Buena Park Council Contenders

Six candidates are competing for two open seats on the Buena Park City Council. A look at the contenders:

Larry Barstow

Age: 58

Occupation: Business manager

Background: Member, Knights of Columbus and American Legion; former homeowners association officer

Major issues: Opposes utility tax increase; wants to revamp budget process; questions accuracy of projected deficit figures; supports bringing Metrolink station to city; wants to lure new businesses and builders to increase tax base

Steve Berry

Age: 34

Occupation: Publishing company president

Background: Member, Chamber of Commerce; charter member, Junior Chamber of Commerce; assistant leader, Boy Scouts; parent-teacher association volunteer

Major issues: Wants to set long-term financial goals; would cut back city’s overhead rather than increase utility tax increase; wants to create long-range plan for entertainment corridor

Paul D. Gonzales

Age: 38

Occupation: Jewelry store owner

Background: Bachelor’s degree in political science

Major issues: Supports daytime youth curfew to promote safety; personally opposes utility tax increase but would leave decision to voters; wants more focus on bringing business to Buena Park Mall and vacant storefronts

Brian M. Holland

Age: 34

Occupation: Financial analyst

Background: Homeowners association board member; bachelor’s degree in economics

Major issues: Opposes utility tax increase; wants to ensure police and other departments overseeing safety and health are strong; would apply to city issues his years of work as analyst for Hughes Electronics and subsidiaries

Jack W. Mauller

Age: 48

Occupation: General contractor

Background: Planning commissioner; general chairman, Silverado Days festival; president, Noon Lions Club; assistant district commissioner, Boy Scouts; former traffic commission chairman

Major issues: Wants to control spending and postpone some public works projects; opposes utility tax increase; wants to streamline permit process; would launch public-private partnership to develop entertainment corridor, bring in convention center

Max R. Schulman

Age: 61

Occupation: Consultant on security, fire protection and safety issues

Background: 10-year trustee, Centralia School District; member, Noon Lions Club; volunteer, Silverado Days; member, International Assn. of Fire Chiefs

Major issues: Wants to strengthen code enforcement to clean up blighted areas; opposes utility tax increase but supports admissions tax in entertainment corridor; supports forming fire protection district and building convention center

Source: Individual candidates; Researched by LESLEY WRIGHT / For The Times