Kling seeks a seat

Christopher J. Kling has announced his intention to run for City Council.

The municipal election to select three City Council members will be held Nov. 7.

“I decided to run for council because I was upset that residents and tourists are paying for the landslide,” Kling said. “I don’t have a real bone to pick with the way the council has handled the landslide, but I don’t think the sales tax should have been raised, and I want to have a say in issues the residents are confronted with on a daily basis.”

Kling, 31, has lived in Laguna for eight years. He operates a car service at night for drinking drivers in town and sells fire protection equipment during the day.

“I think my age will bring to the council a fresher, younger view,” Kling said. “Four terms are excessive, and I think Steve Dicterow has had his day, just as Wayne Baglin was way past his day.”

Kling was a member of the committee formed to defeat Baglin in the 2004 election. Kling said Councilwoman Jane Egly, who replaced Baglin, has been an improvement, even though she is a Democrat. Kling is a Republican.

The council race is nonpartisan.

Kling said he would be honored to work with Councilwoman Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider, also a candidate for re-election, but thinks he could also work with council members Egly, incumbent candidate Toni Iseman and Cheryl Kinsman.

“Iseman is a little tough, but I can see her good qualities,” Kling said.

He likes Kinsman’s attitude toward local control, which he supports.

One goal he would pursue for the city: Lose the MTV image.

For more information, e-mail klingforcitycouncil@yahoo.com.

CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Nominating papers ? the required petitions signed by voters supporting a candidate ? will be available Monday, July 17. City Clerk Martha Anderson is asking candidates to make appointments to obtain the papers in order for her to pass on essential election information.