ANAHEIM : Mayoral Candidates Debate City’s Needs

A combative Curtis Stricker, who is challenging incumbent Tom Daly for the mayor’s seat, called his opponent “a flop as mayor” during a lively televised debate this week.

Stricker charged that Daly has aligned himself too closely with Disney while ignoring problems such as crime and deteriorating neighborhoods.

Daly calmly defended his record and accused his opponent of making “empty charges.” He stated that Disney and surrounding hotels and motels bring major tax dollars to city coffers and said the city has hired 22 new police officers in the past year.

The two candidates squared off Tuesday in the studios of MultiVision Cable TV during a one-hour debate, which was preceded by a forum with 13 of the 16 City Council candidates.

The event, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, posed a series of questions to the mayoral and City Council candidates on city issues.

Topics included: the proposed expansion of Disneyland, plans to revitalize the area surrounding the theme park and the Rams’ future in the city.

Almost all of the candidates said crime is the biggest issue facing the city.

The debate, taped by Multi-Vision Cable TV, will air repeatedly until the Nov. 8 election. Airings are scheduled from 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 27 and 28, and on Nov. 1 and 3 on Channel 45.

On Monday, the City Council candidates’ debate will air on Channel 3 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. followed by the mayoral debate from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m.

For residents who want to see the candidates debate live, a forum sponsored by the Orange County Congregation Community Organization will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday. The event will be at the St. Justin Martyr Hall, 2050 W. Ball Road.