Irvine Passage of Measure E May Lead to Agran-Baker Mayor’s Race

The passage of Measure E in Irvine has set the stage for an intriguing race for mayor next spring.

Mayor Larry Agran, 42, a liberal Democrat and leading advocate of slower growth in the city, and Councilman C. David Baker, 34, a Republican who is viewed favorably by the city’s old guard, including the Irvine Co., may square off in a campaign that will culminate in June.

Irvine voters set up that possibility Tuesday when they approved Measure E by a margin of 54.1% to 45.8%. Under the amendment to the city Charter, voters will directly elect a mayor every two years, beginning in June, 1988. Until now, the council picked the mayor once a year in a closed meeting.

On Wednesday, Agran and Baker, both attorneys, said they might run for the job, which pays $600 a month. But both said they won’t decide until early next year.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Agran said, adding that “50,000 other people in Irvine” are now eligible to run for mayor.

Baker, who called his stint as mayor “one of the best jobs in America,” said he will think about it over the holidays. “It’s a big step, one that can’t be taken lightly,” he said. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

At the moment, Baker would have a financial edge. He has $28,434 in his political bank account, according to a midyear 1987 campaign contribution statement filed at the Irvine city clerk’s office. Most of that was raised in June, when about 150 people paid $250 apiece for a cheeseburger and a preview of the Dan Akroyd-Tom Hanks movie parody, “Dragnet.”

The contributions came from a range of groups, including attorneys, developers and Irvine residents.

Agran, however, had only $436 in his campaign account as of June 30, contribution records showed. Agran, who won reelection to a third council term last year, loaned the campaign more than $2,000 to help pass Measure E.

A political consultant familiar with Irvine politics said an Agran-Baker contest has been talked about for some time. “They both have high profiles, and both like the attention of being in public office,” the consultant said.

Another potential candidate, council member Sally Anne Miller, said late Tuesday night that she is not interested in the job. She led the fight to defeat Measure E and is widely respected in Irvine business circles. But she said a run at the mayor’s seat “is not in the cards. . . . It’s just too involved.”

She said she will probably seek reelection to a second term on the council.

Baker has become more visible in the community in recent months. In addition to the fund-raiser, he a sent a newsletter--paid by campaign funds--with his views on a range of issues to several thousand residents. He is also host of a local TV-magazine show airing this month on Irvine’s cable system.

“It’s a good show that talks about the community in a positive way,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Baker said he probably will form a committee in February to assess his chances in a mayoral race. He must decide whether to run for reelection to the council or run for mayor.

Agran, however, is not up for reelection, so he can run for mayor without jeopardizing his council seat.

On Wednesday, Agran preferred to talk about his victory on Measure E. He said the win was the culmination of a seven-year fight to give voters a greater voice in how the city is governed. “It’s a great day for this city, and the democratic process,” he said.