Duffy inventor joins Newport Beach City Council race

Duffy Electric Boat inventor and longtime Newport Beach resident Marshall “Duffy” Duffield has filed papers to run for the City Council’s District 3 seat.

“I’m not a politician but last night it appears that I became one,” he said in a statement Thursday. “Over 50 friends showed up at Bob McCaffrey’s beautiful home and donated over $60,000 of their hard-earned money to encourage me to run for City Council. It’s hard to say no to your friends that are so frustrated that they are willing to invest in someone that gives them hope for a more responsive and less expensive government. So, here I go – a reluctant businessman has been drafted into running for City Council.”

Duffield previously served on the Newport Beach Harbor Commission from 2002 to 2012. As councilman, he hopes to deal with what he calls the city’s lack of attention and vision for Newport Harbor.

“My goal as a councilman will be the revitalization of Newport Harbor. It defines our community and should be a priority, not an afterthought,” he said in the statement.

Duffield will face current Mayor Rush Hill in November’s election.

--Kelly Parker

Twitter: @KellyParkerTCN