Taking a closer look at the candidates

The Newport Beach City Council tonight is set to appoint its third

member in the past three years. These appointments have come as the

result of vacancies and have upset some in the community who claim

the seats should be filled by a special election. The city’s charter,

however, gives the council the authority to fill a seat, if its

members can agree on a selection.

In order to give residents a better sense of those who applied to

fill the seat of outgoing mayor Steve Bromberg, we asked applicants

four general questions:

* What is the most important issue facing Newport Beach?

* What sets you apart from the rest of the people hoping to be

appointed?

* What is your position on development in the city and, by

relation, the Greenlight law?

* What background or experience makes you qualified to serve on

the City Council?

We reached all but Pat Beek, and their answers follow. Their

applications also are on view at the city’s website:

https://www.city.newport-beach.ca.us/

DONALD L. ABRAMS

* The most important issue facing Newport Beach is protecting,

preserving, and improving our environment. Newport Beach is one of

the most beautiful towns in the country, if not the world. However,

as part of the greater Los Angeles basin, our environment is under

constant assault from air, sea and land. The threat of excessive

noise and dirty air from John Wayne Airport is at the top of these

threats, and our city government must do all in its power to minimize

this impact.

Our precious harbor is also threatened by many sources, from urban

run-off to industrial polluters, and our neighborhoods need

protection from a wide array of challenges ranging from unsafe

streets and bridges to excessive traffic. My goal is to leave the

next generation of residents a city even more beautiful than the one

my generation inherited and to accomplish this by fiscally prudent

means.

* While all of the candidates seem well qualified, I believe I

have the greatest leadership and business experience from my careers

as trial lawyer, business CEO and independent real estate broker. In

addition, I am the only candidate that has both lived and worked in

District 5 for an extended period of time. I have lived in Newport

Beach since 1982 and on Balboa Island since 1992. I have operated my

own real estate company on the island since 1998, send out a monthly

newsletter to all island residents, and have an annual open house

(this year it’s June 29) to which all island residents are invited.

Thus I am in constant contact with island residents and neighboring

communities and feel that I best know their hopes and concerns. Also,

I believe I am the only attorney candidate, which adds a valuable

skill set to the council.

* I am for progressive improvements that really enhance our city.

I don’t believe that mega-hotels and giant shopping areas will

improve our quality of life, but I can envision smaller, high-quality

projects that will appeal to residents and tourists alike. The

traffic through Corona del Mar, on PCH, and on arteries like Jamboree

and MacArthur is already congested, so any new development must be

measured against how the congestion will be increased or relieved. I

am a founding board member of the Balboa Island Museum and Historical

Society and have a strong belief that we should endeavor to preserve

heritage buildings as much as possible.

* I have had three careers and each one has added to my

qualifications for this position. As a trial lawyer for the U.S.

Justice Department for eight years, I mastered the arts of litigation

and persuasion. Moreover, I worked closely and directly with local

and federal law enforcement agencies, which I think will be crucial

for the council position. As president of a large retail company for

18 years, I developed the leadership, negotiating and business skills

which will also be valuable on the council. Finally, as a real estate

broker, I have learned the nuances of each local neighborhood

allowing me to really know my constituents and have their confidence.

The sum of my experience has helped me become a very able leader and

consensus builder, which will help me serve my constituents and the

city of Newport Beach.

LLOYD IKERD

* I don’t think there is one single issue facing Newport Beach. If

you are trying to traverse the community down PCH in the morning or

evening, you would think that that is the most important issue.

There is no question that the general plan is important since it

sets the direction for the future of the community. We get one

opportunity to make it right or we will have to live with it for

years to come. It is important that we meet throughout the community

to involve residents, businesses, property owners, the chambers of

commerce, service organizations and so on to get their input and

their vision into the new century for Newport Beach.

The airport is on the horizon and needs to be dealt with as this

could affect our future and our property values as does the local

coastal plan which is now under consideration.

These issues affect the future of our community. Other issues are

more immediate and will have to be reviewed on an individual basis.

* Experience. I began my career in community service back in 1959

as a student at Compton College, when I organized an action against

televised education, which would have replaced the education system

as we know it today. I was successful then, and television is used as

a teaching tool, not as the teacher.

I was active in the city of Paramount and as organizer and

president of the Jaycees, who built the first new park in the

community, which led to the current park program for that city. The

Jaycees planted over 500 trees, that I arranged to be donated,

throughout the community ... the current tree planting program. As

mayor and councilman of that city, I laid the groundwork for the

general plan, rezoning and the redevelopment agency, which has

resulted in a national award-winning community and desirable

community in which to live and raise a family. Among other projects,

I organized a group of doctors that resulted in the construction of

Paramount General Hospital.

In Newport Beach, I serve on the city zoning committee and the

Economic Development Commission. Through my membership in the Newport

Beach Chamber of Commerce Commodores Club, I designed and oversaw the

construction of the Firemen’s Grille that is being used throughout

the community and will be serving the community for generations to

come. I serve on the Balboa Island parade committee, and I am active

in several community groups to aid in making Newport Beach a better

place to live and work. I have the time and desire to serve. I see a

problem or an issue, and I develop a solution.

* I believe in controlled growth for the community. I think we

have about reached our maximum population without infringing on the

quality of life as we know it today. I think Greenlight goes too far

since it restricts necessary development of properties that, either

now or in the future, will need to be upgraded or redeveloped as a

result of age, deterioration, modernization or, as in the tourist

industry, hotels staying competitive with competition. Government

through a responsive City Council, the general plan, public input

from the public hearings and the planning process currently in place

will control the development of the community. I welcome public

involvement in the direction of the city without more government

restrictions.

* Reiterating, 45 years of all aspects of community service plus

being a businessman. I have been a real estate broker, developer,

newspaper owner/publisher, restaurateur, manufacturer, farmer and

more. I have been on both sides of virtually all issues that may come

before the council. I am a leader in the community but also a team

player when it comes to accomplishments for the betterment of the

city of Newport Beach. I have my fingers on the pulse of the

community. Even though I have been here for only a few years compared

to those who have lived here for generations, I bring a new vision

and experience to the City Council.

ROBERT SCHOONMAKER

* The most important issue facing Newport Beach is the proper

implementation of the provisions outlined in the updated general

plan. Each City Council member has a responsibility to the residents

of the city to see that all the work done by the General Plan

Advisory Committee and the input given to them by the public during

the public workshops are all integrated into a viable plan. This

updated general plan will act as a guide for city leaders for years

to come. A well-conceived plan such as this will do much to eliminate

the land-use development problems that we have all been witness to in

recent years. It is our responsibility as a city council to see that

the input of our citizens to this plan update are incorporated to the

greatest degree possible, so that it reflects the concepts of the

general plan vision statement.

* I believe what sets me apart from the other potential appointees

is that even though I am a lifelong Republican, I am independent from

any special interest groups. I have never met a developer in my

entire life and the only real estate people I know are those who were

involved in our move to Newport Beach 10 years ago. This will be the

third City Council appointment in the last three years. Even though

the city charter allows it, many people are uncomfortable with the

appointment procedure. Some of our citizens feel one or another

special interest group may be gaining an advantage on the council. If

I am appointed, due to my independence and to give the electorate a

more comfortable feeling, I will herein state that if the residents

of the 5th District indicate to me at the end of my appointed term

that they are not satisfied with the job I have done I will not run

for another term as an incumbent. It is well known that incumbents

normally have the advantage. This will open the field in my district

and make it easier for potential new candidates to be elected.

* Up until recently, I have been very concerned about the amount

of development being proposed for our city. I realize that

development is necessary and may even be desirable; however, it

should be controlled development, within the confines of our updated

general plan. I believe the updated general plan will do much to

alleviate many of the development problems the city has encountered

in recent years.

However, I believe having the Greenlight law on the books is a

positive for our citizens. I believe we have an electorate

knowledgeable enough to make intelligent decisions regarding what

development is, or is not, appropriate for our community. Hopefully,

our updated general plan will address most of the significant issues,

which would trigger the need to hold a Greenlight election. I feel if

the City Council stays alert and implements the plan as required,

Greenlight elections can be held to a minimum.

* I have extensive experience with multimillion-dollar budgets for

large-scale government programs. I have worked on management teams

(military/industry) overseeing internal and international program

operations. I have a strong management background with over 29 years

of program management experience. I have a Master of Science degree

in management (1993) from the School of Business and Economics,

University of La Verne. With my management expertise I will help

bring increased productivity to all city operating departments.

Instead of doing business the same old way, I will at least try to

bring city government into the 21st century through the use of

private sector philosophy (outsourcing) to implement more efficient

and cost effective use of budgeted funding. I have made two attempts

as a 5th District candidate in 1996 and 2000. For most of the last 10

years I have served on the board of directors of Big Canyon town

homes, currently as vice president. I am semi-retired and currently

writing a college-level text on political science.

ED SELICH

* Newport Beach is faced with a number of important issues. Among

them is the general plan update. Also important is the work of the

Sphere Issues Committee. The city’s effort to join the county in

controlling the operation and expansion of John Wayne Airport is the

most important part of this committee’s work. Certainly managing the

bay, including dredging and water quality, is on the list also.

Traffic management is always important, the replacement of City Hall

is currently the subject of much discussion and the future of

Marinapark has to be on the list also.

However, of all these, I believe the most important issue

currently facing the city is the completion of the general plan

update. This effort has been going on for about four years now. We

have had great community participation. We have generated a lot of

information including traffic data, economic data and alternatives

for special study areas. It is now time to synthesize all this data

and develop a few preferred alternatives and get them out for public

discussion and appropriate action. The general plan is important

because it is the overall guide for all decisions relating to

development in our community. It projects into the future to the year

2025 a vision of what we want our community to become. It is a vision

of the desires and goals of our citizens. Many feel it is a final

blueprint for the city. It is not. The general plan is almost out of

date the day after it is adopted as cities are continually undergoing

economic, environmental and cultural changes. The state of California

recognizes this and suggests that general plans be updated

periodically. Once this update is adopted, we need to develop a

mechanism to keep ours up to date.

* First of all, I am the only applicant who has had experience in

municipal government from all perspectives of the governance process.

I have been a municipal department head and administrator. I have

served on municipal commissions and boards that advise city councils

on development and design issues. Finally, I have been involved in

the private sector interfacing with many California cities and

counties and numerous school districts, water agencies and other

special districts. I am the only applicant who has experience on the

Newport Beach Planning Commission. I am the applicant with the

longest record of continuous service on Newport Beach city

commissions and committees, having served 10 years on the Planning

Commission and Economic Development Committee. In addition, during

that 10-year period of service I have also served on numerous city

council-appointed ad hoc committees. With 10 years of continuous

service, I believe I am the applicant with the most detailed

knowledge of the issues facing our community and the workings of our

city government.

* With the exception of Banning Ranch and the odd vacant parcel

here or there, we are a built-out city. We are faced with

redevelopment of underutilized and outdated properties and the

reallocation of land uses to a more balanced mix that reflects our

community vision. We are a mature city in an increasingly urbanized

county. This brings pressures for higher intensity of development.

Our challenge is to maintain our unique culture of villages and

control traffic while allowing reinvestment into our community. This

means that environmental and community concerns need to be balanced

with economic factors in reviewing each development issue.

As far as Greenlight goes, it is the law of the land and must be

followed in both law and spirit. I believe the factors involved in

each development issue can be balanced to meet the intent of the

Greenlight law.

* I would bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the City

Council with over 25 years of continuous involvement in municipal

government. As previously stated, I have experience as an urban

planner and municipal administrator, a planning and land-use

consultant and developer, the director of a municipal planning

agency, the director of a redevelopment agency and a member of

municipal commissions that review development projects and advise

city councils. I have extensive experience in municipal budgeting and

administration and served on numerous department head committees,

where I learned the workings of all departments of a municipality.

I have a long record of community service. I have been a resident

of Newport Beach for 25 1/2 years and a member of the Planning

Commission for the last 10 years with three consecutive terms as

chairman. I have served on the city’s 1997 Zoning Code Update

Committee and General Plan Update Committee. Currently, I am on the

Local Coastal Plan Advisory Committee and the ad hoc committee for

zoning code revisions.

I have been a member of the City’s Economic Development Committee

for the past 10 years, serving as chairman for the past eight years.

I have also been involved in the Corona del Mar Business Improvement

District, helping to create the Corona del Mar Vision Plan and the

relinquishment of Coast Highway from the state of California.

During my decade of service to our community, I believe I have

shown that I possess independent judgment and explain my positions

with logic and reasoning. The best interests of the city have always

been foremost in my mind. Where the laws, policies or procedures are

not clear, I have always tried to find equity and improvement of our

city in each decision, while at the same time respecting individual

property rights.

BERNIE SVALSTAD

* The most important issue is to preserve and improve the quality

of life for all residents in Newport Beach. Multiple concerns must be

addressed in order to do this. One of the primary efforts is the

sphere committee’s negotiations to obtain a joint powers agreement

that gives Newport Beach veto power over future expansion of the John

Wayne Airport runways on our borders. In addition, Newport Beach must

work with the FAA to continue the present curfew limits on flights.

Of central importance is the approval of our general plan update,

which should reflect a conservative growth strategy by insuring that

infill areas will not negatively impact our traffic circulation and

open spaces. Also important is the preservation and enhancement of

our ocean, harbor and drinking water quality. And the local coastal

certification process needs to be completed.

A solid general plan, which reflects the vision of Newport Beach

for the next 20 years, along with addressing the unique needs of our

community, and preserving our air, water, land and traffic flow will

all contribute to keeping Newport Beach the beautiful city we have

all come to love.

* No other candidate has nine years of experience being on a city

council. No other candidate has the experience on the Orange County

Sanitation District, Orange County League of Cities and has dealt

with other Orange County cities in putting together joint powers

agreements for cable television, a fire training facility and many

other Orange County projects. No other candidate has voted and then

implemented general plan updates as a city council person in Orange

County. No other candidate has chaired the Corona del Mar Centennial

Foundation Board for the centennial celebration. (This will be

valuable in planning and implementing the Newport Beach Centennial

celebrations in 2006.) No other candidate has the blend of business

and community service that I have which affords me the knowledge,

experience and qualifications to serve Newport Beach as the next 5th

District City Council representative.

* Most of the land in Newport Beach is already entitled with the

possible exception of Banning Ranch. Thus, the question is how to

deal with upgrading and improving the entitled land in an

environmentally sound way in order to protect the quality of life of

Newport Beach residents. I think the city is going through an

outstanding visioning process to try to achieve this goal. The

Greenlight law is in effect, and I will uphold all aspects of the

law.

* Some highlights of my qualifications are: 20-year resident of

Newport Beach; successful businessman involved with more than

$100million worth of retail, commercial and financial ventures; City

Council and mayor for Fountain Valley -- nine years; ran for Newport

Beach City Council in November 2002; received over 10,000 votes and came in second in District 6; member and treasurer of Corona del Mar

Chamber of Commerce board of directors and executive committee 2003,

2004, 2005; member and vice president of Corona del Mar Business

Improvement District board of directors 2003,2004, 2005; launched and

was chairperson of the first “Coastline Car Classic” for Corona del

Mar Chamber of Commerce, which grossed more than $50,000 in 2004;

chairman of Coastline Car Classic to be held at Big Corona Beach on

Sept. 11; chairperson of the board of directors for the Corona del

Mar Centennial Foundation and raised more than $450,000, which

includes a clock tower centennial plaza, under construction in Corona

del Mar; chairperson and founder of Park Committee formed to raise $1

million in public dollars for the new park for District 5, to be

located between Jamboree and MacArthur, behind the library -- park

will be named in June 2005; member of Newport Beach Chamber of

Commerce.

I have over 30 years of successful business and community service.