Jill Hill and James Johnson, political opponents in the upcoming election for the soon-to-be open 7th District Council seat, will each hold meet-and-greet sessions to familiarize themselves with voters. Both events will be held this Thursday, September 24th.

Hill’s event will be held at Phil Trani’s Restaurant at 3490 Long Beach Boulevard, beginning at 5:00pm. Free appetizers will be available, and Hill’s website encourages residents to carpool. Hill is a longtime district resident as the current president of the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Association (WANA).

Johnson’s will be held at a location that will be given upon RSVP-ing to 562.997.3707. The event will be hosted by former Mayor Eunice Sato and former Councilmember Mike Donelon. Johnson’s event, being billed as a coffee meeting, will begin at 6:00pm. Johnson grew up in Long Beach and is now the City’s Assistant Auditor.

“These coffees are a great way for citizens to talk directly with me about issues they care about,” Johnson says in a press release. “I look forward to listening to those who come and to sharing some thoughts on how to move Long Beach forward together.”

Other candidates for the seat include Roberto Uranga, Jack Smith and Doug Seagraves. The election will be held in April 2010.

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