Nine candidates have officially qualified for the Beverly Hills City Council elections and are each hoping that their combination of professional skills and community service will appeal to voters on March 5, 2024.
They are competing for two open seats currently held by Councilmember Lili Bosse and Mayor Dr. Julian Gold. The candidates are Alissa Roston, Mary Wells, Sharon Persovski, Myra Demeter, Craig Corman, Nooshin Meshkaty, Hamid Omrani, Tiffany Davis and Robin Rowe.
“As in years past, we are always pleased to see interest from our residents who wish to apply,” City Clerk Huma Ahmed told the Courier. “The next step will be for candidates to meet their electorate and share what they envision for our city and their views. We encourage everyone to learn about the candidates and remember, every vote counts!”
Alissa Roston is the former president of the Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, chair of the Charitable Solicitation Commission and president of the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills.
“I’ve been blessed to live in a city where it’s safe, and where they have wonderful schools and where one can get involved,” she told the Courier. “That’s why I’ve always wanted to give back.”
Mary Wells is a current BHUSD School Board member and the immediate past president of the board. She has experience in brand management, account management and municipal bond trading.
“Throughout my career, I have been intentional about lifting up young people, supporting families and empowering our community,” she said in her campaign announcement. “I have a proven track record of getting things done with integrity, and I am eager to speak with residents one door at a time.”
Sharon Persovski is a building designer, nonprofit leader and former chair of the Architectural Commission. She believes her professional experience would be a unique asset to the council when reviewing proposed developments.
“It is very important that the skills of architecture and design be applied when analyzing proposed projects,” she told the Courier. “That experience allows you to make informed decisions on whether you should approve the project, deny it or offer suggestions to make it better.”
Myra Demeter has served two terms on the BHUSD Board of Education and was twice elected president; served seven years on the Health and Safety Commission; and is currently serving her second term on the Planning Commission where she is the immediate past chair.
“I am running to be a voice for our residents to maintain our quality of life and world-class services as Beverly Hills enters a period of immense change, external pressures and opportunities,” she said in her campaign announcement.
Craig Corman is an attorney and three-term Planning Commissioner. He is a BHHS alumnus, raised his two children in the city and is a Rotary Club member.
“I’ve lived almost all my life here, I love the city, and I want to help take care of the people who live here and work here and play here and shop here,” Corman told the Courier. “I love seeing the city thrive and I’d like to help it continue to do so.”
Nooshin Meshkaty is a NASA engineer, former president of the BHUSD School Board and former Traffic Commissioner. She believes her technological prowess is well suited to enhancing public safety, supporting local businesses and fostering a culture of innovation.
“My whole reason for running is to be able to do more for the community,” she told the Courier. “I want to do as much as I can to resolve issues and concerns that community members have and bring a vision to take us in line with 21st-century technologies.”
Hamid Omrani is the owner of a local architecture and design firm. He believes this experience will be essential on council as it grapples with the state’s mandate to create capacity for over 3,000 new units by 2029.
“California is grappling with a severe housing shortage, and while the state pursue solutions, it’s crucial that every community’s unique needs, conditions, and environment are taken into account,” he said in his campaign announcement. “Now, more than ever, we require a cohesive team with a profound understanding of our community’s intricacies, capable of making informed decisions with a keen eye on future consequences.”
Tiffany Davis is the founder of an event production company and believes her skills in event management, communication, budgeting and revenue generation will be an asset to the council. She has held leadership roles on the NEXT Committee and Chamber of Commerce.
“I want to inspire everyone to care about this city as much as I do and be involved and be engaged,” she told the Courier. “That is how Beverly Hills will be the best it can possibly be.”
Robin Rowe is a software developer and investment manager with experience in coding, AI and innovation development. He was a member of the City of Beverly Hills Technology Committee.
All registered voters in Beverly Hills will receive a vote-by-mail ballot during the first week of February, Ahmed said. They may vote in person at a vote center, mail their ballots, or drop them off at a VBM Drop Box. Vote centers will begin operating 10 days before the election and will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, March 5.
