Meet your candidates

After Friday’s 5 p.m. deadline for filing papers to enter the 2008 race for City Council in Newport Beach, there are six people running for three open seats. There are eight candidates for Costa Mesa’s council, but because Councilwoman Linda Dixon not running for reelection, the deadline for filing has been extended until Wednesday.

Name: Steve Rosansky

Occupation: Real estate broker and restaurant owner

Education: Bachelor’s of science and economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Political Experience: Has served five years on the city council, spending one year as mayor.

Why people should vote for him: “If you look at my record, I have done an excellent job representing West Newport and Newport beach. I think my record speaks for itself.”

Name: Gloria Alkire* (candidacy pending qualification of signatures on nomination papers)

Occupation: Retired. Former teacher, principal and superintendent.

Education: Bachelor’s in history from Cal State Long Beach. Doctorate in educational leadership.

Political Experience: Worked closely with school board and city council while a superintendent in Bakersfield.

Why should people vote for her: “I am a person who looks at all sides of issues, I have practiced ethical behavior in all of the work I have ever done and my desire is to continue to improve the quality of life in Newport Beach.”

Name: Jorge Lopez* (candidacy pending qualification of signatures on nomination papers)

Occupation: Loan officer for company in Huntington Beach and often works with Corona del Mar properties.

Education: No degrees, but attended some classes at OCC.

Political Experience: None.

Why should people vote for him: Could not be reached for comment.

Name: Ed Selich

Occupation: Businessman

Education: Has a bachelor’s degree in environmental design with an emphasis in urban planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Political Experience: Was appointed to City Council in 2005 and won reelection in 2006. He is now serving as mayor. He is also a former Newport Beach Planning Commissioner.

Why should people vote for Ed Selich: “I bring some unique skills to the City Council that are very helpful at this time in the city’s history in implementing the general plan.”

Name: Keith Curry

Occupation: Financial advisor

Education: Received a master’s degree in public administration from California State University Long Beach.

Political Experience: Was appointed to the City Council in 2006 and was later reelected that year.

Why should people vote for him: “I have kept my promises and we have achieved a solid record of accomplishment including the Newport Beach Community Center, the 1/1 Marines Memorial and the plan for the new Oasis Center.”

Name: Dolores Otting

Occupation: Businesswoman

Education: Bachelor’s of science degree from Salem State College, Mass.

Political Experience: Has run for city council three previous times.

Why should people vote for her: “They should vote for me if they want a public servant on their City Council, one who wants a friendly, open government.”

Name: Nick Moss

Occupation: Security system programmer

Education: Bachelor’s of science in electronic engineering from ITT Tech

Political Experience: Never held elected office

Why should people vote for him: “I’m dedicated to the free market, individual liberty and small government.”

Name: Katrina Foley

Occupation: Lawyer/Law firm owner

Education: Bachelor of arts from UCLA, J.D. from Seattle University School of Law

Political Experience: Four years on City Council

Why should people vote for her: “I will continue my work to keep crime low, protect our neighborhoods from traffic and encroaching development, improve playing fields and maintain a balanced budget.”

Name: Gary Monahan

Occupation: Restaurant/Bar owner

Education: Attended Cal State Fullerton

Political Experience: 12 years on City Council

Why should people vote for him: “With my family and business in Costa Mesa I have a big stake in its future, and I believe I bring common-sense leadership.”

Name: Eric Bever

Occupation: Antique and art dealer

Education: Bachelor of arts in design from Cal State Fullerton

Political experience: Four years on City Council

Why should people vote for him: “Over the last four years I’ve initiated projects to: fix our downtown traffic, waive permit fees for home improvements, revitalize the Westside and create a new 10-acre sports complex. With the support of the community I would be honored to continue improving Costa Mesa.”

Name: Jim Righeimer

Occupation: Real estate developer

Education: Bachelor’s of science in business management from Pepperdine University.

Political Experience: Never held elected office

Why should people vote for him: “I think I bring a skill set to the city that’s needed to bring forward the big visionary things that we need to do.”

Name: Chris Bunyan

Occupation: Business manager of a hair salon

Education: Bachelor’s of arts in philosophy from Cal State Long Beach.

Political Experience: Never held elected office

Why should people vote for him: “I will put forth a bold and audacious plan to cure our overwhelming traffic crisis and remove street gangs once and for all. Costa Mesans deserve the best, and I will provide them with the lifestyle that they deserve.”

Name: Bill Sneen

Occupation: Marketing executive for a food company

Education: Attended San Fernando Valley State College

Political Experience: Never held elected office

Why should people vote for him: “If elected I will apply my many years of professional business experience in a non-partisan approach to build consensus with other council members to achieve the expressed goals of Costa Mesa residents.”

Name: Lisa Reedy

Occupation: Business strategist for a pet supply company

Education: Bachelor’s of science in Business from Queensland University

Political Experience: Never held elected office

Why should people vote for her: “I am a problem solver. It’s time for a change: new faces, fresh ideas and clear perspectives.”