Local Reform Party Leader Sees Big Changes in Country’s Direction

There are only about 12,000 Reform Party members in Orange County and 120,000 statewide, but Raymond Mills, chairman of a county chapter of the party, insists his group represents the future of America.

Mills is confident the masses ultimately will see the Reform Party the way he does. He spoke last week, on the day former Colorado Gov. Richard D. Lamm announced his candidacy for the party’s presidential nomination.

“The first political activity of my life was the [1992] Perot campaign,” said Mills, 36, a Tustin cab driver who will preside over the grand opening of a campaign headquarters in Santa Ana next Saturday. “He offered the first breath of fresh air that we could actually change the entrenched parties.”

If Reform Party doesn’t pull an historic upset, Mills believes it will hurt President Clinton more than presumptive GOP nominee Bob Dole this year.

“Third-party candidates tend to hurt the incumbent. If anybody wants to think that way, it’s the Democrats’ turn this time,” Mills said. “Of course, that’s based on the assumption that a third party can’t win. Our objective is to change all that.”

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Motor voters: Nearly a year after the new “motor voter” law took effect in June 1995, it had been used by more than 1.1 million people in California to register to vote, change an address or re-register, according to the secretary of state’s office.

Through May, the law, which allows people to register at the Department of Motor Vehicles or social services agencies, has been used by 67,865 people in Orange County. A breakdown:

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Hatfield and McCoy: Rarely do political rivalries engender the kind of nastiness dished out by Yorba Linda Mayor John M. Gullixson and former Councilman Henry W. Wedaa. Neither will say what it’s all about, other than mutual ill will.

The rivalry has resurfaced as Wedaa, who served on the council for 24 years before retiring in 1994, has launched another council run with the slogan “Hank’s back.” The announcement prompted Gullixson to propose a term limit law for council members.

He described Wedaa last week as a “total and complete jerk.” Gullixson has always said it was his disdain for Wedaa that “inspired” him to get into politics in 1990.

“The last thing we need is to have Hank back on the council,” Gullixson said.

Wedaa’s response? He prefers Gullixson as a foe rather than an ally.

“Frankly, I don’t want him on my side,” Wedaa said.

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Attention, candidates: It’s time for the “silly season” again. Local political campaigns will officially open tomorrow with the start of candidate filing periods for City Council, special district and school board races. For some hopefuls, it won’t come soon enough.

Mission Viejo City Council candidate Tom Potocki called City Hall more than two months ago to claim the right to be first in line to get his nomination papers. He said he plans to be at the city clerk’s office at 8 a.m.

“I believe in doing things the right way and showing up early,” said Potocki, a city planning commissioner and failed 1992 council candidate. “It’s a good, positive image to show to voters.”

Nomination papers for City Council seats can be picked up at local City Halls. Those interested in running for school trustee or special district posts can get the required forms at the county registrar of voters office in Santa Ana. Most cities require candidates to collect the signatures of 20 registered voters. All paperwork must be turned in by 5 p.m. Aug. 9. In races where no incumbent is seeking reelection, the deadline is 5 p.m. on Aug. 14.

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Bowing out: There’s plenty of room for new city council members, judging by the number of elected officials who have already announced they will not be running for reelection. Here’s a partial list: Councilman Joseph D. Lowe, Mission Viejo; Councilwoman Judy Curreri, Dana Point; Councilmen Donald C. Bone and Don R. Griffin, Buena Park; Councilwoman Mary Hornbuckle, Costa Mesa; Councilman Fred Barrera, Orange; Councilwomen Cecilia L. Age and Gail H. Kerry, Cypress.

UPCOMING EVENTS

* Thursday: County Treasurer-Tax Collector John M.W. Moorlach will be the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the West Orange County Republican Assembly, 7:30 p.m. at the Los Alamitos Community Center, 10911 Oak St. Information: (310) 430-8400.

* Thursday: County Chief Executive officer Jan Mittermeier will speak to the Republican Associates of Orange County at 6 p.m. at the Newport Beach Marriott in Fashion Island. Information: (714) 760-6109.

* Friday: “Citizens for Rob Hurtt” will have a fund-raiser for the Republican state senator from Garden Grove at 6 p.m. in a private box at the California Angels game. Information: Doug Swordstrom at (714) 895-2250.

* Friday: County Treasurer-Tax Collector John M.W. Moorlach and Chief Executive Officer Jan Mittermeier will be guest speakers at the breakfast club hosted by Assemblyman Jim Morrissey (R-Santa Ana) at 7:30 p.m. at Planet Hollywood. Information: (714) 540-0461.

Compiled by Times staff writer Len Hall with contributions from correspondents Hope Hamashige and Frank Messina.

Politics ’96 appears every Sunday. Items can be mailed to Politics ‘96, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, or faxed to (714) 966-7711.

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At the DMV

New registrations: 48,984

Change of addresses: 14,451

At social services agencies: 4,430** Includes new registration, change of address

Source: Registrar of voters