Brownley Will Not Seek Council Seat

By Jorge Casuso

July 9 -- School Board member Julia Brownley announced Thursday that she will not seek a seat on the City Council in November, narrowing one of the strongest potential fields of candidates in decades.

Brownley’s announcement ends months of speculation that the former board president would toss her hat into a ring that includes all four council incumbents, another former school board president and several past candidates.

“After serious consideration and personal deliberation,” Brownley wrote in a statement, “I have decided to continue my leadership on the School Board and withdraw as a candidate for the City Council in the November 2004 election.

“While my family and many community leaders and friends have encouraged me to run for the City Council, I believe at this time I can serve the city the best by continuing my leadership on the school board.”

Brownley, who was first elected to the School Board in 1994, said she is considering a council run in 2006, when she completes her third term on the School Board.

“I am deeply grateful to the individuals and groups who have encouraged and supported my candidacy, and I plan to fulfill their expectations of my leadership in future years,” Brownley wrote.

Brownley’s announcement comes two days before candidates seeking the endorsement of Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights are scheduled to notify the powerful tenants group that they will seek its backing.

Even without Brownly in the race, next month’s SMRR convention promises to be a hotly contested battle, with three incumbents -- Mayor Richard Bloom and Council members Ken Genser and Michael Feinstein --- as well as former School Board president Patricia Hoffman seeking the group’s nod.

Councilman Herb Katz, who is expected to announce Monday, will likely lead the SMRR opposition.

Also running are Matt Dinolfo and Jerry Rubin, who have made previous council bids.

Candidates can begin pulling nominating papers on Monday and have until August 9 to submit the valid signatures of at least 100 Santa Monica voters required to make the ballot.

Brownley said she would remain politically active.

“I will continue to advocate for progressive policies in the areas of education, social justice, the environment and open space, housing, the arts, and continuing to insure the unique qualities and amenities of living in Santa Monica,” Brownley wrote.

“In the meantime,” she added, “I will focus on what I believe to be the foundation of a progressive community and that is a well-educated community.”