City Guide

IRVINE

Mayor: Michael Ward

Age: 48

Occupation: Manufacturer’s representative

First elected: 1992

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: As with most council members, the conversion of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station is the top issue for Ward, who fears a commercial airport will hurt the quality of life in Irvine. He is critical of the vote by members of the Board of Supervisors to withdraw from the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority by the end of the year, and he is urging them to rescind their decision. “If they can do that, they can keep the county from splitting apart.” Other top issues include crime prevention and creating business opportunities.

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Councilman: Barry J. Hammond

Age: 42

Occupation: Business mediator

First elected: 1990

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: Believes conversion of the El Toro Marine base should provide an economic stimulus to the county while protecting surrounding cities like Irvine from adverse effects. He is also interested in exploring the privatization of some city services to help avoid budget shortfalls during times of limited revenues. “We need to find an income source for park and transportation projects without raising taxes.”

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Councilwoman: Christina L. Shea

Age: 43

Occupation: Businesswoman

First elected: 1992

Term expires: 1996

Key issues: Conversion of El Toro Marine base: “The issue is to maintain the quality of life that Irvine residents have come to enjoy in this community. We have to work cooperatively with the county. We have to have a seat at the table because we do own part of that property there.” Other priorities include the completion of the Human Options women’s shelter and marketing the city to prospective businesses.

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Councilman: Greg Smith

Age: 45

Occupation: Auto parts distributor

First appointed: 1993

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: To preserve the quality of life in Irvine during the conversion of the El Toro Marine base. “We need to make sure whatever goes in is conditioned to Irvine and that Irvine is not conditioned to El Toro. Irvine must maintain a strong voice in deciding whatever goes in there.” Public safety is also at the top of Smith’s concerns. He believes privatization of some city services can help Irvine cope with static budget funding.

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Councilwoman: Paula Werner

Age: 47

Occupation: Community volunteer

First elected: 1988

Term expires: 1996

Key issues: Parts company with her council colleagues by placing the need for a long-range business and economic development plan at the top of her agenda. She is concerned that Irvine is not attracting enough revenue-producing businesses. “Office development is not the best generator of revenues.” Werner would also like to see additional funding for police to create a gang-suppression unit and continued support for a battered women’s shelter and other social services.

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Other Key Officials

City Manager: Paul O. Brady Jr.

Age: 53

In office: Since 1989

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City Attorney: Joel D. Kuperberg

Age: 40

Length in office: Two years

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Police Chief: Charles S. Brobeck

Age: 54

In office: Since 1992

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Fire Department: Contracts with the Orange County Fire Department

How to Reach Them

Council meets: Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, 5:30 p.m., at City Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza.

Hours: City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and alternate Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Permit counter is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and alternate Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Telephone: (714) 724-6000

Fax: (714) 724-6045 (city manager)

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Fast Facts

Incorporated: 1971

Population: 119,576

Sister city: Tsukuba, Japan

Legislative districts: 35th state Senate District: State Sen. Marian Bergeson; 70th Assembly District: Assemblyman Gil Ferguson; 47th Congressional District: Rep. Christopher Cox

Budget: $59 million

City employees: 548

Highest-paid employee: City manager is paid $133,110 annually

Council pay: $600 per quarter including mayor

RESEARCHED BY RUSS LOAR