Irvine City Council Candidates Split on Key Issues

In the race for both city council and mayor, the most contentious issue at the first candidate forum was whether Irvine should remain in the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), the county’s largest green power agency, founded by the city.

The OCPA has faced scrutiny since its 2020 launch, with a state audit highlighting failures in overseeing millions of tax dollars.

Another major debate centered around the future of housing. Irvine has built more housing than any other city in the county over the past decade and plans to construct over 20,000 additional units in the coming years.

Mayoral Debate

One of the most competitive races is for mayor, with incumbent Farrah Khan termed out. Councilmembers Tammy Kim and Larry Agran are vying for the position, alongside business owner Ron Scolesdang, finance commissioner Lee Sun, and realtor Akshat Bhatia.

All candidates acknowledged the high housing costs but differed on solutions. Agran proposed negotiating with the Irvine Company to convert 5,000 apartment units into affordable housing but did not provide specifics. He opposed large-scale housing development, warning against adding 57,000 units.

Kim argued for more development, citing an outdated master plan from the 1960s. “We have a housing shortage that we need to address,” she said.

Scolesdang and Sun supported Kim’s view, with Scolesdang sharing a personal story about how difficult it was to purchase a home in the city. “There’s got to be a balance,” he said, stressing the need to avoid an oversupply.

On the OCPA, Kim and Sun advocated staying in, while Agran and Bhatia called for leaving. Scolesdang suggested the city remain only if the agency improves.

Council District 1

In District 1, Orchard Hills and Lower Peters Canyon, four out of five candidates participated, including finance commissioner Melinda Liu, planning commissioner Michelle Johnson, business owner Jackie Kan, and systems engineer Jeff Kitchen.

All agreed on the need for affordable housing, particularly for young professionals and families, with several advocating for more development in the city’s downtown area.

Kan, a renter, emphasized the need for mixed-use, high-density housing near transit hubs. “It shouldn’t be that only the wealthiest can live in Irvine,” she said.

Johnson and Kitchen opposed staying in the OCPA, citing concerns about choice, while Liu and Kan supported remaining, noting that residents could opt out if desired.

Council District 2

District 2, which includes the Great Park, Portola Springs, and Woodbury, also saw strong debate. Businessman Gang Chen, finance commissioner Jeff Starke, and transportation commissioner William Go, and Commissioner Parrisa Yazdani are all running.

Chen called for responsible development that prioritizes retail options for residents, while Go and Starke focused on increasing housing and transit options. Go noted the district has “the luxury of space” for development, while Starke envisioned a mixed-use city center to reduce reliance on cars.

On OCPA, Chen opposed it due to high costs, while Go and Starke supported staying to promote green energy.

Council District 3

District 3, encompassing areas like Walnut, Northwood, and Westpark II, features Community Services Commission chair Jing Sun and fellow commissioner Tom Chomyn as well as Commissioner James Mai.

Sun emphasized the need for redevelopment and more housing, while Chomyn argued against state housing mandates, fearing overcrowding.

The candidates also differed on the OCPA, with Sun advocating for Irvine to lead in sustainability, while Chomyn opposed staying due to cost concerns.

Council District 4

District 4, which covers neighborhoods like Turtlerock, the Spectrum, and Quail Hill, saw only one candidate in attendance: climate activist Ayn Craciun. She defended the OCPA, stressing the importance of low energy rates and expanding affordable housing for younger residents.

Craciun, who helped push for the OCPA's creation, is blamed by many Irvine residents for the high costs of electricity and "greenwashing" by using alternative energy credits to subsidize traditional power sources.

Craciun faces incumbent Councilman Mike Carroll, who has support from Republican groups, public safety, and city employees.