City Guide : BUENA PARK

Mayor: Art Brown

Age: 60

Occupation: Retired Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy; security consultant

First elected: November 1990

Term expires: November 1998

Key issues: Facilitate completion of mall renovation and the building of a Metrolink station; eventually see a convention center built; encourage participation of all residents, including various ethnic groups, in civic affairs.

Mayor Pro Tem: Jerry Sigler

Age: Declines to state

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

First elected: November 1994

Term expires: November 1998

Key issues: Achieve balanced budgets but not reduce services so much that residents are hurt; help set direction of the Orange County Fire Authority; enhance the Entertainment Corridor to make it more attractive to visitors and establish it as the city’s downtown center.

Councilman: Steve Berry

Age: 35

Occupation: President of a publishing company

First elected: November 1996

Term expires: November 2000

Key issues: Establish a balanced budget; expand city programs to serve the community as a whole; keep the city competitive, ensuring it is a safe community; encourage officials to think creatively about services and programs.

Councilwoman: Patsy Marshall

Age: 52

Occupation: Owns a public relations firm

First elected: November 1994

Term expires: November 1998

Key issues: Work toward a balanced budget, holding the line without raising taxes if possible; have long-range financial planning and increase financial reserves; encourage tourism and work with small conventions and businesses hurt by recession; increase volunteerism and expand the Paint Buena Park Beautiful program.

Councilman: Jack W. Mauller

Age: 49

Occupation: General contractor

First elected: November 1996

Term expires: November 2000

Key issues: Make the city solvent and think of long-term budget issues; create policies to make the city sound and less dependent on property and sales taxes; find better ways to generate revenue; increase tourism; attract new car dealers to Auto Row.

Other Key Officials

Interim city manager: Greg Beaubien

Age: 45

In office: Three months

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City attorney: James L. Markman

Age: 54

In office: 14 years

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Police chief: Richard M. Tefank

Age: 51

In office: Eight years

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Fire chief: City contracts with the Orange County Fire Authority for service.

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

Factoids

Motto: Center of the Southland

Flower: Bird of paradise

Incorporated: Jan. 27, 1953

Population: 72,898

Legislative districts: 67th, 68th and 72nd Assembly districts; 39th Congressional district; 33rd, 34th and 35th state Senate districts; 4th Supervisorial District

Operating budget: $39.7 million

Number of employees: 301 full-time, 160 part-time

Highest-paid employee: Permanent city manager makes $115,000

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

RESEARCHED BY LESLEY WRIGHT