2012 La Mesa City Council Election Central

The race for two open seats on the La Mesa City Council is on! With councilmember Dave Allan announcing his intention to not run for re-election, that leaves 20-year councilmember Ruth Sterling as the only incumbent.

Sterling is attempting to retain her seat, but is facing challenges from local real estate agent Laura Lothian, who lost in her run for mayor against Art Madrid in 2010; real estate developer and Planning Commission member Kristine Alessio; business owner Shannon O'Dunn, and catering manager and political activist Patrick Dean.

Patch has completed profiles for each of the candiates:

Kristine Alessio

Patrick Dean

Laura Lothian

Shannon O'Dunn

Ruth Sterling

In September, the candiates engaged in two different public forums, where they answered questions submitted by audience members. The first was sponsored by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. The second was sponsored by the League of Women's Voters.

A third public forum was held in mid-October, and hosted by La Mesa First United Methodist Church.

Trailer Parks in La Mesa? One Council Candidate Welcomes the Idea

The candidates, aside from Patrick Dean, also answered questionaires submitted to them by the La Mesa Citizens' Oversight Group. See their answers below:

Questions for Ruth Sterling

Questions for Shannon O'Dunn

Questions for Kristine Alessio

Questions for Laura Lothian