By Daniel Larios
Staff Writer

May 9, 2014 – Santa Monica Planning Commissioner Richard McKinnon will formally announce his candidacy for the City Council on Friday evening during a campaign launch party, making him the fourth individual to enter what will likely be a long and heated race.

This will be McKinnon's second run for the City's top government panel. He placed sixth in the 15-person council race for four seats in 2012.

“The 2014 City Council election is a chance to lead Santa Monica and its City Council in new directions,” said McKinnon in a press release. “I am excited to present a vision of why Santa Monica is so special -- why it’s such a great place to live -- and what we can do to make it even better.”

Joining McKinnon at the launch party will be former Santa Monica Mayor and current county supervisor candidate Bobby Shriver, congressional candidate Wendy Greuel and Santa Monica Councilmember Ted Winterer.

Three council seats are on the line in the November election. Others who have announced they intend to run are physical therapist Ken Robin, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Phil Brock and peace activist Jerry Rubin.

McKinnon is a renter and small business owner, serving as executive chairman of Conrad Capital, which provides “business services in strategy, marketing, communication and human resources to companies in the aviation, health care, infrastructure, power and construction industries,” according to his campaign website.

Arriving in Santa Monica from Australia with his wife and son 14 years ago, McKinnon has served on the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission and currently sits on the Planning Commission.

A self-labeled environmentalist, McKinnon is chair of Arboretum Santa Monica and the former chair of “Bike It!” Day. He has also been involved in several efforts with nonprofit organizations and the local school district. 

“Santa Monica is special, and it starts and finishes with our diverse, authentic residents,” McKinnon said. “I see Santa Monica as a city with safe walkable streets that is financially secure and delivers an outstanding quality of life to everyone.”

McKinnon is expected to be part of a crowded field, especially if Councilmember Bob Holbrook chooses not to seek a record seventh term.

The other two incumbents -- Mayor Pam O'Connor and Councilmember Kevin McKeown – are expected to run.

From July 14 to Aug. 8, potential candidates can pull nominating petitions, pay a $25 filing fee and collect the requisite 100 signatures from registered voters needed to make the ballot.

Related articles:

“Election Season Kicks Off in Santa Monica,” February 12, 2014

“Parks and Rec Chair Announces Bid for Santa Monica City Council,” February 13, 2014

“Santa Monica Peace Activist Jerry Rubin Announces Sixth City Council Bid,” April 3, 2014