Old Town and Surfside, Seal Beach City Council race decided in runoff
It’s been a long and winding road to the final outcome of the Seal Beach City Council race for the Old Town and Surfside District One council seat.
The election required a runoff between former Seal Beach Volunteer Firefighter Captain and Main Street businessman Joe Kalmick and Ellery Deaton, who has been a Seal Beach planning commissioner. In the end, it appears that Deaton’s message of keeping Old Town’s quiet charm, among other issues, won the voters’ decision.
“I would like to congratulate Mrs. Deaton on her election to our City Council,” said Kalmick. “I’m certain that we are both glad that the long election process is finally over. We need to now all work together to ensure we make the right decisions for our community as we move forward.”
Kalmick went on to say that he thanked all who supported his campaign with their time, interest and votes.
“I believe that our candidacy has encouraged a larger number of residents to not only vote but to become more involved in community issues,” Kalmick said. “Let’s continue to make our voice heard.”
Deaton was likewise appreciative of the voters who have put her in office.
“Thank you so much for the confidence you have placed in me to be your next Council member,” Deaton said. “It is a responsibility that I take very seriously and I will work hard to bring our community together. February 28 will be my first day on the job and I will be working this month to be ready for that first meeting.”
As a planning commissioner, Deaton gained a reputation for doing her homework.
“I want to congratulate Joe Kalmick on running a fair and honest campaign,” Deaton said. “We share a lot of the same ideas on how to make Old Town better, and I look forward to working with him and his supporters. Whether a resident voted for me or for Joe, I look forward to being an active, accessible representative for all who live in Old Town and Surfside.”
Deaton said her first goals include protecting Seal Beach’s financial security, working through the DWP project issues, and working on what she said was a long list of concerns people brought up to her during the campaign.
“I’m also going to be working to establish regular times to meet with our constituents as I did during the campaign,” she said. “Please feel free to contact me (at 562-743-4355) with any ideas or concerns you have for our community. It is working together as concerned neighbors that will improve our small town.”
According to the Orange County Registrar of Voters, 1,979 people cast ballots in the Nov. 2 District 1 Seal Beach City Council race.
In the initial council race for District One the results were: Ellery Deaton with 981 votes or 49.6 percent. Joe Kalmick had 657 votes or 33.2 percent. Candidate Scott L. Levitt had 204 votes or 10.3 percent and Robert Aguilar Jr. had 137 votes or 6.9 percent.
In the Jan. 25 District One runoff election, 1,340 people voted. Deaton had 826 voted or 62 percent. Kalmick received 514 votes or 38 percent
