By 2UrbanGirls
Contributing Writer
COMPTON — The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office has certified the results of the Compton general election, formally making City Councilwoman Emma Sharif the city’s 19th mayor.
The final voting count revealed a total of 8,701 ballots were processed with 18% of eligible voters casting ballots.
“Thank you to all those who supported me as well as those who supported my opponent,” Sharif said. “I look forward to working with all the residents of Compton to better the quality of life in our city.”
Sharif began her political career on the Compton school board when she was appointed to a seat on the the board in 2001. She served on the board for 14 years, a role that could assist her in fostering better synergy between the city and the school district.
“With every change in leadership that happens in our great city comes an opportunity to deepen how we collaborate and support students and their families,” said Micah Ali, president of the Compton school board. “We look forward to working with Mayor Sharif to usher in a new school year and find new ways to work together to open doors of opportunity for Compton scholars, especially in light of the fact she has a familiarity with our district and how districts operate.”
Despite trailing her opponent, Christian Reynaga in the April primary election, Sharif secured the mayor’s
seat, capturing 51% of the vote. Reynaga, who had the support of outgoing Mayor Aja Brown, finished with 48%.
Brandon Mims will become the new city treasurer after defeating Compton school
board bember Satra Zurita in the June 1 runoff.
Jonathan Bowers defeated incumbent Tana McCoy in the Third District race for City Council.
“It has truly been my honor to serve as the councilwoman of the Third District for the past five years,” McCoy said in a statement posted via social media. “I truly appreciate those that have supported me during the years and I would like to extend a roaring congratulations to those elected to represent the city.”
Councilman Isaac Galvan posted a razor thin victory of one vote to retain his Second District City Council seat over community activist Andre “HubCityDre” Spicer.
Final results show Galvan edged Spicer, 855-854. Spicer is asking his supporters to help fund a recount after allegations of voter fraud surfaced.
“Thank you to my entire team for the continued support,” Spicer wrote in a Facebook post. “I need 100 friends and supporters to donate $50 to my campaign so we can do a recount.”
According to the county Registrar-Recorder’s office, any voter can request a recount. The request must be filed within five calendar days after completion of the official canvas, which took place June 14.
Election officials will determine the deposit necessary to cover the costs of the recount. Voters filing the request must pay a deposit before the recount commences, and at the beginning of each following day.
If the recount results are reversed, the deposit is returned to the requestor.
Galvan has yet to publicly comment on the results.
Compton residents look forward to the city unifying under the new council.
“I’m looking forward to this council working together and in tune with one another, especially with these new projects on the horizon,” said Skyy Fisher, who previously served on the Compton school board and was a candidate for the Second District City Council seat in the April primary.
New plans include a plethora of affordable housing projects and continuing with street repairs.
On July 13, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors are scheduled to declare the election officially concluded.
Plans have not been publicly discussed as to how to the City Council will fill the Fourth District seat being vacated by Sharif.
2 Urban Girls is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers the Compton and Inglewood areas. She can be reached at 2urbangirls@gmail.com.