Duarte City Council District 1 · Nov 3, 2026
Margaret E. Finlay
Candidate for City Council District 1 (incumbent)
Margaret E. Finlay, the incumbent, is running for Duarte City Council District 1 in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Luz Yesenia Paez.
Last day to register to vote · Mon, Oct 19, 2026
Duarte District 1 councilmember who says she has served as councilmember and mayor for 35 years. Her campaign site lists a master's degree in public administration.
- Endorsed by
- Lists Mayor Tera Martin del Campo, Councilmembers Vinh Truong and Toney Lewis, Assembly Member Blanca Rubio and LA County Supervisors Kathryn Barger, Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis, among others, as supporters on her campaign website. Margaret Finlay for Duarte City Council
- Campaign website
- margaretfinlay.com
Only the District 1 council seat is on the November 3, 2026 ballot, with Margaret E. Finlay and Luz Yesenia Paez running. City of Duarte · Sep 29, 2026
Where Margaret E. Finlay stands: positions on the record
Housing and growth1 sourced position
Moved and voted yes on certifying the final environmental impact report and approving the Andres Duarte School project (Crestfield Townhomes) and its General Plan amendment, parcel map, site plan and planned development permit (passed 5-1, with one abstention, September 2025).
Council voteDuarte City Council minutes, Sept. 23, 2025 (in Oct. 14, 2025 agenda packet) · Sep 23, 2025
SB 79 overlay zone1 sourced position
Voted yes on a consent calendar that included a $54,000 agreement with Moreland Planning Solutions to develop an SB 79 overlay zone (passed 6-0, July 2026).
Council voteDuarte City Council minutes, July 14, 2026 (in July 28, 2026 agenda packet) · Jul 14, 2026
Retail recruitment1 sourced position
Voted yes on a professional services agreement with The Retail Coach, LLC for retail recruitment consulting (passed 6-0, July 2026).
Council voteDuarte City Council minutes, July 14, 2026 (in July 28, 2026 agenda packet) · Jul 14, 2026
Animal control1 sourced position
Voted yes on a consent calendar that included a five-year agreement with Pasadena Humane for animal shelter and animal control services (passed 6-0, June 2026).
Council voteDuarte City Council minutes, June 9, 2026 (in June 23, 2026 agenda packet) · Jun 9, 2026
Trail lighting1 sourced position
Moved and voted yes on proceeding with a $294,000 change order for 20 additional pedestrian lights on the Donald and Bernice Watson trail (passed 5-0, September 2026).
Council voteDuarte City Council minutes, Sept. 8, 2026 (in Sept. 22, 2026 agenda packet) · Sep 8, 2026
Homelessness1 sourced position
Says she would continue to address homelessness by locating permanent housing, with job training and addiction recovery programs.
“Continue to address homelessness by locating permanent housing, with job training and addiction recovery programs, keeping our sidewalks and parks safe for public use”
Own statementMargaret Finlay for Duarte City Council
Wildfire1 sourced position
Says she would create a wildfire mitigation program and help residents harden their neighborhoods.
“Create a successful wildfire mitigation program while helping residents work together to harden their neighborhoods”
Own statementMargaret Finlay for Duarte City Council
Communication1 sourced position
Says she would increase communication avenues for residents.
“Increase communication avenues for all citizens”
Own statementMargaret Finlay for Duarte City Council
Also running for City Council District 1
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