Baric Bids for State Assembly With Key Endorsements

Steve Baric, a Rancho Santa Margarita city councilman who won election on the premise of ferreting out fraud and stopping the city from becoming another Bell, now has his crosshairs aimed at Sacramento.

Baric is running for State Assembly in the 73rd District, where he will be matched up against another RSM councilman, Jesse Petrilla.

They, along with Capistrano Unified School District trustee Anna Bryson, Dana Point councilman Bill Brough, and former Laguna Niguel mayor Paul Glaab, are vying for the open seat held by Diane Harkey, whose third and final term ends in 2014. Brough, a government affairs consultant, was until recently former chief of staff for Harkey, who announced a bid for the State Board of Equalization.

Baric, previously the vice chair of the California Republican Party, said he made his decision in the "last three or four months" after what he saw was a disturbing trend in the last election cycle. 

"We weren't electing people who were pro growth who wanted to reduce the size of government, regulation, and taxation on businesses and individuals," Baric said. "The other thing was the early prisoner release stuff. I was involved in that 2-3 years ago in litigation to prevent that, and it's starting to happen.

"There were a couple of issues I felt strongly about and felt I could bring a different perspective than some other candidates." 

When they campaigned against each other in 2010 for three available seats on the RSM council, Baric received 6,915 votes, 481 fewer than Petrilla, who tweeted April 19 that he had gained the endorsement of state senator Joel Anderson.

Baric, who used to work as a deputy district attorney specializing in criminal gang prosecution, enters the fray with a couple of key endorsements: Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and district attorney Tony Rackauckas.

Baric said in his press release early last week his focus will be on protecting taxpayers; reducing the cost, size and scope of state government; revitalizing California's economy; stopping the early release of criminals; and restoring public safety.

“Our south county district has a tradition of sending strong, pro-taxpayer and pro-business leaders to Sacramento and I look forward to continuing that tradition,” Baric said.

In supporting Baric, Rackauckas said: “As a former criminal prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney’s office and a locally elected official, Steve Baric possesses the background, experience and dedication to be a great representative for the 73rd district. He will be a strong voice for public safety and conservative fiscal policies that protect the public and the taxpayers of our county and state.”

The release also quoted Hutchens: “Steve Baric is dedicated to working with law enforcement to keep our communities, schools and neighborhoods safe. His experience as a deputy district attorney and city council member makes him a standout candidate and a great choice for south county voters.”

Baric initiated an ordinance in Rancho Santa Margarita approved last year to prohibit registered sex offenders from entering local parks.

Yet Baric backed away from publicly getting tough on apparent fraud after aspiring council candidate Kenney Hrabik and planning commissioner Peter Whittingham circulated erroneous information about the city's business environment as the foundation for a petition to establish council term limits and eliminate council benefits—both of which Baric supports. Baric subsequently reappointed Whittingham as his planning commissioner.

Baric also had an opportunity to hold Petrilla to the fire when, during a council meeting, Petrilla attempted to portray himself as not receiving council benefits despite still receiving benefits. Baric has never taken benefits from the City during his two years in office.

Now that he and Petrilla are running for the same seat, Baric has the option of illuminating Petrilla's attempted deception, but said he doesn't expect the campaign dynamic to creep into council chambers.

"Our job is to focus on doing the work of the City of RSM," Baric said. "As it is related to that, there won’t be much impact at all. From my perspective, that’s what our focus needs to be. I don’t think it will impact how we go about doing our business on the council."

Like eliminating council benefits, part of Baric's plan for "tough financial reform" that helped get him elected in RSM included the formation of "a Taxpayer Oversight Committee to watch for fraud and abuse," but no attempt has yet been made to create such a body.

In 2005, Baric was given the Diligent Prosecutor award by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. In 2008, he organized a group of legislators who filed a lawsuit to prevent the early release of 50,000 violent felons; the case was argued in the United States Supreme Court.

In addition to his own Rancho Santa Margarita, the 73rd district includes the Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano and the unincorporated areas of Ladera Ranch, Ortega, Silverado and Trabuco. 

Baric is married and has one child. 

TELL US IN THE COMMENTS: What do you think about Steve Baric's chances in the 73rd District? Why do you like him, or dislike him, in that position?