Candidates Differ on Water System’s Future

A controversial plan to privatize the city’s water system has become a leading point of debate among contenders for the mayor’s seat and two open City Council positions in the Nov. 5 elections.

The nine candidates agree that the city’s water system is in bad shape--it needs at least $20 million worth of repairs and is currently $10 million in debt. To avoid raising residential water rates by about 25% to pay for the repairs, the city’s staff has recommended that the aging system be leased to an outside company, which would operate it for about 40 years and make repairs.

A final decision has been delayed by the council, probably until mid-November, while the city commissions an outside auditor to study proposed deals, including one from the highest bidder, California-American Water Co. of Chula Vista.

Top contenders for the mayor’s seat, council members Charmayne Bohman and Frank G. Fry, are divided over the issue. Bohman and Fry are vying for a four-year term in the seat being vacated by Mayor Charles V. Smith, who is in a runoff campaign for county supervisor and cannot run again for mayor.

No incumbents will be on the ballot because Fry and Bohman, whose terms expire this year, are leaving their council seats.

Fry, a council veteran of more than 30 years, has taken a strong stance against any attempt to lease the system, saying that the city would lose control over water rates. Bohman said she will wait until a final contract is presented before making her decision but added that her priority is saving the taxpayers money and a lease may be the best way.

The two other mayoral candidates, retired production manager Claire H. Lacy and homemaker Pamela Yantorn, said they would oppose city attempts to privatize the water system if elected.

The issue has also divided the five council candidates. Candidates Gary W. Soverns, a member of the city’s Planning Commission, and Joy L. Neugebauer, a former councilwoman, said they are against the city’s proposal from California-American in its current form, but do not oppose the concept of a lease.

Candidate Jo Porter, also of the Planning Commission, said she would consider all viable options before making a final decision.

Candidate Craig Schweisinger, a former councilman, said he opposes a lease of any kind, and candidate Margaret Shillington, a community volunteer, did not declare a position.

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Westminster Mayor, Council Candidates

Four candidates seek to replace Mayor Charles V. Smith, who is in a runoff for a county supervisor seat. Five are running for two City Council seats. A glance at both races:

FOR MAYOR

Charmayne Bohman

Age: 58

Occupation: Psychologist, professor at Cal State Dominguez Hills

Background: City councilwoman; former Huntington Beach Union High School District trustee

Major issue: Supports economic development to improve city’s image and expand its police force

Frank G. Fry

Age: 73

Occupation: Retired retail manager

Background: Seven-time Westminster councilman

Major issue: Opposes plan to lease the water system, saying that the city would lose too much control

Claire H. Lacy

Age: 63

Occupation: Retired production manager for Apple Computer

Background: Business and administrative experience

Major issue: Providing children with alternatives to gangs, such as expanded athletic programs

Pamela Yantorn

Age: 32

Occupation: Homemaker, home educates eighth-grade daughter

Background: 19-year resident

Major issue: Opposes daytime curfew ordinances for youths, saying they are too extreme and current truancy laws could be better enforced

CITY COUNCIL

Joy L. Neugebauer

Age: Declined to state

Occupation: Executive director of the Westminster Museum

Background: Small-business owner; councilwoman 1970-1990

Major issue: Expanding Police Department to reduce crime

Jo Porter

Age: 57

Occupation: Computer business owner

Background: City Planning Commission member since 1991 and its current chairwoman

Major issue: Supports redevelopment and stepping up code enforcement to improve city’s appearance and lower crime rates

Craig Schweisinger

Age: 49

Occupation: Owns manufacturing business

Background: Former councilman and ex-member of

planning and traffic commissions.

Major issue: Repealing city’s business license tax and gradually phasing out 5% utility tax

Margaret Shillington

Age: 57

Occupation: Local business owner

Background: Community volunteer with several youth and business groups

Major issue: Favors economic development to protect jobs and property values

Gary W. Soverns

Age: 45

Occupation: Computer systems administrator for Pacific Bell

Background: Member of Planning Commission, Financial Review Committee and City Charter Committee

Major issue: Opposes leasing city’s water system, saying repairs could be made through different fiscal management

Source: Individual candidates