Development dominates Dana Point candidates’ open forum

Oct. 16--Nine candidates running for Dana Point City Council took positions on the Town Center Plan and improvements to Doheny Village during an open candidate forum on Oct. 9.

There are no incumbents in the race for three open seats to replace Mayor Lisa Bartlett, Mayor Pro Tem Steven Weinberg and Councilman Bill Brough.

"The Town Center is the central issue of this whole campaign," said former Councilman Harold Kaufman, one of the candidates.

Kaufman said he was against unwarranted variances, but noted that certain situations required compromises. Variances have been a contentious issue in developments proposed to the council and Planning Commission, with some projects asking for extra height that exceeds city standards.

Along with Kaufman, Web design agency owner Alan Wickstrom took a similar view, that "topographically, sometimes things need variances."

Others stuck strictly to the rules of the Town Center Plan, including retired professional development consultant Nancy Jenkins, business owner Jody Payne and retired water agency financial officer Chuck Rathbone. Insurance broker Ryan Divel joked that he hadn't heard of the Town Center Plan, and took a selfie with the crowd during another question.

In terms of priorities, Divel focused on building a skate park and reducing prescription drug use. Kaufman also spoke about the skate park, creating a specific plan for Doheny Village and re-establishing cash reserves. Attorney John Tomlinson said he has a background in development, and Rathbone said his business and finance skills enabled him to be a watchdog in the city. Several candidates spoke about preserving Dana Point and deciding the direction of the community.

Topics at the forum covered the Dana Point Harbor revitalization, drought, the proposed South Shores Church renovation, reducing homelessness and cleaning up Doheny Village.

Marine Corps Lt. Col. Richard Viczorek, emphasizing his military and law background, said proper enforcement and more police officers were needed in Doheny Village.

Jenkins, Wickstrom, Tomlinson and Kaufman applauded police and code enforcement for making improvements in the area. Small-business owner Joe Muller pushed for a Doheny Village master plan, while Payne said he was against "taking 10 years to develop a plan" and Divel said the city already has several "balls in the air" with ongoing projects.

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