Many Yorba Linda residents remember significant role played by Gene Wisner in politics, business

Many Yorba Linda residents are remembering the significant role played by Gene Wisner in community affairs during the city's rapid growth years of the 1980s and 1990s. Wisner died April 6 at his home in East Leroy, Michigan, at age 84.

Wisner was one of the most popular City Council members ever: he topped the vote count in his four elections to the governing body and was selected by council colleagues to serve one-year terms as mayor three times, for 1985, 1990 and 1998.

Also, Wisner was one of the most respected businessmen in the city, as owner of the Stride Rite Bootery at the east end of the shopping center that is now anchored by Orchard Supply Hardware and Sprouts Farmers Market.

He was successful in both government and business roles as the city grew in population from 11,856 in 1980 to 58,751 in 2000, seeing more houses built and shoes sold for the thousands of families who were moving to Yorba Linda for the good schools and semi-rural environment.

Wisner wasn't a winner in his first race for the council, placing third out of eight candidates for two seats with 1,364 votes in 1982. However, as the runner-up, he was appointed to the body in 1983 when Ron McRoberts resigned due to his move out of the city.

His fellow council members at the time were Mike Beverage, Irwin Fried, Todd Murphy and Hank Wedaa. Wisner topped a nine-contender field seeking three seats in 1984 with 9,889 votes, more than tripling the previous highest total for a winning candidate.

Again, in 1988, Wisner won the most votes, upping his total to 12,380 in a contest that drew five candidates for three seats. That total wasn't eclipsed until Allen Castellano won 16,879 votes in a five-candidate 2004 race, which remains a city record.

Wisner opted out of the 1992 election as a believer in a two-term limit for council members. But he changed his mind in 1994 due to his belief council was spending down the reserves built up in prior years. He led the four contenders for two seats with 9,971 votes.

Wisner's final race came in 1998, when he took first with 8,843 votes, as six candidates fought for two seats. In 1999, he had heart by-pass surgery in February and resigned in September before his move to Michigan.

What's a bit surprising is Wisner's winning streak came during a fractious time in city politics, with controversy surrounding housing density and the developer dollars contributed to some candidates, which resulted in heated campaigns and frequent member turnover.

One of Wisner's final votes was to fire Art Simonian, Yorba Linda's second city manager who served 27 years. Wisner joined John Gullixson and Barbara Kiley in the contentious 3-2 vote.

Voters in 1996 passed a three-term limit for council service – strongly opposed by Wisner – 15,087 to 6,906.

Wisner is survived by his wife of 63 years Annette, daughter Stephanie, son William, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.