YORBA LINDA : Gullixson Takes Over Mayor’s Job

The City Council this week chose John M. Gullixson as mayor and Henry W. Wedaa as mayor pro tem, forming an uneasy alliance between two men who have frequently been at loggerheads.

Both men began their one-year posts Wednesday.

Gullixson, 44, was first elected to the council in 1990. He is a strong advocate of increased recreational facilities in the city and has frequently pushed the council to designate land to be used for a new high school.

He also supports term limits for council members. He was elected after running a campaign that emphasized the needs of families and children.

Wedaa, 68, who has been on the council since 1970, has argued against term limits. “I think term limits violate my constitutional right to run for office and the voters’ right to vote for me,” he said in an interview.

His strongest support has come from the city’s older residents. Although he has not been outspoken in opposing a new high school, Wedaa has done little to support efforts to set aside land for building one in the future.

According to Gullixson, the lack of harmony between Wedaa and himself is due to the difference in their ages.

“Mr. Wedaa could be my father,” Gullixson said. “He represents a segment that is older than the segment I represent.”

Gullixson said he hopes that he and Wedaa will be able to set aside previous differences and work together in running the city.

“I am more than willing to respect his constituency, and I hope he will take the opportunity to respect mine,” the new mayor said.

Wedaa said he is confident that he and Gullixson will work well together.