LA HABRA : Councilman Joins State Senator’s Staff

City Councilman James Flora has taken a job as a field representative for state Sen. John R. Lewis (R-Orange).

Flora, 67, will work part time representing Lewis at community events in La Habra, Brea, Fullerton and Buena Park and deal with chambers of commerce, community organizations, city officials and businesses. He started the new job earlier this month, making $400 a month.

The retired Southern California Edison employee also serves as chairman of the county’s Local Agency Formation Commission. Flora was appointed to the commission in 1988 and has served as chairman since May of last year, when Supervisor Don Roth resigned.

As chairman, Flora presides at LAFCO meetings. LAFCO’s members have the power to approve the creation of cities or special districts and annexations. He said commissioners will be considering consolidating special districts in the coming year in an effort to reduce bureaucracy.

“I’m retired, so I have time” to hold two public offices and work for Lewis, Flora said. “I want to be involved and devote a lot more time to what I think I can do. And there’s no conflict at all between the three jobs. . . . I’m glad I’m busy.”