SEAL BEACH : New Official Aims to ‘Mend Fences’

William J. Doane was named to the City Council this week, replacing Councilman Joe Hunt.

Hunt resigned last month, citing bickering and dissension on the council. Doane, 70, who represents part of Leisure World, said he hopes to “mend the fences.”

Without the appointment, the council would have had to schedule a special election, which would have cost $6,000 to $7,000, City Clerk Joanne M. Yeo said.

Councilwoman Gwen Forsythe said she was impressed with the three candidates who expressed interest in the vacant seat, but was swayed by a letter Doane sent to her home Monday.

“I think he wants to help heal the wounds of the city,” Forsythe said.

“I like the enthusiasm he’s shown,” added Councilwoman Marilyn Bruce Hastings, who nominated Doane. “And he’s really politically nonaligned.”

Doane said he favors slow growth for the city. He said his immediate projects will include getting a sound barrier installed next to the Garden Grove Freeway, replenishing city reserves and implementing an austerity program for the city.

“We need to work with neighboring cities to find answers to the traffic problems that are becoming increasingly critical in Seal Beach,” Doane wrote in a letter to council members. “This should be accomplished before any large-scale housing projects are to be considered by this city.”

Doane has lived in Seal Beach Leisure World for 12 years and has served on the board of directors of the Golden Rain Foundation. He has also served as a district governor for Toastmasters International. He retired from his job in data-processing management in 1983.