LOCAL ELECTIONS / LA HABRA CITY COUNCIL : Term Limits, Shelter Plan Among Top Issues in Race

City Council term limits, a homeless shelter, traffic noise and budget problems are issues confronting the dozen candidates seeking three seats on the City Council this November.

Five candidates support term limits, saying they want an end to professional politicians. The only problem is that term limits may not be legal.

The 4th District Court of Appeal is considering a lawsuit filed by La Palma Councilman Richard Polis against a city law preventing his seeking a third term. La Palma currently allows only two consecutive four-year terms.

La Palma and La Habra are general law cities, which means they follow the laws of the state of California. Since state law does not set term limits, general law cities may be overstepping their bounds if they establish limits.

Candidates also disagree about the city’s responsibility to deal with the increasing noise along Harbor Boulevard. Scores of residents have told the council that their neighborhood has become much more noisy since Los Angeles County built a fast road through the hills that bypasses Fullerton Road.

One resident called the noise “horrendous,” and many have said it was the city’s responsibility to warn them about the project.

The city has conducted a sound study, and City Manager Lee Risner has agreed to meet with residents to consider a sound wall or other options. Some candidates contend that the city should pay to decrease the noise, while others want the county to pay.

Another divisive issue is the proposed construction of Mary’s Home for Transitional Families, which would provide shelter for up to 28 homeless families. The shelter was proposed to be built on a 1.5-acre lot behind Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and School, but opponents in the neighborhood say it will reduce property values and cause parking problems.