New
Assignments Reflect
New Challenges
The year 2005 has begun with new committee assignments
and new challenges. The following are roles I will assume
in representing the Board of Supervisors and the people
of the Fourth District:
Orange County Transportation Authority:
I will continue to serve on the newly-expanded 17-member
OCTA Board. We oversee the spending of $245 million in annual
Measure “M” sales tax revenue (1/2 cent on each
taxable dollar). Key issues will be the future of CenterLine,
the extension of Measure “M” and completing
major freeway improvements.
Chairman, OCTA Regional Planning & Highways
Committee: I will Chair this 9-member committee,
making recommendations to the Board on freeway and surface
street projects, on which over 70% of all local funds are
spent. Major improvements to the Santa Ana (I-5) and Garden
Grove (22) Freeways proceed, as well as a decision on extending
the Orange (57) Freeway. The recent tragic train accident
in Glendale has renewed interest in safer rail crossings.
Orange County Fire Authority: I continue
to represent Orange County on the OCFA Board, which includes
representatives from 22 OC cities who contract their fire
services with the Authority. Annual ambulance contracts
are always a contentious issue here, as well as the looming
vote on allocation of Prop. 172 funds. This Board may continue
to expand as additional cities decide to disband their own
fire departments and contract out these services at a lower
rate.
Foothill/Eastern Toll Road Agency: This
board operates 36 miles of toll roads connecting Anaheim
Hills with points in South County. It serves over 200,000
commuters daily, who pay $90.8 million in annual tolls to
retire construction bonds. Key issues will be assisting
the weaker San Jaoquin toll road and extending the system
south to connect with the I-5 in San Clemente.
Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG): I will continue to serve as OC’s
delegate to this regional planning body, meeting monthly
in Downtown L.A. SCAG has no direct authority, but acts
as a planning agency and go-between among local, state and
the federal governments.
Southern California Water Committee: Chairman
Campbell has appointed me to represent OC on the Board of
Trustees of this regional water coordinating organization.
SCWC convenes quarterly to provide updates and act as a
forum on issues facing the myriad of Southern California’s
water agencies. I’ll have my own in-family expert
in sister-in-law Susan Trager, Eric’s wife and a highly
regarded attorney on water issues.
Director, Municipal Officials for Redevelopment
Reform: This statewide volunteer coalition is not
connected with the County, and my association dates back
to 1996 when MORR was activated. We monitor fiscal and property
rights abuses by California redevelopment agencies. MORR
holds twice-annual conferences where elected officials and
concerned citizens share experiences and strategies. We
seek to strengthen respect for free enterprise, fiscal responsibility
and property rights among locals governments.
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