Illegal Immigration Has Emerged as City Council Campaign Issue

Five challengers and one incumbent, with vastly different positions on a surprise campaign issue--illegal immigration--will vie Nov. 3 for two seats on the City Council.

More traditional local issues, from economic growth to redevelopment and public safety, also are dominating the election.

City Councilman Gary Monahan, seeking a second term, pledges to continue his record as a supporter of police hiring and programs, property rights and business. Mayor Peter Buffa’s decision to retire from the council opens the second seat.

Remaining candidates include Planning Commissioner Linda W. Dixon, marketing manager Caroline Butler, political aide Lawrence Jones, and businessmen James R. Fisler and Chris Steel.

Dixon, a planning commissioner since 1993, said she favors neighborhood beautification programs, preserving open space and fostering a strong, respectful relationship between residents and businesses.

Butler, a board member with the Costa Mesa Senior Center, ReLeaf Costa Mesa and Mesa Pride, said she supports programs that preserve open space. She’d also like to expand code enforcement programs, repair aging streets, build small “pocket parks” and push redevelopment plans for the west side.

The platforms of three candidates--Fisler, Jones and Steel--call for curbs on illegal immigration.

In his campaign statement, Fisler said he “will make decisions based on what is good for the city as a whole, not catering to ethnicity and balkanizing our city.” He contends city-funded programs, such as the Costa Mesa Job Center, help illegal immigrants find work.

Jones wants to prevent public funds from helping undocumented immigrants and favors programs to redevelop unattractive property, bring in more businesses and strengthen anti-gang programs.

Steel said he wants to force undocumented residents from schools and rental units and would like to close the Job Center.

Dixon, Butler and Monahan said the matter is not really a local issue and is better handled by the federal government.

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Contesting Costa Mesa

Six candidates are seeking two seats on the Costa Mesa City Council in the Nov. 3 election:

Caroline Butler

Age: 51

Occupation: Businesswoman

Background: Costa Mesa Tourism Council; Costa Mesa Human Relations Committee; board member, ReLeaf Costa Mesa, the Costa Mesa Senior Center, Mesa Pride and Historical Society

Issues: Expand area policing program; preserve open space; create small “pocket parks”

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Linda W. Dixon

Age: 49

Occupation: Institutional fund development consultant

Background: Planning commissioner; Costa Mesa Civic Assn. president; Costa Mesa transportation commissioner

Issues: Preserve open space; expand recreational facilities for children and teens; neighborhood beautification

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James R. Fisler

Age: 47

Occupation: Businessman

Background: Member, Voices of Citizens Together (group opposing illegal immigration); charter member, Buchanan Brigades

Issues: Stop funding the Costa Mesa Job Center; drive out undocumented immigrants; build 19th Street bridge

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Lawrence Jones

Age: 31

Occupation: Congressional aide

Background: Aide to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, (R-Huntington Beach); member, California Republican Party Committee and Republican National Committee

Issues: Redevelop unattractive properties; eliminate public funding that helps undocumented immigrants; beef up anti-gang tactics

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Gary Monahan

Age: 39

Occupation: City councilman/restaurateur

Background: Backed city proposal to hire nine police officers; supported term limits and building a youth sports center at the Costa Mesa High School farm site; opposed City Council proposal for stricter limits on businesses that sell liquor

Issues: Continue emphasizing public safety; keep a tight rein on spending; improve parks and infrastructure

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Chris Steel

Age: 57

Occupation: Small-business owner, private investor

Background: Fund-raiser for Estancia High School band; youth sports coach

Issues: Try to evict undocumented immigrants from the city; improve property values; eliminate 19th Street bridge proposal

Source: Individual candidates