City Guide

BUENA PARK

Mayor: Don R. Griffin

Age: 64

Occupation: Architect

First elected: March, 1974

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Says the city must formulate a long-range financial plan that will foster growth. “It’s very important for us to understand who we are and where we’re going.” Wants to monitor the city’s bankruptcy-related lawsuit against the county. Wants to improve communications with residents and promote volunteerism.

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Councilwoman: Patsy Marshall

Age: 50

Occupation: Owns a public relations firm

First elected: November, 1994

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Wants a long-range financial plan to ensure that the city’s “children and grandchildren have a safe, desirable city.” Says the city should promote tourism and small-convention trade to expand the tax base. *

Councilman: Donald L. Bone

Age: 51

Occupation: Painting contractor

First elected: November, 1987

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Supports long-range planning to be better prepared for emergencies and determine how to increase service to residents. Wants city officials to update and implement goals from 1990 citizen survey called Vision 2010. Will continue to push for a human relations commission to consider intercultural issues.

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Councilman: Arthur C. Brown

Age: 58

Occupation: Retired L.A. County sheriff’s deputy

First elected: November, 1990

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Wants to revitalize the city’s mall and work to bring new businesses into the city. Will push for a Metrolink train stop in the city. Wants to spruce up the entertainment corridor to prepare for more tourists.

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Councilman: Gerald N. Sigler

Age: Declined to state

Occupation: Former director of Buena Park Coordinating Council, a social services group

First elected: November, 1994

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Wants to concentrate on improving the general area around the entertainment corridor. Said the city’s priorities have changed because of financial issues and the effects of the county’s bankruptcy. Supports development of a five-year financial plan to “look at the overall picture.”

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Other Key Officials

City Manager: Kevin O’Rourke

Age: 44

Time in office: Nine years

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City Attorney: James L. Markman

Age: 52

Time in office: 12 years

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Police Chief: Richard M. Tefank

Age: 49

Time in office: Six years

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Fire Chief: City contracts with the Orange County Fire Authority for service

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How to Reach Them

Council meets: First and third Mondays

Hours: City Hall, 6650 Beach Blvd., open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Closed every other Friday.

Telephone: (714) 562-3500

Fax: (714) 562-3599

Fast Facts

City Song: “Here’s to Buena Park”

Motto: Center of the Southland

Flower: Bird of paradise

Tree: Brazilian pepper

Incorporated: Jan. 27, 1953

Population: 72,898

Legislative districts: 67th, 68th and 72nd Assembly districts; 32nd, 33rd and 35th state Senate districts; 39th Congressional District

Operating budget: $38.2 million

Employees: 290 full-time, 468 part-time and seasonal.

Highest-paid employee: City manager, $107,000 a year.

Council perks: Council members receive $755 a month for meetings and car allowance.

RESEARCHED BY LESLEY WRIGHT