Two long-term city council members will not be running for re-election March 8 when local cities hold their bi-annual elections.

At left, top, Gary Taylor; Below, Frank Venti.

Frank Venti, who is in his third four-year term as a councilmember in Monterey Park, announced several times in the past year that he would not seek re-election.

Rosemead Council member Gary Taylor, who has served for more than 30 years, also did not take out papers for re-election, officials said.

As a result of the two incumbents not being on the ballot, sign-ups for the election were extended until Wednesday, officials said.

It could also result in many council hopefuls running for the office because both Venti and Taylor have run strong, well-financed campaigns in the past.

In Rosemead, incumbent Polly Lo has announced she will be seeking re-election for her second council term and has taken out the nomination papers.

She is the only one who has returned the forms that require signatures of a minimum of 20 registered voters in the city, according to the Rosemead city clerk’s office.

Monterey Park council members Anthony Wong and Mitchell Ing have filed their papers for re-election with the city clerk’s office.

At least six other residents have also taken out nomination papers for the city council positions, according to the Monterey Park city clerk’s office.