Orange proposal would shield officials called for military duty

Orange County Register

By Fermin Leal

Orange Mayor Teresa “Tita” Smith has proposed a city ordinance to guarantee reinstatement of elected officials or appointed commissioners called to active military duty. The mayor said her proposal would strengthen local and federal employment protections for those on military leave. But the policy would not affect elected or appointed officials whose terms expire while they are on leave.

The City Council last week rejected the reappointment of Navy reservist Michael Merino, who left his post on the Planning Commission in January 2012 after he was called to serve in Guantanamo Bay. Merino's term expired during his leave, and the Navy captain had served five years on the panel.

The policy the mayor proposed includes:

•Waiving absenteeism rules of committees and elected office that currently do not allow officials to miss three or more meetings.

•Allowing for short-term replacements or special appointments to serve in place of those on active military duty.

•Guaranteeing reinstatement of elected officials, appointed commissioners or board members if they return while their term is still active.

Councilman Denis Bilodeau, who sponsored Merino's reappointment bid, said the mayor's proposal should protect officials whose terms expire while they are on active duty.

The City Council could consider the mayor's proposal in coming weeks.