Jennifer McGrath is the First Huntington Beach Candidate to Qualify for the November Ballot

Huntington Beach, CA, July 21, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The Committee to Re-Elect Jennifer McGrath City Attorney announces that Jennifer McGrath officially became a candidate for City Attorney of Huntington Beach, California. Ms. McGrath successfully filed nomination papers with Huntington Beach City Clerk Joan L. Flynn qualifying Ms. McGrath to be placed on the November ballot for the Huntington Beach election.

Jennifer McGrath is the first Huntington Beach candidate to qualify for the November ballot among any of the local Huntington Beach elected positions. Candidates for office in Huntington Beach have until August 8 to file their nomination papers.

When asked about her candidacy, Ms. McGrath said,

"Huntington Beach deserves a City Attorney with experience, dedication, and a proven track record. I have been the City Attorney for Huntington Beach since my election in 2002. Prior to that time, I served as a Deputy City Attorney for Huntington Beach.

"During my tenure as Huntington Beach City Attorney, I have protected taxpayer money by avoiding lawsuits whenever possible and aggressively defending those suits filed. My team-oriented method towards litigation has led to success in the courtroom and cost savings for Huntington Beach helping the City to preserve tax dollars for infrastructure, public safety, and community services."

The City Attorney of Huntington Beach is an elected official and serves a four-year term. The duties of City Attorney are set forth in section 309 of the Huntington Beach City Charter. In general, the City Attorney represents and advises the City Council and all City officials in matters of law pertaining to the business of the City of Huntington Beach. Among other things, the City Attorney prepares and reviews City ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other legal documents. The City Attorney also represents the City in court and prosecutes, on behalf of the people, violations of the City Charter and City ordinances as well as other misdemeanors.

As part of the filing of her nomination papers, Jennifer McGrath took her oath of affirmation and also filed her official Candidate Statement.

"I grew up in Huntington Beach and understand the needs of our community. As a mother of two, it is critical to me that our city be safe, cherished and protected.

"I have been blessed to serve this community since 2002. As your City Attorney, my role is to advise the City Council and staff on all legal matters regardless of personal opinion or partisanship. I protect taxpayer money, reducing the need for taxes and fees, by avoiding lawsuits whenever possible and aggressively defending all lawsuits against the City. Your tax dollars should not be wasted on frivolous lawsuits, but dedicated to infrastructure, public safety, and community services.

"I have a proven record of superior legal representation of the City with reduced reliance on outside counsel. Most notably, my achievements include establishing a philosophy and reputation of aggressive defense of litigation by in-house staff; providing immediate advice to all City Departments including Public Works, Police, and Fire; and training City staff on a wide variety of topics on an annual basis to help them do things the right way the first time.

"If re-elected, I will continue to reduce the City’s exposure to costly litigation through training and quality legal advice."

Ms. McGrath has already received endorsements from a wide range of dignitaries including numerous Huntington Beach City Council members and former mayors.

A campaign website has been established at www.jennifermcgrath.com where visitors can learn more about Jennifer McGrath, get involved in the campaign to re-elect Ms. McGrath, see the latest list of endorsements, and follow current campaign news.