City Guide

ORANGE

Mayor: Joanne Coontz

Age: 66

Occupation: Former administrative assistant

First elected: November, 1986

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Wants the city to take an active role in countywide issues. Wants to be a “vigorous advocate for the protection of city finances.” Supports streamlining city government and strengthening of police and library services. Wants to attract businesses and create a stronger economic base.

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Mayor Pro Tem: Fred L. Barrera

Age: 73

Occupation: Founding director of Orange National Bank

First elected: November, 1976

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Wants to stabilize the city’s finances in the wake of the county bankruptcy. Wants the city to upgrade its aging infrastructure. Wants more support for local libraries.

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Councilman: Mark Murphy

Age: 37

Occupation: Computer account manager

First elected: Appointed by council March, 1993; elected November, 1994

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Wants to help create a strong business community that will “ensure we have the revenue we need to supply citizens with the services they deserve.” Wants to maintain a strong Police Department and put more officers on the streets. Supports a proposed restructuring of city government.

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Councilman: Mike Spurgeon

Age: 53

Occupation: Chief of staff for Supervisor William G. Steiner; labor-relations consultant

First elected: Appointed by council December, 1990; elected November, 1992

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Wants to attract and retain businesses. Wants to encourage development at the city’s two major malls. Wants to increase city support for the Police Department and the libraries. Wants to establish a “common sense” committee of officials and residents to review city policies.

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Councilman: Dan Slater

Age: 36

Occupation: Real estate broker

First elected: November, 1994

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Wants to eradicate graffiti and maintain a strong Police Department. Wants to annex the El Modena area in an effort to reduce crime in the unincorporated island. Supports preservation efforts downtown.

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Other Key Officials

City manager: David F. Dixon

Age: 57

Length in office: 1 year

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City attorney: Robert O. Franks

Age: 61

Length in office: 4 years

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Police chief: John R. Robertson

Age: 44

Length in office: 3 years

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Fire chief: David Rudat

Age: 43

Length in office: Joined force in 1972; made chief September, 1994

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How to Reach Them

Council meets: Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 4:30 and 7 p.m. at City Hall, 300 E. Chapman Ave.

Hours: City Hall is open to the public Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Telephone: (714) 744-5500

Fax: (714) 744-5515

Fast Facts

City song: “Sweet, Sweet Orange”

Flower: Rose

Incorporated: April 6, 1888

Population: 118,000

Legislative districts: 46th and 47th Congressional; 33rd Senatorial; 69th, 71st and 72nd Assembly

Operating budget: $47 million

Number of employees: 624

Highest paid employee: City manager earns $138,300

Council perks: Council members receive $745 stipend per month

RESEARCHED BY LESLEY WRIGHT