Chris McEvoy

Name: Chris McEvoy

Age: 31
Birthplace: Mulica Hill, N.J.

How long have you lived in Costa Mesa? 26years

Occupation: high school math teacher

Education: bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Cal State Long Beach

Previously elected or appointed positions: No answer

Community organizations you belong to: These are with my teaching job at Warren High School: faculty advisor for Environmental Club, faculty advisor for Chess Club

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Costa Mesa right now? budget, density, Bluff Road/Banning Ranch

What is one decision in the last year that the City Council got right and why would you have supported it?

On April 20, Councilman Gary Monahan brought forward an agenda item that would extend the time firework stands could sell fireworks from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July. This passed 4 to 1. I know this is a dividing issue and is controversial but I would have support this extension because the extra money the youth programs can raise is very much needed.

What is one decision in the last year that the City Council got wrong, or partially wrong, and why would you have voted differently?

On Aug. 4, 2009, Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Leece brought forward an agenda item that would reduce Costa Mesa planning commissioner stipends down from $400 a month to $75 a month because the number of meetings was reduced from one to two, the tough economic times and to bring the commissioners stipends in line with surrounding cities. According to the staff report, the annual savings would be $19,500. Unfortuanately her item failed 4 to 1. I would have voted in favor of the item because they were doing half the work, the city needed to save money, highest amongst surrounding cities.