Strength of Steel, incumbents in Costa Mesa

Jennifer Kho

COSTA MESA -- In a surprisingly strong showing, candidate Chris Steel

took the early lead in the City Council race Tuesday night, topping

incumbents Libby Cowan and Heather Somers -- who took the second and

third spots, respectively -- in a close race for three seats.

With 18 of 81 precincts counted, Steel had 14.4% of the vote, Cowan

14% and Somers 12.6%.

Steel, who has been defeated in nearly 10 council elections, was

elated with the early results.

“I didn’t think I’d be in there, but this is turning out to be a good

day for me” he said. “I like the trend and if this holds up, I’ll be

appreciative. I’m very mindful that this has been a long time in coming.

I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch, but it looks like

Costa Mesa’s going to be stuck with me for four years, for better or for

worse.”

Cowan said she was not surprised to be doing well.

“This is great fun!” she said. “I’m very happy and I’m excited about

working with those who are elected. I think [the results] show I’ve

worked well with the community, that the community is responsive to my

interest in envisioning where we’re going to be in 50 years. I’m excited

to represent Costa Mesa.”

With Karen Robinson -- with 12.2% of the vote -- trailing Somers by a

narrow margin, the incumbent said she just wanted to retain her seat.

“As long as I’m hanging in there in the top three, I’m happy,” Somers

said. “But it’s a victory no matter which way it goes. I’ve been so

pleased with the results we’ve had in the past and the things we’ve been

able to accomplish. We’re just happy the campaign is finally over.”

Robinson was optimistic about her prospects, as was William Perkins,

although he showed dead last at press time.

Cowan encouraged the candidates who came up short to stay involved

with the community.

“There are a lot of committees to get involved with and lots of

projects where we need good people,” she said. “I challenge each one of

them to get involved, participate in those committees, learn about Costa

Mesa and work together for the future.”

Measure O -- the proposed bed tax which required a two-thirds

majority, or 66.6%, for approval -- was not passing at press time, with

54.1% voting yes and 45.9% voting no.

The measure would have allowed the council to raise the city’s hotel

tax from 6% to 8% to purchase and develop park lands.