2014 Election Issue

Council Candidates Make Final Pitch Nine hopefuls on why they should be elected to the Dana Point City Council

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

N

ine candidates are in the race for three open spots on the five-member Dana Point City Council.

The trio of seats will be vacated by Mayor Lisa Bartlett, who is terming out and running for the Fifth District seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors; Mayor Pro Tem Steven Weinberg, who is terming out and Councilman Bill Brough, who has served one four-year term on the council and chose not to run for a second, instead joining the race for the California Assembly 73rd District Seat.

The candidates were asked a series of five questions about their views on the issues facing the city and what they would do in response, if elected.

Their answers have been published weekly leading up to this special election issue of the Dana Point Times.

The candidates’ answers to question five are presented here unedited and in the order in which they will appear on the ballot.

Question five: Why should Dana Point citizens vote for you?

Chuck Rathbone Retired chief financial officer/volunteer All of us here love Dana Point and when we cast our vote it is for our city, our neighbors, our families and our unique way of life.

I’m running for office to preserve and protect our city. I’m not here for personal gain, to represent outside interests or developers, or to use the city council as a stepping stone for higher office.

My financial and governing experience will allow me to serve all of us.

If you look at my qualifications at chuckrathbone4danapoint.com, you’ll see that I have the background and the experience to represent each of you and make sound decisions based on what will benefit all the residents, not just the select few.

I’m here to represent your interests and ensure that you are informed and included in the discussions that drive the future vision of this paradise we call “Home”.

I’m Chuck Rathbone, #1 on the ballot, asking you to support my candidacy and cast your vote for me and for Dana Point.

Together we will protect our city and help it achieve its best potential.

Thank you Dana Point Times October 24-30, 2014

Jody Payne Business owner/writer/ former educator Residents need to know their candidates well.

Otherwise, we end up with a city council making decisions that do not reflect citizens’ wishes. Candidates need to be honest and forthright in their platforms, and when elected, fairly represent their constituents. Ten years ago I was openly, publicly opposed to the overdevelopment and over-densification of Dana Point.

Today I feel the same way, but even more strongly. Tomorrow, elected or not, I will resist development proposals that thwart the will of the residents, defy common sense, and do not comport with established law and policy.

I decided to run for city council because I wanted more transparency in budget allocation and the planning process for major developments. I would like to see better citizen notification, less subjective planning department recommendations, and hardship variances only. I am not backed or endorsed by anyone who would profit from development. I cannot and will not be bought by special interests.

Please vote for Jody Payne, #2 on the ballot. You will get a councilwoman who is honest, intelligent, and an independent thinker. I will work tirelessly to keep Dana Point, as Richard Henry Dana said so eloquently, “the most romantic spot on the coast.”

Richard Viczorek Marine Corps officer/ attorney/small businessman LEADERSHIP. CHARACTER. SERVICE. These are qualities that are taught, tested and demanded of U.S. Marines.

These are not merely words – they represent my background, credo and actions.

And these are the things that translate into my providing the best representation for you as your City Councilman.

As a husband and father of three young boys, I am dedicated to continuing Dana Point’s forward momentum for the future of my family and yours and maintaining our excellent quality of life.

As an attorney, I will ensure the rule of law is adhered to by our government.

As a small businessman, I will ensure the city remains business-friendly and sets the conditions required to create economic growth.

As a fiscal conservative, I will focus on keeping government small, balancing the

budget, staying out of debt and on prioritizing core government functions.

As a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve and Iraq war veteran, I will work tirelessly on behalf of our community’s veterans.

In sum, as your City Councilman, you can be sure I will always act – not in my own self-interests – but in the best interests of you and the entire city of Dana Point.

On November 4th, VOTE VICZOREK! Nancy Jenkins Retired educator/professional development trainer/ volunteer At the 25th anniversary of cityhood, we have much to be proud of. However, all is not perfect, as we still have issues. These range from controversial development proposals; cost overruns, construction, and the impacts on businesses from Town Center improvements; a lack of progress on Doheny Village Specific Plan, among numerous concerns in Capo Beach; and, above all, protecting our quality of life.

The three open seats on the 2014 City Council mark a new chapter in our city, and a time to adjust our course. I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve in this transition. As a City commissioner and member of the first grants Committee, I know how City Hall works. A 23-year resident, I have held leadership positions in various organizations, including the Dana Point 5th Marine Support Group. I have run my own business. My career in leadership management and consensus-building will be an asset on the Council, and I have the time to devote to making our city the best it can be.

We have an opportunity in November to ensure the right leadership. Vote for Nancy Jenkins, 4th on the Ballot on Nov. 4th!

Visit www.electnancyjenkins.com and like my Facebook page.

Joe Muller Small business owner My wife and I love Dana Point and that is why we decided to raise our family here.

I care about the future of our city and feel I have the experience to offer solutions that are in the best interest of the residents and the taxpayers.

I will lead, listen and build consensus to solve our issues.

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Roy “Ryan” Divel IV Local businessman/ youth advocate The residents need a Councilman they feel they can trust. One that actually listens to the collective voice of the people! Essentially that’s all I am. A conduit for the people’s voice. NEVER, refer to me as a “politician”. That label makes me sick.

I have a family reputation to live up to dating back nearly 100 years in this area!

That’s on par with historic names like Ole Hanson and Sidney Woodruff..

It’s of Extreme Importance the integrity and soul of our tight-knit beach community NOT be lost. I insist our current progression not lose touch with our historic past, but display it proudly as we move forward into the future.

Now that the first Town Center development has been approved by the current council, it will be my job to maintain oversight on this and any future development as to assure the people’s concerns are always addressed.

All city spending will be analyzed and verified to cut waste and rebuild our financial reserves. Remember, the main objective for local government is to increase quality of life for current residents.. To do this we need a healthy bank account … and a skatepark!

Thank You. www.Divel4DP.com John Tomlinson Business owner/attorney My name is John Tomlinson and I want to earn your vote on November 4, 2014 for Dana Point City Council. I believe that my education, experience as a small business owner, leadership in volunteer non-profit and profit organizations, and my ability to develop community consensus will serve the residents of Dana Point well for the next four years.

I hold a Law Degree from Western State University College of Law, and a Masters of Business Administration from Chapman University. I have owned my own property management business since 1999, where I diligently practice the philosophy of, “The best fertilizer for your trees is your footsteps.” Forecasting, budget analysis, risk assessment, practical community development, transparency, leadership, and consensus building are the life skills I will use to grow our promising future.

(Cont. on page 14) www.danapointtimes.com

(Cont. from page 13) These life skills I have learned from my service and leadership in the following local organizations: Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Scouting, AYSO, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Apartment Association of Orange County.

I am proud family man, and want to take this opportunity to thank my children and lovely wife Lori for their support during this election.

VOTE JOHN TOMLINSON FOR OUR FUTURE! Alan Wickstrom Web design agency owner/ community volunteer This election is about YOU, the residents of Dana Point, Capo Beach & Monarch Beach.

My wife and I moved here in 1986 and fell in love with the area,

Small Area of DP to Vote for CUSD Two vie for Trustee Area 4 seat on school board

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n this election, only a small portion of the city will be voting for candidates running for Capistrano Unified School District Board.

Three seats are up for election—Trustee Areas 4, 6 and 7.

Area 4 is the only one of the three open seats representing a portion of Dana Point, specifically Dana Hills High School, as incumbent Anna Bryson decided not to seek reelection. The Area 4 board member also represents Laguna Niguel.

Bryson made an unsuccessful run in the June primary for a shot at replacing Diane Harkey in the State Assembly.

Craig Alexander and Martha McNicholas are vying for her spot.

In Area 6, incumbent Ellen Addonizio is running against Gila Jones, and in Area 7, incumbent Lynn Hatton-Hodson is up against Julie Collier.

McNicholas and Alexander were tasked with answering the question: Why should Dana Point citizens cast a vote for you?

Their answers are below, presented unedited. They are listed in the order in Dana Point Times October 24-30, 2014

the people and its small town charm. My devotion to “Keep Dana Point Beautiful” is shown in my actions, volunteering around town for decades. My passion is retaining our small town charm, while making common sense improvements to our safety, infrastructure and parks.

EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP As a 19-year Dana Point business owner, I have the leadership skills, vision and fiscally responsible business experience to navigate our city through an important juncture in our development.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR & A PASSION FOR SERVICE I was selected 2009 Dana Point Citizen of the Year for my service to residents. I have served as Government Affairs Chair for our Chamber, President of SOCSA Foundation at Dana Hills High School, President of Rotary, Vice-Chair of Dana Point’s Arts and Culture Commission, on the board of the 5th Marine Support

Group and more.

READY TO LISTEN, ACT & SERVE A vote for WICKSTROM means I will listen and act on what YOU think is important for Dana Point.

Call/Text: 949-842-0594 Email: alan@AL4DP.com Web: AL4DP.com

which they will appear on the ballot.

My many years of involvement in education and public policy have earned me the trust and endorsement of CUSD Trustees Ellen Addonizio and Jim Reardon, the majority of the Orange County Board of Education, the Entire City Council of Laguna Niguel, Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates, State Senator Mimi Walters, Dana Point City Councilmen Carlos Olvera & Bill Brough, and many parents and taxpayers in our community.

For more information see my web site at www.craigforcusd.com. If you have any questions about my background, goals or principles, or you just want to talk about your experience with our schools, please do not hesitate to email me at craig@ craigforcusd.com.

I respectfully ask for your vote on November 4th.

Craig Alexander As your elected school board trustee, I will always place the students as my highest priority when making decisions.

Over the last four years, I have been disappointed with the school district board majority decisions to lay off our teachers, reduce support staff, increase class sizes, institute furlough days that kept students out of school, and practice deficit spending. My goal is to be a vote against these practices and place student education as first priority.

I have taken the “no union support” pledge. I will not seek, or accept, the endorsement or support of any union— including those in our school district.

You will also not see me at school events waiving campaign signs on the sidewalks. I believe schools should be about education and student achievement, not politics.

I support: • School choice. CUSD provides a great educational experience, but parents should have options including traditional public schooling, public charter schools, magnet schools, and other educational methods and venues for their children.

• Smaller class size.

• Academic standards that exceed the federally mandated minimum of Common Core.

• Lower taxes.

• Fiscal responsibility.

• Transparency.

Harold Kaufman Businessman/former City Councilman and Mayor Not since incorporation have we had three open seats. This year’s election will set the stage for Dana Point’s long-range future.

Most of those running have little or no experience in city government. Some want to change a system they don’t even understand.

I was on Council from 1994 to 2002, Chairman of the first Planning Commission, charter member of the OC Fire

Martha McNicholas Experience. I am a business owner, parent leader and engineer, not a politician. My nearly 20 years of engagement and commitment to the success of students, teachers, and the community has earned me the endorsement of parents, teachers, five of the seven current Trustees, retired Superintendent Dr. Joseph Farley, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education Dr. Bill Evers, and other education professionals.

I have: • Served as PTA President at George White Elementary and Niguel Hills Middle School, and EVP at Dana Hills High School, in addition to chairing several committees

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Authority and CASA, Vice-Chairman of Foothill/Eastern Corridor Agency, and have years of community involvement as a board member of The Ocean Institute, South Coast Medical Center, Capistrano Valley Symphony, AYSO referee, volunteer for 5th Marine Support Group and Mission Hospital Foundation. I’m a life member of the Historical Society and founding member of the Town Center Organization, a 30 year resident and 28 year member of the Chamber of Commerce. Coupled with my experience as a USAF Officer, Eagle Scout, and businessman for over 50 years affords me the unique ability over all candidates to hit the bricks running.

I may be the oldest candidate but I have the energy of the youngest and the vision for the future of Dana Point to see a resident-friendly, business-friendly, wonderful place to live, work, and play.

I am last on the ballot but Dana Point is first in my heart.

• Recently served as President of Capistrano Unified Council of PTSA’s (covering all 52 PTA associations within CUSD).

• Advocated in Sacramento for local control and equalization of school funding, and in support of legislation affecting school facilities, student safety, academic achievement and parents’ rights.

• Served on Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council, Attendance Boundary, School Calendar, and WASC Accreditation Committees.

• Advised CUSD Executive Committee with parent input on the Local Control Accountability Plan.

• Led the million-dollar parent fundraising effort to save 20-to-1 student to teacher ratio in 3rd grade.

• Chaired Dana Hills High School’s “Safe and Sober” Grad Nite Committee, and chaperoned for the past 9 years.

• Served on the Executive Boards of the CUSD Foundation, the (Dana Hills) Dolphin Force Foundation, local youth soccer, and the Dana Running Foundation.

As your Trustee, I will • Support school of choice options • Advocate for smaller class sizes and improved facilities • Use my professional engineering experience to develop academic programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) • Collaborate with college and business leaders to assure students are prepared for 21st century careers • Assure that local control and accountability plans meet the needs of all students and communities Thank you for your vote. www.mcnicholasforcusd.com www.danapointtimes.com

Water District Hopefuls Sound Off The five candidates for South Coast Water District on area water issues, approach if elected

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s the terms of two South Coast Water District Directors ends a duo of seats are open and five hopefuls have entered the race to fill them.

The spots are being vacated by Richard Runge, who was elected in 2000 and has chosen not to seek reelection, and Bob Moore, a 15-year board member who is making a run for another term. The four in the running are Norm Denton, Dennis Erdman, Richard Gardner and William “Bill” Green.

SCWD Board members are elected to four-year terms on the five-member body and there are no term limits. The terms of directors Wayne Rayfield, Dick Dietmeier and Rick Erkeneff run through 2016.

For this special election issue of the DP Times, the candidates were asked two questions. Their answers appear here unedited and in ballot order.

SCWD provides water and sewer services to 40,000 residents, 1,000 businesses and more than three million visitors a year in Dana Point, South Laguna and areas of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Question one: In light of the ongoing drought, what are the next steps (in order) that the South Coast Water District should take in order to secure reliable and affordable sources of water?

Bill Green Last weekend I inspected the State Water Project with MWD Chairman Record and MODOC Director Ackerman from Orville Dam through the Bay Delta and to Mile One of the 444 mile long SWP Canal which serves Southern California. I was alarmed at the significance of the Drought Crisis for All Californians, unless we get rain and snow pack soon, Orville Dam is now dangerously down to 29% capacity.

I would take immediate conservation actions: 1. Promote Newspaper Ads, Editorials, Social Media ads and community signage about MWD, MWDOC and SCWD Incentives available for turf removal now increased from $2 SF to $4SF which accounts for 60% of Southern California home water usage as well as many other water related incentives, see BeWaterWise.com 2. Promote the MWDOC funded conservation educational program in Dana Point elementary schools.

Dana Point Times October 24-30, 2014

3. Recycle the 27,500 acre feet of sewage effluent that is currently being wasted and discharged into our ocean for reclaimed irrigation water and San Juan Basin recharge.

4. Remind SCWD customers of the Governor’s Water Supply Alert of 20% cutbacks prior to possible 40% mandatory cutback and allocations.

5. Support Proposition 1 to increase water storage, Doheny Desalination, the Bay Delta Conservation Plan to increase Southern California Water reliability.

Richard Gardner Conservation First! Conserve now! The state’s water reserves are very low.

Visit: www.mwdh2o.com and look at the drought conditions. The flyover Lake Orville is shocking.

The garden tab shows California friendly plants and how to transform your old lawn into a beautiful drought saving landscape.

Besides saving water and money, they will buy your turf!

SCWD, together with our neighboring agencies, should declare a level 2 supply alert. This will require large water users to have Landscape Certification Plans.

SCWD should expand this service. Golf courses must use recycled water to irrigate under a level 2. The district would provide a water budget for each customer.

In this way, if water rates were to increase, indoor water needs could be met at an affordable price. Mandatory conservation without monitoring and enforcement is really just voluntary. To help people conserve we could provide a helpline like; 949-DROUGHT, to report broken sprinklers or wasteful practices.

The long term plans must include recycling the 16 million gallons per day that are wasted to the outfall at Doheny Beach.

Stormwater capture and reuse should be accomplished upstream.

Finally, ocean desalination must be developed to provide an uninterruptible base supply of high quality water.

Bob Moore As elected board member I can assure you that your South Coast Water District has made specific plans for the present drought. This is not the first time California has been in a drought, nor will it be the last.

We must always be prepared for various natural and man-made problems.

As your elected director, I work with the

other directors and management insuring our customers having potable water at all times.

My next steps: 1. Developing above ground reservoir in conjunction with other local agencies will give SCWD new source of water.

2. SCWD has, with other participants, preliminary wells in place for Doheny ocean desalination-15 million gallons daily.

Permits and state low interest loans are in process to finance SCWD proportional costs. SCWD owns the land necessary for the plant. This is urgent.

3. I have advanced a new plan to recharge San Juan Creek with recycled water that will increase productivity of the two SCWD wells.

4. In work today are new recycled water lines for landscape areas in central Dana Point and the Harbor. This will save potable water now being used for greenbelts.

Recycled water must be used in all new commercial buildings for toilets.

Norm Denton In regard to the drought, short term, SCWD must communicate conservation of the precious water resources we have. I will urge residents, businesses and our resorts to take advantage of the efficiency rebates for water conservation. There is a significant amount of rebate dollars for such conservation measures, e.g. as turf removal and drought tolerant plants. These and many other steps are subsidized by Metropolitan Water District, There is tens of millions of dollars available as incentives that promotes conservation. Create more recycled water. Reduce sprinkler overspray. Reduce water timers to the SCWD guidelines.

In the long term, we must plan for the future with a desal plant. Proposition 1 which is on the ballot creates over $7 billion dollars for flood management, storage, recycling programs, groundwater sustainability, watershed protection, ecosystem restoration, and regional water reliability. If and when Prop 1 is approved, I will implore staff and the board to acquire much needed dollars for our infrastructure needs and to help fund our desal plant effort.

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Dennis Erdman At this time, the most effective measure to deal with the drought is customer education, which leads to conservation.

Outdoor water use can be curtailed and in some cases

converted to recycled water. Conversion of turf to California native and drought tolerant landscape can reduce demand.

Indoor water use efficiency can also be improved when customers understand the benefits and learn methods to conserve.

Longer term, SCWD needs to develop local water to a greater degree than exists today. There is more local groundwater that can be put to beneficial use.

The recycled water system can also be expanded. I will advocate for SCWD to have a minimum of 30 percent of the District’s average daily demand to be from local production. Another source of local water that can be developed is seawater desalination. This potential water source will be more costly. SCWD will need to work with other water agencies in South County to put together a project that has sufficient economy of scale to keep the costs from being out of reach.

Question two: Why should residents vote for you?

Bill Green I will represent you in fighting rate increases while supporting protection of the SCWD valuable groundwater supply and insuring efficient water delivery. Business as usual will not suffice at this critical juncture in the history of our District.

Strategic planning for future water sustainability, recycled water reuse, conservation and production is absolutely essential with today’s demands and drought conditions.

I support Proposition 1 California’s ballot initiative for Water Storage Reservoirs, Recycled Waste Water and the Doheny Desalination Project.

While serving you as a Board Director of the State Water Quality Control Board, my responsibility was to provide the highest quality water and protect our pristine coastlines. Also served as Commissioner of the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

As a retired principal in an engineering consulting firm and public agency providing water resource services to Southern California water agencies over 40 years together with being a retired Commercial Avocado Farmer having 33 years of agriculture and water management practices in conservation and water efficiency. I have first-hand experience in (Cont. on page 19) www.danapointtimes.com

(Cont. from page 16) the escalating costs to residents and farmers relying California’s imported water.

I am a Veteran and Eagle Scout and I firmly embrace Integrity, accountability and transparency to you the customer.

Richard Gardner I will represent the residents and ratepayers of our whole district. I have always been fiscally conservative and am proud to have advocated for an organizational assessment that led to a reduction in our overhead costs.

Voted against: • spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on plans for a new administration building.

• a $20,000 per year pay increase to the general manager and will continue to protect the ratepayer’s dollars.

Voted to: • study desalination at Doheny Beach to learn if the slant wells will produce enough water at an affordable price.

I support studying regional desalination at the SONGS for future savings.

Experience counts when it comes to water. Planning between agencies is stronger when directors have years of working relationships. First elected in 1996, I look forward to ensuring we continue to have excellent water and sewer service.

The SCWD also represents you in the use of the 30 acres, located between the tracks and the creek in Capo Beach. This large piece of undeveloped property in Dana Point should be used for water and sewer projects first and other uses should go through a full public process.

Thank you for voting for Richard Gardner, capopalm@hotmail.com Bob Moore Since you first elected me as your director, my record of proven leadership at your water district is well known. Currently, I serve as Vice President of the Board and Chairman of the Finance/Administration. I have previously served as President, Chair of Engineering/Operations. One of my substantial achievements is reduction of fixed overhead that will save about $1 million dollars in the 2014/15 fiscal year.

During my tenure, you have received cost effective water and wastewater service.

I advocated the purchase of water from Orange County Water District wells in an emergency. I believe that we have and must continue searching for new ways to meet your future needs as well as maintaining the integrity of the district infrastructure.

Dana Point Times October 24-30, 2014

My additional experience has been in serving as President of Board of Directors of South Orange County Wastewater Agency that processes all waste from ten cities and agencies. I have represented SCWD at numerous meetings and conferences. My knowledge and experience of your water needs and issues has grown and continues to grow each day. I am committed to being your representative for all of Capistrano Beach, Dana Point and parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano that we serve.

Norm Denton I am the right choice because I’m a proven, effective leader and have 16+ years of public service to the City of Dana Point on your planning commission. As a past business owner and executive I understand the need for fiscal responsibility, and how to eliminate wasteful spending.

SCWD must deliver clean and safe water at the lowest rate possible. I will be an active, hands on board participant that will go out and view all projects. I will be effective and pro active with fresh eyes and a new voice as a Director at South Coast Water District. Please vote for number 4 on your ballot, Norm Denton.

PROTECTING OUR WATER & CONSERVING FOR THE FUTURE www.norm4scwd.com Dennis Erdman For the past 27 years, I’ve worked with communities in California, including Dana Point, to operate and manage water and wastewater systems. I’ve addressed the problems and issues facing SCWD on the front lines. Prior to that, I’ve served as an elected director at TriCities Municipal Water District for 16 years. During this time Tri-Cities made numerous advances to insure the reliability of the imported water system serving south Orange County. SCWD now operates and maintains the former Tri-Cities facilities. I bring both policy level and operations level experience to the position of “Member of the Board of Directors”. As a water district General Manager, I’ve learned that it takes policy leadership coupled with staff’s operational expertise to accomplish the goals needed to be an excellent utility provider. I’ll use my background and experience as a civil engineer, water district General Manager and a former water district Director, to help guide SCWD to a successful future. Thank you for your consideration!

Meet the Candidates for State Assembly and Senate Races Outgoing Supervisor Bates looking to move up to Senate seat, Dana Point Councilman Brough targets Assembly opening

BY JIM SHILANDER, DANA POINT TIMES

S

outh County will choose new members of both the State Senate and State Assembly Nov. 4.

The 36th Senate district has been redrawn, after formerly being represented

by Mark Wyland, who is leaving the legislature.

Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates, who is termed out of her seat, is the Republican nominee. She is facing write-in candidate Gary Kephart, a former candidate in Assembly District 71 in 2010.

Dana Point City Councilman Bill Brough, a Republican, and Irvine college professor and attorney Wendy Gabriella are competing in the 73rd assembly district, where Diane Harkey is also termed out.

Brough, who formerly worked for Harkey, emerged as the top Republican vote getter from a crowded field during the June 3 primary.

Gabriella was the top overall vote getter by 55 votes, but was the only Democrat in the open primary. Their ballot statements are below: Wendy Gabriella Wendy Gabriella is a teacher, civil attorney, and 25 year resident of South Orange County.

As a career educator, she has witnessed how access to education provides a skilled workforce, contributes to job creation, and economic development.

Wendy Gabriella has worked tirelessly in the classroom for 30 years to promote academic excellence and prepare the next generation for the new economy.

Wendy Gabriella is a strong advocate for transparency in decision making at all levels of government.

As a civil attorney, Wendy specializes in the California Open Meeting Act and the First Amendment.

She believes that our Legislators should do more to foster open and transparent government at the state level.

If elected, Wendy Gabriella’s priorities will be: rebuilding a first rate education system, increasing access to affordable higher education, protecting South

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County’s taxpayers by enforcing fiscal accountability, job creation, and preserving our valuable coastline.

Wendy Gabriella believes it’s time for South Orange County to send a career educator, not a career politician, to Sacramento.

Bill Brough Thank you for your vote of confidence in June. My wife and I know that the futures of all our children and grandchildren depend on the decisions made by legislators today.

With that in mind, I am running for State Assembly to promote a better tomorrow for all our families.

In the competition for businesses and jobs, California is losing to other states.

This is unacceptable and has to change.

As your assemblyman, I will fight to create a more competitive economic environment by simplifying our business, regulatory, and tax codes.

The Legislature ought to require from itself and from regulatory agencies a robust cost benefit analysis using recognized economic standards before imposing new costs on our businesses.

California has one of the nation’s highest tax rates and, yet, amongst the largest government debts.

We should demand that our government live within its means and learn to focus on necessities, including academically excellent schools, strong public safety and an efficient infrastructure for transportation, energy and water.

Sacramento needs problem solvers. On city council, I moved projects that had been stalled for years. We built public/ private partnerships that improved our business infrastructure without increasing taxes.

It is time that we demand performance from our lawmakers.

That is why I support the law that withholds legislators’ pay unless the budget is on-time and balanced.

Working together, we can bring back the gold to California. I would be honored to have your vote. www.danapointtimes.com

Supervisor Candidates Look for South County Votes

Propositions Cover Diverse Issues

Ming, Bartlett, running to replace termed-out Bates

Water bond, sentencing and malpractice limit amongst the choices being made by voters

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n the race for Orange County Fifth District Supervisor, Dana Point’s Mayor Lisa Bartlett and Laguna Niguel City Councilman Robert Ming are looking to replace Supervisor Pat Bates, who is terming out and making a run for the State Senate 36th District seat.

Both Ming and Bartlett are terming out of their city council seats after having served two consecutive fouryear terms in their respective cities.

The county supervisor race is a top-two election format where, until the June 3 primary, four were in the running. Ming and Bartlett won their spots on the Nov. 4 ballot by beating Mission Viejo Councilman Frank Ury and county Deputy District Attorney Joe Williams.

The Fifth District includes the cities of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano along with nine other south Orange County cities and a handful of unincorporated areas. Each of the county’s five districts elects one board member to a four-year term.

Ming and Bartlett were asked to answer the question: Why should voters choose you to represent them as Fifth District Supervisor?

Their answers are presented here in ballot order.

Lisa Bartlett I am proudly serving as Mayor of Dana Point and know firsthand what it takes to lead as an elected official. Under my leadership on the Dana Point City Council we paid off our unfunded pension liability, achieve a balanced budget every year, maintain significant cash reserves and keep our city debt free. I created and implemented economic development programs for our businesses that also protected the taxpayers. In 2009, I created the Contract Cities Working Group to work directly with the Sheriff and 5th District Supervisor to ensure we have the very best program for community based policing resulting in a high level of public safety and efficiencies in resources and cost.

People often ask why I want to run for Orange County Supervisor. Simply stated, I’m a longtime resident of Orange County so I have a vested interest. I grew up here and built my life here. I want to ensure that we enhance and protect our quality of life for all of us now and for future generations.

I will be the fiscal watchdog at the county and make government run more efficiently. My degrees in finance and business plus my 15-plus years as a corporate executive and my tenure in regional board leadership positions, make me uniquely qualified to govern Orange County, the fifth largest county in America.

This race comes down to leadership and governance philosophy. I have served in leadership positions on several significant regional boards; my opponent has not. I have the track record and the leadership skills to work Dana Point Times October 24-30, 2014

collaboratively with others to work through tough issues and achieve good policy solutions.

I am honored to have the endorsement of Congressman Darrell Issa, Marion Bergeson, former Secretary of Education and former O.C. Supervisor, as well as the majority of city elected officials in seven of the 11 cities in the 5th District. I am also proud to be endorsed by law enforcement and will work to keep our communities safe.

I would be honored to serve as your Orange County Supervisor of the 5th District and respectfully ask for your vote. www.LisaForSupervisor.com Robert Ming My wife Susie and I were at the Harbor a few weeks ago. Watching the ships during dinner at the Wind & Sea reminded me how truly blessed we are to live here, and how important this Supervisorial race is for Dana Point.

As a two time Mayor of Laguna Niguel and an 8-year councilmember, I know what it means to do good government, and I know that I can’t serve you well unless I listen to you.

That is exactly what I’ve been doing and though the issues are a little different, the process of getting to know people is the same.

Many people want to know how I’m different than my opponent. So, I’ve selected a few examples of things she has done that I would have done differently.

I wouldn’t have voted for Dana Point’s plastic bag ban. It isn’t that I care less about the environment, but I believe there are better ways to solve the problem.

Fully biodegradable single use bags are already available. Good education helps people learn to make smart choices. The ban misses opportunities to teach and improve ourselves. We should have worked together to solve the problem without restricting people’s freedoms.

I also wouldn’t have voted for the Lantern District plan and then voted against funding it. As elected officials, we need to communicate clearly and not send mixed messages. Instead, be clear, keep taxes and regulations low, and provide an excellent level of services.

That’s what we’ve done in Laguna Niguel. That’s what I will do at the county.

What it really boils down to is leadership. For the Harbor Revitalization Plan to become a reality, it will take a strong Supervisor committed to seeing it through. That’s what I’ll do, while focusing on the interests of boaters, harbor merchants and the recreational public users.

Fiscally responsible common sense leadership requires a real willingness to explore new ways of doing things and working together to solve problems.

That’s what I plan to deliver. I hope you will grant me the opportunity to serve. www.RobertMing.com Page 20

BY JIM SHILANDER, DANA POINT TIMES

C

alifornia voters usually see a number of state measures and propositions at every election and 2014 is no different.

This year’s statewide measures include proposals effecting medical malpractice law, potential expansion of gambling and drug sentencing, as well as state initiatives aiming to rebuild California’s water infrastructure and a potential state Constitutional amendment that would mandate the state paying into a budget stabilization account.

PROPOSITION 1 With the state in the midst of a drought, this proposal calls for more than $7 billion in water infrastructure projects through bonds, as well as watershed protections. The measure is backed by both the state Republican and Democratic parties after being delayed by two election cycles (a water bond was supposed to go before voters in 2010 and 2012).

Opponents say the measure focuses too much on dam building rather than local infrastructure.

PROPOSITION 2 Creates a “rainy day fund” for the state during budgeting and requires an annual transfer of funds from the state’s general fund into the account to avoid or lessen the impact of future budget crises. Local school districts would not receive the same levels of funding they currently do from the state.

PROPOSITION 45 Would give the state’s Insurance Commissioner authority to reject changes to health insurance company rates, though it exempts large group insurance plans. The decision would be subject to judicial review. Opponents say this vests too much authority in the office.

PROPOSITION 46 Increases the state’s medical malpractice pain and suffering cap from $250,000 to more than $1 million and requires random drug and alcohol screenings of doctors, with positive tests reported to the state medical board. It would also create a statewide prescription database. Proponents argue that the state has not raised the malpractice cap since the 1970s. Opponents argue the move could drive doctors from the state due to higher costs and that random screenings of doctors would not provide protection for patients.

PROPOSITION 47 Changes certain nonviolent drug and property felony offenses to misdemeanors unless the offender had previous violent offenses and would allow for the resentencing of those currently in prison. A “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools” fund would be created with savings from the implementation.

PROPOSITION 48 Allows for agreements with two Native American tribes to build and operate a casino in the Central Valley, off of tribal reservations. www.danapointtimes.com