CITY GUIDE : MISSION VIEJO

Mayor: William S. Craycraft

Age: 53

Occupation: Regional sales manager for an aerospace materials supplier

First elected: November 1987

Term expires: November 2000

Key issues: Continue emphasis on public safety and law enforcement; oversee operation of new library; enhance revenue to ensure economic stability of the city.

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Councilwoman: Susan Withrow

Age: 42

Occupation: Urban planner

First elected: November 1990

Term expires: November 1998

Key issues: Spend time on mall renovation; ensure successful transition from county library to city library; expand economic base to offset loss of development revenue as city reaches build-out.

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Councilwoman: Sherri M. Butterfield

Age: 57

Occupation: Writer and editor

First elected: November 1994

Term expires: November 1998

Key issues: Operate new city library; continue economic revitalization of city with expansion of mall and addition of kaleidoscope entertainment mall; stop county from deleting Crown Valley Parkway from list of master plan of arterial highways.

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Councilman: Tom Potocki

Age: 51

Occupation: Sales account executive for photo digital imaging firm

First elected: November 1996

Term expires: November 2000

Key issues: Look at El Toro Marine Air Base reuse issues and prevent construction of proposed El Toro airport; keep city reserves at high level to maintain long-term security; maintain quality of life in the city.

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Councilman: Lawrence H. Smith

Age: 55

Occupation: Principal in commercial real estate finance company

First elected: November 1994

Term expires: November 1998

Key issues: Wants to see Mission Viejo have new City Hall; wants to make sure city handles redevelopment revenue wisely; maintain high standards for quality of life in Mission Viejo.

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Other Key Officials

City Manager: Dan Joseph

Age: 47

Length in Office: Two years

City Attorney: Peter M. Thorson

Age: 45

Length in Office: Six years

Police Services: The city contracts with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for service, Lt. Kim Markusson is chief.

Age: 43

Length in Office: Three years

Fire Services: The city contracts with the Orange County Fire Authority for service

How to Reach Them

Council meets: First and third Mondays of the month

Hours: City Hall, 25909 Pala, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Telephone: (714) 470-3000

Fax: (714) 470-9140

Web site: https://www.ci.mission-viejo.ca.us

Factoids

Incorporated: March 1988

Population: 92,000

Legislative Districts:

* 48th Congressional district

* 33rd Senatorial

* 71st Assembly

Operating budget: $28.7 million

Number of employees: 87

Highest-paid employee: City manager, $116,000 annually

Council perks: Council members receive $500 per month for attending council meetings

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RESEARCHED BY FRANK MESSINA