City Guide

LAKE FOREST

Mayor: Marcia Rudolph

Age: 53

Occupation: Teacher

First elected: March, 1991

Term expires: This month

Key issues: Wants the city to enhance public services, such as police, parks development and city maintenance. Expand city recreation programs. Favors a continued proactive approach to El Toro Marine Corps Air Station reuse plan. (The base is scheduled to close at the end of the decade. The city is working with county officials to craft a redevelopment plan for the land.) Reuse ideas for the base range from building an air cargo facility there to converting it into a commercial district. Lake Forest and other South County cities are against converting the base into an airport, fearing the traffic, noise and environmental effects. Measure A on the ballot Tuesday asks voters if they want to build an airport at El Toro.

*

Councilman: Richard T. Dixon

Age: 46

Occupation: Health insurance salesman

First elected: March, 1991

Term expires: This month

Key issues: Wants to establish the city on a strong financial footing and minimize the growing pains that some older cities have experienced. Wants to make sure Lake Forest can always deliver public safety services, such as police and fire. Opposed to converting the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station into an international airport, as some cities such as Newport Beach have suggested. (Lake Forest is just south of the base and is considered one of the cities that would be most affected by what is built there, once the Marines pull out at the end of the decade.)

*

Councilwoman: Helen Wilson

Age: 44

Occupation: Homemaker and student

First elected: March, 1991

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Favors annexation of areas within city’s sphere of influence, such as Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills. Wants to see capital improvements carried out. Wants to maintain $10-million to $11-million city budget surplus.

*

Councilman: Tim Link

Age: 38

Occupation: Teacher

First elected: March, 1991

Term expires: This month

Key issues: Says his first priority is beautification of the city, such as upgrading of slopes and medians. Would also like to see telephone pole removal to continue. Wants to increase recreation opportunities for residents of all ages. Wants to increase awareness of the city’s parks, trails and historic areas.

*

Councilwoman: Ann Van Haun

Age: 59

Occupation: Retired

First elected: March, 1991

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Wants the city to boost its involvement in the closing and reuse of El Toro Marine Corps Air Station without compromising quality of life for Lake Forest residents. Says the city should continue programs to beautify landscaping throughout the city.

*

Other Key Officials

City manager: Gaylord Knapp

Age: 50

Length in office: Three years

*

City attorney: Tom Wood

Age: 54

Length in office: Two years

*

Police chief: Robert Nesmith

Age: 50

Length in office: Two years

*

Fire chief: Richard Wiseman

Age: Not available

Length in office: Three years

*

How to Reach Them

Council meets: First and third Tuesdays of the month at City Hall, 23778 Mercury Road.

Hours: Open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed second and fourth Fridays of the month.

Telephone: (714) 707-5583

*

Fast Facts

Incorporated: December, 1991

Population: 58,000

Legislative districts: 47th Congressional; 33rd Senate; 71st Assembly

Operating budget: $10.3 million

Number of employees: 23

Highest-paid employee: City manager, $116,000 per year

Council perks: Members each receive $600 per month

RESEARCHED BY FRANK MESSINA