FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Carrozzo Is Expected to Get Turn as Mayor

Councilman Guy Carrozzo, who spent $834 on his campaign for reelection, is expected to become the city’s new mayor Dec. 6.

That’s the date the council is scheduled to hold its annual reorganization meeting. Carrozzo, who was among three incumbents reelected last week, is in line for the ceremonial seat that is rotated among council members.

Carrozzo, 62, refused to accept contributions as he sought his second four-year term.

Reelected along with Carrozzo were Mayor John Collins and Councilwoman Laurann Cook. They defeated the lone challenger, Gus Ayer.

In discussing the coming year, the board members said the key challenges will be confronting crime and balancing the city’s budget with declining revenues.

“We might be faced with more fiscal responsibility--and maybe even more belt tightening,” said Collins, especially if the state cut backs revenues to the city.

Despite Ayer’s failed bid to get elected, he plans to continue his civic involvement and will work at getting council meetings televised on cable and on improving athletic fields for youth sports.

Cook was returned to office for a third, consecutive term. Incumbents agreed that her reelection settled the term limitation issue in the city and showed voters are satisfied with the city’s leadership.

Cook, 45, who spent about $10,000 on her campaign, said: “I am delighted in the confidence voters have placed in me by reelecting me. It puts to rest the term limitation question.”

In 1984, the city’s voters passed a two-term limit. But term limits are not valid in general-law cities, such as Fountain Valley.

Collins, 51, who spent $8,000 on his campaign, also said that it is no surprise that the incumbents are back in their seats: “As I walked precincts, people are happy with the way the city is run and appreciate the effort of the local government.”