Moore and Sustarsic win first terms on Seal Beach City Council

Seal Beach City Council newcomers Thomas Moore and Schelly Sustarsic were chosen to join the panel in Tuesday’s election.

Moore will replace David Sloan in District 2 and Sustarsic will replace Gary Miller in District 4. Sloan and Miller are termed out.

Moore, 45, a businessman and 20-year resident of Seal Beach, edged former Fountain Valley planning commissioner Ronde Winkler by 36 votes once all district precincts were counted.

Sustarsic, 65, a community volunteer who has lived in the city for 27 years, defeated community activist Gina Phillips with nearly 70% of the district vote.

During the campaign, Sustarsic advocated for a College Park East freeway sound wall endangered by a project to expand the 405 Freeway. If the wall were to come down, Sustarsic said, it would result in excessive noise and reduced property values and quality of life for residents of 250 homes in College Park East.

Sustarsic said she was restless Tuesday night as early election results trickled in. She fell asleep at 11 p.m. but woke up around 2 a.m. to check election updates, she said.

“I’m still trying to take it all in,” she said Wednesday. “I had great support and I’m looking forward to beginning my first term.”

Moore said he wants Seal Beach government to be more transparent by eliminating closed council meetings. Agendas should be posted for the public to read earlier than the Friday before the Monday meetings, he added.

“It was really nerve-wracking last night as my wife and I stayed up until 2 a.m. refreshing the results,” Moore said Wednesday. “I’m so grateful.”