Brea City Council Candidates

Seven candidates, including one incumbent, are vying for two open seats on the Brea City Council. Councilwoman Kathryn E. Wiser is not running for a second term. A look at the contenders:

Pat Davis

Age: 44

Occupation: Owns a computer software and service business

Background: Eight-year Planning Commission member; has been involved for 10 years in several committees to shape Brea’s future, including the Sphere of Influence study, Brea Downtown Charette Committee and Open Space Task Force

Major issues: Holding city to approved plans from citizen’s committees; planning for annexation of land surrounding Brea; helping local libraries; increasing number of athletic fields

William Little

Age: 65

Occupation: Businessman

Background: Extensive business and financial experience, including foreign trade, investments and credit services

Major issues: Fine-tuning some city business operations for cost savings; hiring full-time city engineer; establishing law library and court community service site; proposing new sister city in China

Bev Perry

Age: 40

Occupation: Business consultant

Background: Incumbent, elected in 1992; former Parks, Recreation and Human Services commissioner; vice president, League of California Cities, Orange County Division

Major issues: Increasing public safety with a new fire station, police annex and other projects; maintaining balanced community through prudent development; providing more rental and mortgage subsidies for seniors

Marty Simonoff

Age: 46

Occupation: Retired police captain

Background: Leadership and financial experience as head of 100-member police staff; community volunteer; sports coach

Major issues: Increasing fire and police services; upgrading and maintaining youth sports facilities; completing downtown redevelopment in timely manner

Steven C. Vargas

Age: 34

Occupation: Budget analyst for Southern California Edison

Background: Board member and past president, Placentia Boys & Girls Club; member, Brea Sister City Committee and Parks, Recreation, Human Services and Open Space Master Plan Committee

Major issues: Constructing model of Brea to show residents current and future projects; setting date to phase out Redevelopment Agency; enticing electric vehicle manufacturers to city

Lawrence Wells

Age: 57

Occupation: Retired teacher, part-time substitute teacher

Background: Air Force and Marine Corps veteran; helped manage relief efforts for several months following Northridge earthquake

Major issues: Offering incentives for new small businesses; bringing more businesses to northwest Brea

Nancy Wright

Age: 48

Occupation: Realtor; owner and operator of small business for 15 years

Background: Planning Commission chairwoman; participant on several city advisory committees

Major issues: Managing future development; seeking alternative suggestions when presented with city staff recommendations

Source: Individual candidates; Researched by JOHN POPE / For The Times