7-Vote Loser in South Gate Asks Recount

SOUTH GATE — Henry C. Gonzalez, who was defeated in the City Council election April 12, 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 the annual City Council reorganizational meeting last week, 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.