Newport Official Wins Seat on AQMD

In a surprise victory, Newport Beach Councilwoman Norma Glover was chosen by Orange County’s cities to be their representative to the board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The AQMD determines policy on air pollution issues for Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.

Glover, a relative newcomer to the political scene, prevailed over a trio of veterans: Costa Mesa Mayor Peter Buffa, Mission Viejo Mayor William S. Craycraft and Yorba Linda Councilman Henry W. Wedaa. Wedaa had been the League of Cities representative to the AQMD from 1987 to 1994.

Glover, a city official for only two years, was praised by her colleagues in Newport Beach for her fairness in considering all sides of an issue.

Though she has not worked on air quality issues as a legislator, Glover said she is certain she will bring a balanced perspective to the 12-member board.

“I owned a print shop that was affected by AQMD regulations, so I know some of the implications the decisions have on business,” she said. “But on the other hand, the air quality has gotten a lot better around here in the last few years.”