CITY GUIDE

ORANGE

Mayor: Joanne Coontz

Age: 68

Occupation: Former administrative assistant

First elected: November 1986; elected as mayor in November 1994

Term expires: November 1998

Key issues: Enhance and expand library and youth recreation. Make sure Santa Ana Freeway and Eastern Transportation Corridor projects are responsive to community. Continue to provide city services, without new taxes, by strengthening business opportunities.

Mayor Pro Tem: Dan Slater

Age: 38

Occupation: Residential real estate broker

First elected: November 1994

Term expires: November 1998

Key issues: Encourage business growth and work to reduce crime and blight. Support annexation of El Modena and other nearby county areas. Develop master plan for Santiago Creek green way and bike trail. Secure approval and financing for offramp at Meats Avenue and the Costa Mesa Freeway.

Councilman: Mike Spurgeon

Age: 55

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

First elected: Appointed December 1990; elected November 1992

Term expires: November 2000

Key issues: Continue to control crime, especially juvenile crime, through community efforts and policing. Continue to stimulate and attract business and industry. Continue the restructuring of local government to be more citizen-friendly.

Councilman: Mark Murphy

Age: 39

Occupation: Computer account manager

First elected: Appointed March 1993; elected November 1994

Term expires: November 1998

Key issues: Establish a pilot program to give police immigration powers and continue to invest in public safety. Continue to promote economic development projects. Promote growth of housing.

Councilman: Michael Alvarez

Age: 41

Occupation: Real estate investor and part owner of Army-Navy Store

First elected: November 1996

Term expires: November 2000

Key issues: Ensure business and residential developments are compatible with neighborhoods. Protect East Orange from overdevelopment. Enforce zero-tolerance on gang violence and promote community policing. Use business management approach to city budget. Get more citizens involved with City Hall.

Other Key Officials

City Manager: David L. Rudat

Age: 44

Time in office: Two years

City Attorney: David A. De Berry

Age: 40

Time in office: Four months

Police Chief: John R. Robertson

Age: 46

Time in office: Five years

Interim Fire Chief: Richard Dittberner

Age: 58

Time in office: Four months

How to Reach Them

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

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Beginning September, City Hall will be open alternate Fridays.

Telephone: (714) 744-5500

Fax: (714) 744-5515

Factoids

Flower: Rose

Incorporated: April 6, 1888

Population: 133,356

Legislative districts: 46th and 47th Congressional; 33rd Senatorial; 71st Assembly

Operating budget: $50.6 million

Number of employees: 709

Highest-paid employee: City manager, $141,300 a year

Council perks: $690 monthly stipend and either insurance coverage or $900 cash alternative per month.

RESEARCHED BY LESLEY WRIGHT