Two council seats are on the ballot this November in Buena Park, with one incumbent fighting for reelection in District 2 and two city commissioners vying for a seat in District 5.
Councilmember Joyce Ahn faced no challenger in District 1, so she returns to the council. District 5 is guaranteed a new face in either Brandon Schooner or Sharena Walker. Current Councilmember Connor Traut is in the run-off with Tim Shaw for the OC Board of Supervisors District 4 seat.
Councilmember Carlos Franco, District 2 incumbent who is seeking a second term, is facing a challenge from Yong “Chuy” Choi, a pastor, Taekwondo grandmaster and small business owner.
Franco described himself as a first-generation American and lifelong resident of Buena Park who “deeply understands” the city’s unique history, as well as the challenges and opportunities it has to offer, he said when answering questions in The Orange County Register’s voter guide, which candidates were invited to participate in for races up and down the ballot.
Franco says he wants to concentrate on building new housing developments “where it makes the most sense,” through “thoughtful” redevelopment of aging or underutilized properties and along major corridors and transit zones. “This allows us to create more homes at different price points while protecting established single-family neighborhoods from unnecessary disruption,” he said.
Choi, who previously served on the city’s Planning Commission, says on his campaign website that he immigrated to the United States from South Korea in 1975, where he “achieved the American dream through perseverance and determination.”
“My priorities are strengthening public safety, supporting our police officers and first responders, helping local businesses grow, maintaining clean neighborhoods, addressing homelessness responsibly, protecting taxpayers, improving city services, and ensuring every public dollar is spent wisely,” he said in his campaign statement for the ballot. He did not submit a candidate questionnaire.
Both candidates say they want to make Buena Park affordable for working families and, if elected, say they would promote economic vitality through new businesses and job opportunities — while being mindful of how residents’ tax dollars are being spent.
In District 5, Schooner, who serves on the city’s Climate Action Commission, said his background in design has taught him to “look at problems from different angles” and keep sharpening an idea until it succeeds.
On housing, Schooner said in answering the voter guide that the city should “build smarter, not simply build more everywhere.” He said he supports converting underused commercial properties into homes, especially near transit and local jobs, with a mix of market-rate, workforce and affordable units. Schooner points to redevelopment already approved at the old Sears site — the Village at Buena Park, a project set to replace the demolished store with 1,302 residential units — as an example.
“At the same time, local control still matters,” he said, and the city should have “a meaningful role in deciding where growth makes sense.”
He also wants to focus on maintaining the city’s physical infrastructure, such as roads, sidewalks, parks, trees and lighting, and repairing any issues “before they become more expensive.”
“I want Buena Park to feel cared for,” he said.
Walker, a director of marketing communications who previously served on the city’s Commission of Cultural Engagement, said she would bring a “fresh perspective” to the council, one that is “not afraid to ask difficult questions” and “not afraid to stand alone” when she believes a decision is in Buena Park’s best interest.
Walker said disaster preparedness and security and ensuring Buena Park residents can “feel secure when unexpected challenges arise,” when answering a voter guide question about big needs in the city. That includes strong emergency services, clear communication in a crisis, support for first responders and connecting residents with resources when a job loss or housing problem hits without warning.
“I do not believe in creating fear, but I do believe in being prepared,” she said.
On housing, Walker said state requirements “have to be addressed,” but in a way that fits the individual character, infrastructure and needs of local neighborhoods. She said she supports homes at “a range of price points,” while weighing the impact on traffic, parking, schools, existing businesses and quality of life.
“My approach would be to meet our obligations responsibly,” she said, “while making sure Buena Park residents have a meaningful voice in how their community grows.”
On the budget, both candidates say there is no single fix.
Schooner described his approach as “a mix of discipline, planning, and growth,” by meeting pension obligations, building reserves and steadily paying down long-term liabilities rather than “kicking them down the road.” He said he would root out waste, duplication and spending that is not producing results before touching core city services.
Walker suggested a combination approach, one that puts new revenue opportunities and “disciplined, responsible budgeting” at the top of her list, alongside economic development “focused on creating long-term value” and a willingness to consider “something else entirely.”
Read more from the candidates at ocregister.com/voter-guide.
Ballots may be returned by mail (must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received within a week of Election Day) or to the OC Registrar of Voters’ drop boxes around town now, and the first vote centers will open for casting ballots in person on Oct. 24.