Redefining California Voters expected to hit the polls in droves, to decide on new candidates and controversial measures By Andrea Swayne
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s the Dana Point Times’ ongoing 2010 election coverage comes to a close, we have produced this special section to pull together information about all of the candidates seeking election in local races. It is our goal to provide you with a comprehensive final look at your choices for representation at the November 2 polls. In this edition, we asked the candidates the most important and direct question one can ask of any candidate for public office—Why should the residents of Dana Point vote for you? It was our hope that such a query would result in answers that speak straight to the point and provide responses capable of crystallizing your choices come Election Day. Read on to hear the responses of candidates vying for your votes for City Council, South Coast Water District and Capistrano Unified School District to this question, as well as excerpts from other questions posed to them. SCWD candidates will face issues as essential to a healthy life as water conservation, water quality, ensuring an adequate future supply and the safe removal of wastewater. The development/improvement of new water sources from groundwater recovery and the proposed ocean desalination, to the completion of repairs to the aging South Laguna Sewer Tunnel will be front and center for candidates successful in their bids for seats on the board. Candidates for City Council competing for your votes are asking for a shot at making a difference in the future development of Dana Point with regard to decisions on key issues like Town Center, Harbor and Doheny Village revitalization plans, public safety, budget, tourism and recreation. The Capistrano Unified School District race includes not only your choices for representation within the School Board but asks also for your opinions on such controversial issues as, should two trustees should be recalled and whether the way trustees are elected should be changed from district-wide to by geographic area. Nine propositions are also on this year’s ballot, including Proposition 19, the controversial proposition which could legalize and tax marijuana. Propositions 20 to 27 ask voters to decided questions dealing with varied issues from state
spending and environmental issues to redrawing Congressional district lines by committee. Voter decisions will also include choices for a new Governor and Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Controller, State Treasurer, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner, Board of Equalization Board Member, Superintendent of Public Education, nine court justices, three community college area representatives, State Assembly, U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative. The office of the California Secretary of State’s September 3, 2010 Report of Registration noted that, statewide, 1.8 million people were eligible to vote in the November 2 election. Of those counted, 512,573 people (32.03 percent) were registered as Democrats and 693,077 people (43.31 percent) registered as Republicans. In Dana Point the Orange County Registrar’s Office is reporting a total of 23,701 registered voters. All polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but it’s good general rule of thumb that lines will be shorter between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Turn to page 21 in this section to see a list of Dana Point polling places. Whatever the race, whatever the decision, your vote on November 2 has the potential to affect the quality of life we enjoy here in Dana Point. So, do your homework, make up your mind and we’ll see you out there—making your voice heard—on Election Day. DP
Getting to Know Your City Council Candidates By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times
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s our pre-election coverage draws to a close, we hope that this series of printed forums has served you well in providing solid information helpful for making your best decisions on Election Day. We decided to make the last question an open-ended opportunity for each candidate to touch on the points they feel are the most important reasons voters should mark their name on the ballot. Read on for a last look at each candidate’s answer and learn a bit more about their intentions with regard to serving the citizens of Dana Point.
Why should the residents of Dana Point vote for you?
can better compete to attract visitors to our community. I listen and respond to my constituents. Of the random residents polled in a recent statistically valid survey conducted by a professional survey research firm, 96 percent indicated they are pleased with our quality of life and the city’s performance. One of the areas you mentioned in this survey was a desire for more communications, and we responded by publishing our first Dana Point Newsletter. When residents wanted increased access to our Council meetings, besides live broadcasts on Cox and recordings available at the library, we now webcast all our meeting live and have them archived on the city’s website. I work well with others and have no hidden agenda or aspirations for higher office. Visit my website, www.WeinbergForDanaPoint.com and you will see a diverse group of supporters from all walks of life and political beliefs. I would appreciate your vote on November 2. Thank you for your past support and I look forward to serving you these next four years on the City Council to keep Dana Point running safely, smoothly and in the right direction.
seat as career politicians. Reagan once said, “[P]olitics is the second oldest profession…and it bears a striking resemblance to the first.” Thus, as I have found during this campaign, there are many chances to strike a deal to secure votes. I have refused to abide by this mentality. To prove it, I am not seeking reelection. This means I am going to expose all the good and the bad things being done in our government. I don’t care if it makes me look poor because I won’t seek this job again. If you don’t believe me, please look at the front page article for The OC Register on October 25, regarding my transparency. Sunshine is the best disinfectant and there is going to be plenty of sunlight brought to our suppressed issues. Liberty: Our Founding Fathers believed this and sacrificed their lives to give it to us. Big government already tells us what to do; we don’t need our local government doing the same. We already have big government doing this. The local government should not be telling us that we cannot wash our cars, how to water our lawns, prevent dogs on beaches at all times, require a permit to replace our dishwasher or that we cannot have our children enjoy our nation’s birthday with fireworks. We actually pay city employees for these liberty infringements. There are hundreds more. I want what you want, the government to leave us alone and allow us to decide for ourselves what is best.
STEVEN WEINBERG www.weinbergfordanapoint.com As your City Councilman I have served the citizens of Dana Point well. I offer experience, stability and my “no nonsense” attitude. I’ve lived here 24 years. I’m a Vietnam-era veteran. I’ve been married to the same woman, Carole, for 44 years. During my tenure, and this year as your Mayor, we have balanced the city’s budget while maintaining a healthy reserve. Amidst these trying financial times, we’ve been able to maintain the highest level of public safety services with the lowest crime rate among coastal cities in Orange County. We’ve retained all of our hardworking staff and have been able to maintain our city’s infrastructure at the highest level, even opening additional parks and installing new playground equipment. It’s in all our best interests to have a stable city government, especially for business owners and those who want to invest in our community. During my tenure, we have approved the Town Center Plan and the Harbor Revitalization Plan. We are embarking on the same type of planning for the Doheny Village. To help folks improve their businesses and homes, we have not raised the city’s fees since 1998, which are among the lowest in the area, and we have streamlined the process so permits are issued in a timely manner. I believe in private/government partnerships. The “Tourism Business Improvement District” which enacted a $3 charge on hotel rooms and is wholly separate from the existing TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) was formed at the request of our hotels and our Chamber of Commerce so Dana Point
while public safety issues threaten us. Water Quality Solutions: I will take immediate action to bring together federal, state and local stakeholders by holding a water summit here in Dana Point, where we will develop and put into place a plan to effectively resolve this issue. Watching Your Tax Dollars: I will fight to ensure that the city engages itself only in matters of basic responsibility. I will work to remove every penny of waste from the city budget. Over the last four years, Dana Point’s general fund expenditures have increased over $4 million while the economy entered a recession. Actual general fund expenditures in FY2006 were $24,002,928 and budgeted general fund expenditures for FY2010 are $28,679,204. (Sources: “City of Dana Point Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program: Fiscal Years 2007-2008 & 2008-2009,” “City of Dana Point Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program: Fiscal Years 2009-2010 & 2010-2011,”and City of Dana Point website.) Jump Start the Local Economy: I will be unwavering in my opposition to tax increases on residents and visitors. Additionally, I will fight to reduce permit fees and advocate for permit holidays that will enhance our community, lure new businesses and start the local economy moving. Improve City Communication to Residents: The city works for you. There have been a number of occasions on some very major initiatives where the city has been deaf to the concerns of residents. My pledge to you is that I will always be available, my door will always be open, and I will keep regular office hours so you can have your voice heard in City Hall. Let’s not be complacent; we can and should always strive to do better! I would be honored to have your vote on November 2.
DANA KISLIG www.DanaForDanaPoint.com I have made a series of pledges that can be viewed on my website. Here are three in detail: Trust: Trust is central part of my life and my campaign. Often times, and this election is no exception, when you follow the money you discover that donations coincide with voting record. You can trust that my decisions will not be influenced because I limited campaign contributions to a maximum of $5 per person and will be donating my council salary. I didn’t take money from special interest because it is not necessary at our local level. I am not taking a salary because I am asking to serve you, not the other way around. I will not be subject to paybacks for financial support during the campaign. I want trust back in all governments, especially our community. I have zero ties to special interest because I want to represent Dana Point, not the aggressive. I am not seeking election for a political track so I do not need to make friends in government that continue the status quo. Transparency: It is usually easy to know what the right thing is but it is difficult to do the right thing. Thus, what ends up happening is once someone gets elected they “go along to get along” to get reelected or want to move up the ladder to the next
WILLIAM “BILL” BROUGH www.Bill4DP.com If you believe, as do I, that we can do better in Dana Point by strengthening public safety, improving water quality, watching our tax dollars, jump starting the local economy and improving city communication to residents, I would be honored to have your vote. Strengthening Public Safety: I will examine how police services are purchased, and either find dollars from waste or provide the necessary leadership to strengthen public safety. Dana Point with 2.01 crimes per hundred residents ranks behind San Clemente (1.49 crimes per 100 residents) and San Juan Capistrano (1.72 crimes per 100 residents) according to the “2009 FBI Uniform Crime Report for California Cities” with San Clemente having approximately 25,000 more residents than Dana Point and San Juan having roughly the same population as Dana Point. Additionally, Dana Point ranks 106th safest amongst California’s 464 cities, whereas neighboring Laguna Niguel ranks 20th and San Clemente ranks 50th. Dana Point cannot be a 5-Star community
JOEL BISHOP www.joelbishop.com I ask for the citizens of Dana Point to vote for me, one last time, to allow me to complete the work that I have shepherded for the last four years. We are at a unique juncture in our progress on the Town Center revitalization, the improvements at the harbor and in improving the quality of life in Doheny Village. My experience with these projects and my ability to get them moving are meaningless without your support and vote. In the last four years we have seen great successes. Here are a few examples: • Council meetings are televised live and on the web (Continued)
(Continued) • Award winning website redesign • Completion of Sea Terrace Park • Upgrades in Pines and Sunset Parks • Headlands public amenities dedicated to the residents of Dana Point • Acquisition and improvements of Lantern Bay Park • Town Center Plan approved by the Coastal Commission • Harbor Plan approved by the Coastal Commission • Dana Point is fiscally sound • Grand Prix of Dana Point • Concours d’Elegance • Awesome pedestrian bridge • Wonderful new PCH medians • Improved ocean water quality (‘A’ Rating at Baby Beach for two years!) • Wonderful activities (concerts, fireworks, parades, festivals, races, etc.) I have served the residents of Dana Point honorably and believe that I have represented your interests both locally and regionally. I have sacrificed my time, missing work and family, to attend to the needs of the city, and I have done this willingly and with a smile. For the last two years I have donated to local charities 100 percent (over $14,000) of my city stipend so that I could serve those who have additional requirements. Those charities include the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, Boys & Girls Club, Laura’s House, the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Center, Ocean Institute, Dana Point Library, and the Dana Point Grand Prix Association. I hope that these efforts bring joy to those
who benefit from the gift. Dana Point is sound. Hotel revenues are on the rise. I am so optimistic about Dana Point’s future that I bought a local restaurant. The council works very well together and with the staff. One local resident chided that we ‘look too happy.’ If this is our worst complaint I feel that we are very successful. Crime is low. Permits are in line with other local cities, and we have even lowered some as much as 66 percent. We are fiscally sound, with a healthy reserve. There are no pot holes, the parks are beautiful and our residents are seen smiling around town. Things are good. I will work to make them even better. Vote for Joel Bishop. www. JoelBishop.com
LISA BARTLETT www.Lisa4DP.com The November 2 election is just around the corner and it is time for residents to
cast their votes. Your elected officials at the local level have the greatest impact on your day-to-day lives and experience in public office does make a difference. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Dana Point for the past four years on the City Council and as Mayor last year. I love Dana Point and have resided here for the past 21 years. I understand how important it is to balance the business needs of the community with the residents’ desire to maintain our smalltown coastal charm. Since 2006 we have completed two budget cycles which resulted in balanced budgets with significant cash reserves, completed many infrastructure projects and landscape medians and expanded our public amenities and events in the city. We also managed to keep our fees low (not increased since 1998), maintain low taxes for residents and our hotels, improved the business climate and maintained a high level of public safety throughout the city. Our recent community survey resulted in a 96 percent positive approval rating. Over the past four years I have a consistent and proven track record which advocates for a conservative fiscal policy, responsible government with accountability and transparency, increasing efficiency and effectiveness in our city operations, expanding the business opportunities for our local merchants and hotels, prudent planning for our land use projects and maintaining a safe and secure community for our residents and visitors.
Many decisions that are made at the regional level affect us here in Dana Point and I believe in working on a regional basis to better serve and represent our community. I am currently a member on several regional boards and committees that focus on transportation, the environment and public policy. My regional work has allowed me to interact with many elected officials at the city, county, state and federal level and I am honored to have the personal endorsement and support of so many government leaders. I continue to have an open door policy and routinely meet with residents, business owners and visitors on a regular basis. I am also active in a number of Dana Point organizations and nonprofit groups. The bottom line is that I have and will continue to look after the residents of Dana Point and provide excellent representation as your government leader. Dana Point has come a long way since its incorporation 21 years ago and with conservative public policy and prudent planning we can ensure that we maintain financial stability, prosper and continue to be the coastal city that other cities aspire to become. I have enjoyed serving on the City Council, representing the residents of Dana Point and respectfully ask for your continued support and your vote on November 2. *Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot.
At a Glance: City Council Candidates On the Issues Below are abbreviated versions of the five candidates’ original answers to questions the DP Times has asked and published since September. LISA BARTLETT
JOEL BISHOP
BILL BROUGH
DANA KISLIG
STEVEN WEINBERG
We need to get government out of the way and take local control. We need to be friends of the business community and we can do this best by establishing reasonable, fair and predictable regulation, and then leave them alone. …for all businesses that want to locate or relocate here in our community, I want to put a moratorium on all permit fees. Other cities have done this and it works.
I will continue to work toward having a vibrant business climate here in Dana Point… and will continue to be business friendly… while respecting property rights and free enterprise A piecemeal plan of doing a little here and a little there with a few random programs thrown in has not and will not work. Business owners want something that is dependable and long-term.
If elected, how will you go about fostering a better business community in Dana Point? I will continue to promote concepts and ideas that make economic sense and benefit the businesses and residents, in our community. I will continue to advocate keeping costs and fees low to promote a healthy and expanding commerce climate for new businesses. In addition, the City of Dana Point has addressed economic issues such as development impact fees, on a case by case basis.
The best thing that the city can do to enhance the business community is to get cracking on the Town Center Revitalization. We have been slowed down by a sluggish economy, but we need to start moving now. The best thing that the city can do to help local business is to get out of the way… I find that business people do best when they are unencumbered by too much help.
Jump starting and promoting the growth of the local economy are pillars of my agenda. …I will advocate for Permit Holidays and work to streamline the permit and planning process to attract new businesses and enhance our community. I will advocate that the city first look to local businesses to provide goods and services…to keep the city running rather than contract with out-of-town companies.
How will you make the tough decisions if elected? Will you base your decisions on what you believe is best for the city, or will you govern based on what you think the majority of residents want? I will continue to take into consideration and welcome the input and feedback from the residents and the business community as this interaction is crucial to me in the decision making process. In determining my governance of the city I believe that it is important to create a proper balance between city revenues and resources and the needs and desires of the community.
A leader is not a weathervane, not directed by the wind, but someone who can stay true to a well enunciated set of principles and beliefs. As I act on issues, as I analyze problems, I seek opinions from wise councilors, and people affected by my decisions, but in the end I make the decision that is in the best interest of the community.
To the extent that there is an issue that would benefit the city but is not overwhelmingly popular, part of the responsibility of an effective councilmember is to communicate, and if necessary, educate residents on the issue. Often times, an issue may be unpopular because it is misunderstood. If elected, one of my goals is to improve communication from the city to its residents.
It is crucial to understand that as a Dana Point City Council it is not our money. This means we have a fiduciary responsibility to the highest degree. With that always being at the forefront of my entire decision making I will first decide whether or not it is constitutional. Thereafter, my convictions of strong conservative moral values will govern my decisions.
It is not a question of what is best for the city versus what the majority of the residents want. It is what is best for the city and what the residents want and desire. I listen to all parties and viewpoints before making up my mind. For complex issues, I support the use of citizen task forces or subcommittees.
CUSD Candidates Ask for Your Vote By Jonathan Volzke Dana Point Times
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his week, we asked Capistrano Unified School board candidates the following question:
For our last question, why should voters cast their ballot for you? Here are their answers, unedited, in random order by Trustee Area:
TRUSTEE AREA 3 JOHN ALPAY San Clemente Commissioner/Businessman, www.johnalpay.com As a father of three young children, I want them to have the best education possible. As a taxpayer, I want low taxes. And as a homeowner, I want quality schools to solidify my home valuation. CUSD is in turmoil and we need to revive a once proud institution. If all stakeholders work cooperatively in good faith, CUSD will not only survive in this environment, but thrive. Please join me; we can do this together. MIKE WINSTEN Attorney/Independent Businessman, www.cusdfacts.com Stop the Union Takeover of CUSD! Union leaders spent $250,000 to remove me from office. This is the best endorsement of my independent, effective leadership during my two years on the school board, fighting for reform, favoring the individual rights of children, parents and taxpayers, against the “union leaders first” agenda favored by the largest special interests in our school district. Tell them No. Vote No Recall and No H. See my endorsements at www. CUSDReform.com.
TRUSTEE AREA 4 ANNA BRYSON Capistrano Unified School District Governing Member, www.annabryson.us Re-elect Bryson to stop the union power grab. State’s highestperforming large district for past two years. Budget balanced; oldest portables removed; schools repaired; open bidding on all projects; no-nepotism policy; highly-regarded new superintendent. In future, I will concentrate on: living within our means; closing achievement gap for Latinos and the learning disabled; guarding against neglecting students in the middle of the pack; keeping class-sizes small; honoring high-performing students, teachers, principals.
SAAM ALIKHANI University Student, www.alikhaniforcusd. com While serving on the CUSD Board, I advocated for fiscally conservative budget practices. I have consistently sought to cut costs outside the classroom in these economically challenging times by reducing unnecessary litigation related expenses. And above all else, taxpayers and students have been my top priority.
TRUSTEE AREA 5 GARY PRITCHARD Community College Professor, www.pritchardforcusd.com I am a father of a CUSD student and firmly believe in the value of strong public schools. Recognizing that our schools are in crisis, I have the commitment, experience and skill set necessary to be part of the solution. As your next Trustee, I will bring expertise in budgeting, teaching, counseling, and integrating our schools with local colleges. I have made my home in South Orange County and understand the values of the community. GARY V. MILLER Retired Teacher Declined to submit an answer. PAUL HEBBARD Certified Public Accountant, www.paulhebbard.com If you look at all of the candidates’ websites, I am the only one who has specific
ideas to promote the progress of CUSD. They are: Working concessions for teachers, completing the construction of the athletic facilities at SJHHS, and begin soliciting private donations for the theatre at DHHS. Other candidates give general ideas, like becoming fiscally prudent and terminating unnecessary vendors. No incumbent nor challenger will approve any wasteful expenditures, and everybody wants to heal the district.
transparent to all stake-holders and is focused on the best interests of our children and their educational achievement.
KEN LOPEZ MADDOX Businessman/Tax Consultant www.cusdfacts.com The union wants you to vote to recall me. They are upset over the district not having enough money to pay them more. Bottom line…the state is out of money. I chose to put the fiscal health of the district before their salaries. I put the students before their paychecks. I’ve been on the board for two years. No deficit spending and the highest API scores in the history of the district during that time.
LARRY CHRISTENSEN Capistrano Unified School District, Governing Board Member, www.cusdfacts.com Simply, I am not a politician. I only took this office because I saw improprieties that needed correction in our school district that were detrimental to the students. I do not kowtow to unions; that is why they have put up candidates to run against the existing board. I vote to keep our teachers from being fired and to keep our class sizes small. My work to fix CUSD is not yet done.
TRUSTEE AREA 6 MARTHA MCNICHOLAS Engineering Entrepreneur, www. mcnicholasforcusd. com I am a knowledgeable, involved parent and dedicated volunteer within CUSD schools and bring with me over fifteen years of experience in advocacy for quality public education. In addition, I am an engineer with realworld work experience and a logical approach to problem solving. As a Trustee I will make sure that decision making is
ELLEN ADDONIZIO Certified Public Accountant, www.cusdfacts.com Declined to submit an answer.
TRUSTEE AREA 7
LYNN HATTON Small Business Owner, www.hattonforcusd.com People should vote for me because: 1. With two kids attending our schools, I have a vested interest in our district. 2. I am a small business owner who understands the import of strong leadership and budgets. 3. I currently work with schools, businesses and universities to ensure students are prepared for college and career. 4. I am endorsed by highly regarded educational leaders. 5. I will always put first the education of our students.
CUSD Voters to Consider Measure H Although Capistrano Unified School District trustees are elected to represent certain geographic areas, voters from throughout the seven cities and unincorporated areas make up the sprawling school district. That sometimes makes for unique results: In recent years, one trustee candidate was rejected by the geographic area he represented, but ushered into office by voters elsewhere. Likewise, a recent candidate won in San Juan Capistrano—the area she would have represented—but lost elsewhere and did
not gain office. Whether to allow only voters in each of the seven geographic areas to only cast a vote for the single trustee that would represent them has been discussed—and debated—for years, but voters on November 2 will decide whether to make the change. Proponents argue the change is necessary because of the 195-square-mile district is too large to allow candidates to run cost-effective campaigns. The high cost, proponents of Measure H say, all but requires candidates to join forces
in slates and turn to special-interests for money to finance the effort. Opponents, meanwhile, argue that voters would be giving up six of their votes, and that students could end up attending school in an area served by one trustee, while living in an area served by another. Further, they argue, the elect-by-area system could create selfish trustees, more concerned with events in their own area than what is best for the district at large. See www.ballotpedia.com and search for “Capistrano Measure H” for more details. —Jonathan Volzke