7 Vying for 2 Seats Want More Businesses
Most of the seven candidates seeking two open City Council seats say they want to attract new businesses, which in turn pay for city services through sales-tax revenue. But not just any businesses. Only those that don’t pollute, swell traffic or make too much noise need apply.
The candidates include incumbent James D. Petrikin but not Mayor George B. Scott, who after 20 years on the council is not seeking another term.
Attracting businesses that don’t bother the neighbors isn’t easy in Fountain Valley. Locals want to boost sales-tax revenue but they don’t necessarily want lucrative businesses, such as car dealerships, near their homes.
“We’re not going to have anything that causes problems within our local atmosphere,” Petrikin said. He favors new commercial developments, particularly in South Park, that mesh with the city’s suburban look.
Candidates Larry R. Crandall, a county investigator, Mark R. Matthews, an attorney, and Doug Bannister, a small-business owner, agree that new enterprise is important but not at the expense of quality of life. They tout sensible growth.
As with most elections, crime is at the forefront. Each candidate called law enforcement a priority.
Barry G. Migliorini, director of a brokerage firm, said he will do “whatever it takes to make Fountain Valley the safest community in the country.”
Chuck Conlosh, a police officer seeking office, favors beefing up after-school sports programs and youth leagues to combat gang membership and drug use.
And candidate Virginia Harter, a small-business owner, wants to hire more police and code enforcement officers.
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Fountain Valley Council Candidates
Seven candidates, including one incumbent, are seeking two open City Council seats. A quick look at the contenders:
Doug Bannister
Age: 29
Occupation: Insurance agent
Background: Member, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce; former staff officer, Huntington Beach Search and Rescue; Boy Scouts of America endowment volunteer
Major issues: Support Police Department and keep crime down; oppose new taxes and fees; encourage new business
*
Chuck Conlosh
Age: 31
Occupation: Police officer
Background: Volunteer, recreational therapy department at Children’s Hospital of Orange County; teaches drug and gang diversion to children
Major issues: Put more police officers on streets; attract new businesses; oppose tax increases; increase after-school and youth-league sports to deter gang membership and drug use
*
Larry R. Crandall
Age: 47
Occupation: County investigator
Background: Member, Fountain Valley School District Board of Trustees; former vice president, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce; past Fountain Valley Fiesta organizer; former chairman, Fountain Valley Traffic Committee; member, Orange County School Board Assn.; member, California School Board Assn.; member, Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council
Major issues: Balance city budget without tax or fee increases; maintain low crime rate and strong Police Department; attract
businesses that do not “intrude” on residential areas
*
Virginia Harter
Age: 46
Occupation: Small-business owner
Background: Member, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce and Fountain Valley Women’s Club
Major issues: Hire more police officers and an additional code enforcement officer; create city-supported program for senior citizens; support youth programs
*
Mark R. Matthews
Age: 33
Occupation: Attorney
Background: Boy Scout volunteer
Major issues: Oppose electronic message board near San Diego Freeway; oppose increased water fees; balance need for municipal revenue with needs of residents
*
Barry G. Migliorini
Age: 30
Occupation: Brokerage firm director
Background: Little League coach and manager; member, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce
Major issues: Oppose tax increases; decrease size of city government; ensure public safety
James D. Petrikin
Age: 56
Occupation: Chiropractor
Background: Incumbent council member; past president, Boys and Girls Club of Huntington Valley
Major issues: Add personnel to Fire and Police departments; maintain small-town atmosphere of Euclid Avenue and South Park
Source: Individual candidates
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