McCarthy to run for Costa Mesa City Council

Planning Commissioner Colin McCarthy, who serves as president of the conservative Costa Mesa Taxpayers Assn., announced Monday that he is running for City Council in November.

McCarthy, an attorney, is a supporter of the City Council majority, which is seeking to outsource some city employees and replace them with outside contractors.

With Mayor Eric Bever termed out, there will be three open seats on the council.

Also in the race are Councilmen Gary Monahan and Steve Mensinger, as well as medical marijuana advocate Sue Lester.

Attorney John Stephens, a political ally of Newport-Mesa Unified school board Trustee Katrina Foley, is also considering a run. Stephens' views so far are in opposition to the council majority's.

McCarthy, 36, has been a planning commissioner since 2009. His election committee treasurer is Lysa Ray, who was also the treasurer for Mayor Pro Tem Jim Righeimer's 2010 election committee.

McCarthy's platform will focus on economic development and job growth, controlling municipal spending, reinvesting in local infrastructure and strengthening the city's relationship with local schools, according to his campaign.

A third-generation Costa Mesan, McCarthy also serves as president of the Mesa North Community Assn. and is on the Costa Mesa United board.

He is married and has two children.

McCarthy will kick off his campaign at an event at 5:30 p.m. June 14 at the former NikeTown store in The Triangle, 1870 Harbor Blvd.

britney.barnes@latimes.com

Twitter: @britneyjbarnes