R.H. Estates May Run Election for Rancho P.V.

The Rancho Palos Verdes City Council voted 3-2 Wednesday to turn the mechanics of the November city election over to neighboring Rolling Hills Estates to shield City Clerk Jo Purcell from potential conflict-of-interest charges.

Purcell, who normally would run the election, is married to veteran Councilman Robert Ryan, who could be a candidate for re-election.

City Manager Dennis McDuffie, in a memo to the council, said Purcell’s running of an election in which her husband is a candidate “could pose a potential concern” relating to candidate designations on ballots, which the clerk may reject if they do not meet certain criteria, and candidates’ qualification statements, which are required to be kept confidential until the filing deadline expires.

Councilman Mel Hughes proposed that the city retain Rolling Hills Estates to handle the election for a $3,705 fee, with the provision that the city rescind the action if Ryan is not a candidate at the close of filing for office in August. Most of the money, however, would have been spent before the closing of filing for personnel costs, legal notices, preparation of election materials and verification of signatures on nominating papers.

Ryan and Councilman John McTaggart voted against the proposal. McTaggart called it a waste of money.

Ryan, who has held office since incorporation of the city in 1973, said Thursday that the action is a political move and not legally necessary. He said he has not decided whether to seek another term.

Filing for the council seats held by Ryan and Mayor Jacki Bacharach opens July 17 and closes at 5 p.m. Aug. 11. If one of the incumbents does not file by the deadline, filing will be extended until 5 p.m. Aug. 16.