> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Candidates make their final pitches - URL: https://www.smdp.com/candidates-make-their-final-pitches/ - Published: 2004-10-29T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T05:21:22.000Z - Author: John Wood - Tags: Government & Politics, Mid-City, #archive-import, Homeless, Homelessness *Pointed questions stir debate at pre-election event* MID-CITY — More than a dozen residents vying for four open seats on the Santa Monica City Council took to the crowded stage of a nightclub here Wednesday night and fielded pointed questions about their candidacy. The topics addressed ranged from homelessness and downtown development to violence in the eastside Pico neighborhood, City Hall bureaucracy and a divisive proposal to ban pet de-clawing in Santa Monica. About 100 people turned out for the event, which was hosted by the Santa Monica Daily Press. Editor Carolyn Sackariason began the forum by admonishing candidates not to divert from the admittedly “loaded” questions. The candidates were often heckled, hissed at and booed while they answered questions from both the newspaper and the audience. They also received applause and whistles during parts of the three-hour forum. A wide range of residents and local leaders attended the event, including members of the local chamber of commerce, the school board, City Hall’s Rent Control Board and members of the council who aren’t up for re-election. The forum became heated at one point when school board member Shane McLoud submitted a question asking the candidates if they felt conflicted accepting donations and endorsements from police, fire and city employee unions and subsequently voting on salary packages for those same groups. While many candidates said they would back public election financing, most also said they felt the current system was fair and ethical. “Anybody you think can be bought for $250, you definitely shouldn’t vote for,” said challenger Bobby Shriver, referencing a local law that limits campaign contributions. “Because if they can be bought, they should raise their price.” Challengers Bill Bauer and David Cole, both outspoken critics of the current administration, pointed out the special interest groups don’t just donate $250, they often also solicit their own donations and spend tens of thousands of dollars on canvassing and mailers touting their chosen candidates. “The thing is, they really handicap the race,” said Bauer, referring to the police, fire and city employee unions. “They’re trying to pick winners, because the people they pick are the ones that are going to vote them the pay raises and the benefits. And it’s not about public safety, it’s about pay raises and benefits, and the Santa Monica Police Department is the second-highest paid of eight high-paid agencies in Southern California... Let’s face the facts of life.” Added Cole: “People don’t put up money just so people get to know who you are. They put up money because they want something in return. That’s the way it works, and it’s not just $250\. This year, it’s going to be over half a million dollars of special interest money. It may approach $1 million when it’s all said and done.” A total of 14 residents with diverse backgrounds are running for four seats on the seven-member City Council. Included among the candidates are a homeless rights activist, flight attendant, land use consultant, several neighborhood activists, two lawyers and an architect. All were present for the SMDP forum except Challenger Kathryn Morea, due to a family emergency. When asked who they endorse, most candidates sidestepped the question and said they’d work with any makeup of candidates. Not so for the slate backed by the powerful tenant group Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights. That foursome took several opportunities to tout SMRR and its slate, which consists of challengers Patricia Hoffman and Maria Loya, and incumbents Richard Bloom and Ken Genser. City Councilman Mike Feinstein, who was dropped by SMRR this year after eight years of support, had a slightly different message. “I’m not going to insult you by telling you who to vote for, but I am also going to say that our council is stagnant and we are underachieving, and I do think the residents are going to change things this year,” he said. “Am I going to be part of the new council? We’ll see where it all goes,” Feinstein added. “There’s something in the air this year.” Challenger Linda Armstrong, a data entry operator, had yet another take. She prompted laughter by suggesting nearly everyone on the dais be able to join the council, saying seats ought to be added to accommodate them. Those elected on Tuesday will serve four-year terms, and receive full health benefits, along with travel funds and a salary of more than $10,000\. The City Council meets bi-monthly and is the lead governing body for Santa Monica’s City Hall. Dubbed “Squirm Night” and held at The Space on Wilshire Boulevard, Wednesday’s event was the last known local forum before the Nov. 2 election. The final installment of candidate questionnaires will be printed in the Daily Press on Monday, Nov. 1. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/102904-01_01-7.jpg) (Photo: Nicky Five Aces/Five Aces Photo) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/102904-01_02-7.jpg) Council trio: Challenger Bobby Shriver, center, answers a question at a City Council forum Wednesday night, while incumbents Michael Feinstein (left) and Richard Bloom listen. (Photo: Nicky Five Aces/Five Aces Photo) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/102904-01_03-7.jpg) Council trio: Challenger Bobby Shriver, center, answers a question at a City Council forum Wednesday night, while incumbents Michael Feinstein (left) and Richard Bloom listen. (Photo: Nicky Five Aces/Five Aces Photo) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/102904-01_04-7.jpg) Council trio: Challenger Bobby Shriver, center, answers a question at a City Council forum Wednesday night, while incumbents Michael Feinstein (left) and Richard Bloom listen. (Photo: Nicky Five Aces/Five Aces Photo) *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 29, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/102904.pdf?ref=smdp.com)