ozzyirvine said:
Does anyone know if Mayor Choi will run for his Mayor seat again because he lost the Assembly seat on June 7th?
Mayor Choi is movin' on up
Assemblyman Don Wagner enters race for Irvine mayor
As his final term representing the 68th District winds down, Wagner announces bid for mayor
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By Irvine City News Staff
Assemblyman Donald Wagner today announced his campaign to become mayor of the city of Irvine.
Currently serving the 68th District, that includes Irvine, he said in a statement: ?Irvine is one of the most dynamic cities in the state. We have a diverse population with fantastic schools, a world-class university, and a bright future. My wife Megan and I have raised our family in this wonderful city and I look forward to helping lead it into the future.?
Wagner enters the race with a list of strong endorsements including Irvine Congresswoman Mimi Walters; Assemblyman Matthew Harper, also from Irvine; and Irvine Councilwoman Christina Shea, among others.
Wagner?s experience spans nearly two decades, beginning with his election to the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees in 1998 where he served three terms, six years as board president.
A practicing attorney, he is considered by many to be an expert on the state budget and taxation, having served on all three legislative fiscal committees. While in Sacramento, he served on the Assembly Education Committee with a focus on the K-12 system. He is also Assembly Chairman of the UC Caucus, which he founded to support the University of California system in the Legislature.
As he announced his candidacy, Wagner said: ?I intend to deliver on the promise made to Irvine residents in 2004 to complete the Great Park and its related community facilities. I intend to create a real partnership between City Hall and our schools and colleges to improve their abilities to provide a quality education to our children. And I intend to engage the whole community to guide the future growth of this city in a reasonable and balanced way, enhancing everyone?s quality of life.?
Wagner and his wife, Orange County Superior Court Judge-elect Megan Wagner have lived in Irvine for 25 years. Their three children attended Irvine public schools.
Wagner said in his announcement: ?I have long enjoyed serving this community and embrace the opportunity to continue serving. Having been active in both state and local government, I believe I have a thorough appreciation of how government works, and how to be effective on behalf of the people of Irvine. I truly look forward to an exciting campaign and to sharing my vision of this great city with its residents.?