Krekorian Wins an L.A. City Council Seat

At his campaign headquarters Tuesday night, Krekorian said voters had united around, "a common vision about a city government that is marked by integrity and accountability, for starters -- a city government that actually works for the people of the San Fernando Valley."...Essel outspent Krekorian 2 to 1 in Tuesday's runoff and the primary campaign...Outside groups, including the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the union representing workers at the city's Department of Water and Power, spent nearly $1 million, setting a record for independent spending in a non-citywide race -- with most of that money backing Essel. Both candidates grew up in the San Fernando Valley but moved into the 2nd Council District, which stretches from Sherman Oaks and Studio City to Tujunga, in May to run for [departing councilwoman, now city controller, Wendy] Greuel's seat....[Krekorian] courted neighborhood leaders throughout the race, promising to curb development and preserve open space.

Turnout was expected to be low in the district, which runs from Studio City to Sunland-Tujunga, partly due to voter apathy. Tuesday marked the fourth time this year District 2 voters have gone to the polls for a city election.Essel, 59, who raised more than $627,000 on her own, also benefited from more than $794,000 in independent expenditures, primarily from city employee unions. Krekorian, 49, who raised and spent more than $571,000, used the contributions to Essel to bolster his argument that she was a City Hall insider.