Airport, Economic Development Drive Debate

By FRANK MESSINA

Oct. 5, 1996 12 AM PT

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

LAGUNA HILLS —

This is a city where the crime rate is low, the average household brings in over $100,000 and a 1995 survey showed 90% of its residents are happy with how their community is run.

Not a lot of controversy. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a couple of hot issues out there worth debating, namely business development and the proposed conversion of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into a commercial airport.

One incumbent is running among seven candidates for two open seats, although one of the challengers is a familiar name: former Councilman L. Allan Songstad Jr., who left the council only two years ago.

Still, the other hopefuls believe it’s time for a change.

“I think it’s important to bring fresh ideas to any organization,” said candidate Dan Ventura, president of a wholesale sign company. “I just hope that people are ready for a fresh face.”

There has been only one change on the five-member council since the 1990 Laguna Hills incorporation election. Incumbent Councilman Joel T. Lautenschleger and Songstad said they are running to make sure the goals of incorporation are fulfilled.

“One of the reasons I wanted to come back [as a councilman] is to make sure the city continues on course and to make sure we don’t become complacent or distracted,” Songstad said.

Several challengers think the city has become lackadaisical when it comes to important issues such as economic development.

With a large regional mall, Laguna Hills has a relatively large tax base for a community of 30,000. The annexation of North Laguna Hills and its retail centers earlier this year will add about $1.4 million in annual sales tax revenue to city coffers.

But there are also several aging shopping centers in need of refurbishing, candidates say.

“The council hasn’t done anything to attract business,” said candidate Max Craig, vice president of acquisitions at Taco Bell. “The city needs to be proactive in working with businesses.

“I don’t know if we need a redevelopment agency,” Craig said, “but the fact is that we’re competing with communities like Aliso Viejo, which has about a million square feet of retail and commercial [space] coming.”

Lautenschleger said the city added substantially to its tax rolls with the annexation of North Laguna Hills, adding that “there hasn’t been a need to entice businesses here. Businesses want to locate in Laguna Hills.”

For example, the city recently became the corporate home to the Del Taco fast food chain, Lautenschleger said.

Rejecting the notion that the council isn’t proactive, Lautenschleger pointed to the plans for a $17-million community center that would include a meeting hall, picnic grounds and city-developed youth athletic fields.

“There’s no center in our community, no little heart” to Laguna Hills, he said. “Build this community center and now you’ve got an area for people to get together, a true civic center.”

Most of the candidates say the El Toro airport proposal will have a profound impact on the city in coming years.

“There will be disastrous effects on traffic, noise, air pollution and property values,” said candidate Robert J. Wheeler, an assistant city attorney for Santa Ana. “This is an important election because we will elect people who will make El Toro the major issue in the city over the next three to four years.”

As a professional litigator, Wheeler said he would personally lobby state, federal and county officials against the airport proposal.

Ernie M. Ellsworth, a candidate and local attorney, said that Laguna Hills citizens also have to rally against the airport to get the attention of federal and county officials.

“This is the issue in Laguna Hills that affects residents the most,” Ellsworth said. “I would use the city’s resources to mobilize citizens to oppose the airport plans.”

Joel E. Quisenberry Jr., a candidate who owns a computer programming design company, said, “We should do whatever is necessary to convince county authorities not to put an airport near us.”

Even though crime is low in Laguna Hills--only two known gang members live in the city--every step should be taken to make sure it doesn’t get any worse, said several candidates.

“A [16-year-old] son of one of our friends was held up at knifepoint and gunpoint in Laguna Hills two weeks ago,” Wheeler said. “Obviously the issues of crime and gangs are not big in Laguna Hills, but crime can occur anywhere.”

Songstad and Wheeler said the city should also do everything it can to welcome its newest citizens--the residents of North Laguna Hills, a community of about 5,000.

“One of our challenges is the assimilation of North Laguna Hills,” Songstad said. “That community has seen years of neglect from the county and we have to make sure that with annexation, they receive the quality of service the rest of the city enjoys.”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Seven Seeking Seats

Seven candidates, including one incumbent, are seeking two City Council seats in Laguna Hills. Here is a look at the candidates:

Max Craig

Age: 42

Occupation: Vice president of acquistions for Taco Bell

Background: Experience in retail development and in working with small businesses.

Major Issue: Supports redevelopment in Laguna Hills; would streamline regulatory process for business.

Ernie M. Ellsworth Age: 50

Occupation: Attorney

Background: Board member of the Moulton Niguel Water District

Major Issue: Would use city funds for newsletters and other items to fight airport at El Toro Marine Corps. Air Station