Third candidate launches bid to replace L.A. Councilman Tom LaBonge

With the municipal election 18 months away, the number of contenders looking to replace L.A. City Councilman Tom LaBonge has quickly grown to three.

Tara Bannister, vice president for the National Apartment Assn., informed the city’s Ethics Commission that she will raise money for a run at LaBonge’s seat in the March 2015 election. Bannister, 42, is seeking to represent a district stretching from Silver Lake to Sherman Oaks.

“I’ve wanted to do this my entire life,” said Bannister, who lives at Park La Brea and worked as an aide to then-Gov. Gray Davis in 1999 and 2000.

Bannister joins two others who filed paperwork for LaBonge’s seat: Teddy Davis, who was until recently director of strategic communications for Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, and Carolyn Ramsay, LaBonge’s chief of staff.

Tuesday was the first day for candidates to begin fundraising for seven council seats. LaBonge must step down in summer 2015 because of term limits. His district takes in all or part of Los Feliz, Griffith Park, the Hollywood Hills, Toluca Lake, Hancock Park and other neighborhoods.

Councilman Bernard C. Parks, who represents part of South L.A., also must leave because of term limits. Council members expected to run for reelection are Paul Krekorian, Nury Martinez, Herb Wesson, Mitchell Englander and Jose Huizar.

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