ENCINITAS — Flanked by dozens of supporters at the C Street overlook with Moonlight Beach in the background, City Councilwoman Maggie Houlihan announced her plans recently to run for a third term in office.

If history is any indication of future events, Houlihan is prepared to win with grass-roots support. The two-term incumbent won her last election four years ago with more votes than any other candidate in the city’s history despite a minority of outspoken opposition.

Houlihan outlined specific achievements as well as a broad vision for the city. She mentioned two independent surveys that cited traffic, overdevelopment and open space acquisition as residents’ primary concerns. “We need an Encinitas council committed to addressing these issues so that the charm and unique characteristics of our five communities are preserved and strengthened,” she told the crowd.

Specifically, Houlihan pointed to her work for a more transparent city government. “Transparency of local government and full citizen participation in decision making are critical to our success as a city,” she said. Houlihan has lobbied for live television broadcasts and Web streaming of City Council and Planning Commission meetings, electronic notification of city meetings, and a citizen participation plan that encourages participation by residents early in the permitting process.

District 3 Supervisor Pam Slater-Price attended the campaign kick-off and gave Houlihan her full support. The one-time Encinitas mayor and city councilwoman said that while she had several friends running for the three council seats up for grabs in November, she was only endorsing Houlihan. “She represents and honors the values that we incorporated to keep,” Slater-Price said.

Susan Sparks said she likes what she’s heard about Houlihan so far. “I moved here a few years ago and I’ve been paying attention,” she said. “I like her dedication; she seems willing to go the extra mile.”

Houlihan, along with incumbents Jerome Stocks and James Bond are joined by a crowded field of candidates. Three seats are available on the five-person council. Among the candidates are Betsy Aceti, homemaker and volunteer; Anthony Brandenburg, chief judge for American Indian tribal court; Rachelle Collier, office administrator and Leucadia Town Council President; Doug Long, business owner and Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association President; Bob Nanninga, business owner, poet and acting teacher; Harriet Seldin, dentist; and Joe Sheffo, former editorial writer.