Two challengers for the 11th District City Council seat are scheduled to square off Thursday evening, but incumbent Mike Bonin will not be participating in the debate, according to his campaign manager.
Bonin’s challengers — Venice community activist Mark Ryavec and environmental advocate
– have both confirmed they will attend the 7 p.m. event at the University Synagogue.
One of the debate organizers, Brentwood Hills Homeowners Association Vice President Debra Hockemeyer, issued a statement saying Bonin had also been invited to Thursday evening’s debate.
Bonin campaign manager Billy Cline disputed that assertion, adding that the councilman has a scheduling conflict.
“He will not be attending. The organizers of this event never reached out to this campaign to see if our candidate, the councilman, was available,” Cline told City News Service.
Cline said Bonin committed to attend an event for seniors Thursday evening, but plans to participate in a Feb. 27 debate sponsored by all of the neighborhood councils in the district.
Ryavec said he has a personal conflict that will prevent him from taking part in the end-of-the-month debate, although Rudisill indicated on her campaign Facebook page she will attend.
Thursday evening’s debate is sponsored by the Pacific Palisades Residents Association and will be moderated by KNX Newsradio anchor Frank Mottek.
“We are looking forward to a vigorous debate and to a large turnout of residents,” PPRA President Sarah Conner said in a statement. “We are also extremely pleased that the distinguished KNX journalist Frank Mottek will moderate this forum.”
—City News Service