LA PALMA : Write-In Candidate Enters Council Race

The November City Council election took a surprise turn this week with the addition of a write-in candidate.

Wally Linn, a longtime resident who has been active in community affairs, declared his candidacy on Tuesday, the last day to enter. “I had planned for a while to run for City Council,” said Linn, a real estate broker. “But we had a family crisis that precluded me from running.”

Linn said the matter has been resolved, allowing him the time necessary to campaign.

Linn’s entry comes a few weeks after candidate Ken Tipton, a controversial former councilman, withdrew from the race. Tipton, who resigned his seat in 1986 after being censured by the council, refused to give a reason for bowing out. However, Tipton’s name will still appear on the ballot.

Two seats are up for grabs in November. Incumbents Orbrey Duke and Larry A. Herman are seeking reelection, and Christian L. Basquette, a relatively unknown figure, is also on the ballot. Basquette, 21, unsuccessfully challenged County Supervisor Don R. Roth in June.

Linn said he hopes to bring positive change to the council if he wins. “I think we need new vision and direction.” He said he will concentrate on educating voters on how to vote for him during the next few weeks. His name will not appear on the ballot, forcing supporters to write his name in the space provided.

Owner of the Linn Co., a real estate and financial services business, Linn is vice chairman of the La Palma Civic Center Authority Board. He served in the Marine Corps and graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. He is a past president of the Kiwanis Club.