Dana Point : Councilwoman Puts Seat Up for Grabs

City Councilwoman Eileen Krause, one of the city’s original five council members, has announced she won’t seek reelection in June.

Krause, 50, a resident of Monarch Bay, was first elected in 1988 before the community was incorporated. Krause made her intentions known Tuesday night at a City Council meeting.

“I decided it made sense to announce it now so people could start thinking about running,” Krause said Wednesday, adding that she believed it was time for new council faces. “I think new people will add some fresh blood and energy, which is good. But we will always have overlap of council members to give the city continuity.”

Krause is one of three council members whose seats expire in June. Councilwoman Karen Lloreda is expected to run for reelection, and Councilman Mike Eggers, another member of the city’s first council, will make his intentions known March 8 but is not expected to enter the race.

City officials said Krause’s announcement is certain to lure more candidates into what is expected to be a wide-open race.

“It definitely opens up the field because there are people out there who don’t like to run against incumbents,” Eggers said. “Also, if it turns out there are two open seats, it will make the race very different. The lone incumbent will be the only person to defend the city . . . and it’s easier to criticize than praise.”

Councilman William L. Ossenmacher agreed, saying, “If you have a couple of seats open, people might think they have a better shot.”

Krause, who owns a Santa Ana-based company that cleans and services air pollution equipment, thought it was a good time to step down because she had “accomplished what I wanted” on the council.

“Initially, even before cityhood, I wanted to make sure Monarch Beach became a part of Dana Point,” Krause said. “Then I wanted to help the city incorporate, meld the three former communities together and set up a city that is functioning well. I think these are lofty goals and are major accomplishments.”

If Eggers indeed does not run, that would leave Mayor Judy Curreri as the only remaining member of the original council.