GARDEN GROVE : Mayoral Candidates Skirmish on Council

The rivalry between the three council members who are running for mayor in the November election heated up this week when proposals that would strip two of the candidates of their city paychecks were introduced.

The proposals, which came up at Tuesday’s council meeting, were rejected.

Incumbents Mark Leyes, Frank Kessler and J. Tilman Williams are running for the mayor’s seat in the Nov. 3 election.

During the meeting, Leyes called for an ordinance to prohibit retired city employees from receiving paychecks while serving on the City Council. That proposal apparently was aimed at Kessler, a retired Garden Grove police chief.

Councilman Robert F. Dinsen then proposed an ordinance barring compensation to a council member currently drawing a salary from any government entity. That apparently was aimed at Leyes, who is an employee of the Orange County Water District.

The proposed curtailment on City Council pay was called illegal by Deputy City Atty. Lois Jeffrey.

“Shame on all of you, shame, shame,” former councilman Ray Littrell admonished his former colleagues.

Littrell said it was hard to believe that officials were spending more time “on this silly stuff” than on the budget crisis and other major issues.

Councilman Dinsen had one more turn at bat. He said that since it is easier for City Council members to get exposure on local cable television shows, that in all fairness, the city should offer all candidates equal time on cable. He apparently was referring to a recent press conference attacking a proposed nude juice bar at which Leyes received camera time.

“Does that mean,” Leyes asked Dinsen, “that if you were running for reelection and murdered your neighbor and get on the evening news, we would have to give your opponent equal time?”

City staff members said they would try to work out a policy.

Dinsen, 75, who said his “official” name is Robert Frank Taxfighter Bob Dinsen, isn’t up for reelection in November. However, he said he will seek another term in 1994, if his health remains good.

Will he use the Taxfighter on the ballot? “Have to,” he said. “It’s part of my official name.”