Race to replace Houchen grows At least...

Race to replace Houchen grows

At least seven people have thrown in their hats to temporarily

replace Pam Houchen on the Huntington Beach City Council. The

deadline for filing for the replacement goes past the deadline for

this newspaper, and the number of applicants could be even higher by

the time the council meets Monday to chose the replacement.

Topping the list are two prominent former council members. Ralph

Bauer, who served from 1994 to 2002, has filed to help finish out the

short term.

Also applying is former Councilwoman Grace Winchell, who has

dedicated nearly 20 years of service to the city, first as a Planning

Commissioner from 1977 to 1986, then on the council from 1986 to

1994.

Replacing Houchen would be a much shorter tenure -- basically two

council meetings. The City Councilwoman recently resigned after

revelations that she might have sold condominiums that had been

converted from apartments without permits. Her case is now being

investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Also competing for spots on the City Council are Al Cohen, Jay

Kreitz, Young Lee, William Kerwin and Robert Soto.