Ex-School Board President Jumps into Council Race

By Olin Ericksen
Staff Writer

June 3 -- A fixture on Santa Monica's political scene for a quarter century, former School Board president Patricia Hoffman said Wednesday she plans on taking her first stab at City Hall this fall.

With four open seats on the City Council in November, Hoffman -- who sits on various influential boards -- said she feels now is the time to act.

"I think I have something to contribute to the business community, renters, and homeowners alike," said Hoffman in a phone interview Wednesday. "I'm an activist first, but have been engaged in the community for nearly 25 years now in a variety of roles."

Currently, Hoffman serves on the board of both the Bayside District Corporation, which operates the Downtown, and the non-profit Community Corporation, which develops and manages most of the affordable housing in the city.

Since 1995 she has also sat on the steering committee for the powerful tenants’ group, Santa Monica for Renters’ Rights (SMRR), whose endorsement she will seek at the group’s August convention.

"If I don't get the endorsement, I'll drop out of the race," Hoffman said. "I'm not in SMRR as a way to win elections."

Both this year and in 2002 candidates recruited new SMRR members in the hopes of stacking the convention and winning the group’s endorsement, which can translate into thousands of tenants’ votes. (See related story)

Groups and individuals that Hoffman would "rather not name" have recently asked her to make that next political leap of faith into a field already crowded with potential candidates.

Hoffman could face some stiff competition at the convention from fellow SMRR members vying for the coveted endorsements, including three council incumbents who are considering seeking reelection.

SMRR member Mayor Richard Bloom said he is still undecided, while Council members Ken Genser and Michael Feinstein appear very likely to join the fray of contenders.

Hoffman said she subscribes to SMRR's general platform, including more affordable housing, a commitment to education, support of women's and intercultural issues and strong fiscal responsibility.

Adding another woman to the dais -- where six of the seven council members are men -- is important, but only because women bring something "different to the table," Hoffman said.

"Mind you, I have three grown boys,” she said. “I feel both sexes bring a different context to City politics."

As far as the jump up to the highest level of City government, the homeowner, wife, mother, activist and former small business owner remains unfazed.

"I will live my life as normal as possible," she said, "in spite of life on the campaign trail."

Hoffman, who has lived in Santa Monica since 1979, is no stranger to campaigning, successfully running for the school board in 1986 and 1990.

"Although I've often been asked by friends and family to run, I feel my recent experiences serving with Community Corp. and the Bayside District have made me a more experienced and qualified candidate," Hoffman said.

"That's partly why I've decided now to run, whereas I haven't in the past."