Paschall has unfinished business

Unfinished projects motivates Councilman Jim Paschall to run for re-election in 2012.

The veteran Orland City Council member said he wants to continue another four years to see some things completed.

"We hired a new city manager who is working to get things done," Paschall said, and a new police chief.

Paschall served on the council from 1988 to 2000, and gave up his seat then because his work schedule did not allow him time to do the job, he said.

Today, he is retired and has time to devote to it, Paschall said.

Paschall said he wants to see the Sapphire Plaza Center get off the ground since that may "stop some retail leakage to Chico."

He also is concerned with the economy and its impact on the city.

"I want to keep the city moving forward but not put the city in jeopardy," he said, through reckless spending.

Paschall said Orland handles its money frugally, but it has little control over state funding cuts which could come regardless of "whether we scream or holler."

Therefore, he wants the city to handle its own money right so it does not have to depend on the state to give "us money."

He is pleased Orland survived the exit of former Police Chief Paula Carr and has a new one in J.C. Tolle.

Paschall also said he is happy the city moved on in another direction by not renewing former City Manager Paul Poczobut's contract last year — although he bears Poczobut no ill will.

As for projects, Paschall said he wants to see the city swimming pool enlarged so swim meets and related activities can be held there - which could bring visitors to town.

Bringing back income to city employees who accepted salary and benefit cuts in recent years to keep the city going is another goal, he said.

"I don't want to put the city in jeopardy to do it," he explained, but with more sales taxes, Orland may be able to do something in the future.

Things have changed a lot in Orland since Paschall's first time on the council.

There has been a lot of changes in businesses and more homes built, he said.

But the dream of 1,500 homes did not materialize and cost the city in the long run, Paschall said.

"I'd like to see the city develop slowly and build slowly, so we don't get too far a head of ourselves," he added.

Growth of 2 to 4 percent instead of a projected 20 percent would be good.

"If you keep a realistic vision, and not have an unrealistic vision," things will work out, he said, through using common sense.

Paschall said he is pleased the city's General Fund reserve has grown from $138,000 to almost $600,000 in the last four years — putting it on better financial footing for emergencies.

And he wants to help the city's volunteer fire department get new equipment and be cared for since nobody wants it to go away.

Making the Orland Library bigger is another benefit to the town in the works, he said.

Still, he is just one council member, Paschall said. It will take all five to make Orland thrive and prosper.