SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Sheriff Gates Backs 2 Council Candidates

Councilman Jerry V. Harris and his running mate, Collene Campbell, received four endorsements Tuesday, including one from Sheriff Brad Gates.

Those endorsements countered last week’s announcement that council candidates Carolyn Nash and Stan Kensic had won the support of Councilman Jeff Vasquez. Eight candidates are running for two council seats in Tuesday’s election.

Joining Gates in endorsing the Harris-Campbell slate were three people who represent the status quo in San Juan Capistrano government: Councilmen Gary L. Hausdorfer and Kenneth E. Friess and Mayor Gil Jones. While Jones, Hausdorfer and Friess have long let it be known that they support Harris and Campbell, the appearance of Gates at a morning press conference Tuesday at City Hall was a surprise.

Gates acknowledged that he rarely makes endorsements in City Council races.

“Yes, it is very rare, but I have lived here all my life and I’m concerned about who will carry out the future of this city,” Gates said. “I believe we can trust these people to make the proper things happen.”

Campbell, who has traveled around the country as an advocate for the rights of crime victims, has also won an endorsement from state Atty. Gen. Daniel E. Lungren.

Nash and Kensic, who unofficially make up a slate opposing Harris and Campbell, have run a campaign critical of all the members of the current council except Vasquez. Nash and Kensic charge that the council has strapped the city with serious financial problems because of questionable Redevelopment Agency acquisitions, and that public disclosure of information from city staff has been inhibited.

Vasquez, who has consistently been on the short end of 4-1 votes since joining the council in 1990, said he endorsed Nash and Kensic because the city needs change.

“I think the voters really have a choice to make,” Vasquez said. “They can have a virtual rubber stamp of the current council or, if they are dissatisfied, they can vote for Nash and Kensic and have an opportunity for change.”