LEDFORD TO RUN UNOPPOSED IN MAYORAL BID.

Byline: JIM SKEEN

Staff Writer

PALMDALE -- For the second time in his mayoral career, Jim Ledford will run unopposed in a municipal election.

As the filing period closed Friday for candidates in the city's Nov. 6 election, only Ledford had filed to run for the mayor's post. Palmdale election ordinances allow for a write-in campaign, but a challenger would have to mount an extraordinary campaign to unseat Ledford, who is seeking a ninth term as the city's mayor.

"It's flattering to enter a race without competition," Ledford said. "The city is in good standing, the budget is in great shape, and everything is running fine. There are challenges, but nothing is seriously broken."

The city's mayor chairs the City Council meetings, signs city documents, and acts as the city's chief spokesperson. Each mayoral term is for two years while council seats are four-year posts.

In 2003, Ledford also ran unopposed.

Among the things Ledford said he wants to see in another term are pushing a proposed power plant project through the regulatory process, working with Los Angeles World Airports on a master plan for 17,000 acres east of Air Force Plant 42, and working to bring a hotel and conference center to the city.

Ledford said he also wants to see the completion of the 239-bed Universal Health Services hospital, which is under construction south of Palmdale Boulevard at Tierra Subida.

Contenders in the race for the two council seats are incumbent Mike Dispenza, seeking a third term as a councilman; incumbent Steve Hofbauer, seeking his second term; former Antelope Valley College dean Fred Thompson; Shawny Barcelona, who was appointed last year to the Antelope Valley Fair board by the governor; and Edward Sandoval.

james.skeen(at)dailynews

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