City Guide

CYPRESS

Mayor: Cecilia L. Age

Age: 43

Occupation: Businesswoman

First elected: 1988

Term expires: 1996

Key issues: She said the prime issue is how the city’s finances will be affected by the county’s bankruptcy. Other major issues, she said, include proposals for building new warehouses in business park areas and “the city’s general fund, balancing our budget and investing money wisely.”

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Mayor Pro Tem: Walter K. Bowman

Age: 56

Occupation: Real estate broker

First elected: 1990

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: Scrutiny of city finances is a major concern. “We’ve got to look at the revenue side, rather than at the expense side. We can’t continue covering expenses by raising fees or taxes. We’re the policy-makers, and we have to decide the size and shape of government.” Other issues of interest include public safety and allocation of resources and manpower.

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Councilwoman: Gail H. Kerry

Age: 47

Occupation: Businesswoman

First elected: 1988

Term expires: 1996

Key issues: “Keeping the complexion of the community the same, and raising the money to be able to do that. We are a family-oriented community. We want to keep that small-town feel.” She said good financial management is the key to keeping the city a good place to live. “I think even with the county (investment) problems, we’ll make it through.”

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Councilman: Tom Carroll

Age: 62

Occupation: Retired financial executive

First elected: 1994

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: “Certainly, finance is the big issue, even more so because of the (county) bond issue situation. Also, crime is a principal issue in the mind of the public. I’m for a long-term, strategic plan for preventing crime.” He also is a vehement opponent of card clubs.

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Councilwoman: Mary Ann Jones

Age: 45

Occupation: Commercial banker

First elected: 1994

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: “A key issue in the city will be the build-out of our business park.” She said she is also concerned about “the financial ramifications of the county’s investment situation.” Police protection and public safety are also major issues. Like Carroll, she opposes any attempt to bring card clubs to the city.

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Other Key Officials

City manager: Darrell Essex

Age: 62

Length in office: 32 years

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City attorney: John E. Cavanaugh

Age: 40

Length in office: Four years

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Police chief: Daryl Wicker

Age: 49

Length in office: With department 27 years, chief since 1989

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Fire services: Handled by Orange County Fire Department

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How to Reach Them

Cypress Police: (714) 229-6621

County Fire Department: (714) 744-0400

Council meets: Second and fourth Mondays, 7:30 p.m., at Civic Center, 5275 Orange Ave.

Civic Center hours: Mondays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Telephone: (714) 229-6700

Fax: (714) 229-0154

Fast Facts

Motto: “Education--Cooperation--Progress”

Flower: Golden chrysanthemum

Incorporated: 1956

Population: 44,000

Legislative districts: 39th Congressional District (Rep. Ed Royce); 67th Assembly District (Assemblywoman Doris Allen); 35th state Senatorial District (Sen. Marian Bergeson)

Operating budget: $15 million, fiscal 1994-95

Number of employees: 170

Highest paid employee: City Manager Darrell Essex, $122,424 per year

Council perks: Members receive $463 per month, plus an additional $30 per meeting if also serving as a Redevelopment Commission meeting; $40 per month for general expenses, and $125 per month for car allowance.

RESEARCHED BY BILL BILLITER