City readies for November election

ATASCADERO — With the Primary Election out of the way, the city is moving forward with its election for two city council seats and one mayoral seat.

Because voters approved having an elected mayor during the 2010 election, this will be the first year for Atascadero citizens to elect its mayor.

Mayor Bob Kelley, Councilwoman Roberta Fonzi and Councilman Jerry Clay are all up for re-election. Kelley would not comment on whether or not he intended to run for re-election; Clay said he has not yet decided and Fonzi said she is definitely running for re-election.

“I feel I haven’t completed everything I want to get down,” Fonzi said. “I’ll definitely be running for city council.”

Mayor Pro Tem Tom O’Malley said he intends to run for the city’s first elected mayor.

For those planning or thinking about running for office or just interested in the process should attend a public forum, “The Nuts and Bolts of Running for a City Council Seat,” on Thursday, June 29 at 6 p.m.

Those interested in running for office will be able to file for candidacy between July 16 and Aug. 10.

Atascadero City Clerk Marcia McClure Torgerson will explain the election process, the paperwork involved, candidate statements, campaign sign regulations and the Code of Fair Campaign Practices.

For more information, call Torgerson at 470-3400 or email her at mtorgerson@atascadero.org.