Six years on the city's Planning Commission have only whetted Terry Anderson's appetite for public service.
Decrying political acrimony among city leaders, Anderson announced his intent to run for one of two seats opening up on the Lake Forest City Council in November.
Anderson, a financial advisor who runs a money management firm in Laguna Hills, addressed his supporters during a small, private gathering at his Lake Forest home this weekend. The "lack of collegiality" on the current council is among the factors pushing him to run, Anderson said.
His years on the generally amiable Planning Commission have cemented his belief in the importance of "meeting in the middle" when it comes to city business.
"The Planning Commission has done that well," he said. "Many times we have differing perspectives ... but we find common ground."
Another trend Anderson wants to minimize is allowing political affiliations to govern policy decisions on the council.
"I want to make sure that Lake Forest continues along the same beautiful path is has been [following] for years," he said. "I don't want to see it diverted for personal or political gain."
Political strife has been an increasing part of the city's leadership in the past two years, he said.
"One of my concerns is that the City Council is drawing political lines," he said. "I believe local government should be apolitical."
Anderson has lived in Lake Forest with his wife, Kristie, for 30 years. They have two grown daughters.
In addition to serving on the commission, Anderson has been a Kiwanis member for 20 years, a charter member of the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce, founder and coach of the El Toro High School girls lacrosse program and an AYSO board member.
The November race is heating up early, with three other candidates already on the campaign trail.
Earlier in the month, Kathy Zechmeister announced her plans to run for a seat. She and Anderson join two other residents Dwight Robinson and Ken Carrell—who began planning their respective council bids in 2011.
The terms of longtime council member Marcia Rudolph and relative newcomer Mark Tettemer both expire this fall. Neither has indicated that they plan to sit out the race.
