HARTE IS HOPING TO TAKE NEXT STEP.

Byline: Heather MacDonald Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - By all accounts, Duane Harte is a nice guy.

He's just hoping Santa Clarita voters won't hold that against him.

``I've been told I'm too nice,'' Harte said. ``But it works for me. I get along with everyone.''

The 54-year-old chairman of the city Parks and Recreation Commission is vying for one of three council seats up for grabs in April's election.

``I've learned a lot about this city and gained a lot of insight into what needs to be done,'' said the 27-year resident of the Santa Clarita Valley. ``And whatever I deem necessary will get done.''

Mayor Laurene Weste and Councilman Frank Ferry have announced they will seek re-election, but longtime Councilwoman Jo Anne Darcy will not. Former Mayor Jan Heidt is also seeking one of the seats.

``You really aren't going to find anyone who has anything negative to say about Duane,'' said Karin Nelson, a parks commissioner. ``He really has the best interests of this community and this city at heart.''

Harte is running on a platform calling for an end to overcrowding in Santa Clarita's schools, the construction of new roads to ease congestion and approval of more parks throughout the city - issues that most likely will be championed by all of the other candidates, he acknowledged.

``We all want the same things,'' Harte said. ``It's time infrastructure catches up with the growth and development.''

Harte said his years of service on the Parks Commission, Newhall Redevelopment Committee, the board of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce and the boards of local historical groups gives him the experience that a council member needs.

``I want to put all of my expertise to use in one position,'' Harte said. ``It's time for the next step.''

Rick Winsman, the president-elect of the chamber of commerce board, said Harte has the enthusiasm and ability to get people to work together for one goal.

``He is just a nice guy,'' Winsman said. ``He has a calming effect on people that allows him to work among strong personalities.''

Harte considered running for the council in 1998 and 2000, after being approached by city leaders, but decided the timing wasn't right.

``I'm ready now,'' Harte said.

Harte has been married for 29 years to Pauline Harte, an active opponent of a planned mine in Soledad Canyon. Harte owns Sun Valley-based Academy Addressing and Mailing, a mail advertising business.

Darcy, a council member since the city was formed in 1987, appointed Harte to both the redevelopment committee and the parks commission, and has high praise for the father of two girls.

``He's calm and patient and always does his homework before making a fair decision,'' Darcy said. ``Those are all things you need as a council member, and he has the potential to be great.''

Harte agrees with a majority of the current council members on many hot-button city issues, such as the cleanup and development of the former Bermite explosives factory. He opposes the development of the property in phases.

Harte said he also was reconsidering his long-held opposition to the Golden Valley Ranch residential and commercial project planned in Canyon Country because of improvements made by the developer.

If elected, Harte said he would make sure the city's reserve accounts are replenished after being drained of $4.65 million since July, and support - at least initially - the council-ordered trash audit.

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