My Record of Service To Laguna Hills

By L. Allan "Allan" Songstad, Jr.

The City is strong financially, we have one of the lowest crime rates in California, we have renovated major commercial areas improving the revenue to the City and enhancing the overall appearance of the City. We have made many improvements in traffic, annexed North Laguna Hills and an area we referred to as the Westside Annexation Area behind Laguna Hills High School. In addition, we have provided an economic atmosphere for the addition of hundreds of new businesses.

In 1994, we were faced with an additional challenge - the possibility of a commercial airport at El Toro. During the last eight years I have been the City's representative to the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority ("ETRPA"), serving as vice-chairman for two years and chairman for two years. During my term as chairman, I led a vigorous effort by the South County Cities to prevent a commercial airport at El Toro. That effort ultimately lead to Measures F and W, which have all but eliminated the threat of an airport and replaced it with a great metropolitan park which will be the pride of Orange County. However, we must still maintain our vigilance and with your vote I will continue to do so.

The Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex is now completed and is a major addition to our community. We are nearing completion of our permanent City Hall. Since the City will only occupy thirty percent of the building, it will actually contribute a positive cash flow to the City, which is a remarkable achievement.

I have worked with each of the current Council members for many years. My service to the community, including co-chairman of the original cityhood effort, Council member, mayor of the City, and chairman of ETRPA have given me valuable insight into the problems which face the City and have given me the opportunity to demonstrate that I can solve those issues as they come before the Council and our region. Currently, I am also a member of the Executive Steering Committee of the Orange County League of Cities which is fighting to protect local revenues from the State.

During my term on the Council, the city has developed many educational opportunities for residents of all ages including the palentological heritage of our community. We have developed programs for the arts at the Community Center including a rotating art display for local artists and have also hosted the national awards for the National Association of Portrait Artists which included a display of the works of portrait artists from all over the country. The City sponsors a highly successful Concert in the Park series. The Community Center has recently become a venue for productions of Irvine Community Theatre. We are proud of the fine work our staff has accomplished to bring these programs to our community.

I now ask for your vote so I can continue to contribute to the success of our City and protect the quality of life for our residents.

Thank You Allan Songstad