City Council, Mayoral Candidates in Orange County

Twenty-nine cities in Orange County are electing new officials in Tuesday’s election. In addition to filling council seats, Garden Grove, Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana and Westminster are electing mayors. Here are profiles of more than 200 candidates for municipal elections--information for which was provided by the candidates to reporters for The Times or to the registrar of voters and has not been independently verified:

AHAHEIM CITY COUNCIL

Two Elected

Tom Tait

* Age: 41

* Occupation: Incumbent, businessman

* Background: The council has launched revitalization and beautification projects, creating and generating revenue to improve vital public services; opened a downtown community center and two new police stations; directed more city resources to be spent on neighborhood improvements

* Issues: Believes city government should be people’s servant, never master; defines good government as ensuring neighborhoods are havens for families and providing essential services without burdening taxpayers, maintain streets and provide clean, safe parks; wants to lift the tax and regulatory burden on small businesses; supports City Council term limits

Shirley McCracken

* Age: 62

* Occupation: Incumbent, educator

* Background: 30-year Anaheim resident; master’s degree in math; doctorate in management; supported budgets for community policing, street maintenance, more parks and lighting, more library book expenditures without a tax hike; supported cultural plan, Anaheim Ballet relocation, park concerts, sports programs, city festivals, senior center construction, renovated stadium, new convention center

* Issues: Priorities include economic development, neighborhood issues and preservation of city assets such as utility company, golf courses, public buildings and parks; positive business strategies should help revitalize Anaheim as a great place to live, work and play

BREA CITY COUNCIL

Two Elected

Don Schweitzer

* Age: 53

* Occupation: Architect

* Background: Third-generation Brean; planning commissioner; past president of Lions Club; current member of Brea Historical Society

* Issues: Plans to create more assisted-living facilities, renew a senior center and obtain better transportation for seniors; wants more parks and sports facilities; opposes Measure N, the Hillside Initiative; wants to create a Heritage Center

Bev Perry

* Age: 44

* Occupation: Mayor, businesswoman

* Background: Has served as chairwoman of Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority, on city Parks and Recreation Commission, with Brea Historical Society; sits on boards of St. Jude Medical Center and League of California Cities; belongs to Brea-La Habra American Assn. of University Women; 15-year city resident

* Issues: Supports Measure N but also believes in property rights; believes in improving programs for seniors; favors working locally and regionally to reduce traffic congestion

Kevin Shane

(Could not be reached)

* Occupation: Risk management consultant

Marty Simonoff

* Age: 50

* Occupation: Retired police captain

* Background: Council member for the last four years; mayor in 1999; statewide chairman for League of California Cities’ Public Safety Policy Committee

* Issues: Opposes Measure N; believes in further addressing seniors’ needs; wants to find more ways to reduce traffic problems

Merle Johnson

(Withdrew from the race due to health problems)

CITY TREASURER

John Sutton

* Age: 80

* Occupation: Incumbent

* Background: Treasurer last six years; former City Council member; mayor in 1997; on Planning Commission for 17 years; has served as president of Boys & Girls club of Brea, now on club’s board of directors

* Issues: Opposes Measure N; believes Brea has been very efficient in taxing income; believes tax base needs to be protected and city investments must be watched closely

Ken Palmer

* Age: 46

* Occupation: Certified public accountant

* Background: Has worked for Treasure Chest Advertising, KPMG Peat Marwick (Chicago), CFS Continental and insurance underwriter Pacific Title Co.; past president and treasurer for Park Paseo Homeowners Assn.; became CPA in 1992; graduated from University of Illinois, earned MBA from DePaul University

* Issues: Wants residents to have a voice with city auditors

CITY CLERK

Gail Dittman

* Age: 46

* Occupation: Businesswoman

* Background: Serves on Brea-Glenbrook Homeowners Assn.; has served as assistant scoutmaster for Brea Cub Scouts and den leader; founder and past chairwoman of Republican Women of Brea; has lived in Brea for 16 years

Elaine Capps

* Occupation: City clerk and records manager

* Background: Has lived in Brea since 1964; worked for city since 1975 in various departments; former deputy city clerk; member of Professional International Institute of Municipal Clerks, City Clerks Assn. of California, and Assn. of Record Managers and Administrators

BUENA PARK CITY COUNCIL

Two Elected

Evan Martin

* Age: 29

* Occupation: Police officer

* Background: Nine years on police force

* Issues: Wants to eliminate coin-operated pornography machines in city; bring in new businesses and improve aesthetics of entertainment corridor on Beach Boulevard; wants entertainment corridor to include areas north of Riverside Freeway

Jack Mauller

* Age: 52

* Occupation: Incumbent, general contractor

* Background: City councilman for four years; on Community Development Task Force and Vector Control Board, and alternate director to Orange County Sanitation District

* Issues: Wants to continue working to beautify city and build reserves; favors a new city hall, creating positive business climate, improving quality of life and city financial stability

Jim Dow

* Age: 54

* Occupation: Small-business owner

* Background: Past president and board member of Buena Park Noon Lions; Buena Park Coordinating Council board; Buena Park Historical Society board; member of Chamber of Commerce

* Issues: Wants to improve image of Buena Park, develop long-term strategic growth plan, protect quality of life for citizens and businesses

Varden Brendsel

* Age: 46

* Occupation: Aerospace test technician

* Background: Chairs local nonprofit public safety advocacy group; graduated from Kennedy High; attended Cypress College

* Issues: City resources should be spent on repairs and improvements to infrastructure and on public safety; public safety is best served by assigning police officers to prevention and gang intervention

Steve Berry

* Age: 38

* Occupation: Incumbent, publisher

* Background: Councilman, former mayor; career in business management

* Issues: Believes in public safety, crime fighting and upholding standard of living; services must be carefully maintained for all, including youth and seniors, while fostering an opportunity for business to prosper

COSTA MESA CITY COUNCIL

Three Elected

Thomas L. Sutro

* Age: 51

* Occupation: Real estate service manager

* Background: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Linfield College, McMinville, Ore.

* Issues: Supports new code regulations; wants to encourage private businesses to redevelop the West Side; wants improvements but not widening of 17th Street; would like to city install underground utilities and become less dependent on sales-tax revenue for income

Michael D. Clifford

* Age: 52

* Occupation: Manager and technician at arcade

* Background: Associate’s in electronic technology from Orange Coast College

* Issues: Favors using city’s $14.5-million reserves to help with city projects such as improving, but not widening, 17th Street; favors extending the Costa Mesa Freeway to Coast Highway; against building a bridge on 19th Street; supports opening a learning center for adults

Libby Cowan

* Age: 47

* Occupation: Incumbent, community services superintendent for Irvine

* Education: Councilwoman; bachelor’s degree in sociology; master’s degree in recreation administration and a master’s degree in public administration

* Issues: Supports use of city’s Redevelopment Agency to improve the quality of life on West Side; against widening 17th Street but in favor of beautification and other improvements; supports Centerline Rail Project

William Perkins

* Age: 25

* Occupation: Retail sales for In-N-Out Burger Corp.

* Background: Student at Orange Coast College with plans to transfer to UCLA in fall

* Issues: Supports new code regulations; use of city budget reserves to help clean up the city and help those who can’t afford to meet the codes; supports using city money to help beautify 17th Street and clean up the West Side

Ronald J. Channels

* Age: 56

* Occupation: Owner of accounting firm

* Background: Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cal State San Bernardino

* Issues: Wants to stabilize the city’s salary expenses and keep city expenditures within revenue; against new code regulations; opposes widening 17th Street; is in favor of adding more rapid transit; opposes adding low-income, high-density housing to West Side

Karen L. Robinson

* Occupation: Attorney for California State University system

* Background: Bachelor’s degree, business certificate and law degree from UCLA

* Issues: Favors preventing urbanization by using responsible planning and preserving and maintaining Costa Mesa’s parks; supports providing police and fire departments with funding for state-of-the-art equipment, up-to-date training; wants to ensure business needs are met

Heather K. Somers

* Age: 44

* Occupation: Incumbent, public relations

* Background: Bachelor’s in fine arts from Cal State Long Beach

* Issues: Opposes high-density development; against widening 17th Street, but supports better turn lanes and bus turnouts; supports new code regulations; West Side specific plan just a framework that still needs the directions

Joel Faris

* Age: 32

* Occupation: Fourth-grade teacher at Russell Elementary in Santa Ana

* Background: Bachelor’s degree and teacher’s credential; master’s degree in education/administration credential

* Issues: Wants to improve city’s West Side; supports landscaping 19th and Placentia streets, trying to redevelop Vista Center and increase senior housing; opposes widening 17th Street; favors restricting small-lot and high-density housing developments; supports Measure O

Chris Steel

* Age: 59

* Occupation: Investor

* Background: Bachelor’s in premed from Parson’s College in Fairfield, Iowa

* Issues: Supports tougher code enforcement; legal residence screening for services; removing job center; favors privatizing except for Police and Fire departments; opposes widening 17th Street and advocates lowering Newport Boulevard between 19th and 17th streets to reduce traffic

Dan Worthington

* Age: 65

* Occupation: Owner of Worthington Reunion Photographers

* Background: Attended San Jose State University for four years and University of Puget Sound for one year as a business administration major; served in U.S. Navy and U.S. Army for 6 1/2 years

* Issues: Supports plan to franchise and bid for the city’s trash collection services, with money to be used for park development; opposes Measure O; against 17th Street widening, but is in favor of landscaping and turn lanes

Rick Rodgers

* Age: 32

* Occupation: Investigator for Los Angeles Police Commission

* Background: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State Long Beach

* Issues: Opposes 17th Street widening and skateboard park planned for Hamilton and Charle streets; favors community day care and learning center on the West Side, encouraging developers to redevelop old and run-down houses and businesses, stricter code enforcement

DANA POINT CITY COUNCIL

Two Elected

Michael Flammer

* Occupation: Registered financial consultant

* Background: Registered investment advisor; registered financial and operations principal, securities broker dealer; specialist in business financial planning for 25 years

* Issues: Wants to increase revenue to fund neighborhood beautification; attract more tourism through sponsored events; increase opportunities for less fortunate residents; improve communication and relationships with others in community

Geoffrey Lachner

* Age: 55

* Occupation: Attorney

* Background: Chairman and attorney, Committee to Save the Headlands; bachelor’s in economics, University of Pennsylvania; deputy D.A., Stanislaus County; member, Hometown Dana Point; former banker

* Issues: Wants to listen to residents; consider Dana Point’s homeowners and residents first; pay more attention to city’s sidewalks, roads, business district, ocean and money management; consider a view ordinance; reject overdevelopment

Ruby L. Netzley

* Occupation: Incumbent, businesswoman

* Background: Four years on City Council; more than 20 years in electric utility industry; Orange County Library board; Orange County Fire Authority board; member of Marine Institute, Orange County Coastal Coalition, Council of Governments, League of California Cities, Friends of Library, Historical Society

* Issues: Wants to save Headlands; preserve Mouse Point, Ridge and Strands Beach; build Sea Terrace Park; expand library; erect veterans memorial; improve Lantern Village, Doheny and Capistrano beaches; solve parking and traffic problems; improve business; prevent El Toro airport; clean beaches and water; put utility lines underground; reduce electric rates

William L. Ossenmacher

* Age: 42

* Occupation: Incumbent

* Background: Councilman since 1987; serves on city’s Specific Plan Review Board, Architectural Review Committee, Cultural Commission, Planning Commission

* Issues: Wants to keep city bureaucracy as lean as possible; keep funding available for community improvements and reserves; put utility lines underground; revitalize the harbor, Doheny Village and library

Joe Snyder

* Age: 56

* Occupation: Business consultant

* Background: Small-business owner; past bank executive; Dana Point commissioner, 1990-93; fought an El Toro airport; helped establish task force to clean up waters and beaches; fought for lower utility rates through conservation and expanded capacity; worked to resolve Headlands issue; 27-year resident of Capistrano Beach; retired Marine Corps colonel and Vietnam War combat veteran

* Issues: Wants to clean up waters and beaches; prevent an El Toro airport; bring civility to City Council; add to parks and recreation; resolve Headlands issue to benefit of all; improve downtown business district

FOUNTAIN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL

Three Elected

John W. Briscoe

* Age: 51

* Occupation: Accountant

* Background: Planning commissioner 10 years, twice as chair; four-year Traffic Committee member; past president, Junior Chamber of Commerce; past treasurer, Chamber of Commerce; AYSO coach. Bachelor’s degree in finance from San Diego State, MBA from Cal State Long Beach

* Issues: Fountain Valley, over 40 years old, needs to help modernize older shopping centers; 10 years on Planning Commission means solid background to help keep city attractive; as community ages, so do citizens, so programs for seniors must be in place

Douglas Henry

* Age: 39

* Occupation: Network analyst

* Background: President of homeowners association; ran for City Council in 1998; appointed member of Housing and Community Development Advisory Board for two years; bachelor’s degree in science from San Diego State; emphasis in business administration information systems, minor in psychology

* Issues: Safety. Believes commuter traffic forced onto streets by congestion of San Diego Freeway and traffic is dangerous, questions whether it’s fair that Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa oppose opening up more roads; supports Newhope extension with Euclid offramp improvements to reduce congestion

Cheryl Brothers

* Age: 54

* Occupation: Aide to county Board of Supervisors Chairman Chuck Smith

* Background: Planning commissioner (1996-2000) and chairwoman (1998-2000); Community Services commissioner (1987-96), chairwoman three terms; Shadow Run Homeowners Assn. board (1977-2000), board president five terms; Discovery Museum of Orange County board (1996-2000), board president (1998-2000); county grand juror (1992-93); Citizens for Mile Square Park Executive Committee (1976-78); Fountain Valley Historical Society member (1996-2000)

* Issues: Neighborhood revitalization important over next decade; in neighborhoods 40-plus-years-old, state-funded program has put resources to work, restoring pride and keeping property values high; with 23 acres in Mile Square Park given by county, city must be creative in providing recreational opportunities without new taxes; wants new senior center to meet needs

Larry R. Crandall

* Age: 51

* Occupation: Incumbent, investigator

* Background: Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration emphasis, Cal State Fullerton; 1997 Fountain Valley Citizen of the Year nominee; service with organizations includes city Advisory Committee for the Disabled, Legislative Committee, county Sanitation District, county Library Committee, California League of Cities, Pacifica District Boy Scouts, Fountain Valley Girl Scout Olympics, Chamber of Commerce, Fountain Valley School District (1990-98)

* Issues: City has balanced budget that provides for public safety, personnel and equipment levels, which have been maintained or increased, resulting in public services delivered effectively; will continue to support fiscally responsible budget and strong Fire and Police departments; quantity and quality of water must be adequate; will oppose other agencies’ attempts to obtain our water

Chuck Conlosh

* Age: 35

* Occupation: Police officer

* Background: Incumbent, Huntington Beach police officer

* Issues: Generating sufficient tax dollars to support public service needs; city must be more aggressive in generating tax revenue; City Council and Planning Commission meetings should be televised; city government must be accessible to residents so they can respond to issues as they arise rather than relying on secondhand accounts

Mark McCurdy

* Age: 40

* Occupation: Insurance broker

* Background: Has served as docent and helped maintain Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis Brown House in Los Angeles; member of Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce

* Issues: Safety of motor-home storage on streets as it affects drivers, pedestrians, children; believes questions can no longer be ignored with ever-increasing numbers of motor homes

FULLERTON CITY COUNCIL

Two Elected

Mike Clesceri

* Age: 35

* Occupation: District attorney investigator

* Background: Assistant chief investigator, D.A.’s office; graduate, Southwest FBI Command College; law enforcement officer 17 years; Chamber of Commerce member; Golden Hill Little League coach; Junior Achievement instructor

* Issues: Retain businesses and foster economic development to reverse decline of sales tax revenue; collaborate with school board on issues of mutual concern; establish working relationship between city and school district; support law enforcement and firefighters; will give more than $300 of monthly $645 council stipend to local classrooms

Brent Hardwick

* Age: 56

* Occupation: Management office assistant

* Background: Vietnam veteran; was on paid staff of Teen Challenge and volunteer for Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; member of city Transportation Commission, Emergency Services Master Plan Committee, Chamber of Commerce; chairman of Fullerton Energy and Resource Management Committee

* Issues: Stop loss of business in Fullerton by nurturing and supporting local enterprises; should bring in new businesses to give people a reason to spend time and money here

F. Richard Jones

* Age: 67

* Occupation: Incumbent

* Background. Elected to council in 1996; served 20 years in Air Force; retired from 20-year plastic surgery practice; was president of Chamber of Commerce; two-term president of Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons

* Issues: Continue improvements to the city; concentrate on public safety, economic development, improved infrastructure and balanced budget with no new taxes; keep Fullerton a safe and desirable place to live, work, educate and raise families

Deborah M. Kelly

* Age: 24

* Occupation: Teacher

* Background: Graduate of Fullerton College and Cal State Fullerton; sixth-grade teacher in Anaheim City School District; teaches Saturday school for at-risk students; occasionally helps teach tennis to children through North Orange County Tennis Club

* Issues: Enhance community involvement by making government more accessible to people; identify prime business locations and seek suitable businesses--preferably large anchor stores--to move into the city; develop priority list to improve infrastructure

Barbara J. Marr

* Occupation: Retired nurse, mother, homemaker

* Background: Volunteer service for organizations in city has included St. Jude Hospital Auxiliary, Children’s Home Society Auxiliary, Sheepfold shelters, court-appointed special advocacy for children, Meals on Wheels; attends all City Council, Planning Commission and infrastructure advisory committee meetings

* Issues: Infrastructure. Pledges not to vote for a tax, bond or assessment district without vote of people; believes Orangefair Marketplace should be allowed to market its own center without city micromanagement; wants to keep fees reasonable to attract businesses and industries; opposes tearing up major streets during holiday season; against elevated light rail proposed along Harbor Boulevard, Orangethorpe and Lemon avenues

Bob McNutt

* Age: 56

* Occupation: Manufacturing company president

* Background: Vietnam War submarine service; moved to Fullerton 20 years ago, started a business; board president of Muckenthaler Cultural Center, director of Fullerton Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club; involved with American Legion, Boys & Girls Clubs, YWCA, Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service, Fullerton Heritage, Arboretum, local educational institutions; served six years on city Airport Users Committee

* Issues: Believes in cooperative effort to improve public safety, infrastructure, parks and libraries, and youth and senior opportunities; retain and bring in new business; ensure responsible development

Chris Norby

* Age: 50

* Occupation: Incumbent

* Background: History and government teacher at Brea Olinda High School; council member since 1984; Redevelopment Reform’s statewide director for municipal officials; member, Fullerton Presbyterian Church, Chamber of Commerce, Elk Club

* Issues: Aging infrastructure needs greater action; streets, sidewalks, parks, sewers and water systems must be upgraded; new library site on Bastanchury Road awaits development; new residential development must meet highest community standards

Craig Russell

(Withdrew from the race)

GARDEN GROVE MAYOR

William J. “Bill” Dalton

* Age: 57

* Occupation: City councilman

* Background: Retired Garden Grove police officer; Medal of Valor in 1974; 26 years’ service; elected to council in 1998; involved in youth sports and parents’ association

* Issues: Supports term limits and responsible redevelopment, including having new revenue from developers benefit city general fund sooner; wants to restore public comments to televised portion of City Council meetings; encourages residents’ involvement in budget process and restoring respect for public safety employees

Bruce A. Broadwater

* Age: 61

* Occupation: Incumbent, deputy labor commissioner

* Background: Mayor for six years; councilman for two years; president, Chamber of Commerce; State Department of Insurance; was involved with youth sports and Boy Scouts

* Issues: Continue with issues promoted in previous terms; increase community safety, improve city services and appearance; maintain effective, efficient government; support redevelopment; support nonprofit Family Resource Center and other local programs; raise revenue for the city

CITY COUNCIL

Two Elected

Van Tran

* Age: 35

* Occupation: Planning commissioner, businessman and attorney

* Background: Aide to a congressman and state senator; vice chairman of a Boy Scout district; member, Garden Grove Community Fund-Raising Committee for Garden Grove Community Foundation and Blue Ribbon Committee of Garden Grove Renaissance; immigrated to U.S. at age 10; master’s degree in public administration

* Issues: Improve public safety; reduce water and sanitation fees and other local taxes; supports redevelopment, including hotels and new residential tracts, street and sewer lines and other infrastructure; against Measure P, which would raise hotel visitor’s tax from 10% to 12%; supports pursuing more creative ways to bring revenue into the city; supports promoting the city’s interests in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

Anthony Joseph “Tony” Flores

* Age: 39

* Occupation: Maritime work-related injury claims examiner

* Background: President since 1998, West Garden Grove Residents’ Assn.; community activism against sewer and trash fee increases and in support of sound wall along Garden Grove Freeway; pursued negotiations for 1998 agreement with Rossier School for special-needs children, in residential area; worked with Police Department on speeding and parking problems; coaches youth soccer

* Issues: Wants to stop overbuilding on certain lots, giving tax revenue and other money to hotel developers; wants more revenue to go into the general fund, not redevelopment agency; wants to eliminate eminent domain, which declares areas blighted, and against making residents relocate in other ways to make room for commercial development; wants to ensure that emergency response times are within five minutes; increase the police force; televise entire City Council meetings

Richard R. Rahder

* Age: 55

* Occupation: Self-employed tax preparer and accountant

* Background: Associate pastor since 1996, Filipino American Fellowship Church; Navy Vietnam veteran; member, Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce, Sister City Assn. of Garden Grove, Toastmasters International; worked in hotel industry

* Issues: Wants to increase the number of City Council seats from five to seven or more to prevent developers from unduly influencing council majority; wants to change some council seats to residents’ seats on redevelopment agency; wants to make past actions of that agency clearer to public, including where certain funds came from and how much will be used on what; against Measure P; wants to develop some creative tourist food attractions to highlight the city’s international diversity

Mark Rosen

* Age: 48

* Occupation: Incumbent, attorney

* Background: Four years as planning commissioner; West Court judge; member, Orange County Regional Airport Authority, which favors building an El Toro airport; El Toro Citizens Advisory Commission; Air Quality Management Plan Advisory Board; board director, Team of Advocates for Special Kids; advisory board member, local Boys & Girls Club; member, Chamber of Commerce

* Issues: Use extra revenue to fund and support Police Department to prioritize public safety; protect neighborhoods along Garden Grove Freeway; supports new hotels on Harbor Boulevard; more residential construction and other developments, such as education center, at Euclid Street and Garden Grove Boulevard, to revitalize city

Francis “Frank” Nicklus

* Age: 65

* Occupation: Retired city employee

* Background: Started working for city in 1970 as building/zoning specialist, in 1980, senior building inspector, in 1987 a supervisor; retired from Navy Seabees after 43 years; board president, Golden West Cities Federal Credit Union; member, Garden Grove Elks Lodge and Lions Club; volunteers at Long Beach Veterans Hospital and for local charities, including Boys & Girls Club, Braille Institute and Acacia Adult Day Services

* Issues: Plans to hold fund-raisers after election to cover personal campaign expenses and avoid special interests; wants to increase policing staff, cultural activities and senior programs; supports commercial redevelopment to increase tax revenue; wants to establish city’s own animal control services, instead of paying for the county’s; wants managerial and staffing changes in code enforcement

David L. Dunbar Jr.

* Age: 34

* Occupation: E-commerce logistics manager

* Background: Helped create security policies as noncommissioned intelligence officer in Army; in South Korea, worked with local citizens and police to strengthen security of military installations and surrounding communities; member, American Legion and Military Intelligence Core Assn.

* Issues: Increase public safety by hiring more police officers; emphasize responsible fiscal spending; supports redirected redevelopment by encouraging more high-tech and e-commerce companies to be built in the city; wants to create more higher-paying jobs in city; promote business growth while preserving the city’s heritage and history; leaning toward Measure P

Jason R. Edwards

* Age: 21

* Occupation: Cal State Fullerton student

* Background: Graduating this year in music education; studying physics and math; Boy and Eagle Scouts

* Issues: Wants council members to be better prepared during public hearings by surveying sites they’re voting on instead of relying on staff reports; take better care of city employees; restore Police Department’s budget and number of officers; wants entire City Council meeting televised; post City Council agendas a week before meetings

George Stephen Brietigam III

* Age: 34

* Occupation: Los Angeles police sergeant

* Background: Vice president, nonprofit West Garden Grove Residents’ Assn.; Cub Scouts master; past president of a homeowners association; U.S. Coast Guard

* Issues: Refocus local government on public safety; improve equipment and staffing for Fire and Police departments and quality of life for residents; improve parks, roads and sidewalks; increase public input and control of local government; city departments should respond to residents’ needs, before unresolved problems reach City Council; supports Measure P

Christopher Prevatt

* Age: 39

* Occupation: Program supervisor at the Orange County Health Care Agency; on county’s HIV Planning Council

* Background: Served 12 years on boards of nonprofit community agencies, including AIDS Walk Orange County, Gay and Lesbian Community Service Center of Orange County and NAMES Project of Orange County; 12 years’ experience in hotel industry

* Issues: Wants to pursue plans for better redevelopment and have city officials study more about fiscal impacts of new developments before approval; upgrade and increase the number of apartments; favors Measure P; favors televising meetings of the City Council and other city agencies, including public comment portions; favors limiting residents’ taxes and fees

HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL

Three Elected

Robert J. Johnson

* Age: 48

* Occupation: Grocery clerk

* Background: City resident for 25 years; surfer; served as Red Cross volunteer; two years at Golden West College

* Issues: Supports cleanup of ocean and beach pollution to preserve city’s general appeal

Norm Westwell

* Age: 41

* Occupation: Businessman

* Background: Lifetime city resident; graduate of Orange Coast College; speaks out at council meetings on what he believes are excessive restrictions on residents

* Issues: Believes city government has excessive involvement in daily activities of residents, including regulations on street sweeping, fireworks and redevelopment

Thomas “Thom” Doney

* Age: 38

* Occupation: School vice principal, businessman

* Background: Has served with a number of community groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Bolsa Chica Alliance and the Fourth of July Board; has been unsuccessful candidate for council in past three elections

* Issues: Believes changes in state law over definition of clean water caused beach closures last year, not pollution or bacteria; believes beaches are cleaner now than in last 30 years and city needs to get that word out

Pam Julien

* Age: 43

* Occupation: Businesswoman, City Council member

* Background: Council member since 1996; has been involved with the Amigos de Bolsa Chica, Soroptimist International and was chairwoman of Fourth of July board; has taken college-level courses in marketing and real estate

* Issues: Believes beaches must be kept clean, Bolsa Chica mesa must be saved as open space and city’s reputation as one of America’s safest cities must be retained; thinks city’s infrastructure will be future concern

Joe Carchio

* Age: 53

* Occupation: Businessman, baseball coach

* Background: Graduated from Seton Hall University in New Jersey and has coached baseball at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach the last 14 years; most of his community activities have centered around youth activities and sports

* Issues: Public safety is his overriding concern; believes city’s larger view should be focused on its keeping beaches free of bacteria and open, with road repair and sewer maintenance next on list; believes city should also be more business-friendly to attract diverse businesses downtown; youth must be a priority

Joey Racano

* Age: 44

* Occupation: Musician, environmentalist

* Background: 12-year resident studied at Suffolk County College in New York after serving in the Navy for two years as a boson’s mate

* Issues: Main focus is environment and preservation of local wetlands; believes ocean pollution is largest issue in Huntington Beach and that treatment process for sewage flowing into ocean is inadequate; wants to protect coastal open space like the Bolsa Chica and Little Shell wetlands from development

J. Devin Dwyer

* Age: 37

* Occupation: Small-business owner

* Background: Native of Huntington Beach; owns construction company; would like to apply idea that with a successful plan a business can thrive

* Issues: Believes that with comprehensive business plan, city can address its deteriorating infrastructure and bolster business community; wants to improve parks, civic employees’ pride, instill conservative values on City Council

John A. Thomas

* Age: 60

* Occupation: Business owner

* Background: City Council member, 1978-86; resident for more than 30 years; business operator for 40 years

* Issues: Concerned about crime, redevelopment and preservation of Bolsa Chica wetlands and other coastal environments; believes drawing new business to city will provide increased revenue to fund better facilities and services for residents and will strengthen economy with jobs

Diane A. Lenning

* Age: 53

* Occupation: Teacher of English, science and communication skills at Santiago High School in Garden Grove

* Background: On board of directors of Garden Grove Educators Assn.; has spoken at many City Council meetings

* Issues: Favors revamping city’s infrastructure, including street resurfacing and sewer repair, and increasing public safety; believes city needs to focus on preserving Bolsa Chica mesa and wetlands; wants to increase city’s economic base; establish a science center

Stephen Garcia

* Age: 44

* Occupation: Accountant, administrator

* Background: Resident for last 14 years

* Issues: Wants to put more control in residents’ hands; believes infrastructure repairs and urban-runoff cleanup are most important issues; city needs to ensure beaches aren’t closed for weeks at a time or surfing programs and related tourist dollars will evaporate

Gil Coerper

* Age: 65

* Occupation: Police officer

* Background: 33 years as officer with Huntington Beach Police Department

* Issues: Believes public safety requires strong, positive presence, as well as community-oriented focus; thinks city should encourage building of single-family homes along major streets, but wants to make sure cars going in and out of driveways don’t impede traffic; feels city should improve relationships with schools to develop open space and parks for children

Connie Boardman

* Age: 42

* Occupation: Biology professor

* Background: Nine-year resident lost City Council race during last election; past president, now board member of Bolsa Chica Land Trust; spoke out to save Crest View Elementary School from development

* Issues: Wants to improve quality of life in Huntington Beach by addressing beach pollution, maintaining open space, ensuring public safety, cleaning up the Ascon landfill on Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard, and saving the Bolsa Chica wetlands; wants to make environment a pressing issue

Lou Baker

* Age: 63

* Occupation: Business owner

* Background: Eight-year resident; entrepreneurial experience

* Issues: Wants to change the way the City Council is elected: instead of election on citywide basis, four candidates would be elected, each from a district, and three elected at-large; believes city, as destination resort, needs a plan before starting redevelopment projects and construction to increase revenue for city and improve services

Mark H. Szulc

* Age: 39

* Occupation: Accountant

* Background: Provided tax aid for people in low-income housing; volunteered at women’s homeless shelter; former national executive director for the Young Republicans for two years; worked on political campaigns

* Issues: Believes electing City Council members by districts would provide fairer representation and allow residents to stay informed of issues in districts; says if street-sweeping tickets are about deterrence, residents should be able to get two a year for free; if tickets are about money, it should go to fix infrastructure

Gerald Chapman

* Age: 56

* Occupation: Dentist

* Background: Chairman of city’s Planning Commission; served as vice chairman of General Plan Advisory Committee; chairman of Transportation Commission; member of Public Works Commission; graduate of USC School of Dentistry

* Issues: Believes most crucial problem is city’s decaying infrastructure

Debbie Cook

* Age: 46

* Occupation: Environmental attorney

* Background: Was spokeswoman and leader of Measure C Charter Amendment; served on city’s Planning Commission and General Plan Advisory Committee; graduate of Cal State Long Beach; law degree from Western State College of Law

* Issues: Feels most important issues are city’s infrastructure, public safety and environmental protection

Chuck Downing

* Age: 43

* Occupation: Businessman

* Background: Member, Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce; studied at Mount San Antonio College, Golden West College and Irvine Valley College; lost City Council race in 1996

* Issues: Feels need to find funding to repair and maintain city’s aging infrastructure, to preserve quality of life and avoid local tax increase

James A. “Jim” Young

* Age: 30

* Occupation: City prosecutor in Long Beach

* Background: Volunteer for Surfrider Foundation, Cleaner Beaches Program and Habitat for Humanity, among others; University of San Diego Law School graduate

* Issues: Believes clean water and beaches need immediate attention; wants to find a solution to the urban runoff problem and prosecute the polluters

Bill Borden

* Age: 62

* Occupation: Newspaper columnist, businessman

* Background: Has served on Community Services Commission; member of Speakers Bureau; has volunteered at Huntington Beach Community Clinic; chaired Beachwalk Homeowners Assn. and served on Police Department’s Anti-Crime Coalition

* Issues: Believes public safety is No. 1 issue

Mark W. Lewis

* Age: 41

* Occupation: Senior maintenance technician

* Background: Volunteer at Beverly Health Care Center, Costa Mesa; studied for five years at Golden West Community College

* Issues: Feels imperative issues are public safety and parks; believes saving open land and not adding to city is important

IRVINE CITY COUNCIL

Three Elected

Dave Christensen

* Age: 54

* Occupation: Incumbent

* Background: As council member, fought to stop an El Toro airport and see that all youth have first-class athletic facilities and parks; championed cause of using part of former El Toro base as cemetery and memorial to veterans

* Issues: Opposes use of either local Marine base for any project serving low-income people; believes housing there should mirror the existing policy for low-income housing in the city; adamantly opposes railroad being run through center of Woodbridge; hopes to serve all people in independent and forthright manner

Anthony J. Dragun

* Age: 42

* Occupation: Transportation commissioner

* Background: Attorney experienced in major land transactions, community leader in the anti-airport movement; law degree and MBA from UC Berkeley; served on Irvine Senior Foundation Board of Directors; editor, millenniumplan.com

* Issues: Exercise greater control over land development; say No to county’s plan for 4,600-bed jail in Irvine; insist developers meet highest standards and pay their own way

Christopher Gonzales

* Age: 36

* Occupation: Attorney

* Background: Twenty-year resident and local law practitioner. UC Irvine and Irvine High School alumnus; member, Knights of Columbus; St. John Neumann and St. Thomas More parishes; auxiliary board director for Mary’s Shelter; Lestonac Clinic Passion Play actor

* Issues: No airport at El Toro; will fight jail expansion; wants to maintain Irvine’s residential and park areas; provide state-of-the-art resources for schools, Police and Fire departments; establish scholarships for high school graduates; synchronize traffic signals

Kenneth L. Hansen

* Age: 56

* Occupation: President, financial services company

* Background: Twenty-eight years of involvement with local schools, civic and community groups; planning commissioner serving on Tustin and El Toro Reuse Committees; Transportation and Infrastructure Commission member (1997); chairman of Investment Committee, which restored the city’s investment policies after millions lost in county bankruptcy (1994-98)

* Issues: Public safety; conclude annexation of El Toro base and defeat legal challenges of Measure F; require new development to adhere to General Plan, build all streets, parks and schools with new development projects; eliminate compact parking stalls

Beth Krom

* Age: 41

* Occupation: Independent businesswoman

* Background: Moved to Irvine 15 years ago for its safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, outstanding community programs; former teacher of visually impaired students; volunteer for community, school, civic organizations

* Issues: Stop El Toro airport plan, replace with Great Park that would enhance, not destroy, Irvine’s environment; block proposed expansion of James A. Musick Branch Jail; protect hillside open space; believes government should serve public interest, not special interests

Alan A. Mannason

* Age: 76

* Occupation: Retired sales executive

* Background: Eighteen-year resident of Irvine; board member on community associations; lecturer and volunteer with SCORE, retired executives who help smaller businesses; was national sales and marketing senior vice president for major liquor company

* Issues: Against an airport at El Toro, also against Great Park proposal; would like to see El Toro land commercially developed to bring sales tax revenue to city and its schools for more police officers and higher-paid teachers; endorses moderate budgetary growth and building of fiscal reserves; supports common-sense, rational approach to development.

Roger A. Matlin

* Age: 30

* Occupation: Businessman

* Background: Active in Northwood Homeowner’s Assn.; Neighborhood Watch block captain at previous home; bachelor’s degree in real estate from University of Arizona, MBA from Pepperdine University

* Issues: Continue to oppose an El Toro international airport; contest expansion of Musick jail; manage growth with balance of work, play and housing; increase police protection to return Irvine to country’s top 10 safest cities; support quality housing and lifestyle developments for seniors; promote more cooperation among members of City Council

Chris Mears

* Age: 49

* Occupation: Irvine planning commissioner

* Background: Grew up in Santa Ana; after starting law practice, moved to Irvine in 1980s; school volunteer, coach for youth sports, supporter of arts; worked to win voter approval of Irvine’s Open Space Preservation Plan; has led organized opposition to county’s planned expansion of Musick jail

Issues: Continue efforts to prevent an El Toro airport; redevelop base property into Great Park; prevent huge county jail from being built on Irvine’s border; develop permanent school funding solution

Patrick A. Rodgers

* Age: 59

* Occupation: Police lieutenant

* Background: Helped build strong police-citizen partnership during 26 years with Irvine Police Department; coached youth football and baseball; helped coordinate community projects, including raising $100,000 for high school athletics and July 4 Concert on the Green; two master’s degrees and a PhD in human behavior

* Issues: Absolutely no airport at El Toro; study potential land use of base, including thorough cost analysis, before deciding what should be built there; will support and work for whatever option citizens choose--Great Park or Millennium Plan; public safety must remain priority

Savvas Roditis

* Age: 51

* Occupation: Businessman

* Background: Lived in Irvine seven years; owner, South Coast Cab Co.

* Issues: Opposes plans for local light-rail system; slow growth until traffic improvements can accommodate new homes; work with school board to devise test to identify students at risk and help them; opposes Great Park proposal and city’s use of taxpayer funds to promote idea; believes Irvine has enough parks and golf courses; base should be used as industrial site

Michael Ward

* Age: 54

* Occupation: Incumbent

* Background: Council member and former mayor with experience on boards for Orange County Fire, Foothill Eastern Transportation and Orange County Transportation authorities; 20-year resident of Irvine; leader in finding financial solutions to Irvine Unified School District’s financial problems

* Issues: Continuing fight against an airport at El Toro; keeping Irvine among safest U.S. cities; against housing maximum-security prisoners at Musick jail

LA HABRA CITY COUNCIL

Three Elected

David E. McCauley

* Age: 60

* Occupation: Incumbent, real estate broker

* Background: Currently serves as council member; active in Rotary Club; president of the Boys & Girls Club of La Habra; board member of La Habra Community Foundation; host of Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards; worked for Olympic Fastening Systems until retiring in 1990; bachelor’s degree in marketing from Seattle University

* Issues: Supports implementation of the La Habra Boulevard renovation project; wants to begin developing plans for renovation of La Bonita Park

Robert Renato Pond

* Age: 48

* Occupation: Self-employed

* Background: La Habra resident for 47 years; graduate of La Habra High School

* Issues: Supports more fiscal responsibility and working with local businessmen to improve the La Habra Boulevard commercial area

Jephthah D. Holley

* Age: 24

* Occupation: Salesman

* Background: Lived in La Habra for eight years and twice been a council candidate; has worked in banking and warehousing

* Issues: Supports renovating La Habra Boulevard and lowering utility tax with goal of eventually doing away with it; believes in bringing fresh ideas to council

Michael G. Tommer

* Age: 53

* Occupation: Probation Department supervisor

* Background: Worked on Citizens for Better La Habra, a group he and his wife founded to bring public awareness of the Pelican Theater; served in the parent advisory board of Partners in Caring; served more than 30 years in law enforcement; currently works for Los Angeles County Probation Department; holds bachelor’s degree from Cal State Los Angeles; resident of La Habra for 16 years

* Issues: Supports eliminating utility tax or letting voters decide on its usefulness; seeks more aggressive code enforcement; believes in need to attract businesses to city

Douglas T. Cox

* Age: 37

* Occupation: Business owner

* Background: Has owned a business for eight years; is an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve; served as first vice president for board of directors of the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts; holds bachelor’s degree in biology from Whittier College

* Issues: Supports televising all council and planning commission meetings; believes in increasing number of narcotics detectives in police force; wants moratorium on liquor licenses in the city, then develop a policy on issuance of liquor and beer and wine licenses

Steve Anderson

* Age: 48

* Occupation: Mayor, business owner, construction projects manager

* Background: Has served on the City Council for eight years; serves on Orange County Sanitation District board as chairman of planning and development; has been a member of the Orange County Library district board; lived in La Habra for 25 years

* Issues: Supports rebuilding city’s infrastructure; believes in providing more youth recreation and educational facilities; working with seniors to address transportation needs

Larry Dobkin

* Age: 50

* Occupation: Business owner

* Background: La Habra resident for 21 years; served on board of directors for American Youth Soccer Organization; worked as a manager for Little League; attended Pennsylvania State University

* Issues: Supports giving taxpayers money back in cases of budget surpluses; believes in repealing utility tax; wants to find ways to cut city budget; supports upgrading La Habra and Beach boulevards; favors creating more recreational programs and parks for the young

Monte Cicino

* Age: 39

* Occupation: Realtor

* Background: Holds bachelor’s degree in economics from Cal State Fullerton; worked in the hospital business for 16 years; has served on the Citizens Participation Committee for Community Redevelopment Block Grants in La Habra

* Issues: Supports making city friendlier to small-business owners and homeowners; considers himself a fiscal conservative

Joey Amaro

* Age: 19

* Occupation: Security officer, student

* Background: Currently a student at La Habra High School; has worked as a recreation aide for the city; founded La Habra Coyotes Club, a youth service club

* Issues: Supports renovation of La Habra Boulevard; seeks to build center for city youth; believes in strengthening public safety

Juan M. Garcia

* Age: 48

* Occupation: Community development representative

* Background: Served as a planning commissioner (1988-91), council member (1991-99) and as mayor (1995 and 1999); worked as project accountant for International Construction, an engineering company; worked as an accountant; served as business coordinator and community development representative for subsidiaries of Chevron Corp.

* Issues: Supports continued improvements in storm drains and sewers, modernizing La Habra Boulevard and La Bonita Park; supports aggressive business outreach by creating a business council

Rose Espinoza

* Age: 48

* Occupation: Computer-aided designer

* Background: Daughter of migrant workers, raised in a migrant camp in La Habra; attended La Habra High School; founder of Rosie’s Garage, an after-school tutoring program for low-income neighborhoods

* Issues: Supports renovation of La Habra Boulevard; proposes reducing utility tax and giving city budget surpluses back to taxpayers

LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL

Three Elected

Christine Barnes

* Age: 53

* Occupation: Businesswoman, community volunteer

* Background: Executive director, La Palma Chamber of Commerce; president, Paradigm Software Corp.; past member PTA board; West Orange County Legislative Committee member; Cypress Education Foundation member; Kennedy High School Management and Resource Team member

* Issues: Wants to maintain La Palma’s strong financial base; maintain citizen safety through a strong Police Department; implement stronger code enforcement guidelines; promote recreational opportunities for youth, families and seniors

Alta Duke

* Age: 66

* Occupation: Incumbent, public administrator

* Background: Representative, Southern California and Orange County Council of Governments; Orange County Library Advisory Board member; four years on City Council; helped update city’s General Plan

* Issues: Wants aesthetic and infrastructure improvements with sound fiscal policies; install more monument signs; enhance public safety; enforce codes to preserve neighborhoods; establish five-year street-improvement plan; plan new community building; work closer with school districts

Richard Lutz

* Age: 59

* Occupation: Retired financial analyst

* Background: Anaheim Union High School District board member; member ROP board; Traffic Safety Committee member; La Palma Days Committee member; director of Kennedy Scholarship Foundation; La Palma resident since 1969; church and school activist; honored as La Palma Family of the Year for 1999

* Issues: Wants to keep La Palma a safe and secure community that puts residents first; provide events and services voters desire

Richard Polis

* Age: 59

* Occupation: Senior design engineer

* Background: Degree in general education from Pierce College; reactivated homeowners association and served as president (1982 and 1983); chairman/co-chairman of La Palma Days Parade Committee (1985-present); La Palma representative to League of Cities; member of Orange County Sanitation District; resident of La Palma since 1976

* Issues: Wants to represent the residents of La Palma; improve homes, tax rates, businesses and children’s safety; maintain or improve the quality of standards for which La Palma is known

Paul F. Walker

* Age: 40

* Occupation: Incumbent, firefighter

* Background: Four years on City Council; helped stop Anaheim Union School District from building homes on Kennedy High School property

* Issues: Wants to enlarge the recreation department to include a new community center; extend El Rancho Verde Park; complete senior townhouses on Walker Street; attract strong, new businesses to bring in tax revenue for repairing infrastructure; build an auditorium at Kennedy High School

LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL

Two Elected

Wayne Baglin

* Age: 57

* Occupation: Broker/owner Baglin Real Estate

* Background: Chairman, state Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego region; member, board of governors, Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project; director, Aliso Water Management Agency; board of directors, Laguna Canyon Foundation; member, Laguna Beach City Council (1978-81 and 1994-98)

* Issues: Wants to strengthen police, fire and lifeguard services; keep the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach; improve parking and traffic circulation; stop ocean pollution; protect Laguna Beach’s small-town character; stop the proposed airport at the former El Toro Marine base; adopt effective vegetation-management measures; provide facilities for youths and seniors; set annual performance objectives for the city manager and his staff

Belinda Blacketer

* Age: 54

* Occupation: Attorney

* Background: Laguna Beach native; former planning commissioner and Environmental Review Committee member; board member, the Laguna Canyon Conservancy and Laguna Greenbelt

* Issues: Wants to maintain existing views; prevent out-of-scale redevelopment; solve traffic and parking problems; protect local businesses; create a village entrance; provide an accessible senior center; preserve Laguna Beach’s arts heritage; support the artists and police and fire personnel; escalate the city’s fight against the proposed El Toro airport; end beach and water pollution; provide recreation for children

Jacob Cherub

* Age: 52

* Occupation: Artist, retired builder

* Background: Retired printmaker, builder and real estate developer; 11-year Laguna Beach resident

* Issues: Wants to revamp the design-review process to reduce subjectiveness; impose zero-tolerance for water pollution; improve street-sweeping; install filters in storm drains; keep the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach; protect and maintain neighborhoods

Jane Egly

* Age: 57

* Occupation: Law professor

* Background: A 16-year Laguna Beach resident; board member, Women’s Club of Laguna Beach; president, Laguna North Community Assn.; board, Planned Parenthood for Orange and San Bernardino counties

* Issues: Wants to stop sewage spills; clean up the ocean; preserve open space; provide more services for children and seniors; protect Laguna Beach’s small-town quality of life; guard against tourist-related gridlock; fight El Toro airport

Tommy Harold

* Age: 55

* Occupation: Hair cutter, businessman

* Background: A 20-year Laguna Beach businessman, works with inner-city youth.

* Issues: Wants to close murder cases that are still open; bring together the City Council; clean up the ocean; provide services to seniors; bring a skateboard park to town

Cheryl Kinsman

* Age: 52

* Occupation: Certified public accountant, planning commissioner

* Background: 25-year Laguna Beach resident; planning commissioner; treasurer, Neighborhood Watch; Sunday school teacher; member, Parking Committee

* Issues: Wants to supply financial and budgeting knowledge to the city; keep the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach; eliminate coastal and urban water pollution; improve recreational facilities; build a new senior center; protect Laguna Beach’s art colony heritage; attract sound businesses to the city; bolster service from the police, firefighters, paramedics and lifeguards; implement an effective vegetation-management ordinance; stop the El Toro airport

Beth Leeds

* Age: 59

* Occupation: Public relations director

* Background: Founder, Laguna Canyon Conservancy; past president, Save Our Shores

* Issues: Wants to preserve Laguna Beach’s heritage; retain the Festival of Arts; keep the Laguna Beach County Water District independent and nonpolitical; lobby Caltrans for more crosswalks and traffic lights; write an emergency plan; fight development planned on Laguna Canyon Road; protect the beaches and ocean from pollution; change the city’s form of government so it has a full-time mayor

Elizabeth Pearson

* Age: 48

* Occupation: Businesswoman, planning commissioner

* Background: Worked to keep the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach; president, North Laguna Community Assn.; co-chair, Treasure Island Citizens Committee

* Issues: Opposes an airport at El Toro; advocates a zero-tolerance attitude toward ocean pollution; wants to build a senior center; modernize school playing fields; ensure the viability of the city’s cultural institutions; manage visitors who create traffic gridlock; build more parking downtown

Jeff Powers

* Age: 50

* Occupation: Business owner

* Background: Former planning commissioner and Design Review Board member; board member, Laguna Greenbelt; Laguna Shanti, Friendship Shelter and Village Laguna; 30-year Laguna Beach resident

* Issues: Wants to protect neighborhoods, respecting their character and preserving their open space; safeguard the coast and water quality; improve city services; provide peripheral parking; promote the arts; require open, responsive city government; fight the proposed El Toro airport

LAGUNA HILLS CITY COUNCIL

Two Elected

Harold Elyea

* Age: 45

* Occupation: Video engineer

* Background: Helped form the local activist group Citizens For Property Rights to fight parking restrictions in residential neighborhoods; a nine-year resident of Laguna Hills

* Issues: Wants to protect property rights; supports the right to park licensed, well-maintained vehicles in paved driveways; wants a more responsive City Council that listens to residents it serves

Joel Lautenschleger

* Age: 56

* Occupation: Incumbent, hospital administrator

* Background: Councilman since the city’s incorporation in 1991 now serving second one-year term as mayor; owner and manager of Mesa Verde Convalescent Hospital in Costa Mesa; served on San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency board since 1992; a 14-year resident of the city

* Issues: Opposes an El Toro airport and supports using the land for residential and open space; backs city plan to redevelop the mall and hospital area into a retail and entertainment hub

Roderick Reed

* Age: 31

* Occupation: Businessman

* Background: Volunteered with the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission; served as a delegate in Aliso Viejo for the Aliso Viejo Homeowners Assn. for three years; a four-year resident of the city

* Issues: Wants to create delegate districts in the city to give residents more voice on issues; supports plan to rehabilitate the city’s commercial areas; wants to continue the strong anti-airport campaign

L. Allan Songstad Jr.

* Age: 54

* Occupation: Incumbent, attorney

* Background: City councilman for seven years, including two one-year terms as mayor; vice chairman of El Toro Reuse Planning Authority; co-chairman for Laguna Hills Cityhood Committee; founding partner of Irvine-based law firm, a 16-year resident of the city

* Issues: Wants to continue anti-airport campaign; complete community recreation center and sports complex on Alicia Parkway; supports the Urban Village Specific Plan

LAGUNA NIGUEL CITY COUNCIL

Three Elected

Linda Lindholm

* Age: 48

* Occupation: Incumbent, investment manager

* Background: City Council member, past president of Saddleback Valley American Cancer Society, executive board member of Saddleback College Foundation; served three years on Planning Commission; received bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and master’s in public administration from University of Kansas

* Issues: Opposes an airport at El Toro; wants to promote sound fiscal planning, economic security and growth of jobs; provide excellent facilities for youth and seniors; favors keeping city crime-free; preserving city’s beauty; providing best educational opportunities for youth

Tamara Lindner

* Age: 35

* Occupation: Sales and marketing trainer for real estate developers

* Background: Has umpired Little League games for seven years and volunteers for other sporting events and at schools

* Issues: Interested in getting local sheriff’s deputies involved in activities like coaching or umpiring sporting events; wants to improve the community’s aesthetics; help control urban runoff by having leaf blowers converted into vacuum-type machines so debris d