FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Leader Emerges for Voss Replacement

A runner-up in last year’s City Council race has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Fred Voss, who was ousted from his council seat two weeks ago.

John Collins, a businessman in Fountain Valley who lost in last year’s election by 200 votes, is considered a favorite for the vacant seat, Mayor Laurann Cook said. “We’ve gotten very positive feedback from the community on him, and his showing in last year’s election is certainly something we’ve looked at,” she said.

On Nov. 7, voters recalled Voss from office and chose to replace him by council appointment rather than a special election.

Although an election would have cost the city $45,000, several council members said they wish voters had opted for it.

“I would have certainly preferred the people in the community making this decision,” said Councilman James Petrikin. “This is not an easy job, and our decision isn’t going to please everyone because each probable choice has power in their own circles.’ Shortly after the recall, council members decided to interview possible candidates individually.

“Because of the time element, we just felt this way was best,” Cook said. “One of our members was out of town and this proved to be more convenient.”

The final decision is expected to be made at the council’s meeting next Tuesday, which candidates will attend.

Although five resumes and numerous phone calls have been received by the council since the recall, Cook indicated that Collins is a favorite.

Collins, 46, who was president of the Chamber of Commerce last year, is president of Pioneer Business Corp., a broker for the sale and purchase of businesses.

“What I have most to offer is a strong business sense and business discipline,” said Collins, who was awarded the Fountain Valley Businessman of the Year Award in 1986. “I think that is my strongest trait: problem solving.”

Collins also concedes that he would have rather won the election last year than replace a member.

“It’s certainly no cause for celebration,” Collins said. “It’s regrettable that it turned out this way.”

Councilman George Scott said, however, that he has not “made my mind up yet. There are a lot of qualified people out there waiting for a chance. I’d say the door is still wide open.”

Councilman James E. Neal could not be reached for comment.