City Guide

L.A. Times Archives

Jan. 7, 1995 12 AM PT

TUSTIN

Mayor: Thomas R. Saltarelli

Age: 47

Occupation: Business and real estate attorney

First elected: April, 1992

Term expires: March, 1996

Key issues: Local effects of Orange County’s bankruptcy are a prime concern of Saltarelli, who said he will work aggressively to recover any funds the county owes Tustin. Another major issue is developing a reasonable and fiscally responsible reuse plan for the Tustin Marine Corps Helicopter Air Station. Saltarelli is also concerned about possible cuts in state funding to cities this year.

Mayor Pro Tem: Jim Potts

Age: 41

Occupation: Sergeant, Irvine Police Department

First elected: April, 1990

Term expires: March, 1996

Key issues: Redeveloping the troubled southwest area of the city is a major concern of Potts. He wants to target absentee landlords who are not taking proper care of their apartment buildings. Potts also wants to increase youth recreational programs in the city. Another concern of his is to reduce traffic congestion that would be generated by a high-density residential project proposed for an unincorporated area between Tustin and Irvine.

Councilman: Michael J. Doyle

Age: 52

Occupation: Restaurant owner

First elected: April, 1994

Term expires: March, 1998

Key issues: Improving conditions in southwest Tustin is a prime concern for Doyle, who wants to step up code enforcement in the area. Another key issue is the fate of various capital improvement projects Tustin is pursuing with the county and nearby cities. The county bankruptcy has put the future of some of these projects in doubt. Doyle is also concerned about redeveloping Old Town Tustin, streamlining municipal government, and making City Hall “more citizen-friendly.”

Councilman: Jeffery M. Thomas

Age: 39

Occupation: Executive vice president of an investment management firm

First elected: April, 1992

Term expires: March, 1996

Key issues: Contract discussions with the police and municipal employees’ unions are important for Thomas, who wants to keep tight control on city finances in light of the county bankruptcy and the state’s budget deficit. Thomas wants to downsize city government, balance the budget, and privatize various city services to help make Tustin as fiscally sound as possible.

Councilwoman: Tracy Worley

Age: 35

Occupation: Medical administrator

First elected: April, 1994

Term expires: March, 1998

Key issues: Worley sees the redevelopment of the troubled southwest section of Tustin as one of the most important issues facing the city. She also wants to help revitalize the downtown area, complete the Tustin Ranch development, and increase the number of recreational facilities in the city. Another major issue is reuse planning of the Tustin Marine Corps Helicopter Air Station, which could close as early as 1997.

Other Key Officials

City Manager: William A. Huston

Age: 48

In office: since 1981

City Attorney: Lois E. Jeffrey of Rourke, Woodruff & Spradlin

Age: 51

In office: since July, 1994

Police Chief: W. Douglas Franks

Age: 57

In office: since 1989

Fire Department: Contracts with the Orange County Fire Department

How to Reach Them

Council meets: First and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 300 Centennial Way.

Hours: City Hall is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. City Hall is closed on alternate Fridays.

Telephone: (714) 573-3000

Fax: (714) 832-0825

Fast Facts

Incorporated: 1927

Population: 59,571

Sister city: Mata Mata, New Zealand

Legislative districts: 46th and 47th Congressional; 67th, 70th and 71st Assembly; 33rd, 34th and 35th Senatorial

Operating and capital budget: $81 million

City employees: 247 full time, 60 part time

Highest paid employee: City manager receives $131,500

Council pay: Council members receive $500 stipends per month

Motto: “City of Trees”