Election 2016: Laguna Beach City Council race pits 2 incumbents against 2 challengers
This year’s Laguna Beach City Council race features four candidates for two contested seats — incumbents Steve Dicterow and Bob Whalen and challengers Judie Mancuso and former councilwoman Verna Rollinger.
The winners of the Nov. 8 election will take on some important issues in the next four years, including planning and development downtown, relieving parking congestion and addressing safety concerns among pedestrians and bicyclists.
Here are the candidates, listed in the order they appear on the ballot:
Bob Whalen
Age: 63
Professional occupation: Public finance attorney
Education: Juris doctorate, UC Berkeley School of Law, 1978; bachelor of arts, Harvard College, 1975
Time lived in Laguna Beach: 32 years
Previous public service: Laguna Beach City Council, 2012 to present; Laguna Beach Planning Commission, 2008-12; Laguna Beach Unified School District board, 1997 to 2006
Immediate family: Wife Kirsten, daughter Erika, sons Andrew and Elliot
What are three things you hope to achieve if elected?
1. Underground utilities to reduce risk of catastrophic fires.
2. Reduce traffic congestion, promote pedestrian safety and protect neighborhoods by providing safe sidewalks on Coast Highway, more public parking in commercial areas and expanded public transit options.
3. Protect our beaches and water quality with increased marine safety services, beach patrols and improvements to control urban runoff.
Steve Dicterow
Age: 61
Professional occupation: Attorney
Education: Juris doctorate, USC, 1979; bachelor of arts, State University of New York at Albany, 1976
Time lived in Laguna Beach: 33 years
Previous public service: Laguna Beach City Council, 2012 to present and 1994 to 2006; Festival of Arts board; Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce board
Immediate family: Wife Catrina, daughter Taryn
What are three things you hope to achieve if elected?
1. Reduce traffic and congestion by keeping tourist parking outside of town.
2. Increase police foot and bike patrols, particularly in the downtown and Main Beach and Heisler Park areas, so we all feel safe to walk in those areas anytime.
3. Increase the free trolley system, particularly in the residential areas, so our residents can get around town safely, efficiently and without having to use their cars.
Verna Rollinger
Age: 71
Professional occupation: Retired; former Laguna Beach city clerk
Education: Certified municipal clerk; completed half of units required for a bachelor’s degree in business administration, University of San Francisco
Time lived in Laguna Beach: 46 years
Previous public service: Laguna Beach City Council, 2008-12; Friendship Shelter board; Laguna Greenbelt board
Immediate family: Son Victor, daughter Jeanette
What are three things you hope to achieve if elected?
1. Have the city put residents’ interests first. This will also benefit visitors.
2. Implement real traffic solutions, including reducing the number of car trips passing through Laguna.
3. Rely on the expertise of Laguna residents more than expensive consultants.
Judie Mancuso
Age: 53
Professional occupation: Founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation
Education: Associate of applied science, data processing, Belleville Area College (now Southwestern Illinois College), 1984
Time lived in Laguna Beach: 21 years
Previous public service: California Veterinary Medical Board, 2010 to present; Spay & Neuter Advisory Committee, city of Los Angeles, 2008-09; Animal Rescue Foundation of Dana Point
Immediate family: Sister Mary Ann Mancuso
What are three things you hope to achieve if elected?
1. Protect our local environment by supporting stronger laws and policies for a clean ocean, preservation of open space, protection of coastal flora and fauna and providing safe and sustainable water service.
2. Prioritize our quality of life by putting the interests of residents before those of tourism and other commercial development.
3. Maintain state-of-the-art public safety by working closely with our police officers and firefighters.
Twitter: @AldertonBryce
