Costa Mesa mayor seeks second term

Lolita Harper

Mayor Linda Dixon officially announced her intent to keep her seat

on the dais Monday afternoon when she filed the required signatures

to run for City Council.

About a dozen Dixon supporters were on hand at City Hall, as the

highest ranking official on the council formally declared the start

of her reelection campaign. Dixon said she wants to keep giving back

to the city.

“I really love Costa Mesa and the community and the different

aspects that the city has to offer,” Dixon said. “I really think it

has something for everyone.”

Dixon is one of two council members who are up for reelection --

Councilman Gary Monahan is the other. A handful of residents --

including Planning Commission Chairwoman Katrina Foley, Planning

Commissioner Bill Perkins, political newcomer Allan Mansoor, Westside

activist Bill Turpit, former candidate James Fisler and former

Councilwoman Heather Somers -- have announced they will contend for

one of those two spots.

The competition has grown more fierce since Monahan’s recent

political change of heart. Last week the councilman reversed his

decision to retire from the council, robbing opponents of what was

once considered to be free grabs at an open seat.

Dixon’s announcement Monday -- coupled with Monahan’s return to

the fray -- leaves council hopefuls with the uphill battle of

unseating two incumbents.

The mayor said she hopes her opponents realize what they are

getting themselves into.

“I realize there is going to be a wide array of candidates and I

hope they realize the commitment to the community that is necessary,”

Dixon said of those who are vying for her seat. “This job requires a

lot more than a few hours every two weeks.”

Dixon, who was on the Planning Commission before making the jump

to an elected office in 1998, said she gave careful consideration to

the time commitment involved in the political process.

“It’s a way to give back to the community that has given so much

to my family,” said Dixon, a 28-year resident.

* LOLITA HARPER covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at

(949)574-4275 or by e-mail at lolita.harper@latimes.com.