LA PALMA : Ex-Councilman, Unknown Join Race

A controversial former councilman and an unknown candidate are challenging incumbents Orbrey Duke and Larry A. Herman for their council seats in November.

Although issues may be lacking in this bedroom community of 16,000, the election is creating a buzz among some political observers. Incumbents Duke and Herman, both on the council since 1986, are pitted against former councilman Kenneth Tipton, a combative figure who resigned his post after being censured by the council in late 1985 for “embarrassing the city.” Also running is Christian Basquette, a 21-year-old who unsuccessfully challenged 4th District Supervisor Don R. Roth in June.

Residents in this homogeneous city where the average household income is $54,000 say there isn’t much to complain about even with an election just around the corner, but the race is still drawing attention.

“Right now we can’t see too much wrong with the city,” said Duane Schuster, president of the Neighborhood Watch program, one of the biggest organizations in the city. “But there has been talk,” he said, about Tipton’s election bid.

After a long-running battle with his neighbors, Tipton was found in contempt of court by an Orange County Superior Court judge in 1985 for failing to comply with a previous order to pave a driveway between his home and his neighbors. Tipton told the judge he was unable to appear because he was away on city business, a statement that city officials denied. This prompted the council to censure him, and six days later, in early 1986, he resigned.

Two of the members who censured him are still on the council. Keith Nelson, a former mayor who led the effort for the reprimand, said it is “water under the bridge.” However, Councilman Richard Polis wasn’t as kind. “I was surprised when I heard the rumors that he was running. I think people need to remember,” Polis said.

Tipton, the owner of ABC Swimming Pools Service, said the incident could work to his advantage. “I hope they do remember . . . the embarrassment that was done to my family,” he said. “I just feel I raised issues that they didn’t like. I didn’t beat around the bush.”

The neighbors with whom he got into a dispute have since sold their house and moved out of the city.

Herman and Duke are concentrating on the race and not dredging up the past. Duke, a former police chief in La Palma and Cypress, was instrumental in bringing the anti-drug DARE program to the city. Herman, who was appointed to the council to complete Tipton’s term, is a former member of the La Palma Homeowners Assn.

While Tipton is drawing attention for his past, Basquette is gaining it for his lack of one. Not much is known about the man who refuses to give out information about himself. Although he lists “businessman” on his candidate statement, he declined to comment about his employment. He also does not answer questions about his background.

When Basquette unsuccessfully challenged Roth, it was revealed that he was born in Colombia and had lived in La Palma for about 11 years, and he disclosed that he had changed his name from Jose Luis Nieto for personal reasons.

Several people aren’t even aware of his candidacy, but he said it doesn’t matter.

“I really don’t expect to win,” Basquette said. “I have to do more than just vote, I need to be involved.”

LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL

These are the candidates running for two seats on the La Palma City Council in the Nov. 6 election.

Christian Basquette

(Photo not available)

Age: 21

Occupation: Businessman

Background: Ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors in June.

Issues: Wants to improve city streets; advocates more activities for children and adults at the recreation center.

Orbrey Duke

Age: 59

Occupation: Incumbent

Background: Elected to the council in 1986; served as chief of police in La Palma and Cypress; local affiliations include Kennedy High School Band Boosters, Cable Television Committee and Kiwanis Club; introduced DARE program to the City Council.

Issues: Continue with street repair program; keep a close eye on the budget.

Larry A. Herman

Age: 53

Occupation: Incumbent; quality safety supervisor

Background: Elected to the council in 1986; member of the Orange County Vector Control District board; previous member of the La Palma Homeowners Assn.

Issues: Help residents preserve property values; continue capital improvements; improve relations with neighboring cities; maintain city streets.

Kenneth Tipton

Age: 47

Occupation: Businessman

Background: Served as a councilman from 1982 until resigning in 1986 after being censured by the council; member of the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce.

Issues: Making the council more open to the public; bring expertise to council decisions; get city back on track financially.