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Metzler Merits Election in 69th District : Chamber President Understands Key Issues and Is Committed to Cities’ Welfare

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The 69th Assembly District lies in the central part of Orange County, some of its oldest areas. But as traditional as this territory is, it also has undergone a great deal of change in recent years as immigrants have arrived seeking a better life.

Today, it is considered the only reliable legislative district for Democrats in a heavily Republican county. But voters there are conservative whatever their party affiliation, and the departure of popular incumbent Tom Umberg to run for attorney general this year created an open seat and an opportunity for all comers.

The Republicans have sensed this and put up Anaheim businessman Jim Morrissey, who is extremely critical of what he perceives to be an overly regulatory commercial environment. This race is of such interest to Republicans that Assemblyman Rep. Mickey Conroy in the 71st District said he wanted to dispatch volunteer poll watchers.

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An opportunity was created for Mike Metzler, the president and chief executive officer of the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, to move along to the general election when the district’s Latino community was divided in the Democratic primary.

As chamber president, Metzler has served Santa Ana well by working to increase jobs and to build bridges to the school system through the Santa Ana 2000 project. He is reasonable and moderate in style, committed to the welfare of the cities.

Metzler understands the importance of jobs, crime, immigration and education. He also knows the communities, and he knows the issues. His resume is broad and diverse, including work as a congressional aide, activity in a number of local charities and adviser to the California Chamber of Commerce on legislative issues.

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While Morrissey is an agreeable candidate, he lacks the savvy and expertise that Metzler would bring to the job.

We endorse Mike Metzler. His strong background and knowledge can serve the district well during the next two years. He is positioned to help improve the jobs climate and to attend to housing and education issues.

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