COUNCIL TO SELECT FROM 23 FOR SEAT CANDIDATES TO SPEAK TUESDAY AT CITY HALL.

Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer

BURBANK - A talent executive, a retired college instructor and a public relations consultant along with a few familiar political activists are among the 23 candidates vying to fill the City Council seat vacated by Bob Kramer.

The most immediately recognizable names are: Jef Vander Borght, who has served for a decade on the Planning Board; Howard Rothenbach, the leading proponent of voter-approved Measure A to limit Burbank Airport's growth; Paul Krekorian, who ran unsuccessfully against Dario Frommer for the 43rd Assembly District seat in 2000; and Phil Berlin, a former airport commissioner.

In addition, Gary Bric, owner of the popular steakhouse Gary Bric's Ramp, has thrown his hat into the ring.

Vander Borght, who also served six years on the Building and Fire Code Appeals board, is widely perceived as the front-runner.

``If you are talking about who is the most recognizable on the list, he's got to be the one,'' said City Manager Robert ``Bud'' Ovrom. ``He is involved in the community. He is involved in the city.''

In his application, Vander Borght pledges to protect residents against ``intrusions created by unchecked growth of our airport.'' His other goals are to balance business development with quality of life and foster a better relationship with the school district.

The City Council is scheduled to interview the candidates publicly at its meeting Tuesday night, when each candidate will make a three-minute presentation and answer questions.

``What I am mostly going to be looking for is someone who has knowledge of what we need to do and has a shorter learning curve,'' said Councilwoman Stacey Murphy, who said she still hasn't made up her mind.

City Hall observers are eager to see who will be selected and what the political implications will be for resolving the intractable dispute between the city and the Airport Authority over the facility's future. Each council appoints three people to the airport board.

``This is a change in the dynamics of the council,'' said Airport Authority President Chris Holden.

Kramer, who resigned to become the city's ombudsman, was one of two minority voices on the council in some key votes related to the airport.

Rothenbach, chairman of Restore Our Airport Rights and longtime critic of City Hall, shares Kramer's political views and wants to be his replacement.

``I feel that Bob Kramer as a populist represented the people and their interest,'' he said. ``The council, when they choose a new candidate to replace Kramer, should pick someone who represents the same constituency.''

Although he was soundly defeated in the polls by council members Dave Golonski and Marsha Ramos in last April's City Council election, Rothenbach believes he deserves more serious consideration now because of the passage of Measure A - an initiative that requires the airport to have an overnight curfew and a cap on flights as part of any new passenger terminal plans - by more than 11,000 voters.

Berlin, an attorney who served a four-year term on the Airport Authority, emphasized his knowledge of local affairs.

``I am well-versed on airport issues and have worked with and developed a positive relationship with all persons, in and out of government office, who have been involved with this issue,'' he wrote in his application.

However, city officials in the past were critical of Berlin's role on the airport commission, where he was seen as too antagonistic toward the airport's interests. They denied him a second term.

Given their history with City Hall, neither Rothenbach nor Berlin are considered likely to win the seat.

``Phil Berlin does not have a snowball's chance, nor does Howard Rothenbach,'' said former Councilman Ted McConkey.

Krekorian, on the other hand, lacks a history of involvement with local government, observers say. He has only lived in the city for 1 1/2 years and currently serves on the Burbank Childcare Committee.

The other candidates include: Michael Bergfeld, an attorney; Charles Brandon, a retired phone company worker; Jesse Byers, a retail supervisor; Felix Diaz-Lopez, a retired college instructor; Michael Dontanville, a retiree; Lee Jay Dunayer, a certified financial adviser; and Todd Frangella, a small business owner.

Rounding out the field are Sunnie Gonzalives, a legal assistant; Elizabeth Handler, a public relations consultant; Richard Irvin, an electrical technician; Michele Mathews, a disabled renter on a fixed income; Anthony Monzo, a retired studios transportation coordinator; Michael Porco, a graphic and Web design student; Jason Rawls, a workers' compensation claims adjuster; William Van Rensselaer Smith, a software engineer; Maxella Vangorder, a human resources director; Elizabeth Warner Frank, a talent executive; and Vincent Yanniello, an attorney.

The chosen council candidate would serve out Kramer's term until May 1, 2003. Council members receive $925 per month, plus $25 per Redevelopment Agency meeting; health insurance; a car allowance; and retirement benefits.