Chino Hills’ 73-year-old mayor, Art Bennett, who is now locked in a reelection effort, suffered what was initially described as a stroke on October 17, according to a knowledgeable individual at Chino Hills City Hall.
A stroke is defined as anything that temporarily interrupts the flow of blood to the brain. While the precise type of event Bennett experienced has not been publicly disclosed, it is believed that he likely endured an episode related to, but not an actual, stroke, known as a transient ischemic attack.
A transient ischemic attack, known by the acronym TIA, is a transitory state of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. Statistically, roughly one third of those who are confronted with a transient ischemic attack will eventually experience a full-blown stroke.
The Sentinel was informed that on October 17, a Saturday, Bennett was beset by a series of what he and his wife sensed to be circulatory challenges, upon which they immediately sought for him medical assistance. He was given treatment and then subjected to a battery of tests at an undisclosed medical facility.
Two individuals who have come into contact with Bennett since the October 17 incident said there were no apparent aftereffects that they could detect in his speech or mannerisms.
Bennett, a retired real estate appraiser and specialist with regard to property taxation, was a 13-year member of the Chino Hills Planning Commission before he ran unopposed for the city council in 2008 and was proclaimed a victor in that race without being subjected to an actual election. He was elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016.
Selected by his council colleagues to serve as mayor in 2012 and 2016, Bennett is again in the role of mayor. A resident of the Village Oaks district previously elected at-large, he is now vying to represent Chino Hills’ newly-created District 3, and is opposed by Sabir St Taqi, Tyler Shields and James Gallagher.