Countywide : Reed to Leave OCTA; Successor Fight Seen

Dana W. Reed, a high-profile attorney and the public’s at-large representative on the powerful Orange County Transportation Authority board, has resigned, effective Aug. 1.

A mad scramble is expected for the seat, a major political plumb. OCTA oversees an annual budget of more than $714 million and has 1,700 employees, making it the 11th biggest so-called special district in the United States.

Reed, 49, cited his belief in term limits and the need to “step aside to allow someone else” to perform the role of public member after serving in that role for 5 1/2 years.

Reed also cited increased business activity for his law firm, Costa Mesa-based Reed & Davidson, which advises political clients on campaign finance and disclosure requirements.

OCTA Chairman Gary L. Hausdorfer said Tuesday that he accepted Reed’s resignation “with deep regret.”

Reed, who once ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate in a special election, represented former Orange County Supervisor Don R. Roth, who resigned recently and then pleaded guilty to conflict-of-interest charges.

Reed’s clients include Los Angeles mayoral candidate Richard Riordan. Reed’s law firm was the author of Riordan’s successful proposal to limit the terms of officeholders in the city of Los Angeles.

Some transportation officials speculated that Reed’s law firm would benefit from a host of new clients if Riordan wins the mayoral runoff in Los Angeles. But Reed denied any link between his decision to quit and Riordan’s candidacy, saying his firm’s practice has picked up recently “because politicians have learned how easy it is to run afoul of political reform laws” as Roth did.

Reed has been losing ground on some of his pet issues, including his preferred route for an urban-rail line to Los Angeles, lower bus fares and a second airport for the county.

Reed has been one of Orange County’s most influential transportation officials. Once chairman of OCTA and now vice chairman, he helped lead the successful 1990 campaign for Measure M, the half-cent sales tax for highway and transit projects.

Sarah Catz, Reed’s alternate, is expected to be a candidate to replace Reed. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Others mentioned as likely candidates Tuesday were Chapman University President James Doti, who was a runner-up for the same seat two years ago, Santa Ana schools Supt. Ray Castruita and former transportation agency chairwoman Clarice A. Blamer of Brea.

Membership on the 12-member OCTA board includes six representatives from Orange County’s 31 cities, four of the five county supervisors, the non-voting membership of the local Caltrans chief, and the public member. The 10 city and county representatives choose the public member.