South Gate : 7-Vote Loser Asks Recount

Henry C. Gonzalez, who was defeated in the City Council election last week, has asked for a recount. Gonzalez, a councilman for six years and outgoing mayor, lost by 7 votes to Dorothea Lombardo. Lombardo received 1,683 votes while Gonzalez got 1,676. Robert A. Philipp finished first in the balloting with 1,909 votes. Incumbent Councilman John Sheehy also was defeated. He received 1,408.

Gonzalez has requested that all ballots, including absentees, be recounted. Gonzalez said in an interview that City Clerk Janet Stubbs informed him that the recount will take place Tuesday. Stubbs was not available for comment.

Gonzalez said he is requesting the recount because he believes that Stubbs received absentee ballots that were not counted. In an April 19 letter addressed to Stubbs, Gonzalez said that he would consider “legal action” to get the alleged uncounted ballots counted.

In its annual reorganizational meeting, Councilman Del Snavely was chosen mayor in a vote among council members. Snavely, 69, has been on the council eight years. Philipp was selected vice mayor.