candidates watch returns, contemplate future
By Kim Devore/Staff Writer
After pounding the pavement and waving signs on voting day, two candidates who didn’t make the cut remain noncommittal as to future political plans.
Council candidate Beverly Taki’s morning began at 7:30 a.m. as she waved campaign signs at passing motorists on Webb Way and urged voters to get to the polls. The honking horns and cheers left her feeling confident about the outcome of Tuesday’s election. But by 9 o’clock Tuesday night, that optimism started to fade as the returns came in.
Fellow realtor and property rights advocate Tom Bates was among the handful of supporters watching the results from the bar at Beau Rivage restaurant.
“She had a common sense and direct approach to government,” said Bates. “She ran a positive campaign.”
Taki, meantime, remained upbeat. “It’s been fun,” she said of the experience. “I had a great time, but it was hard work.”
The work took time and money. With campaign contributions in excess of $12,000, Taki was outspent only by Planning Commissioner Andy Stern. She also won key endorsements from Mayor Joan House, former mayors Tom Hasse and John Harlow, as well as the Malibu Association of Realtors.
The 21-year Malibu resident was a newcomer to local politics; a distinction she hoped would work to her advantage.
“Voters want change on the City Council,” she said in the weeks preceding the election, “not a re-run.”
She campaigned on a platform to oppose the Coastal Commission local coastal plan for Malibu by any and all means. She also wanted to place the Malibu Bay Company development agreement before voters, but was stung by criticism that she was “pro-development.”
With the election behind her, Taki plans to continue her professional career. As for another run for office, she remains noncommittal. “That’s a decision I’ll make later on.”
Candidate John Wall’s day was less eventful. The retired executive spent the morning running a few errands and planned a quiet evening at home with his wife and a few friends as the votes were counted.
The 40-year resident spent just $5,000 on the council race, but managed to win key endorsements from Harlow, Hasse and Keller. He centered his campaign on winning back public confidence by rewriting laws and revising the General Plan and Zoning Code. He said he wanted to be viewed as a councilmember who would take action not just talk about action. He took in more votes than many expected, but acknowledged by 9:30 p.m. that his chances were growing dim.
Like Taki, Wall was successful in stating his positions, if not winning the election. As for a political future, Joyce Wall said her husband does not plan to run again, but added, “That could always change.”