BREA : Fund Crisis, Foothills Project Await Mayor

Budget uncertainties in the wake of the county bankruptcy, and a master-planned residential community proposed for the foothills within Brea’s sphere of influence are among the issues facing Bev Perry as she begins her one-year term as mayor.

“It’s such a huge responsibility,” said Perry, who was named mayor this week by a unanimous vote of her council colleagues. Perry had served as mayor pro tem for the previous year.

Although Perry does have to worry about the $9-million Brea has tied up in the county investment pool, it could be worse. The city had $17 million in the pool in September, but began withdrawing funds in response to a hike in interest rates.

One of the biggest planning issues during Perry’s term will be the 284-acre Olinda Heights project planned for the foothills northeast the city. A revised environmental impact report is due out in January for this proposed community of up to 867 homes.

Serving as mayor pro tem for the next year will be Burnie Dunlap, who is beginning his second four-year council term. In choosing Dunlap for the job, the council majority snubbed Kathryn E. Wiser. She is halfway through her first term.

Wiser said she would have been “pleasantly surprised” to receive the mayor pro tem appointment, but she was not expecting council members to support her. Wiser is often the lone voice of opposition in council decisions. She consistently opposes the use of eminent domain in getting property for redevelopment purposes, and has accused the council of favoritism in awarding some city contracts.

Joining Perry, Dunlap and Wiser on the council are Glenn G. Parker and Lynn Daucher. Parker, the previous mayor, was elected to his second council term. Daucher, the only council newcomer, was the top vote-getter in last month’s election.

Retiring from the council was Carrey J. Nelson, who first joined the legislative body in 1978.