DANA POINT : Recall Candidates Must File Election Papers by Today

Candidates to replace two council members facing a recall vote March 26 have until 5 p.m. today to file election papers at City Hall.

Nobody had filed with City Clerk Sharon L. Waits as of Thursday afternoon, officials said, though seven residents have taken out papers.

The prospective council members would only win a seat if the recall succeeds.

Mayor Karen Lloreda and Councilman Harold R. Kaufman are being targeted for recall because of their support for a partnership to convert part of Dana Hills High School’s campus into community sports fields. Recall supporters say the plan would be a misuse of public funds.

In a change from previous election rules, candidates for the City Council must declare which member they want to replace.

“When they file their papers, they have to declare who they’re going to succeed,” Waits said. “It’s a recent change that was only made last year.”

Candidates must be registered voters and residents of Dana Point. There is no fee to be on the ballot, but it costs $800 to include a candidate’s statement.