September 13, 2010
ANAHEIM, CA – Today, Support Our Anaheim Resort Political Action Committee (S.O.A.R. PAC) announced its endorsement of Tom Tait for Anaheim Mayor, Kris Murray and Gail Eastman for Anaheim City Council. The endorsements were made after months of interviewing the candidates and reviewing their experience and background-which included evaluating their commitment to the Anaheim Resort District and their vision for Anaheim’s future.
“Tom Tait shares our passion for the success of Anaheim, its people and the continued economic growth of the city,” said S.O.A.R. Executive Director Jill Kanzler. “As a successful business owner, employer, City Councilmember and longtime Anaheim resident, he has a proven record as a dynamic leader in this community and we believe he will make a great mayor for our city.”
“Both Kris and Gail have the experience, skills and passion needed to be fantastic City Councilmembers,” said Kanzler. “They have shown that they understand the importance of tourism for the region and bring a strong understanding of what the success of the Anaheim Resort District means to all of Orange County. We are endorsing Kris and Gail because they share our commitment to the economic growth and vitality of the Resort District as well as all of Anaheim.”
The Anaheim Resort District is a critical economic engine for Anaheim. Representing less than five percent of Anaheim’s land, the Resort District generates 50 percent of the City’s tax revenues. In addition, it creates jobs and unparalleled economic impact throughout all of Orange County. S.O.A.R.’s Political Action Committee was established last year to help advance candidates and causes that support the Resort District’s vitality and ability to contribute to the local community.
Mayoral candidate Tom Tait was appointed to the Anaheim City Council in January 1995 to fill a vacancy and complete an unexpired term. He was subsequently elected by the voters in November 1996 to serve a full four-year term and was re-elected without a challenge in 2000. He was elected by the Council to serve as Mayor Pro Tem from 2002-2003. Tom served on the Anaheim Planning Commission; the Anaheim Budget Advisory Commission; and as a member of the Anaheim Community Block Grant Foundation. He has been active in the community of Anaheim where he has lived for 22 years.
Kris Murray has nearly 20 years experience working with the federal and state governments as an advocate for the needs of Orange County. She serves on the Anaheim Public Utilities Board and last year was appointed vice chair. In 2009, she was appointed unanimously to serve on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors as the city’s representative. She has also served on the SOAR advisory board and the Anaheim Chamber Government Affairs Committee. In addition, Kris serves on the board of both the Orange County Taxpayers Board of Directors and the California Women’s Leadership Association.
Gail Eastman has been an active member of the Anaheim community for nearly 30 years. She has served as a member of the Planning Commission, on the board of directors for the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, the Anaheim Historical Society as Secretary, Membership and Newsletter publisher. In addition, Gail serves on board of the Anaheim Transportation Network and previously served as co-chair of the SOAR advisory committee. She was also honored by State Senator Lou Correa as the 34th District “Woman of the Year” for her active role accomplishments in the community.
S.O.A.R. is a broad coalition consisting of more than 10,000 Anaheim residents and business leaders committed to preserving and protecting the Anaheim Resort District. One of S.O.A.R.’s key goals is to elect strong leaders who will support a healthy and economically viable Anaheim Resort District.
“After looking closely at each of the candidates for Mayor and City Council, we believe Tom Tait, Kris Murray and Gail Eastman have the experience, passion and vision to best represent the people of Anaheim at City Hall,” concluded Kanzler. “We encourage our S.O.A.R. members and all Anaheim voters to join us in our support for these candidates.”
