Ira Laufer Requests Recount in April 13 Election

Ira Laufer announced that he is requesting a hand count of votes from the April 13 election after losing the third seat position on the Rancho Mirage City Council by 11 votes.

“I will deliver a letter formally requesting a recount and a check for $400 to cover the cost of the recount to the City Clerk today, the final day to request a such a recount” said Laufer, who has served on the City Planning Commission for 10 years.

“This in answer to so many requests of supporters who have worked with me through the years in many areas of our community. It?s as hard for many of them as for me to just walk away when only 11 votes make such a huge difference between me and Scott Hines,? he said.

Laufer said he is aware that the Riverside County Registrar of Voters has a sterling reputation but feels that “with so many votes cast, especially with the majority by hand ballots, it pays to make cover every base.”

Laufer said the recount is expected to start next week.

If the re-count effort falls short Laufer said he will serve “with pleasure “if re-appointed to the Planning Commission for an 11th year. “?I?ve thoroughly enjoyed working on the Planning Commission and if that?s the consolation prize if I fail to gain the votes needed, it?s a wonderful prize. It?s a great city and I?m proud to serve it.?

One of Laufer?s campaign ideas was to help cell phone users in the city find carriers that serve them properly and that already has borne fruit. He has already received the cooperation of the leading cell phone measurement firm in the nation to include Rancho Mirage in its national coverage test phase. He has taken steps to involve the city in that process.