Beth Krom

Name: Beth Krom

Age: 51

Birthplace: Buffalo, N.Y.

How long have you lived in the 48th District? Since 1986

Occupation: Irvine city councilwoman

Education: Kenmore West High School, 1976; University of Texas at Austin, 1981 bachelor’s degree in education with a Texas certificate for elementary education and education of the visually impaired

Previously elected or appointed positions: Irvine City Council, 2000-02, 2002-04, 2008-present; mayor of Irvine 2004-06, 2006-08. Orange County Sanitation District, Transportation Corridor Agencies, Orange County Fire Authority, Southern California Assn. of Governments, Orange County Great Park Corporation, Laguna Canyon Foundation, Discovery Science Center

Community organizations you belong to: Crystal Cove Alliance, Hadassah Southern California, Women For: Orange County, Women in Leadership

What is the most critical issue now in the 48th Congressional District? As Orange County’s job center, jobs and the economy will continue to be the greatest challenge for our district for the foreseeable future.

How would you resolve that issue? Our economic challenges are tied to the national economic recession. I support strategic investments through stimulus dollars, particularly for small business and the innovative sector. We must look at both sides of the ledger — reducing the deficit and growing the economy. There is no magic wand or crystal ball to wish away our challenges. Real solutions require that government, private industry and the American people align behind a plan that will spur innovation, advance our 21st century economy and support a long-term economic recovery.