Council to Choose Mayoral Successor

Chris Norby will hand over the gavel tonight as he concludes his year of duty.

The longtime city official, reelected last month, will revert to being a council member, and the next mayor will be chosen by Norby and his colleagues.

Norby, a history teacher at Brea Olinda High School, is beginning his fourth four-year term on the council. He also turns 47 today.

During his tenure, he has not only presided over council meetings but also has made numerous public appearances. He also conducted informal chats with the public at a Fullerton pizza parlor every Sunday evening.

Norby cast several lone dissenting votes on controversial issues involving low-income housing and redevelopment projects. He also was the only official to object to City Hall’s closure every other Friday.

“I’ve tried to treat the public with openness and fairness,” said Norby, who led a number of contentious council meetings. “I’ve been open to all concerns while at the same time standing for what I believe in, . . . even if it meant standing alone.”

He stood with the council majority, however, on several major issues, including the reversal of a vote to move the 20-foot-tall sculpture “Flight” from City Hall.

He also voted with the majority to deny a request by a local nonprofit organization for $24,000 to operate a low-income housing complex, and he had a hand in tabling action on a proposed daytime curfew for school-age children.

The new mayor will be elected at tonight’s 7:30 council meeting at City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave. After the meeting, a party, open to the public, will be held in Norby’s honor at the Hub Cafe, 124 W. Commonwealth.

Information: (714) 738-6300.