Goleta Elections Have Two Open Seats, and the Mayor is Stepping Aside

Goleta is going through a change that could have two new faces on the City Council.

The filing period has been extended to Wednesday at 5 p.m. due to the announcement by Mayor Jim Farr that he is not running for re election. Farr has been recovering from a health issue.

Councilman Tony Vallejo is running for one of the two seats.

Announced candidates are:Aaron Swaney, Kyle Richards and Stuart Kasdin.

Council terms are four years.

Also on the ballot, voters will be asked if they want the Mayor to be elected separately, instead of the current process where the council appoints an existing member as the Mayor. They will also be asked if the Mayor’s term should be two or four years.

Some residents who spoke with NewsChannel 3 said they felt the city was safe and well protected under the contract with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.

Some residents thought the growth taking place was occurring too fast.

One Old Town business woman said she was hoping that area would get more improvements, said it was “overdue…definitely.”

For more information go to :

http://www.cityofgoleta.org/city-hall/city-clerk/election-information

Mayor Jim Farr has released this statement:

Let me borrow from Hewey Longs last words…”I still have so much to do”. Sorry to say that due to health considerations I will not be seeking Goleta City Council re-election at this time.

I hope to focus on my recovery and possibly make another run for elected office in the future. It has been a fascinating and rewarding 4 years. I want to thank Goleta City Staff along with my colleagues for making my tenure such a great experience. I have been honored to serve the citizens of Goleta, and the city’s future is very bright.

Thank You,
Mayor Jim Farr