Eye on DP
City Council Election 2010 With three open City Council seats, Dana Point will choose from a field of five candidates. Here is a look at the three incumbents and two hopefuls vying for the positions in the November election. By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times
T
he 2010 election ballot roster is finalized at five candidates, each hopeful to bring their own brand of enthusiasm, skills and experience to City Council for the betterment of the community. Three incumbents—Councilmembers Joel Bishop and Lisa Bartlett, along with Mayor Steven Weinberg—look to defend their seats and are seeking reelection. Newcomers, William “Bill” Brough and Dana Kislig have tossed their hats into the ring to challenge them for the honor of serving on the Dana Point City Council. In this edition we kick off our weekly pre-election coverage by introducing the candidates via their first addresses to their constituents—their ballot statements. Candidates’ ballot statements are presented here in the same order they will appear on the November ballot. In the weeks ahead, leading up to the November 2 General Municipal election, we will provide a forum for the candidates to respond to questions regarding their take on the issues Dana Point will face in the near future and get to know more about each of them. Our 2010 election coverage will also explore other races pertinent to the community of Dana Point, including the South Coast Water District and Capistrano Unified School District elections.
Concours d‘Elegance, and provided family friendly movies and concerts in our beautiful parks • Opened Strand Vista Park, the Headlands trails, Nature Interpretive Center, Sea Terrace Park expansion, and Veteran’s Memorial As a fiscally conservative Mayor and Councilman, I’m committed to keeping Dana Point in excellent financial shape. I’m still a “no nonsense” businessperson answering to nobody but you, the citizens. I will uphold our outstanding quality of life in Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, and Monarch Beach. I appreciate your continued support and your vote.
Dana Kislig Occupation: Law student/father Website: www.DanaforDanaPoint.com
Steven H. Weinberg Occupation: Mayor, City of Dana Point Website: www.WeinbergForDanaPoint.com Ballot Statement: Dana Point has been my home for 23 years. It’s an honor to serve as your Mayor. Over the last four decades, we have raised three daughters who graduated from DHHS and we’re proud grandparents. As a veteran, business executive, Mayor of Dana Point, Councilman, and former Dana Point Planning Commissioner, I understand the importance of commitment, leadership, action, and community service. Accomplishments during my tenure: • Balanced the budget, keeping money in the bank for healthy reserves • Maintained Police, Fire, and City services without reductions • Community survey results state 96 percent of residents are pleased with our quality of life and an overwhelming majority satisfied with the City’s performance • Attracted world class events like the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling, Dana Point Page 6 • Dana Point Times • September 3–9, 2010
Ballot Statement: My life began in South Orange County with my first job at the local Dana Point Baskin Robbins while playing basketball for Dana Hills. Dana Point was a wonderful place to grow up and now it is the place my wife and I chose to raise our five children. Often times growing up here and even today people ask about whether I was named after Dana Point. I was not, but want to represent the fine people of our city to make Dana Point even better. I have no experience in city government; I have no ties to either. I am not seeking office for a political track or for personal gain. As an outsider to the political field I promise to remain true to my strong conservative, traditional moral values of small government, with a heavy emphasis of pro-business, economic freedom, anti-regulation, and lower taxes. There are numerous concepts that should materialize for our city, eliminate wasteful spending, cleaner parks and beaches, dogs allowed on beaches in the off season, less hotel taxes to increase tourism, legalized fireworks, accountability for all city government employees by placing all accounts online. As the only non-incumbent in this year’s race, I request your vote for City Council. NOTE: At the time Kislig’s statement was submitted, he was the only non-incumbent candidate qualified to be added to the ballot.
William “Bill” Brough Occupation: Dana Point business owner Website: N/A Ballot Statement: I am running for Dana Point City Council because as a small business owner, I possess the background, skills and experience to revitalize our local business environment and restrain the growth and intervention of our city. I was first introduced to Dana Point when I worked for Congressman Chris Cox, and following service as the White House liaison to the Department of Veterans Affairs, my wife Michelle and I returned to her native Orange County and we made Dana Point our home. I will fight to ensure our beaches and coastline are protected, I will fight to strengthen our public safety to combat drugs and graffiti in our community, and I will oppose any increase in fees or taxes on our community. As your fiduciary to the city, I will request a complete audit of the city budget, salaries and benefits of all employees – including members of the Council and Commissions, and every program and outside contract under the purview of the City Council. I served in the United States Army after high school and currently serve on the Dana Point Historical Society and Lantern Village Association boards and volunteer as a Dana Point Youth Baseball coach. Please vote Bill Brough for Dana Point City Council.
Joel Bishop Occupation: Councilman, businessman Website: www.JoelBishop.com Ballot Statement: It has been an honor to represent Dana Point as an elected of-
ficial for the past 14 years, with the last four serving on the City Council. This tenure has given me the experience to lead our city through some challenging times. Even in a down economy, Dana Point has been able to dedicate to the community seven parks and other facilities, as well as our stunning pedestrian bridge! The City budget has been balanced every year and citizen satisfaction within the City is an astounding 96 percent. We’ve done well and when reelected, I promise to continue in our progress. My first priority is to protect the quality of life that we enjoy in Dana Point. We must keep our communities safe and secure, as we promote Dana Point as a 5-star resort community. We can continue to supply world class amenities to our residents, while holding faithful to our small, family friendly, harbor town lifestyle. I will strive to implement a quiet zone in Capo Beach, revitalize the Harbor and refresh the Town Center. My family and I ask for your vote and support in keeping Dana Point strong, safe and moving forward.
Lisa Bartlett Occupation: Councilmember/businesswoman Website: www.Lisa4DP.com Ballot Statement: 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. Since taking office I am proud to report that we continue to maintain our wonderful quality of life and achieved a 96% positive rating on a recent community survey. The city has a balanced budget with significant reserves, completed numerous capital improvement projects and enhanced the business climate. I have an open door policy and routinely meet with residents, the business community and visitors. As a 21 year resident I understand the importance of balancing business requirements with our residents’ desire to retain our small town atmosphere and what it takes to preserve our unique coastal community. I believe in working on a regional basis to better serve our city and I hold positions on boards and commissions that focus on transportation, environmental and government related matters. We all have a vested interest in the future of our city and by working together we can ensure that we “Harbor the Good Life” for many years. I would be honored to continue to serve you and I respectfully ask for your vote. DP www.danapointtimes.com