monica Art Studios, becoming the first incumbent to publicly announce his intention to run in the November election.
Councilman Ken Genser said he too plans to run for re-election, while Councilman Bobby Shriver is still debating whether or not to throw his hat into the ring. Mayor Herb Katz is expected to also run for re-election, however, he could not be reached for comment Monday.
The first day to request nomination papers for the City Council, Rent Control Board and the Santa Monica-Malibu Board of Education is July 14. Candidates must gather signatures from 100 registered voters. There is no fee to request nomination papers, said Assistant City Clerk Beth Sanchez.
Guests paid $55 to attend Bloom’s bash, which coincided with the family law attorney’s 55th birthday. The campaign contribution limit in Santa Monica is $250.
Bloom, who has served on the council since April of 1999 when he filled Asha Greenberg’s unexpired term, said he feels “invigorated,” and enjoys serving the residents of Santa Monica.
“No matter when I stop [serving in public office], which I’m sure I will some day, there will be unfinished business, but the real reasons are I’m feeling invigorated and I think the people generally like the job I’m doing,” Bloom said during a telephone interview Monday.
“We’ll find out for sure in November,” he added.“Being on the City Council makes me very happy and I love the work. As long as those elements are there, I want to give it another go.”
While it may be a little early in the process to declare one’s candidacy, Bloom Dr. Marvin Lee said he felt it was important to get started early given his history of putting off fundraising until late August or September, putting more stress on himself, his family and his supporters. Bloom admits that fundraising has not been one of his strengths so he hopes that by starting early he can build up a decent war chest and better connect with voters so that he can become familiar with the issues that concern them the most.
Having served on the council for nine years, Bloom is aware of residents’ concerns, but he said he looks forward to the one-on-one conversations that come with campaigning. He will continue to focus on homelessness, traffic and future development. Building more parks, affordable housing and supporting the educational community will as be issues he hopes to address if re-elected.
Bloom said he will seek the endorsement of Santa Monicans for Renters Rights, the ruling political party in Santa Monica that has also supported Genser and councilmem-bers Kevin McKeown and Pam O’Connor. But that’s not all. Bloom said he will reach out to various groups to build a strong coalition.
Bloom has already secured endorsements from Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, state Sen. Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), former Assemblymember Fran Pavley, former homeless czar Ed Edelman, and political activist Tom Hayden.
Genser, 57, a land use/planning consultant, is planning to run for a sixth term, having served the city for 20 years on the council. He still thoroughly enjoys serving, he said, and wants to continue so that he can help people. But with serving in office comes running for office, something Genser is not fond of.
“I don’t relish campaigns,” Genser said. “They are grueling. You have to fit them in while the rest of your life is going on. Of course it’s stressful, but being on the City Council and serving the people of Santa Monica is well worth it.”
For Shriver, he still must weigh the pros and cons. He is concerned about the impact running for office has on his personal life, his family and his philanthropic work.
“I am seriously thinking about it,” Shriver said while on business in New York.“I’ve got to make a decision in the next month or so. I’m looking forward to getting back and focusing on it.”
There are a lot of things to consider, Shriver said, including whether or not one can continue to be effective.
The City Clerk’s Office plans to hold two candidate workshops on July 14 to educate prospective candidates on the process. The workshops are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 1, 2008. Read the original PDF.