Politics & Government

Meet Your City Council Candidates, Part III

The third batch of candidates running in November elections.

[This article was updated Sept. 22 to include Ernie Arnold's responses.]

In November, there'll be three City Council seats up for election, yet residents will see the names of nine candidates on the ballot. 

Last month, we posted articles on six of the candidates (see links below). Here's a look at two more:

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*Ernest B. "Ernie" Arnold*

Born and raised in South Pasadena, Arnold became active in the community at the age of 12. (In 1962, he worked precincts to oppose the 710 Freeway.) In 1968, his home was burned down and—at 17— he says he was an angry young man. However, he never forgot the way South Pas rallied around his parents and family. That is when he learned the true meaning of community. So after moving away, he and his wife moved back to South Pasadena in 1991 to raise their three sons.

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Arnold graduated with a BS in Business Management from Cal Poly Pomona. He received his MBA from Loyola Marymount in 1982 and went on to manage international risk management for Lloyd's Bank California and Fleet National Bank, Providence R.I. After serving as Chief Financial Officer and Compliance Officer in the securities industry, he left the corporate side to manage private accounts. 

He's served on South Pasadena's Transportation Commission, Community Redevelopment Commission and Freeway Transportation Commission. He's also an active member of , the Cluband Catholic Church.

Why he's running for City Council:

I am running because a group of neighbors, concerned with the direction our city is going, asked that I put myself up to serve on the council. I love this city and have been concerned that the council has been distracted with regional interests and have neglected oversight of local issues such as the Fair Oaks Ave Project within the city.

One council member cannot change anything, however maybe I can bring a business attitude to the council, improve staff oversight to prevent future “Fair Oaks Ave” situations, and bring business perspective to our budget issues. I have been successful with working with people of all political persuasions, so maybe I can be of service.

*Richard D. Schneider*

A resident since 1975, Schneider is seeking a second City Council term; he served as Mayor from 2009-2010.

A graduate of Yale University and Case Western Reserve University, he is a physician (MD) practicing Pathology and a Medical Director at two local hospitals.

Schneider currently serves as the City Council liaison to the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission, Library Board of Trustees and the Planning Commission, according to the City's website. He is also the Council representative to the Tournament of Roses Committee and previously served as a member of the City’s Design Advisory Group, Transportation Commission and chaired the City’s Ad Hoc Bicycle Committee.

Councilmember Schneider and his wife Pauline have four children—Nicole Schneider, Tamara Schneider Bhandari, Garrett Schneider and Brandon Schneider.

Why he's running for City Council:

I am running to continue work on several projects, which are unfinished and stretch over years. My main interests are continuing opposition to the 710, improving the infrastructure, promoting the arts, library and aesthetics of the city, keeping the city strong financially, and maintaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

*David Margrave*

A resident of South Pasadena since 1972, Margrave attended Pasadena City College, Cal State and L.A. Trade Tech in addition to serving in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam. He is a licensed pilot and former Vice Commander on the South Pas Post 140 American Legion.

A South Pasadena Councilmember from 1982 to 86 and 2002 to 06, Margrave has previously been recognized as South Pasadena Businessman of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

He is currently the owner of Morrow & Holman Plumbing, Inc. and vice-chairman on the Natural Resources Commission. He volunteers for A.Y.S.O and various high school teams throughout the area and was the past chairman of the 4th of July Committee. Additionally, he's dedicated 20 years towards

Why he's running for City Council:

You need to do it because you like serving the public. If you’re not ready to have people walk up on the street and complain or give you positive statements, then you shouldn’t be doing it.

I’m ready for it. I’ve done it for all my life. I volunteered for the Navy back in ’66, so I’ve always been involved in some way, in some fashion.

When I was off Council for those years, I served on the Transportation commission, Planning Commission, Senior Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission. Now I’m on the Natural Resources Commission. So when I got off City Council last time, I continued to serve. I have not left City service. I’ve always been involved: , , the Elks Club, A.Y.S.O. I've always been involved publicly since I left high school.

Editor's Note: Ernest Arnold did not return Patch phone calls or emails for this article.

Previous Coverage:


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