City Guide

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. Says 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, which could close as early as 1997. Also concerned about possible cuts in state funding to cities this year.

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Councilman: 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. He wants to target absentee landlords not taking proper care of their apartment buildings. Also wants to increase youth recreational programs in the city. Would like to reduce traffic congestion that would be generated by a high-density residential project proposed for an unincorporated area between Tustin and Irvine.

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Councilman: Michael J. Doyle

Age: 52

Occupation: Restaurant owner

First elected: April, 1994

Term expires: March, 1998

Key issues: Improving conditions in southwest Tustin; he wants to step up code enforcement in the area. Also concerned about the fate of various capital improvement projects that 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.”

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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. He wants to downsize city government, balance the budget and privatize various city services to help make Tustin as fiscally sound as possible.

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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. 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.

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Other Key Officials

City Manager: William A. Huston

Age: 48

In office: Since 1981

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City Attorney: Lois E. Jeffrey

Age: 51

In office: Since July, 1994

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Police Chief: W. Douglas Franks

Age: 57

In office: Since 1989

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Fire Department: Contracts with the Orange County Fire Department

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How to Reach Them

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

Hours: City Hall is open to the public 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday (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

Motto: “City of Trees”

Tree: Eucalyptus

Flower: Camellia

Legislative districts: 46th and 47th Congressional; 67th, 70th and 71st Assembly; 33rd, 34th and 35th state Senate; 3rd and 5th Supervisorial

Operating and capital budget: $81 million

City employees: 247 full-time, 60 part-time

Highest-paid employee: City manager receives $131,500

Council pay: Members receive $500 per month

RESEARCHED BY ALAN EYERLY