Single Dad Also New City Father

Veteran political observers said they were stunned when a newcomer, Paul F. Walker, topped all the candidates and handily won election to the City Council last month, ousting an incumbent.

But Walker said it was simply a matter of grass-roots campaigning, plus encouragement from his “political advisor”--his 13-year-old son, Zachary.

Walker said he and his son are a harmonious team who cram a lot of living into their crowded schedule. “It’s very hectic,” Walker said. “But Zachary and I still get to spend a lot of time together, going to the movies, taking trips to the river and things like that.”

Walker, 37, who has never been married, is a single father. He is also an Orange County Fire Authority firefighter and president of the Walker Junior High parent-teacher organization. He said Zachary is his biggest political booster and was a one-person cheering section on election night.

“Zachary was home watching election returns that night, and I was at the fire station on duty,” Walker recalls. “It got this call from him, and he was saying, ‘Dad! Dad! You’re winning!’ ”

Walker and his son live in an attractive, neatly kept home that the firefighter has owned the past 13 years.

“We share housekeeping duties,” Walker said. “Most nights, I fix supper, although Zachary is a good cook himself.”

Zachary has lived with his father the past three years.

“I tried to get custody of him when he was 3,” Walker said. “Then when Zachary was older, he asked to come live with me, and I was really glad.”

Scheduling is not easy, Walker said. He is assigned to the Fire Authority’s Laguna Niguel station, and his shifts run 24 hours on duty, 24 hours off. When he is at the station house, friends and relatives help watch his son.

But Walker said Zachary, an honor student, is very self-sufficient. “He even helps take care of kids in the neighborhood,” Walker said.

Father, son and their dog like to share their free time together at home.

“At supper time, Zachary and I always have sit-down meals--and never with the TV on,” Walker said. “That way, we get to talk and spend some quality time together.”

Zachary, who wants to be an engineer, also has an interest in civics and political science.

He listens avidly whenever Walker discusses politics and city needs. He is especially attentive as Walker talks about school and recreational needs in La Palma.

Zachary said it’s no mystery to him that his father was the biggest vote-getter in the city this fall, even though he’d never before run for office.

“I knew he was going to win,” Zachary said. “I could tell that by watching people as he went to their houses, knocking on doors. My dad’s cool.”