By Nestor CASTIGLIONE

Crescenta Valley residents lined up to cast their votes – again – on Friday and Saturday, this time to determine the winners of this year’s Crescenta Valley Town Council race.

Nearly 300 votes were cast at St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church by locals eager to give direction to the CVTC.

The election occurs at a crucial time for the civic body. County supervisor and CVTC supporter Michael Antonovich is stepping down after 36 years due to term limits on the Board of Supervisors. In his place will be his former chief-of-staff Kathryn Barger, who will augur a new era in the relationship between Los Angeles County and the Crescenta Valley.

Incumbents Harry Leon and Aram Ordubegian were the leading recipients of votes this year, earning a share of 28% and 19.2% respectively.

At last week’s CVTC candidate forum Leon, who currently serves as the organization’s vice president, promised to continue “the transparency of the town council” as well as to remain “proactive.” Ordubegian pledged at the same forum “the opportunity to give voice to the residents and various businesses out there.”

“Our new supervisor needs to know that we’re here,” he added. “This year that’s what I’d like to focus on so our issues aren’t lost.”

Coming into third was newcomer Brandon Lee, who in last week’s CVTC candidate forum highlighted his ability to put “others’ interests ahead” and a “willingness to sit and listen.” He garnered 11.5% of the votes.

“The [CVTC] matters, it makes a difference,” he commented. “I’m going to keep pushing for it.”

Tying in first place for an alternate councilmember position were Kyle Studebaker and JoAnn Stupakis, each earning 9.9% of the votes. With 9.29% of the vote Charles Beatty, longtime member of the CVTC, managed to secure a place as a third alternate.

“I’ve been on very divided councils,” he stated at the forum. “But this is a united council. We have been able to accomplish a lot of things. Let’s focus on the things [in which] we are alike.”

The CV Town Council meets the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in the community room of the La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd.

  Nestor CASTIGLIONE