City Guide

BREA —  Mayor: Bev Perry

Age: 39

Occupation: Public affairs consultant

First elected: November, 1992

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: “Investing in Brea’s youth” is a top priority for Perry, who wants the city to help steer its youth away from crime. Perry wants to update Brea’s master plan for parks and recreation and pursue projects with local schools. She is also concerned about finishing downtown redevelopment, streamlining city government, and planning for the nearby Olinda Heights and other large-scale projects.

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Councilman: Burnie Dunlap

Age: 51

Occupation: Brea Community Hospital executive

First elected: November, 1990

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Maintaining the city’s financial health in light of the county bankruptcy is a prime concern for Dunlap. He also wants to protect and improve the quality of life for people who live, work or visit Brea. Dunlap said the city should be governed in a way that encourages citizen involvement and reflects community values.

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Councilwoman: Lynn Daucher

Age: 48

Occupation: Former Brea school board member

First elected: November, 1994

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Long-range financial planning of the city and Redevelopment Agency budgets is seen as vital by Daucher. She is also concerned about balancing the needs of residents and businesses in considering developments proposed for Brea. Another key issue is sustaining essential city services, such as police, fire and maintenance.

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Councilman: Glenn G. Parker

Age: 42

Occupation: Provides management services to homeowner associations.

First elected: November, 1990

Term expires: November, 1998

Key issues: Finishing Brea’s downtown redevelopment project is a key issue. He is also concerned about keeping public safety and maintenance programs at their current levels. Another issue is balancing the city budget while coping with cuts in state funding and fallout from the Orange County bankruptcy.

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Councilwoman: Kathryn E. Wiser

Age: 52

Occupation: Kindergarten teacher at Laurel Elementary School

First elected: November, 1992

Term expires: November, 1996

Key issues: Managing the city budget in light of Orange County’s financial difficulties is a major concern. Another key issue is the Olinda Heights residential community proposed for the foothills within Brea’s sphere of influence. She is also concerned about managing the downtown redevelopment project.

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Other Key Officials

City manager: Frank Benest

Age: 45

Length in office: Since June, 1989

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City attorney: James L. Markman

Age: 51

Length in office: Since 1978

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Police chief: James E. Oman

Age: 52

Length in office: Since August, 1994

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Fire chief: Bill Simpkins

Age: 49

Length in office: Since February, 1994

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How to Reach Them

Council meets: First and third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle

Hours: City Hall is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Closed alternate Fridays

Telephone: (714) 990-7600

Fax: (714) 990-2258

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Fast Facts

Incorporated: 1917

Population: 33,550

Legislative districts: 39th and 41st Congressional; 72nd Assembly; 33rd Senate; 3rd Supervisorial

Sister Cities: Lagos de Moreno, Mexico, and Hanno, Japan

Operating budget: $27.2 million

Number of employees: 325 full time, 103 part time

Highest-paid employee: City manager is paid nearly $133,000 per year

Council perks: Members each receive $360.99 stipend per month, plus $30 for Redevelopment Agency meetings

RESEARCHED BY ALAN EYERLY