By Andrea Swayne
Nine candidates will vie for three openings on the Dana Point City Council come Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4.
The trio of open seats on the five-member body are being vacated by Mayor Lisa Bartlett, who is seeking higher office in the race for the Fifth District seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors; Councilman Bill Brough, who is running for the California Assembly 73rd District seat and Mayor Pro Tem Steven Weinberg, who is terming out.
Originally, a total of 12 Dana Point citizens pulled papers. At the Aug. 13, 5:30 p.m. deadline, three, Martin Chokany, Denise Erkeneff and Anthony Kelly, had not returned their forms, thereby solidifying the final tally at nine.
In the months leading up to the election, the Dana Point Times will publish ongoing coverage of this race and others being voted on by Dana Point residents in November.
Within the next few weeks we will begin sharing candidates’ answers to questions on issues facing the city. This special pre-election coverage will culminate with our special election issue on Friday, Oct. 24.
Below are the official candidate statements of the City Council hopefuls, unedited and presented in alphabetical order.
In future articles, the order in which candidates’ answers are printed will vary but never run in the order in which they will appear on the ballot.
The ballot order was determined via a random drawing by the California Secretary of State’s Office on Aug. 14 and is as follows:
Chuck Rathbone
Jody Payne
Richard A. Viczorek
Nancy J. Jenkins
Joe Muller
Roy “Ryan” Divel IV
John A. Tomlinson
Alan Wickstrom
Harold R. Kaufman.
Roy “Ryan” Divel IV
Local Businessman
I’m a Fourth generation South County Native, with historical roots and values developed right here in Our City. Elections seem to breed greed and division among our usually tight knit community. I’m here to try and bring “Common Sense” to our decision making, which I specifically think needs to reflect the ideals of our residents and local businesses. Dana Point needs a fresh perspective, with creative thinkers, which I will bring to the table normally inhabited by career-oriented minds.
My platform is simple:
Inherit and interject the Resident’s populous vision for a beneficial and Responsible Development of our beloved town center “Lantern District”.
Develop and implement a strategic plan for a zero-cost recreational skatepark for community youth.
Innovate and Expand substance abuse related awareness and programs aimed toward our high-school aged population. These kids need our help and guidance and Are Going To Be The Leaders for Dana Point tomorrow.
I’ve Always been: ‘Pro-Business’, ‘Pro-Residents’ while being ‘Pro-Active’ in doing things in a Responsible matter that makes “Common Sense” for everyone.
I humbly ask for your help to lead Capo Beach, Monarch Beach and all of Dana Point for the next four years. Thank You.
www.Divel4dp.com #DPCommonSense
Nancy Jenkins
Retired Educator/Commissioner
In my 23 years as a resident, my passion and dedication to Dana Point are evidenced by long-standing involvement with the city and in the community.
I served on the original City Charitable Grand Subcommittee, and was an inaugural member of the Arts and Culture Commission, serving one year as Chairwoman. I am on the Board of the Dana Point Historical Society, and also the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, functioning as Support and Outreach Director, Volunteer Coordinator, while developing and providing ongoing monitoring of a transition program.
My career in education management and as a professional development consultant has provided critical skills that include successful budgeting and consensus building.
When elected, I will: 1) move current major projects forward in keeping with approved plans; 2) support worthy projects while encouraging a strong resident voice; 3) ensure that residents’ quality-of-life concerns take precedence; 4) foster a broad business community to benefit both residents and visitors; 5) promote transparency and candor from the Council; and 6) develop a strong financial direction.
It is time for strong leadership to greet the future, for which I am uniquely qualified.
I respectfully ask for your vote on November 4. More: electnancyjenkins.com.
Harold R. Kaufman
Businessman
Help me complete Town Center responsibly, develop a specific plan for Capistrano Beach, find a suitable location for a skateboard park, treat dry-season runoff to keep our ocean clean, and provide true reform to employee pension program.
During my tenure on City Council (1994 to 2002), I was instrumental in establishing the Youth Board, developing the DHHS Sports Park and Stonehill Creekside Park, providing funds to purchase Spirit of Dana Point for the Ocean Institute, purchasing City Hall, reducing density on the Headlands, establishing Dana Point/San Clemente Animal Shelter, establishing Historical Preservation ordinance, moving Town Center project forward.
I have proven my dedication to Dana Point as a team builder and hard worker. I demonstrated this negotiating settlements in personal injury cases; as former member of the boards of Ocean Institute, Capistrano Valley Symphony, South Coast Medical Center, Foothill/Eastern Toll Road Agency, Orange County Fire Authority; volunteer for 5th Marine Support Group, Historical Society, AYSO, American Legion; through my education (Penn State BSEE, University of Denver MBA), former USAF Captain, and Dana Point Citizen of the Year (1996).
My wife Michele and I, 30-year residents of Dana Point, appreciate your support and hope you will allow me to serve the City again in November.
Joe Muller
Small Business Owner
My wife and I, along with our twin boys love Dana Point and are proud to call it our home. I care deeply about the future of our community and why I decided to run for Dana Point City Council.
Like my hero President Ronald Reagan, I am a fiscal conservative, opposed to tax and fee increases and a believer in limited government at all levels. As your Dana Point City Councilman, the interests of the residents and taxpayers will always come first.
My priorities for the City are; maintaining a budget surplus, redevelopment of our City center, upgrading of our harbor area, creating a Doheny Village Master Plan, ensuring public safety, cutting spending where needed, enhancing local businesses and working to protect our quality of life we are privileged to enjoy in Dana Point.
I’m a small business owner and involved in our community such as our children’s school, little league, autism organizations and NFL flag football. I have been endorsed by Senator Mimi Walters, Congressman Ed Royce, Councilman Carlos Olvera and dozens of community, resident organization and business leaders.
Please vote Joe Muller for Dana Point City Council!
Jody Payne
Business Owner/Writer
A nearly 20 year resident and homeowner, I am an educator and business owner with a long history of service in Dana Point. As a mom, I have worked tirelessly with our youth in such organizations as PTSA, Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts, CUSD, SOCSA, and Students Run LA. A strong and robust Dana Point must be our legacy.
Sweeping financial decisions are being approved with little transparency. We deserve thoughtful, unhurried deliberation on key issues. It is time residents reassert our critical role in crafting Dana Point’s future.
As Councilwoman, I will:
Fight to maintain the highest quality of life for our residents
Protect property rights and values
Practice responsible financial management, including maintaining healthy budget reserves
Promote Dana Point as a premier visitor destination
Work to find sensible solutions to parking and traffic issues
Endorse and encourage arts and cultural events
Act in a professional, courteous and collaborative manner on the City Council
This election is critical. Dana Point is facing major changes in Town Center, Doheny Village, Dana Point Harbor, and our gateways. I guarantee residents will be heard as decisions are made about how our city is changed and developed.
Vote Jody Payne for City Council.
Chuck Rathbone
Retired
I am a retired CFO from a Water/Wastewater Agency and former School Board member who has lived in beautiful Dana Point for over 9 years. I am running for Dana Point City Council to ensure that fiscal responsibility and prudent use of reserves are addressed. My 36 years of experience in finance and working with public facilities has provided me the insight that is needed in our City.
My priority is to represent the publics’ best interests. I am interested in the safety and growth of Town Center. Development is inevitable, but we need to keep our coastal community atmosphere and charm intact, as this is the heart and soul that is Dana Point.
When given the opportunity to serve, I will invest the time it takes to make this City even better than it already is. That includes a strong financial balance sheet, make public safety a priority, outreach and communication to our citizens, and tourism that enhances our businesses and residents. We must keep the heart of Dana Point local. Local residents and businesses should have the major voice in decisions regarding the growth of Dana Point.
Please vote Chuck Rathbone for Dana Point City Council.
John Tomlinson
Business Owner/Attorney
My family has lived in Capistrano Beach since the 1960s. I fondly remember my frequent visits to my grandparent’s home over the past 47 years. My wife, children and I love being full-time residents of our community. Our roots are too deep to move.
My experience in property management, as well my volunteer positions in Orange County will enable me to provide our community with a well-balanced approach on issues we face. I will actively invite you and our fellow citizens to participate in successfully addressing community concerns.
Of primary concern are the following issues: our safety; preservation, maintenance and development of infrastructure; financial stewardship of public funds; and fiscal and environmental restraint regarding innovative development (Town Center, Doheny Village, and Harbor Revitalization).
I hold a BA from the U.C. Berkeley, a Juris Doctor from western State University College of Law, and an MBA from Chapman University. I am an Attorney-at-Law.
I look forward to giving back and serving our community that has given so much to my family and me.
My investment is in you and the City of Dana Point.
Please vote for me so that I may continue to serve our community.
Richard A. Viczorek
Marine/Attorney/Businessman
My family and I moved to Dana Point because it is a thriving and all-American community in which to live, work, and raise a family.
I am running for Dana Point City Council because I want to take an active role in continually improving our community and maintaining our positive momentum – by being fiscally conservative, open to suggestions, and transparent in my actions and communications. The city belongs to all of us, and I seek to represent your best interests as we move Dana Point forward while maintaining a solid financial footing and focusing city government on its core functions of providing security, maintaining and improving our public spaces and infrastructure, and creating the conditions for economic growth.
I am a small businessman and attorney focusing on federal and military appeals. I am also a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and a veteran of the war in Iraq. I graduated from UCLA and then Santa Clara University School of Law before serving our country at home and abroad. My wife, Sarah, and I are the proud parents of three young boys.
I would appreciate your vote and would be honored to serve.
Alan Wickstrom
Dana Point Business Owner
This election is about you, the citizens of Dana Point.
I am a 28-year Dana Point resident. Liz and I have been married for 27 years and our daughter graduated from Dana Hills.
I started my web design agency in 1995 and have nearly two decades of business experience. I am a no-nonsense leader who will see that the City is operated in a business-like manner and I will be fully accountable to you.
Like you, I love Dana Point with all my heart. I have the vision and fiscally responsible business sense to help navigate our city through a very important juncture in our development.
I will help retain our small town charm and outstanding quality of life. I will work tirelessly for safe, healthy beaches in Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, and Monarch Beach.
My accomplishments include:
2009 Dana Point Citizen of the Year
Director, Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group
Director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce
2007-09 President, SOCSA Foundation at Dana Hills
2011/12 Commissioner, Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission
2013/14 President, Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary
Among my many supporters are Nancy Baumann, Mayor Pro Tem Weinberg, Councilman Olvera and former Mayors Wayne Rayfield and Harold Kaufman.
Thank you for your vote November 4th.
Readers: If you would like to suggest questions for the candidates, please send an email to aswayne@dananpointtimes.com by Aug. 26. Throughout election season, we will also welcome letters to the editor in support of your favored candidates for City Council and other upcoming races. Please strictly adhere to a 350-word maximum and include your name, phone number and city of residence.
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