San Juan Capistrano Council Contenders

Three candidates are seeking two open seats on San Juan Capistrano’s City Council. A look at the contenders and the issues:

Collene

Thompson Campbell

Age: 64

Occupation: Incumbent

Background: Resident since 1978; has served on City Council since 1992 and was city’s first female mayor; served seven years on Planning Commission and was appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson to California Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission and the California Council on Criminal Justice

Major issues: Improve public safety, including stepping up gang enforcement; preserve city’s rural atmosphere by maintaining open space and ridgelines; spend within city’s budget; complete community center in one phase

John Greiner

Age: 58

Occupation: Owns career services and human resources consulting business

Background: Resident since 1976; Planning Commission member since 1991; trustee, Olive Crest Abused Children’s Foundation; member, Chamber of Commerce, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Providence Speech and Hearing Center in Orange

Major issues: Protect city’s village atmosphere by preserving ridgelines, open space and general plan; bring together city’s special interest groups; find funds to complete community center in one phase

Robert A. Hagstrom

Age: 47

Occupation: Retired U.S. Air Force officer

Background: Resident since 1992; member, South Orange County Retired Officers Assn.

Major issues: Preserve city’s rural atmosphere, ridgelines and open space; block high-density housing in town; improve neighborhood parks; stop using taxpayer money for city improvements

Source: Individual candidates; Researched by JULIE FATE SULLIVAN / For The Times