GARDEN GROVE : City Council Gets Its First Asian-American

Ho Chung made local history this week when he took the oath of office and became the first Asian-American to serve on the City Council.

Bruce A. Broadwater was sworn in as a new city councilman along with Chung. And Frank Kessler, a former Garden Grove police chief, stepped up from the City Council to start a two-year term as mayor.

Chung, 58, said he will strive to bring a new spirit of cooperation and teamwork to a city that has been torn at times by bickering officials.

“I can’t tolerate infighting,” Chung said Wednesday.

In addition, Chung told the audience that he will ask council approval for a committee to study the feasibility of establishing an international trade and cultural center on vacant land near Euclid Street and Garden Grove Boulevard in the downtown area.

Chung, an insurance agent, had advocated the trade center throughout the course of his campaign. He said the center would portray the traditions of participating countries and also could have a museum, souvenir store and restaurants.

Broadwater, 54, said one of his top priorities will be to study the city’s business operations tax, which he called “outlandish” and an impediment to companies doing business in the city.

Broadwater, an insurance analyst for the state Department of Insurance, also said he will work for redevelopment of vacant land along Garden Grove Boulevard.

Kessler, 60, pledged to work to restore harmony “and get results on redevelopment because we need more revenue or we will face more (program) cutting.” He also called for a city ombudsman, who would field queries from residents and cut red tape for them.

City Council members elected Councilman Mark Leyes chairman of the Agency for Community Development, the redevelopment agency which is composed of the five council members.

The council also tabbed Robert F. Dinsen to serve as mayor pro tem.

Leaving city service Tuesday were outgoing Mayor W.E. (Walt) Donovan and Councilman J. Tilman Williams.

Donovan served City Council terms in 1972-76, 1976-80 and 1984-88, and two mayoral terms, 1988-90 and 1990-92.

Williams served as mayor in 1976-78. He served council terms in 1980-84, 1987-88 and 1988-92.