City Atty. Patterson, First to Hold Post, Resigns

City Atty. Jerry Patterson, who has served Dana Point since it was incorporated in 1989, has resigned.

A former Santa Ana mayor and five-term member of Congress from the 46th District, Patterson is managing partner of the Burke, Williams & Sorensen law firm in Costa Mesa.

He said in his letter of resignation that he wants to devote more time to state and national issues in Sacramento and Washington.

Patterson, 62, is on the board of Coast Community College District and teaches a municipal law course at Cal State Long Beach.

City Councilman Harold R. Kaufman said of Patterson’s resignation: “I’m sorry to lose him. He’s been a very good advocate for the city.”

The City Council will discuss at its meeting tonight whether to appoint Assistant City Atty. Kenneth Rozell to the vacancy and whether to continue contracting with Burke, Williams & Sorensen for attorney services.

The council tonight is also scheduled to take final action on a proposal to dissolve the community services, economic development and traffic improvement commissions, which now have 18 volunteer staff members.

Aurnie Sutliffe, who has served almost four years on the economic development panel, said the commission lacks direction.

“It should be dissolved until it can be reformed,” Sutliffe said. “It has not been effective.”

Several commissioners, however, said they are concerned that dissolving the three panels will leave the council overburdened.

“We did the homework for the City Council,” said Milt Rouse, vice chairman of the community services group. “If the council feels it can do all that, more power to them.”

The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. in chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210. Information: (714) 248-9890.