We had the honor of Suhkee Kang, the mayor of Irvine, speaking at our club. He was a member of Irvine Spectrum Rotary Club about 3 years ago. Since then he has become the Mayor. He is the first Korean mayor of a major city in the United States. He gave us an update on the City of Irvine.
For example, on the subject of econometrics, they have put funds away and with the current sales tax, hotel tax, and property tax how the city should be in good shape. Therefore, there are no planned cuts in the many services to both youth and seniors.
They have planned for a safe city by increasing their police force from 150 to 203 officers. One result is; Irvine has been the safest city for its size in the US for the last 4 years.
They have put money aside for schools so they can continue to maintain their class sizes and educational standards. This should permit their continuation of an exceptional educational system.
Finally, he explained the importance of being a GREEN city. and the steps they are taking in that direction.
Our past president, Richard Milo, also spoke today. He was our president from 2003-04. Being an engineer and the efficient person he is, he came equipped with a spreadsheet showing the accomplishments of his year.
He explained the four arms of Rotary service – Vocational, Club Service, Community Service and International – and what we accomplished in those areas. Also during his year was the largest increase in our membership, from 30 to 40 members, an increase of 25 percent.
During his year, he attended the International convention in Brisbane, Australia. He felt the most important element was his goal of making sure everyone was involved, and, after all, that is what Rotary is all about.