After a contentious election season in Newport Beach, all four City Council incumbents running for re-election this year have been re-elected by comfortable to wide margins. Votes are still being counted in Orange County but none are expected to change the current projected outcomes.
Although NBSTRA currently does not currently have a political action committee and contribute or endorse in political campaigns, NBSTRA representatives have established solid working relationships with all members of the City Council and are pleased to see them all re-elected.
After the disruptions around the 4th of July in Newport Beach in which some tried to blame STRs for the incidents, we expected calls for greater restrictions on STR properties to play a role in Council campaigns. However, issues related to the location of the new Police Headquarters and broader housing policy dominated the debate.
In Council District 1, which covers the Balboa Peninsula and the bulk of STLP units in the City, Council Member Joe Stapleton won re-election handily against an opponent who did try to blame STRs and make us an issue in her campaign against the incumbent. These efforts flopped and Joe won re-election by over 40%. NBSTRA has an excellent working relationship with Council Member Stapleton
In Council District 3, while we’ve had some concerns with comments made by Council Member Erik Weigand made concerning STRs in the immediate aftermath of the 4th of July this year, on the whole Erik has been a good member of the Council. He was rewarded with another term by an over 30% margin. We will continue our dialog with Council Member Weigand about responsible STR activity in Newport Beach.
In Council District 4, Robyn Grant won re-election without opposition. NBSTRA representatives have an excellent relationship with Council Member Grant with many fruitful discussions, and expect that to continue in the year ahead.
And finally, in Council District 6, Mayor Lauren Kleiman was re-elected after a contentious campaign, but in the end, by a solid margin. Lauren served as Mayor this year and provided strong leadership in the City after the Fourth of July disruptions and we again look forward to working with her to continue to make Newport Beach a safe and welcoming community for residents, guests, and small businesses.
Along with Council Members Blom, Barto and Weber, who were not up for election this year, NBSTRA looks forward to productive dialog with the City Council in the year ahead on issues of mutual concern.