City Election Update

Twelve city council candidates completed the filing process to run for three open council seats. Several others took out nomination papers but didn’t file by the 5 p.m. deadline on Aug. 6.

Incumbents in the race are Trish Kelley and Dave Leckness. Councilman John Paul Ledesma terms out of office this year. In alphabetical order, the challengers are Bill Barker, Fred Carr, Mark Dobrilovic, Ken Golemo, Neil Lonsinger, Sam Mamola, ex-councilman Lance MacLean, Rhonda Reardon, Rick Sandzimier and Brian Skalsky.

Ballot statements for all but Mamola and Golemo can be found at http://cityofmissionviejo.org/DepartmentPage.aspx?id=11261.

With ballot statements limited to 200 words, candidates had to choose what is important to them. From their own words, here are excerpts:

Bill Barker, registered professional engineer: During these difficult economic times, my Fortune 100 (non bailout corporation) Engineering Project Management experience brings skills in analyzing work scope, making prudent financial decisions, strategic planning and authoring policy decisions.

Fred Carr, local businessman: I have been managing a successful business for over 20 years. Through my experience I have learned what is necessary to be fiscally responsible. I would like to promote favorable business environment through economic development which will in turn provide more jobs in our community.

Mark Dobrilovic, commissioner/financial advisor: As an Investment Advisory Commissioner for Mission Viejo, pension and spending reform are top priorities. I will use my experience to challenge spiraling costs, redirecting savings to vital services, maintenance and public safety!

Trish Kelley, city council member: A public servant rather than a “politician,” Trish volunteers extensively: Saddleback College Foundation, Southern California Army Advisory Council, Relay for Life, Mission Viejo Activities Committee, Capistrano Valley High School PSTA, church. Trish devotes herself full-time to her council position.

Dave Leckness, Mission Viejo councilman/businessman: As a long-time owner of Kwik Kopy Printing in Mission Viejo and a 25-year member and former Director of the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce, I know how to balance budgets and use resources wisely.

Neil Lonsinger: Former Chairman of Mission Viejo Planning and Transportation Commission, President and Treasurer of Mission Viejo’s largest Homeowners Association (MVEA), Vice-President of Nationwide Customer Service Business, and Independent Business Owner, proven negotiator, team builder and financial manager.

Lance MacLean, FDIC operations specialist: $513,271 of your hard earned tax dollars was wasted on two unnecessary special elections, forced on residents by a fake grass roots group that fallaciously manufactures issues on a regular basis.

Rhonda Reardon, retired business manager: I consider public office to be a public trust, a responsibility, and most importantly an opportunity to serve fellow citizens. The citizens of our city deserve council members with business and life experiences, who will stand on principle and make decisions with integrity and servant’s hearts.

Rick Sandzimier, Mission Viejo commissioner/businessman: As a Commissioner, my record clearly demonstrates my ability to work effectively with colleagues, staff, and the community. During my tenure the standards of the City have been preserved.

Brian Skalsky, commissioner: Raised in Mission Viejo, Brian attended Barcelona Hills Elementary School, Newhart Middle School, and Capistrano Valley High School. He graduated from UCI-Irvine and was self-employed as an industrial hygienist until attending Loyola Law School.