A very big decision

Costa Mesa residents looking for change had to be muttering to

themselves a bit last week once Councilman Gary Monahan announced

that he will, in fact, seek reelection in November.

Monahan, who famously -- at least here in Newport-Mesa -- is also

the owner of a Costa Mesa pub, had been saying that business and

family priorities would keep him from running once again.

And that meant that there would be at least one new face on the

council, which welcomed newcomers Karen Robinson and Chris Steel two

years ago.

Now, with both Monahan and Mayor Linda Dixon intent on keeping

their seats, the road to a new council is suddenly a lot steeper and

rougher. What will be interesting to see is whether his decision

changes the makeup of the candidates.

Prior to Monahan’s announcement, two like-minded candidates --

Allan Mansoor and former candidate James Fisler -- had announced

intentions to run. Both come from essentially the same camp as Steel:

their focus is on fast improvements to the city’s infrastructure and

housing, especially on the Westside, as well as on perceived social

ills revolving around the city’s job center and charities. Their

stances, like multi-time candidate Steel, are controversial, as

demonstrated by the recent flare-up of emotions surrounding the

city’s Human Relations Commission, of which Mansoor is a member.

Initially, it was conceivable that both could have won if backed

by the same concerted effort that vaulted Steel to the dais as the

top vote-getter two years ago (one trick used, by many accounts, was

encouraging Steel supporters to vote solely for him, thereby keeping

down the number of voters for his rivals).

Under this scenario, they would have both stepped into Monahan’s

open seat and removed Dixon -- a frequent target of their criticisms.

The icing on that cake? They would have had, with Steel, a majority

vote on the council.

That strategy figures to change now, with the likely victim being

Dixon, since Monahan is far more popular with the Costa Mesa

Improvement crowd. What also could change is any attempt by them to

get two new faces onto the council.

One of the loosely affiliated group, Joel Faris -- a surprisingly

successful candidate two years ago, given it was his first run -- at

this point has no intentions of running, for instance. And part of

the reason is the already crowded field.

“I do worry about the improvement vote getting diluted,” he said.

“As it stands, there seems to be one or two too many people running.”

Faris added that he, at this moment, plans to support Mansoor, and

he called Monahan “an effective mayor” and “a good man.”

Perhaps Mansoor and

Fisler will end up having to flip a coin or play “rock, scissors,

paper” for the privilege of running.

But whether they do or not, Costa Mesa residents can feel assured

that this fall’s campaign will be an aggressive one. Already there

are eight announced candidates, many with past experience. Besides

the four already mentioned, Planning Commission Chairwoman Katrina

Foley, Planning Commissioner Bill Perkins, Westside activist Bill

Turpit and former Councilwoman Heather Somers are in the race.

Interesting times ahead, and that doesn’t even include Newport

Beach, which should turn combative if, and when, the Greenlight

coalition unveils its promised slate of candidates.

Double take of the week

Listen to this bio: A veteran of Capitol Hill, well regarded by

both Democrats and GOPers, alike. Avid hunter and shooter.

The person’s name? Chris Cox, and he was named executive director

of the National Rifle Assn. this spring.

But not to worry, it isn’t that Chris Cox. The new NRA head, still

in his early 30s, actually spent time as a legislative aide, most

recently to Rep. John Tanner of Tennessee.

* S.J. CAHN is the managing editor. If you have political news or

thoughts, he can be reached at (949) 574-4233 or by e-mail at

steven.cahn@latimes.com.