ONTARIO - When Ontario Councilman Alan Wapner was elected Southern California Association of Governments' 2nd vice president March 17, he wasn't celebrating yet.

That's because three days earlier, Chino Councilman Glenn Duncan had announced plans to run against Wapner for the District 10 seat on the SCAG Regional Council.

SCAG is made up of representatives from throughout Southern California who are charged with planning for transportation, housing and the environment in the six-county area with 187 cities and 19 million people.

Wapner has represented District 10, which includes Ontario, Chino and Chino Hills, for four years. His recent election means he would be SCAG president in 2010-11.

But if Duncan unseats him, Wapner said the presidency would go to a representative from El Centro instead, and the Inland Valley wouldn't have one of its own in power.

Duncan said his interest in the seat is neither political nor personal.

"I've been on the (Chino City) Council 16 years and have been involved in regional transportation issues," Duncan said. "I felt this was a good way to progress."

Wapner said, as president, he'd ensure this area's interests carry weight in all regional planning.

"Prior to (current SCAG President) Gary Ovitt, the last president from our area was in 1975, but we're gaining a lot of momentum and power out here," Wapner said. "I'm in a position to set the mission for the organization and make sure our needs here are brought to the forefront."

Wapner said he has been involved with SCAG since 1998, so his newly appointed leadership role was the product of a lot of work on various committees and task forces.

As chairman of the transportation committee, Wapner said he was instrumental in getting the Metro Gold Line extension and the high-speed rail from San Bernardino to LAX included in the Regional Transportation Plan.

"His position to become president is a significant accomplishment for the region," Ontario Councilman Jim Bowman said. "Anyone within District 10 should recognize the value of that and put politics aside for the benefit of the region."

The regional planning organization began to shift power in favor of the Inland Empire under Ovitt.

"Southern California decision-making has historically been L.A.-centric, and when you talk to people in L.A., half don't even know what's out here," said economist John Husing. "We're going through major changes now, frankly, because of Gary Ovitt's leadership."

Husing said SCAG recently put a new executive director in charge, created staff in each county to liaison with the organization, and is in the process of providing economic development information to each community.

Wapner said if Duncan took the seat, he'd still have to work many years before he'd be eligiblefor a leadership role like the one Wapner just received. "Glenn Duncan has never been to any SCAG meeting of any kind nor served on any task force," Wapner said.

Duncan said he has served on the Four Corners Transportation Coalition a number of years, and he has attended some regional planning workshops as well.

But what about the assertion that Duncan's acquisition of the district seat would take power away from the Inland Valley in regional planning?

"I'm sure there's some validity to that, but I think a fresh look at things is a good thing, too," Duncan said.

Fifteen council members from Ontario, Chino and Chino Hills will cast their votes via teleconference on Tuesday from their respective City Halls.