Briefly in the news

-- Mathis Winkler

Councilman Gary Adams said Thursday he would accept the position of

mayor if his fellow Newport Beach council members elect him to the job

Dec. 12.

“I feel a little bit uncomfortable talking about it before it

happens,” Adams said. As vice mayor, he has represented Mayor John Noyes

during the mayor’s absences this year.

On Wednesday, council members Norma Glover, Dennis O’Neil, Tod

Ridgeway and Councilman-elect Gary Proctor said they would support Adams

as mayor.

“If I am elected, I have my hands full,” Adams said. “There are a lot

of things to be done this year.”

Pushing for an extension of flight caps at John Wayne Airport and an

update of the city’s general plan would probably become the council’s

main priorities during 2001, Adams added.

Largely a ceremonial position, the city’s mayor doesn’t have more

powers than the other council members. But city officials said the mayor

does participate in setting up meeting agendas and that a mayor’s legacy

depends on the person’s outlook on the position.