The two-term councilman captured 59 percent of the vote to Madrid’s 41 percent. Madrid, 80, was elected to the City Council in 1981 and was elected mayor in 1990.
Arapostathis, 48, was endorsed by county Supervisor Dianne Jacob and Las Mesa council members Ruth Sterling and Ernie Ewin. He is a native of La Mesa, a teacher in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District for more than 20 years and director of the Peter Pan Junior Theater.
Here is what Arapostathis told La Mesa Today after his victory:
"I feel fortunate to have the opportunity and I will continue to serve on the council as I have for the last eight years. I care about this city.''
As for Madrid, Arapostathis told La Mesa Today, "I thank him for his years of service to this city.''
Madrid had hoped to defeat Arapostathis by touting his years of experience and his role in revitalizing La Mesa.
U-T San Diego quoted a Madrid campaign flier: “I have led the transformation of La Mesa into a vibrant, energetic community with a bright future.”
