City Mails Ballots for Treasurer Runoff Election

The Redondo Beach City Clerk's Office mailed ballots Monday for the July 23 special runoff election for the office of city treasurer.

Former District 4 Councilman Steve Diels and activist Dawn Esser are running to replace former Treasurer Ernie O'Dell, who abruptly retired in December. Because there were more than two years left on his term, the Redondo Beach City Charter dictated that the city hold a special election to find his replacement.

Diels and Esser were the top-two vote-getters in the field of three candidates, which also included former District 2 Councilman Chris Cagle, in the May 14 election. Because none of the three candidates received 50 percent plus one of the vote, a runoff election was required.

The runoff election will cost the city $160,000. In order to keep costs down, the election is being held as an all-mail ballot. The City Clerk's Office must receive ballots by July 23.