Want to Run the City? Go for It!

If you’ve ever thought about taking a more active role in city leadership, now is the time to give it serious consideration.

Today the nominating period begins for candidates interested in running for the Aliso Viejo City Council.

In Aliso Viejo, three seats will be up for grabs for the Nov. 6 election. They are held by Mayor Donald A. Garcia, Mayor Pro-Tem William "Bill" Phillips and Council Member Greg Ficke. All three incumbents are eligible for re-election since there are no term limits in Aliso Viejo.

Elections for City Council seats will be held this year on the first Tuesday in November, coinciding with state and national elections. Council members are elected to a four-year term. Council Member terms are "overlapped," meaning that each election fills either two or three open seats.

Here's what you need to know to run for the Aliso Viejo City Council:

• To run in Aliso Viejo, would-be candidates may obtain Nomination Papers and a Candidate’s Packet from the City Clerk’s office beginning Monday and ending Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, at 4:30 p.m.
• Candidates must be 18 years old and a registered voter residing within the city boundaries. Each nomination paper must be signed by not less than 20 nor more than 30 persons registered to vote in the city.
• If any incumbent has not filed nomination papers by Friday, August 10, 2012 at 4:30 p.m., the nominating period will be extended to Wednesday, August 15, 2012, for all interested persons other than incumbents to file.
• Each candidate is required to file a Statement of Economic Interests disclosing investments, income, business positions, and interests in real property when the Nomination Papers are returned for filing.
• There is no charge for filing nomination papers.
• Candidates may also prepare a statement that may include their name and a brief description of no more than 200 words setting forth the candidate's education and qualifications. However, this is optional. The statement is filed with the Nomination Papers and is included in the sample ballot materials mailed to voters. The charge to each candidate for providing this service is estimated at $766 and is payable at the time of filing nomination papers.
• All forms required for nomination and election to municipal office are furnished by and filed with the city clerk’s office. Although it is not necessary to call ahead to schedule a time to take out your nomination papers, it is recommended that prospective candidates do so to ensure ample time to thoroughly review the filing requirements and to answer any questions. The process takes approximately 30 minutes.
• The city clerk's office is located at 10 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, and is open between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, and closed alternate Fridays.
• For further information, call the clerk’s office at (949) 425-2506. The fax number is (949) 425-3899.