Running for Council in 2012

The next City Council election is scheduled for November, 2012.  There will be two (2) City Council seats subject to election, each for a four year term.   The nominating period for these seats will not begin until July, 2012.  A full calendar detailing all of the nomination deadlines will be available on this website in May, 2012.  Residents interested in running for City Council are encouraged to contact the City Clerk to learn more.  Click here to send an email or call 949-461-3421 to make an appointment.

Candidate Qualifications

To run for City Council, you must be:

• 18 years of age
• A registered voter and resident of the City of Lake Forest
• Nominated by at least 20 registered voters of the City of Lake Forest

  A person is only eligible to hold a position as City Council Member if he or she is, at the time of assuming office, an elector of the City, AND was a registered voter of the City at the time the nomination papers were issued to the candidate.  

Council Meetings

Regular City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Meetings begin with Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Political Reform Act and the Fair Political Practices Commission
 
The Political Reform Act was approved by the State of California voters in 1974 to establish rules and regulations for candidates and elected officials. The Political Reform Act has been amended several times since 1974 and is administered by the Fair Political Practices Commission. The Act requires a variety of forms to be filed before, during, and after a campaign. 

The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) was created out of the Political Reform Act. The FPPC educates the public and public officials on the requirements of the Act. It provides written and oral advice to public agencies and officials; conducts seminars and training sessions; develops forms, manuals and instructions; and receives and files statements of economic interests from many state and local officials. The FPPC investigates alleged violations of the Political Reform Act, imposes penalties when appropriate, and assists state and local agencies in developing and enforcing conflict-of-interest codes.

Learn More About the City

Interested residents are encouraged to enroll in the City of Lake Forest Leadership Academy. This free, 8-week course held each fall is designed to enhance an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of local government. This is a beneficial and worthwhile opportunity for potential candidates and any resident who wants to learn more about the daily operation of Lake Forest.

Residents may also be interested in enrolling in the Lake Forest Community Emergency Preparedness Academy (CEPA). CEPA is a free, 8-week course sponsored annually by the City of Lake Forest and the Orange County Sheriff's Department.  The Academy has been designed to teach participants the basics of disaster preparedness.  Classes typically start in January, but residents are added to the interest list throughout the year.    

Volunteering to serve on a City Commission or at City-sponsored events is another great way to get involved.