LAGUNA BEACH : 9 Candidates Vie for 2 Open Council Seats

Two longtime City Council members have chosen not to run for reelection in November, opening the race to nine candidates, including a former linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams.

Declining to run again are council members Neil G. Fitzpatrick, who has served 12 years on the council, and Martha Collison, who was first elected in 1984.

Fitzpatrick said he is staying out of the race because he has served on the council long enough.

“I just think it’s time,” he said. “I suppose eight years is a good time for someone to move on. Those who have the good sense do that. I stayed for 12. I think it’s good to have a turnover in the city. I think you bring in new ideas and enthusiasm when you have new blood.”

Among those vying for the open seats are a string of city officials, most of whom have run for City Council in the past.

The candidates are: Planning Commissioners Norm Grossman and Kathleen Blackburn, former Planning Commissioner Wayne Peterson, arts commissioner Roberta Freeman (Bobbi) Cox, environmentalist Elizabeth Leeds, repeat candidate Rickey Slater, property manager Peter J. French, businessman David Berkson and Mel Owens, a Rams linebacker from 1981 to 1989.

Verna Rollinger, who has held the city clerk’s position since 1976, will again run for reelection. She is being challenged by Dorothy J. (Sunny) Rhodes and Elaine Smith.

City Treasurer Susan A. Morse is unopposed in her bid for reelection.