SEAL BEACH : City Council Races Relatively Tame

Campaign placards are beginning to sprout up on lawns across the city--an indicator that Election Day is just weeks away. On March 29, residents in three of the city’s five council districts will go to the polls to select representatives. Incumbents are seeking reelection in all three races.

In a city known for its heated politics, this year’s races have so far been relatively low key. Unlike the election four years ago, when candidates clashed over the proposed Hellman Ranch housing development, this month’s vote lacks a dominant issue that divides candidates.

All eight candidates are expected to attend a community forum at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. The forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, will give residents a chance to pose questions to the candidates.

A likely top issue at the forum is crime. The city saw an increase in the number of armed robberies last summer, prompting some residents to call for construction of a police substation at Seal Beach Pier. Other residents want the city to increase the number of police patrols.

Several proposed developments in and around the city are also likely to be discussed at the forum. Some residents fear that traffic will increase if a plan is approved to build more than 1,000 homes near the Bolsa Chica wetlands just south of the city. A second large housing and golf course development is planned for some land at Lampson Avenue and Seal Beach Boulevard.

Fund raising by the eight candidates has varied widely.

In District 1, which covers the Old Town area, Councilwoman Marilyn Bruce Hastings has raised $5,130 as of the last contribution filing period, which ended Feb. 12. Businessman James J. Klisanin raised $2,791.75 during the same period. Charles Antos, a county planner and community activist, reported no fund raising as of Feb. 12.

In District 3, which covers the Marina Hill area, Mayor Gwen Forsythe has raised $2,384. Main Street merchant John Baker raised $1,173. Resident Kathleen Parker reported no contributions.

Neither candidate in the District 5 race reported any contributions in their February statements. In the race to represent Leisure World residents, Councilman William J. Doane is being challenged by engineering manager Richard E. Davies.