ORANGE : Councilwoman Has Been Groundbreaker

Social etiquette has traditionally required that a gentleman surrender his seat for a lady.

But Joanne Coontz, the first woman ever elected to the Orange City Council in its 105-year history, initially found the manners of her male colleagues wanting.

At her first executive session in 1986, Coontz recounts sitting down, only to be chased off several chairs by male council members who explained those were their seats.

She then took a seat on the couch, but was told that was for staff members only.

Frustrated, she declared: “If I don’t get a chair soon, I am going to buy the ugliest antique chair I can find and haul that in.”

“I had a chair the next meeting,” recalled Coontz.

The 64-year-old councilwoman, in her second term, said she tries to focus more on streamlining the city’s budget than worrying about differences with her council colleagues.

Even so, the introduction of a woman to the dais has been an adjustment for both sexes, said Coontz.

“It’s difficult for a council to get used to having a woman,” Coontz said. “Sometimes, I think there is a perception that women can’t understand budgets, and that women can’t appreciate the need for sports and recreation, issues that traditionally were looked upon as male.

“Of course, I think women can do just as well in those areas.”

Coontz, daughter of a U.S. Marine officer, said she was raised to believe she could achieve anything.

“I was brought up to emphasize my own individuality,” she said. “I never really thought there would be any difficulties.”

Though she has frequently clashed with her colleagues, Coontz has earned praise for her groundbreaking efforts.

“She’s proud of being the first woman on the council,” said Mayor Gene Beyer. “And she obviously enjoys what she’s doing.”

The councilwoman downplays the significance of her achievement, even though she recognizes some aspiring women may look upon her as an example.

“I’ve been told that I am role model,” she said. “But I’ve always wanted to do a good enough job that I would be proud of my own efforts.”