Buena Park : Officials Optimistic on ‘All-America’ City Honor

Back from a three-day national competition, city officials and residents vying for an All-America City Award expressed optimism that their city will receive the honor.

“I think our chances are pretty good at this point,” said George Cottrell, principal of Gilbert Elementary School and one of 14 representatives attending the competition in Cincinnati last week.

Armed with community pride, enthusiasm and buttons reading “Buena Park California--A citizenry that cares,” the delegates stressed community involvement in their Ohio presentation. Specifically, they pointed to an adopt-a-school program, a senior center fund-raising committee and a program on preventing child abuse as proof of an involved citizenry.

“The greatest thing that came out of this was the moral. Everyone was enthusiastic,” said Sue Williams, acting city administrator and one of the delegates. “The award is about community pride and we are proud. People from other cities were wearing our buttons.”

“We had a good presentation and we were all very excited,” Councilwoman Donna Chessen said.

Cottrell said one of the highlights of the trip was talking to delegates from across the country who expressed interest in Buena Park’s programs.

Williams agreed and said information regarding Buena Park and the other 19 cities to make the finals this year will be placed in a computer bank that can be tapped by other cities interested in dealing with specific programs, such as the prevention of child abuse.

The only Orange County city to make it to the finals this year, Buena Park is trying for one of up to 10 awards. After an unannounced visit to the cities, judges will announce the winners next spring. The contest is co-sponsored by the Citizens Forum on Self-Government and USA Today newspaper.