Tonight Could Be Lucky for Aspiring Council Member

In the battle to fill RSM's vacant City Council seat, the field of candidates has already been whittled from 21 to 12. Will it shrink to one tonight?

A special 7 p.m. meeting called by Mayor Tony Beall could prove decisive as colleagues Jerry Holloway, Steve Baric and—via teleconference from Kentucky—Jesse Petrilla launch a public debate about who should join them on the dais at City Hall.

Among the 12 finalists for Gary Thompson's vacant seat are a former mayor, three planning commissioners, a police chief, two water district officials and the man affectionately known as the voice of Rancho Santa Margarita.

That voice, which belongs to Curt Stanley, figures to get some attention in tonight's debate. His ethics and community contributions have been recognized by a couple of service clubs, and, as the first of the 12 candidates to take questions from city officials, he has demonstrated a budget expertise that few knew about.

RSM finances are likely to the first pressing issue faced by the new council member.

Other favorites include Carol Gamble, who served on the City Council for five years—and was the city's second mayor in 2001—as well as planning commissioners Jim Eakin, Brad McGirr and Peter Whittingham.

Tonight, the finalists are expected to face additional questions and possibly elimination. Councilman Petrilla, who is in Kentucky for a California National Guard training session, will participate via teleconference, a development has been .

Here is the complete list of 12 applicants who were interviewed and asked to return for tonight:

• Glenn Acosta, Dove Canyon: Director of the Trabuco Canyon Water District, and appointed by O.C. Supervisor Pat Bates to serve on the O.C. Waste Management Commission.
• Jim Eakin, Trabuco Canyon: Software engineer and businessman who is on the Planning Commission as Jerry Holloway’s appointment.
• Carol A. Gamble, RSM: Consultant and civil engineer who is the city's former mayor and who was directly involved in the incorporation of Rancho Santa Margarita.
• Kenny P. Hrabik, Trabuco Canyon: Businessman who owns the Dove Canyon Courtyard.
• Donnamarie Kline, RSM: Volunteer with professional background in employee benefits.
• Lawrence “Larry” McCook, RSM: Retired business executive who garnered more than 4,300 votes during a six-week campaign for council in 2010.
• Brad McGirr, RSM: Attorney and current member of the Planning Commission, appointed by Mayor Beall.
• Kevin J. Raney, RSM: Chief of police in Garden Grove.
• Kathleen A. Roach, RSM: Worked 15 years in municipal government, including seven as assistant city manager in Rancho Santa Margarita.
• Michael F. Safranski, RSM: Senior director of facilities and security for Emulex Corp., board president of the Trabuco Canyon Water District and Trabuco Highlands Community Assn.
• Curt Stanley, RSM: Small business owner who often emcees Rancho Santa Margarita events.
• Peter Whittingham, RSM: Vice president of (former Anaheim mayor) Curt Pringle and Associates and former press deputy to Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich. He joined RSM's Planning Commission in January, appointed by Baric.