7 Vying for 2 Seats Want More Businesses

Most of the seven candidates seeking two open City Council seats say they want to attract new businesses, which in turn pay for city services through sales-tax revenue. But not just any businesses. Only those that don’t pollute, swell traffic or make too much noise need apply.

The candidates include incumbent James D. Petrikin but not Mayor George B. Scott, who after 20 years on the council is not seeking another term.

Attracting businesses that don’t bother the neighbors isn’t easy in Fountain Valley. Locals want to boost sales-tax revenue but they don’t necessarily want lucrative businesses, such as car dealerships, near their homes.

“We’re not going to have anything that causes problems within our local atmosphere,” Petrikin said. He favors new commercial developments, particularly in South Park, that mesh with the city’s suburban look.

Candidates Larry R. Crandall, a county investigator, Mark R. Matthews, an attorney, and Doug Bannister, a small-business owner, agree that new enterprise is important but not at the expense of quality of life. They tout sensible growth.

As with most elections, crime is at the forefront. Each candidate called law enforcement a priority.

Barry G. Migliorini, director of a brokerage firm, said he will do “whatever it takes to make Fountain Valley the safest community in the country.”

Chuck Conlosh, a police officer seeking office, favors beefing up after-school sports programs and youth leagues to combat gang membership and drug use.

And candidate Virginia Harter, a small-business owner, wants to hire more police and code enforcement officers.

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Fountain Valley Council Candidates

Seven candidates, including one incumbent, are seeking two open City Council seats. A quick look at the contenders:

Doug Bannister

Age: 29

Occupation: Insurance agent

Background: Member, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce; former staff officer, Huntington Beach Search and Rescue; Boy Scouts of America endowment volunteer

Major issues: Support Police Department and keep crime down; oppose new taxes and fees; encourage new business

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Chuck Conlosh

Age: 31

Occupation: Police officer

Background: Volunteer, recreational therapy department at Children’s Hospital of Orange County; teaches drug and gang diversion to children

Major issues: Put more police officers on streets; attract new businesses; oppose tax increases; increase after-school and youth-league sports to deter gang membership and drug use

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Larry R. Crandall

Age: 47

Occupation: County investigator

Background: Member, Fountain Valley School District Board of Trustees; former vice president, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce; past Fountain Valley Fiesta organizer; former chairman, Fountain Valley Traffic Committee; member, Orange County School Board Assn.; member, California School Board Assn.; member, Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council

Major issues: Balance city budget without tax or fee increases; maintain low crime rate and strong Police Department; attract

businesses that do not “intrude” on residential areas

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Virginia Harter

Age: 46

Occupation: Small-business owner

Background: Member, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce and Fountain Valley Women’s Club

Major issues: Hire more police officers and an additional code enforcement officer; create city-supported program for senior citizens; support youth programs

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Mark R. Matthews

Age: 33

Occupation: Attorney

Background: Boy Scout volunteer

Major issues: Oppose electronic message board near San Diego Freeway; oppose increased water fees; balance need for municipal revenue with needs of residents

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Barry G. Migliorini

Age: 30

Occupation: Brokerage firm director

Background: Little League coach and manager; member, Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce

Major issues: Oppose tax increases; decrease size of city government; ensure public safety

James D. Petrikin

Age: 56

Occupation: Chiropractor

Background: Incumbent council member; past president, Boys and Girls Club of Huntington Valley

Major issues: Add personnel to Fire and Police departments; maintain small-town atmosphere of Euclid Avenue and South Park

Source: Individual candidates

Los Angeles Times