On Tuesday morning, January 4, 2011, Teresa Jacobs was sworn in as Orange County new mayor. Surrounded by her husband of 29 years, and her four children, she was passed the mayor’s gavel.
With her hand on a bible, repeating the oath of office, Teresa Jacobs received a standing ovation as she became the fourth Mayor of Orange County. “In the coming weeks, I will be unveiling a new organization structure that will realign Orange County Government with the goals, values, and priorities of the citizens of the county,” said Jacobs.
Jacobs received 68% of the vote against her challenger Bill Segal, where she endorsed stronger ethics and financial disclosure rules. She is no stranger to Orange County politics, where she was a commissioner in 2000 and 2004. She has always been a tough legislator who had strong convictions and moral courage.
Her main objectives: to get the unemployed back to work and to encourage more people to start their own businesses. “During the 1st 100 days, we’re going to hold 8 economic and job summits, and start focusing on what are those barriers to businesses trying to expand. We’re going to look at programs to create tax incentives for people willing to expand their businesses but increase in taxes holding them back and we’re going to take a look at ethics and transparency in government,” said Jacobs at a news conference.
Jacobs will take over a government that was forced to cut its budget and services, and also freeze a number of positions that they could not fill because of a lack of funding. County employees are asked to relinquish certain work days to help save money.
Mrs. Jacobs believes the way to get Orange County out of a recession is to build tax payers confidence. She wants to keep the people who voted her into office involved, and stay connected to their needs and desires.
“Engaging people and listening to people can make a tremendous difference in how people react towards government,” said Jacobs. Mayor Jacobs is confident that with the help of the public, county government can turn these financially challenged times around.
With new energy and leadership in Orange County government, the voters have sent out a clear message: they believe Teresa Jacobs has a doable plan for the county. There are complex problems and challenges, but the residents think they have a winner.
