Irvine : Incumbent Agran Says He Will Seek Reelection

Two-term incumbent Larry Agran announced Tuesday that he will seek a third term on the City Council in the June 3 municipal election.

Agran, 41, an attorney, was first elected in 1978, reelected in 1982 and was the city’s mayor from 1982 to 1984. He garnered the highest number of votes in his previous two elections.

In a prepared statement, Agran said he has worked to improve Irvine’s police and emergency services, has provided city child-care facilities, enhanced public parks and expanded services for senior citizens.

“I have not hesitated, however, to stand alone and speak out in defense of our community,” Agran said. “For example, I was the lone council member to urge adoption of the ‘citizens’-right-to-vote’ initiative so that Irvine residents can vote before any new freeway taxes can be imposed.”

During his eight years on the council, Agran has often been on the losing side of pro-development votes. He has assailed developers for spurring rapid growth in the south county.

“My years of public service have taught me that a pro-resident City Council member can make a real difference to the quality of life in our community,” Agran said. He listed the major issues facing his city of 85,000 as traffic congestion and rapid growth.

Agran is one of two incumbents whose City Council seats are up for grabs in June. City Councilwoman Barbara Wiener announced earlier that she would not seek another term.

Council members are elected at large and are paid $300 a month for the part-time position.

The deadline for filing candidacy papers is Friday.