(I Voted Stickers/Image by Element5 Digital)
Story updated on 11/9 at 11:30 a.m.
The race to fill the two open Cypress City Council seats has ended as Anne Hertz and Frances Marquez will fill the two open seats, according to the OC Registrar of Voters.
Voting ended over the weekend as Anne Hertz won the popular vote with 20.35% (8,003 ballots) and Frances Marquez in second with 18.39% (7,234 ballots).
The newly elected council members will be sworn in on December 14 during a regular city council meeting.
MEASURE P – Updated
Voters decided to pass Measure P to amend city charter to update noticing, election procedures, and the process for filling council vacancy.
These were the following candidates who ran for Cypress City Council.
Blaze Bhence
Occupation: vCIO (Virtual Chief Informations Officer), CTS – Choice Technical Services
Education: University of California, Los Angeles, B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Minor in Economics. University of Southern California, Masters of Business Administration, Minor in Marketing
Previously held elected offices: None
Top focus: Enhance the quality of life, community & economy, fiscal responsibility, improve public safety.
Cole Thompson
Occupation: Docent Intern at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Birthplace
Education: Cypress High School, currently enrolled at Cypress College as Political Science major
Previously held elected offices: None
Top focus: Fiscal responsibility, business, and economic development, public safety, infrastructure, homelessness and housing, community engagement
David Gersten
Occupation: Engagement manager with a technology company
Education: B.A. in Sociology
Previously held elected offices: Several local, national, and international board positions in various professional associations over the last 10 years.
Top focus: Citizen safety and security, city beautification initiatives, business recruitment, youth & adolescent programs, enhancing community pride, mental illness awareness.
Carrie Katsuma Hayashida
Occupation: Businesswoman, educator
Education: A.A. Degree in Psychology & Sociology. UCLA, B.A. in Psychology & Education. CSUF, M.S. in Environmental Studies.
Previously held elected offices: None
Top focus: Sustainable growth and management, our carbon footprint, a better future.
Anne Hertz
Occupation: Cypress School District, Boys & Girls Club
Education: N/A
Previously held elected offices: None
Top focus: Public safety, quality of life, strong businesses, fiscal stability.
Rachel Strong
Occupation: Business owner
Education: College
Previously held elected offices: None
Top focus: Seniors, children, business, residents, redevelopment, law enforcement.
Steve Mauss
Occupation: Business owner
Previously held elected offices: None
Top focus: Law and order, integrity, fiscal responsibility, transparency.
Frances Marquez
Occupation: Associate Professor of Government at Gallaudet University
Education: B.A. in History from UCLA, M.A. in Public Policy and Doctorate in Political Science from Claremont Graduate University.
Previously held elected offices: None
Top focus: Supporting the community, local economy, seniors, small businesses.
Jimmy Fuller
Occupation: Current and former board member of many organizations within Cypress
Education: N/A
Previously held elected offices: None
Top focus: Supporting the community, local economy, public safety, recreation, education.
