3 Incumbents, 7 Others Run for Costa Mesa Council Seats

Ten candidates for three City Council seats have filed nomination papers with the city clerk’s office, including the three incumbents.

Mayor Mary Hornbuckle, Vice Mayor Sandra L. Genis and Councilman Joe Erickson are seeking reelection. Hornbuckle is seeking her third term, while Genis is trying for her second. Erickson was appointed last year after Councilman Ed Glasgow resigned abruptly.

The other candidates are: Chris Steel, who has waged five unsuccessful attempts for office; Brian K. Theriot, city planning commissioner; Gary C. Monahan, Henry n’ Harry’s Goat Hill Tavern manager; Denis W. Retoske, attorney; Stephen J. McGuire, carpenter; Donald D. Williams, salesman, and Kevin Austin, a facilities service manager at Cal Poly Pomona.

Retoske represented former Councilman Orville Amburgey in a lawsuit filed against former golf course employee Tim Green. Green took out nomination papers this week but did not return them by the Friday deadline, according to the city clerk’s office.

Genis, who owns a land-use planning company, said she decided to run again because the job continues to be a challenge. Several projects are key to the city’s future, she said.

“I want to make sure that the General Plan that we have doesn’t get nibbled away and I want to make sure we have a good parks plan,” she said. “The fiscal issue is taking care of itself because what you don’t have you can’t spend.”

Retoske, 52, said Amburgey has not joined his campaign although he believes he will receive his support.

Amburgey was voted out of office in 1990 when Councilmen Peter F. Buffa and Jay Humphrey won out for the two open seats.