Norwalk City Council

Norwalk population: 94,279

Election: April 14

On the ballot: Seven candidates for two at-large seats

INCUMBENT

Mike Mendez

Age: 45

Occupation: Director of Santa Fe Springs Recreation Department

Remarks: “I think with the recession, money is very important. We need to find other sources of revenue. Gangs in the city are an issue. We need to look at different programs to see what else we can do. We need to make the right decisions today so we won’t have water problems down the road. We’re going to have a new commuter train station in two years and the Century Freeway in about one year. These will impact surface streets and we have to be ready for it.” He feels civic experience is important. “We’ve got to get ready for the (21st) Century. I’ve developed contacts at state and federal level, and feel that in the times we have now, you need experience in there. It’s going to get tougher.”

CHALLENGERS

Judith Brennan

Age: 45

Occupation: President of screen printing company

Remarks: “The important issues facing the city are transportation, safety, education and budgeting. I think these are going to bring a lot of additional concerns to the city. I am in favor of a volunteer public safety program. I think citizens would do it. We need to promote a positive image of our schools. Negative image problems have affected property values. We need to track our top schools and students and reward them, reinforce their successes. I’d also like to explore the idea of turning our Front Street area into a cultural or historical shopping center.” She also is concerned about the city’s financial future. “We have problems with not having enough money. I think we need a common-sense approach to the budget. I’m in favor of no-frills government.”

Louis B. Marin

Age: 52

Occupation: Woodworking plant manager

Remarks: “We need to look closely at our current city spending. We should look at all the consultants and contracts that go out, and make sure they are benefiting the whole city, not just some of it. Street lighting and safety are also concerns. We need to look to the safety of our kids and the community. We’re starting to beautify our parks, but people don’t feel safe in them. We need to work closely with law enforcement to make the parks safe.” He is concerned with water pollution and supplies. “We need to talk to water companies and find out how to clean our water. We have . . . contaminated wells in the city now. I can bring new, innovative ideas and strong leadership to the city. We need to bring the city to the community.”

Gordon F. Stefenhagen

Age: 49

Occupation: Real estate sales and property management

Remarks: “I’m worried about the condition of our city finances. The reserves have gone down to $8 million (from $11.7 million in 1988) in the last few years. I would like to see a city treasurer that’s independent from the city, answerable only to the City Council. We used to have that and I’d like to bring that back. Gangs and drugs and graffiti are never-ending battles. We are addressing the problem with programs but need to strengthen them even more. One thing I’d like to see is an increase in Neighborhood Watch activity within the community.” He believes aiding business will help the city. “I think some of the local small businesses need more attention. We need to try to help create more business in the city.”

Robert D. Stock

Age: 65

Occupation: Retired manufacturing engineer

Remarks: “In the last five years we had a reserve . . . (that has) dwindled to between $6 million and $8 million because money is shuffled at City Hall. We need a full-time city controller. I would push for a city controller so the people would know where their money is and where it is going. I think the city has lacked leadership. The council (members) have become followers instead of leaders. I believe city business should be conducted in front of the public, not behind closed doors.” He feels city officials need to reduce spending. “I do not believe the council or managers need MasterCards (for city business). I don’t think they need cellular phones. I think they’ve been abusing them. I would reduce the cost of running the city and never travel at city expense.”

John Wehrly

Age: 44

Occupation: Plumber for Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department

Remarks: “Ten employees were laid off last year. The city indicated the reason was the recession, state funds, low tax revenues. Then, a month later they hired some engineer for $65,000 a year. They should have called back the laid-off employees.” He wants to increase the number of youth programs and give them work experience in the city. “I’d like to extend seasonal sports like Little League. When kids have all that idle time on their hands, they start hanging around the wrong people. Some of our services, like landscaping, could be done in-house, instead of using contractors. We could hire our youth and give them their first job skills, get them off the gang track.”

Chuck Wittman

Age: 37

Occupation: Freight truck driver

Remarks: “The city is overspending. They’re buying fancy street lights, and I feel that money could be used for residents who can’t paint their houses. Listening to the people seems to be the biggest issue today. The council doesn’t want to hear any problems. I want to get the people’s morale back, because right now morale is pretty shot. I’m just a normal person. I’d be a good mediator. The city needs new blood and leadership.” He feels that more attention should be paid to business owners. “I think business owners in the city ought to have a voice also, whether they are residents or not. They don’t have a voice now, and they contribute a lot of taxes to the city. Without their business there wouldn’t be a city.”