Gentlemen, place your bets
Here are the first odds for the 10 candidates seeking two City Council positions Nov. 7. But don’t bet your next Hummer payment; it’s far too early in the campaign season.
Keri Wilson: Name recognition, a $30,000 campaign treasury and her vote against the controversial, since-rescinded Old Town zoning ordinances give Wilson initial even odds. The decision by her 2002 running-mate and Town Center point man Ken Ryan to not seek a third term benefits Wilson by eliminating some anti-incumbent sentiment.
Jan Horton: One of the citizens most responsible for derailing a high-density downtown redevelopment plan and the council’s eminent domain authority, Horton has a built-in fan base of old-timers and newer residents who moved here for the small-town atmosphere, for 3-5 odds. She must raise campaign funds and show her competence on other issues.
Doug Dickerson: Supported by Mayor Mike Duvall, the retired Brea police captain, like Councilman Jim Winder, was the department’s liaison with the city. He drew some flack for his developer-funded recorded phone calls during the Town Center zoning clash, and voters might not want a fourth past or present police officer on the council, for 3-7 odds.
John Anderson: The independent-thinking city Traffic Commissioner is a Town Center Blue Ribbon Committee member. His current 3-9 odds could improve considerably if he develops the financial resources to carry his message and unique qualifications to voters.
Steven Brunette: A lawyer and former city Parks and Recreation Commissioner (1994-98), Brunette might win support from the sizable youth sports community. He’s been a coach and board member in soccer, softball and baseball leagues, for early 1-4 odds.
Mike Burns: The likable challenger placed eighth out of eight candidates for two seats in 2002 and fifth out of five candidates for three seats in 2004, winning 1,647 and 7,788 votes, respectively. A lack of funds in past campaigns puts his starting gate odds at 1-7.
Diana Hudson: A forceful speaker at occasional council meetings, Hudson ran fifth out of eight candidates for two seats in 2002, winning 3,790 votes. As is the case with many council challengers, fundraising could prove difficult, resulting in current odds of 1-9.
Alex Mikkelsen: An Eagle Scout from local Troop 778 and owner of American Roadster in Placentia, his Alex’s Auto and Fleet Service in Old Town was a victim of eminent domain proceedings by the city’s Redevelopment Agency, for early 1-9 odds.
Mel Woodward: The retired Fullerton police lieutenant and newcomer to the crowded political scene earns initial odds of 1-24. He volunteers at the Nixon Library and Friends of the Library Book Corner and serves on a homeowner association board of directors.
Walter Bruckner: The second-time candidate’s frequent arm-waving council meeting appearances are usually more amusing than instructive. He won 1,703 votes to finish sixth out of eight candidates for two seats in 2002, giving him pre-campaign 1-99 odds.
A FINAL NOTE
Mayor Mike Duvall says he’ll resign his City Council post effective Dec. 4, if he wins the state Assembly seat representing western and central Yorba Linda on Nov. 7.
Duvall wants to continue working on the county’s transportation and sanitation agencies as long as possible because he’s trying to cut insurance costs and cap employee pensions.
The next day, the council, with at least one new member, might discuss how to replace Duvall: an appointment, a special election or name the third-place finisher from Nov. 7.
The refreshingly candid Duvall says his downtown insurance firm gained many new clients because of his six council years. Elected leaders sometimes whine about lost business or job opportunities due to the time requirements of their official positions.
Actually, such service can win new business and enhance career possibilities, as the popular Duvall has demonstrated.
Keri Wilson: Name recognition, a $30,000 campaign treasury and her vote against the controversial, since-rescinded Old Town zoning ordinances give Wilson initial even odds. The decision by her 2002 running-mate and Town Center point man Ken Ryan to not seek a third term benefits Wilson by eliminating some anti-incumbent sentiment.
Jan Horton: One of the citizens most responsible for derailing a high-density downtown redevelopment plan and the council’s eminent domain authority, Horton has a built-in fan base of old-timers and newer residents who moved here for the small-town atmosphere, for 3-5 odds. She must raise campaign funds and show her competence on other issues.
Doug Dickerson: Supported by Mayor Mike Duvall, the retired Brea police captain, like Councilman Jim Winder, was the department’s liaison with the city. He drew some flack for his developer-funded recorded phone calls during the Town Center zoning clash, and voters might not want a fourth past or present police officer on the council, for 3-7 odds.
John Anderson: The independent-thinking city Traffic Commissioner is a Town Center Blue Ribbon Committee member. His current 3-9 odds could improve considerably if he develops the financial resources to carry his message and unique qualifications to voters.
Steven Brunette: A lawyer and former city Parks and Recreation Commissioner (1994-98), Brunette might win support from the sizable youth sports community. He’s been a coach and board member in soccer, softball and baseball leagues, for early 1-4 odds.
Mike Burns: The likable challenger placed eighth out of eight candidates for two seats in 2002 and fifth out of five candidates for three seats in 2004, winning 1,647 and 7,788 votes, respectively. A lack of funds in past campaigns puts his starting gate odds at 1-7.
Diana Hudson: A forceful speaker at occasional council meetings, Hudson ran fifth out of eight candidates for two seats in 2002, winning 3,790 votes. As is the case with many council challengers, fundraising could prove difficult, resulting in current odds of 1-9.
Alex Mikkelsen: An Eagle Scout from local Troop 778 and owner of American Roadster in Placentia, his Alex’s Auto and Fleet Service in Old Town was a victim of eminent domain proceedings by the city’s Redevelopment Agency, for early 1-9 odds.
Mel Woodward: The retired Fullerton police lieutenant and newcomer to the crowded political scene earns initial odds of 1-24. He volunteers at the Nixon Library and Friends of the Library Book Corner and serves on a homeowner association board of directors.
Walter Bruckner: The second-time candidate’s frequent arm-waving council meeting appearances are usually more amusing than instructive. He won 1,703 votes to finish sixth out of eight candidates for two seats in 2002, giving him pre-campaign 1-99 odds.
A FINAL NOTE
Mayor Mike Duvall says he’ll resign his City Council post effective Dec. 4, if he wins the state Assembly seat representing western and central Yorba Linda on Nov. 7.
Duvall wants to continue working on the county’s transportation and sanitation agencies as long as possible because he’s trying to cut insurance costs and cap employee pensions.
The next day, the council, with at least one new member, might discuss how to replace Duvall: an appointment, a special election or name the third-place finisher from Nov. 7.
The refreshingly candid Duvall says his downtown insurance firm gained many new clients because of his six council years. Elected leaders sometimes whine about lost business or job opportunities due to the time requirements of their official positions.
Actually, such service can win new business and enhance career possibilities, as the popular Duvall has demonstrated.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
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