Final Votes Coming In In Manhattan Beach City Council Election

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach City Council candidate Grettel Fournell closed Joe Franklin's lead over her by two votes, according to the latest vote tally, but that just means he now leads by 89 votes instead of 91. Fournell has 7,794 votes and 14.74% to Franklin's 7,883 and 14.91%.

Now, with just two vote tabulation updates left before the Nov. 3 election for three seats on the Manhattan Beach City Council are certified, Franklin looks to be primed to take the third and final Manhattan Beach City Council seat. If so, he will join incumbents Steve Napolitano and current Mayor Richard Montgomery, who look to be re-elected, as well as council member Hildy Stern and Mayor Pro Tem Suzanne Hadley.

Napolitano and Montgomery have held large leads ever since the first tally results were released on election night. Napolitano, to date, has 12,231 votes at 23.13% and Montgomery has 10,174 and 19.24%.

On election night and through the first two to four vote counts, Fournell held the spot for the third seat on council. Franklin has come on stronger in post election night vote counts, taking over the lead. With the small number of votes being counted now, it is likely Franklin will maintain his lead.

Remaining vote counts are scheduled for

• Friday, Nov. 27
• Monday, Nov. 30.

The results will be certified after those count updates are completed.

Phoebe Lyons maintains the fifth position with 6,874 votes at 13%. Mark Burton is in sixth with 6,298 votes and 11.91%. Chaz Flemmings has 1,620 votes and 3.06%.