Word for Council Campaign: Calm

Considering past recall drives against City Council members and the recent approval of two controversial taxes, this year’s council campaign has been surprisingly calm.

Only four residents will vie for two City Council seats in the Nov. 5 election, making up one of the shortest ballots in city history.

Incumbents Scott Diehl, 46, and Candace Haggard, 45, will be challenged by Lois R. Berg, a member of the city’s Golf Committee, and Jim Dahl, 53, a fire captain.

Both Diehl, a veterinarian, and Haggard, a county intergovernmental specialist, say the council works well together and has done much to bring about better delivery of public services at a lower cost during tough economic times. They cite such cost-cutting measures as the 1993 merger of local police services with the county, a move that officials say saves the city about $2 million a year.

But the two challengers say that City Hall could be run better.

Both Berg and Dahl criticize two special assessment districts approved within the past year, one which taxes homeowners up to $90 annually to help repair 60 miles of potholed streets, the other that raised fees that residents pay to help maintain city parks and beaches.

Whoever wins may find themselves helping to guide the development and preservation of the ocean-side Pier Bowl area, including the 68-year-old Casa Romantica, founder Ole Hanson’s bluff-top home. Plans have been put on hold because of ongoing litigation.

Other issues include the development of the 250-acre Marblehead Coastal property, continuing street improvements, tougher code enforcement and the planning of new shopping centers despite high vacancy rates in existing ones.

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San Clemente Council Candidates

Four residents, including two incumbents, are seeking two available San Clemente City Council seats, making up one of the shortest ballots in city history. A look at the contenders:

Lois R. Berg

Age: 71

Occupation: Retired nurse

Background: Resident since 1986; serves on Golf Committee

Major issues: Opposes special assessment districts and thinks all taxes should be approved by voters; wants to reduce city-paid consultants; supports term limits, tougher code enforcement, and expanded police services

Jim Dahl

Age: 53

Occupation: Fire captain with Orange County Fire Authority

Background: Resident since 1964; president of San Clemente Firemen’s Assn., 1989-94

Major issues: Opposes special assessment districts and wants to expand gang suppression program; wants to bring in more sales taxes by continued development of Rancho San Clemente Business Park

Scott Diehl

Age: 46

Occupation: Incumbent; veterinarian

Background: Resident since 1977; has served three City Council terms--1982-1986, 1988 to present; also served on Planning Commission from

1980-1982; heads Foothill / Eastern Transportation Corridor and San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor agencies

Major issues: Supports economic development by attracting businesses and making existing businesses more competitive; working for completion of Foothill Transportation Corridor; supports volunteer corps, tougher code enforcement and continued commitment to public safety

Candace Haggard

Age: 45

Occupation: Incumbent; intergovernmental relations specialist for Orange County

Background: Resident since 1974; has served on City Council two terms, since 1988; also served on Planning Commission from 1986-88; represents all Orange County cities on Air Quality Management District

Major issues: Supports building city’s tax base by attracting businesses and making existing businesses more competitive; wants city to continue encouraging volunteers corps, downtown beautification, and Neighborhood Pride Program; supports tougher code enforcement

Source: Individual candidates