FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Mayor Is Sworn In Amid Family, Kudos

Combatting crime, bringing business to town and balancing next year’s budget top the priorities for the new mayor.

John Collins was selected by his City Council colleagues last week to be mayor. Collins, 50, elected to the council in 1990, replaces Councilwoman Laurann Cook.

“I have seen what a person can do as mayor if they possess a strong leadership character and guide the image of the city with integrity and vision,” Collins said. “Our most recent mayor, Laurann Cook, is such a person.”

Collins’ father, John, 76, who lives in Milton, Mass., administered the oath of office.

The senior Collins, retired after 40 years with the Boston Fire Department, brought with him two congratulatory resolutions, from the governor of Massachusetts and the state’s House of Representatives.

“It was quite a thrill for me; it was very meaningful,” Collins said of that recognition.

Collins’ wife, Barbara, and his mother, Kay, also took part in the swearing-in ceremony by holding the family Bible.

“Having my folks here allowed me to give a gift of pride and honor,” he said.

Collins, a business broker and co-owner of a consulting company, said becoming mayor is an extension of his family’s commitment to serve the public.

Collins’ relatives have been firefighters and police officers, and his own community involvement dates back 20 years, when he moved here.

He is a founding member of Fountain Valley Youth Baseball League and a former Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce president and is helping raise money to build a new facility for the local Boys & Girls Club.

Collins, who has three children, serves on the board of directors of the Southwest Community Center in Santa Ana, which feeds the homeless and assists the needy. He was recently recognized by the organization for his service.

Collins outlined goals for his his tenure as mayor.

Because crime and safety has become the No. 1 concern among Orange County residents, Collins wants the city to strengthen its proactive stances against violence, gangs and graffiti.

He also said the city must attract and keep sales tax-generating businesses.

Balancing the 1994-95 budget in an uncertain economic climate will be a challenge, Collins said.