Dixon leaves her seat open

Costa Mesa City Councilwoman Linda Dixon will not run for reelection in November, which means the city will have at least one new face on the council.

The eight-year councilwoman, former mayor and longtime public servant did not file her nomination paperwork by 5 p.m. Friday, making her ineligible to get her name on the ballot. Because she has decided against the race, other candidates will have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to add their names to the ballot.

Efforts to reach Dixon were unsuccessful Friday.

The other two incumbents, Councilwoman Katrina Foley, and Mayor Eric Bever, who filed their paperwork, said they were not shocked by Dixon’s decision.

“I’m not surprised. I know she was frustrated,” Foley said. “Linda has done a good job for us, and I think she’s served our community for a long time. I respect her reasons not to run, because I know it has taken a lot of toll on her and her family this last year.”

During the past two years, Dixon and Foley have been considered the minority on the council, often voting opposite of council members Allan Mansoor, Wendy Leece and Bever on many debated issues.

Despite this designation, the council agreed unanimously on many issues, and Foley and Dixon voted opposite one another on other issues.

“It’s not like Linda and I were in step all the time. There were a lot of votes we didn’t agree on,” Foley said.

Bever said he sees Dixon’s departure as an opportunity for one of the challengers with similar ideologies to his to get a seat.

“Having the open seat available certainly does improve the chances of strengthening the majority,” Bever said.

Incumbency has proven a big advantage in past council elections. Now eight people will be running for three seats, including newcomers Bill Sneen, Lisa Reedy, Jim Righeimer and Nick Moss.

“Maybe [Dixon’s departure] will open the door for independence on the dais,” Foley said.

ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at alan.blank@latimes.com.