BY FRANCIS TAYLOR

SENTINEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Inglewood residents on Aug. 31 handed Daniel K. Tabor a commanding victory and paved the way for him to become the city’s new mayor.

Tabor prevailed over city Councilmember Judy Dunlap with nearly 65 percent of votes, while Dunlap garnered 35 percent, according to unofficial election results as of Sept. 1.

“I am delighted that the voters in the City of Inglewood determined that I have the best plan to lead our city to a better future,” Tabor said as it became clear that he would win the special election, in which more than 3,800 residents voted.

Inglewood, a city of about 120,000 people, hasn’t had mayor since former Mayor Roosevelt Dorn stepped down after pleading guilty in January to a public corruption charge.

Tabor will serve out the remainder of Dorn’s days in office and run for re-election in the Nov. 2 General Election.

Tabor’s position as mayor will not be official until the vote is certified by the City Council on Sept. 14, which is when he is expected to be sworn into office.

“As I look forward to the November election, I will focus on making decisions that will benefit our city and will actively seek the input of our citizens in order to demonstrate that I am the best choice for mayor for the next term,” Tabor said.

The filing period for nomination papers and candidates’ statements for the Nov. 2 election closed Aug. 6. At that time, Tabor — along with Dunlap, former Santa Monica police chief James T. Butts, Michael Stevens, and Joseph A. Soto — were listed as candidates.

While in office, Tabor plans to hit the ground running to make up for the several months Inglewood operated without a mayor.

“We’ve still got to balance our budget,” he said. “Inglewood is potentially facing a $15 million deficit. So while I am elated at the being elected mayor, quite frankly, now is not the time for celebration; it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”