Parry Announces Dick Mountjoy as Campaign Chairman, Mayor Hosting Event for Blackburn and Spicer

A former state senator has signed on to help lead the campaign of a local City Council write-in candidate as Monrovia's mayor plans to host an introduction event for the two candidates on the ballot.

Dick Mountjoy, a former mayor of Monrovia and former California State Senator, will serve as the chairman of Robert Parry's campaign along with Dr. Jules Bagneris, the candidate announced Monday.

"Robert has shown tremendous courage by stepping up to offer leadership when this community needs it," said Mountjoy in a prepared statement. "This reflects the kind of determination and dedication you'd expect from a man who has served his country three times in war, and I fully support him."

Meanwhile, Mayor Mary Ann Lutz has sent out invitations for a Mar. 9 campaign event she's hosting for Larry Spicer and Alexander Blackburn, the two candidates on the ballot. Lutz has officially endorsed both Blackburn and Spicer.

"I wanted to do an event so that people could get to know both of them," Lutz said, noting that the event was scheduled before Parry announced his write-in candidacy. She decided not to add him since she is not endorsing him, she said.

Spicer's campaign is being run by Charlotte Schamadan, according to Lutz. Blackburn said he is managing his own campaign along with Pat McClosky.

Blackburn is also endorsed by retiring Councilman Joe Garcia, Councilman Tom Adams, and School Board Member Rob Hammond, among others, he said. Spicer is endorsed by former mayors Bob Bartlett and Lara Larramendi and Congresswoman Judy Chu, among others, according to his campaign website.

The three candidates are vying for two open seats on the council in an election that will be decided on April 9.