LAGUNA NIGUEL : Professor Joins Race for 73rd District Seat

Lee Walker, a professor at Saddleback College, declared his candidacy this week for the new 73rd Assembly District seat.

Walker, 54, is the second South County Democrat to enter the race. The other is Tom Potocki, a salesman from the unincorporated area of Aegean Hills next to Mission Viejo.

Six Republicans have also declared candidacy for the new seat. They are: Dana Point Mayor Mike Eggars, Laguna Niguel Mayor Patricia C. Bates, San Juan Capistrano attorney Carlos F. Negrete, Saddleback Community College District Trustee Iris Swanson, Dana Point businesswoman Dannielle Madison and Saddleback College mathematics professor Bill Jay.

Also running is Capistrano Beach resident Bonnie Streeter, who will be on the Green Party ticket.

Walker, who began teaching at Saddleback College in 1971, said his campaign will be based primarily on education issues.

“I want to go to Sacramento to guarantee that there are enough funds for schools at all levels,” Walker said. “Our students in the four-year colleges are suffering the most from high tuition rates, increases in fees and the cutback of programs.”

Walker has taught English, literature and journalism at the college and recently completed two terms as president of the Saddleback District Faculty Assn., a teacher’s union that has 247 active members from Saddleback and Irvine Valley colleges.

“I, like others, believe that the state government should respond to the needs of the voters,” Walker said. “I think I can make a change that will bring about more responsible government.”

Communities in the new 73rd District include all or parts of Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, South Laguna, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Camp Pendleton, Oceanside and part of Carlsbad in San Diego County are also in the district.