SEAL BEACH : Development Issue to Dominate 3 Races

Eight candidates are vying for seats on the City Council in a race likely to be dominated by development issues.

Three of five council seats are up for election on March 29, and all three incumbents are seeking second terms.

In District 1, council member Marilyn Bruce Hastings is being challenged by Jim Klisanin, a teacher and businessman, and Charles Antos, a county planner and community activist. The district covers the Old Town area.

Mayor Gwen Forsythe is running against homemaker Kathy Parker and Main Street merchant John Baker to represent the Marina Hill area in District 3.

In Leisure World’s District 5, council member William J. Doane faces a challenge by Richard Davies, an engineering manager.

The council terms of George Brown, who also represents Leisure World, and Frank Laszlo, who represents College Park East, do not expire until 1996.

Main Street development is expected to be a major issue in the race.

Some residents who live around the business strip complain that some businesses create noise, parking and traffic problems. Some merchants, on the other hand, accuse the city of being “anti-business” for rejecting their proposals to sell alcoholic beverages and extend operating hours.

Both Hastings and Forsythe have frequently sided with residents in disputes about alcohol sales and operating hours. Doane has been more sympathetic to the concerns of merchants.

Another issue expected to be debated is a proposal to build about 100 homes in the Bixby Ranch area near the Seal Beach Boulevard and Lampson Avenue. City officials expect to receive an environmental impact report on the project in coming weeks. Public hearings will take place this spring.

Residents vote only for candidates in their own districts. Runoff elections will be held May 10 in races where no candidate received more than 50% of the vote.