Alhambra Not for Sale (Photo – voteyesonmeasurev.org)
Changes in Voting Rules Attempt to Reign in Big Money in Alhambra Politics. Will it work?
By Rena Kurlander
To prevent in part the undue influence of big developers and outside special interests, Alhambra voters overwhelmingly approved Measure V in 2020, a charter amendment that established by-district elections and campaign finance reforms, including contribution limits of $250 per donor to a City Council candidate’s campaign. Proponents of Measure V gathered over 6,100 signatures to get the measure on the ballot; Measure V then passed by over 76% of the vote.
By-District Voting in Alhambra
District 1 covers northeast Alhambra, including the downtown business district and historic neighborhoods of Lindaraxa Park, Story Park and the Bean Tract.
In District 1, Councilmember Katherine Lee is running for re-election against community leader Ari Guitierrez Arambula and former Councilman Stephen Sham. One could argue that Mr. Sham’s previous City Council campaigns exemplified the need for Measure V in Alhambra. In 2014, Sham raised over $130,000 in mostly large donations from special interests compared to his opponent’s $20,000 in mostly small donations and personal loans. Sham won that citywide race by 369 votes. Who knows what would have happened on a more level playing field. Although Mr. Sham previously served as a Councilmember for three consecutive terms (12 years), he can run again because he sat out for a term.
District 3 covers southeast Alhambra south of Mission to the 10 Freeway, including the East Valley Blvd. Corridor and the Airport Tract.
In District 3, Councilmember Ross Maza is completing his first term and is running for re-election without a challenger.
District 5 covers the southwest section of Alhambra, including the Emery Park area that recently fought The Villages at Alhambra development. It also includes “the stub” entrance/exit for the 710 Freeway of Valley Blvd.
In District 5, Councilmember Adele Andrade-Stadler, finishing her first term, drew two challengers initially but now has only one, Jeffery Gomez. Gomez is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Snob Magazine.
In spite of by-district elections, the successful candidates will eventually serve all of Alhambra, and members of the City Council rotate to serve as Mayor. In a Measure V world, candidates are more beholden to the residents, and voters have more say in who represents their district – if they vote.
Rena Kurlander is a resident in the San Gabriel Valley.
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