City Guide

LOS ALAMITOS

Mayor: Charles E. Sylvia

Age: 61

Occupation: Electronics engineer

First elected: 1975

Term expires: 1996

Key issues: Wants to provide incentives to draw businesses to the city under a business retention program founded this year with the Chamber of Commerce. Also wants to revise the city’s sign ordinance, which is one of the most restrictive in the county.

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Councilman: Ronald Bates

Age: 49

Occupation: Financial consultant

First elected: 1988

Term expires: 1996

Key issues: Wants to protect city programs from budget cuts, “given the financial constraints that all local governments are facing because the state is taking a lot of our money and because of the Orange County bankruptcy.” Also wants to protect education programs.

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Councilwoman: Alice Jempsa

Age: Not available

Occupation: Education consultant

First elected: 1986

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: Supports maintaining community services in the face of potential budget cuts. Also wants the city to monitor the Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center, which has been suggested for conversion to a general aviation airport.

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Councilwoman: Marilynn M. Poe

Age: 54

Occupation: Homemaker

First elected: 1994

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: Wants to reduce and eventually repeal the city’s 6% utility tax. Also wants to consider more cost-effective ways of running the city. Wants to meet with residents regularly to hear their concerns about city affairs.

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Councilman: Robert P. Wahlstrom

Age: 62

Occupation: Retired

First elected: 1986

Term expires: 1998

Key issues: Wants to preserve road maintenance projects and the city’s parks and recreation activities. Also advocates restructuring county government.

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Other Key Officials

City Manager: Robert C. Dunek

Age: 43

In office: Since 1989

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City Attorney: Thomas W. Allen

Age: 57

In office: Since 1973

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Police Chief: Michael J. Skogh

Age: 50

In office: Since 1994

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Fire Department: Contracts with the Orange County Fire Authority

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How to Reach Them

Council meets: Second and fourth Mondays of the month, 7 p.m., City Hall, 3191 Katella Ave.

Hours: City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Permit counter is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 to 10 a.m.

Telephone: (714) 827-8670 or (310) 431-3538

Fax: (310) 493-1255

Fast Facts

Incorporated: 1960

Population: 12,151

Sister City: Cambridge, New Zealand

Legislative districts: 35th Senate District, state Sen. Ross Johnson; 67th Assembly District, Assemblywoman Doris Allen; 39th Congressional District, Rep. Ed Royce

Budget: $6 million

City employees: 58

Highest-paid employee: City manager is paid $89,688 annually

Council pay: $300 a month

RESEARCHED BY RUSS LOAR