Voter Guide for Mission Viejo City Council
Editorial staff

Ten candidates will vie for three council seats on Nov. 7, including incumbents John Paul Ledesma, Trish Kelley and Lance MacLean. Challengers are Jim Woodin, Michael Ferrall, Bill Barker, Neil Lonsinger, Brian Skalsky, Diane Greenwood and Justin McCusker.

John Paul Ledesma: Yes. Council member with seniority at age 38 – the diplomatic one who generally supports the residents and keeps his promises. He has an imperfect voting record after approving two high-density housing projects, and he supported a redevelopment deal in 2003. Despite this, he should be reelected.

Michael Ferrall: Yes. He brings leadership and tenacity that others lack. Least likely to become squishy on principles and promises. Solution-oriented. Five-term former state legislator who can discuss issues without becoming contentious.

Jim Woodin: Yes. Affable former banker and trust officer who understands finance. He fought high-density housing projects as a community activist, and he defends the Master Plan. Dependable, trustworthy, diplomatic, likeable.

Incumbent Lance MacLean: A big, fat NO. Surly, rude, picks fights with other council members. Immediately flipped on most issues after being elected in 2002. Maligns the city and residents in newspaper interviews. Favors more housing and dismantling of the city’s Master Plan.

Incumbent Trish Kelley: No. Broke all campaign promises; voted for zone changes and high-density housing after fighting such projects years ago in her neighborhood. A smiling face during her campaign cannot compensate for four years of infighting on the council. Zero understanding of financial matters.

Three challengers to avoid at all costs: Numbers 1, 2 and 3 on the ballot – Diane Greenwood, Bill Barker and Justin McCusker. Supported by lobbyists and funded by out-of-town money. They all support more housing and overcrowding.

Diane Greenwood: No. One-issue candidate who wants the power lines buried in her neighborhood at everyone else’s expense. Uses personal attack and intimidation to push her agenda. Lacks believable credentials, despite claims of being a “high-tech entrepreneur.” She’s one of the attack-dog activists.

Bill Barker: No. Ego-driven and becomes belligerent when anyone disagrees with him. He demonstrated as a commissioner an inability to listen to or respect others’ opinions. Wants to be Boss Barker, not Councilman Barker.

Justin McCusker. No. Arrogant, argumentative, immature 31-year-old. Says he was encouraged to run by “businessmen” – (lobbyists). Has attended one council meeting for about 10 minutes. Unknown in the community despite claims of regional fame and grandeur.

Neil Lonsinger. No. He apparently has forgotten his votes as a planning commission when he’s repeatedly overturned commercial zoning and supported high-density and mixed-use housing projects, which he now condemns in his campaign literature. His promises to save the village from urbanization and high density clash with his voting record.

Brian Skalsky. No. This 24-year-old is a sweet kid, but he’s not ready. His na‹vet‚ and lack of leadership are similar to that of Trish Kelley, who has catered to staff opinion and flip-flopped on most issues. Brian would be trampled by almost everyone, including city staff, other council members and a handful of nasty residents who attend every council meeting.