Call him a city council candidate

Newport Beach resident and political veteran Ed Reno announced Monday night that he is throwing his well-financed, well-connected hat into the ring for Councilman Don Webb’s seat in 2010.

At a $100-per-ticket fundraiser reception at the Newport Beach office of Scott Baugh, chairman of the Orange County Republican Party, Reno was surrounded by the likes of Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich, Mayor Pro Tem Keith Curry and an honored guest, former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman of Minnesota, as he kicked off his campaign.

Webb’s seat will become vacant in 2010 because of term limits.

Reno, 41, considers himself a fiscal conservative. He said he’s looking to join the thorough debate on city issues such as water quality, Banning Ranch and John Wayne Airport expansion.

Reno has led a career in politics, working for two governors including Pete Wilson, he said.

“I would be proud to be associated with this council; these are thoughtful, smart people,” Reno said.

With negotiations with police, fire and lifeguard unions expected to open next year, Reno said he’s especially interested in the city’s finances and infrastructure.

He kept most of his views general Monday, saying he shares concerns on water quality, big-government versus quality-of-life and the civic center. Reno did say he wants to stop any expansion of JWA and likes that the council is looking to strike a balance on developing Banning Ranch but preserving portions of it as well.

Reno said he expected to raise more than $20,000 at the event.

“This is somewhere where people come to pursue their dreams and live their dreams,” he said.

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