Orange City Council
Meeting Time: 07-28-26 18:00
eComments Report
Meetings Meeting
Time
Agenda
Items
Comments Support Oppose Neutral
Orange City Council 07-28-26
18:00
46 87 1 77 1
Orange City Council
07-28-26 18:00
Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
At this time, members of the public may address the Council on matters not listed on the agenda within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, provided that NO action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. Public Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker unless a different time limit is announced. 1 1 0 0
3.16. Request to close the Orange Public Libraries for various dates during Fiscal Y ear 2026-2027
1 0 0 0
4.1. Consider removal of Adrienne Gladson from the Design Review Committee
4 0 2 0
8.1. Renaming of the Orange Public Library and History Center as Mayor Mark and Vikki Murphy Library and History Center
81 0 75 1
Agenda Item: eComments for 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
At this time, members of the public may address the Council on matters not listed on the agenda within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, provided that NO action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. Public Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker unless a different time limit is announced.
Overall Sentiment
Adrienne Gladson
Location:
Submitted At: 12:48pm 07-28-26
I am providing these public comments because I must speak up on how badly Ms. Barrios was treated at the last city council meeting during the discussion of the PILOT program which she placed on the agenda.
The actions by some of our Council leadership on that matter and so many others raises legitimate concerns about our future.
If telling the truth costs you your job (or a volunteer role given on behalf of the community for free), the problem isn't your honesty. It's the culture. A healthy city government does not require silence to survive. It does not confuse loyalty with compliance. It does not punish discernment, those in the minority, fair questions, or conscience. When fear replaces honesty real abuse has already taken root. Plus, credibility is compromised.
True leadership should create safety, not intimidation. If people are scared to speak up that is not unity. That is control.
Agenda Item: eComments for 3.16. Request to close the Orange Public Libraries for various dates during Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 4:19pm 07-24-26
Dear Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council,
I am writing to express my concern about the proposal to rename our public library at a time when the city is facing a budget deficit. While I understand that recognizing individuals or updating public facilities may be well- intentioned, I believe this is not the right time to prioritize a project that could require public funds and staff resources.
Renaming a public library often involves expenses such as replacing signs, updating printed materials and digital records, revising maps and directories, and making other administrative changes. Even if these costs are relatively modest, they represent resources that could instead be directed toward maintaining library services, expanding programs, preserving operating hours, or addressing other essential community needs during a period of financial constraint.
Our library serves as a vital resource for residents of all ages. It provides access to educational materials, technology, job-search assistance, children's programming, and community spaces. During a budget deficit, I believe the city's focus should be on protecting these core services rather than undertaking changes that may offer limited practical benefit.
I respectfully ask the City Council to postpone consideration of renaming the library until the city's financial situation has improved. If the proposal is revisited in the future, I encourage the Council to ensure there is meaningful public input and a transparent discussion of the anticipated costs and benefits.
Thank you for your time, your service to our community, and your consideration of my concerns. I appreciate your commitment to making responsible decisions that reflect the best interests of our residents.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
Orange, CA 92867
Agenda Item: eComments for 4.1. Consider removal of Adrienne Gladson from the Design Review Committee Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 7:10pm 07-27-26
This is a ridiculous proposal! Adrienne Gladson has devoted many, many years to serving the City of Orange in many capacities. She has demonstrated her wealth of knowledge and experience to continuously preserve the character of our deserving City. Agree with her or not, this ridiculous proposal is not necessary! Y ou got what you wanted Mr. Mayor. She has resigned. Y ou may not care, but this is a great, great loss to our City. I am ashamed of the City of Orange staff for proposing the removal of an irreplaceable member of the Design Review Committee.
Shame, shame, shame!
Adrienne Gladson
Location:
Submitted At: 10:09pm 07-26-26
The purpose of this email and attachment to submit my resignation from the DRC effective September 1, 2026.
I ask for the following item to happen:
1. A resolution or proclamation covering all my years of volunteer service on the DRC currently along with my prior service on the Planning Commission and DRC will be prepared & provided.
Adrienne J. Gladson, AICP
July 22, 2026
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 11:16am 07-25-26
Ms. Gladson has devoted decades of her time, knowledge, and expertise to serving the City of Orange. Whether or not someone agrees with every decision she has made, what she has said or how she said it, there is no question that she has dedicated herself to preserving the character and history of Orange.
If there were concerns about her service, they should have been addressed privately and professionally—not through a public agenda item that serves only to embarrass someone who has given so much to this City. Her service should not be rewarded with public humiliation.
I also find myself wondering if this Council simply replacing experienced commissioners with people who will be more willing to support its agenda? Many residents have watched repeated efforts to diminish the role of the DRC and weaken historic preservation. Removing one of the City's most experienced DRC members only adds to those concerns.
The DRC exists to provide independent expertise and thoughtful review—not unquestioning agreement with the Council majority. Orange benefits from commissioners who are knowledgeable, willing to ask difficult questions, and committed to protecting the unique character of our city.
Ms. Gladson deserves our gratitude and respect—not this.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 12:12pm 07-24-26
What a LOSS! Someone with such experience and dedication to the City at large should not be turned out.
Agenda Item: eComments for 8.1. Renaming of the Orange Public Library and History Center as Mayor Mark and Vikki Murphy Library and History Center
Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 5:26pm 07-28-26
It is certainly tone deaf at best to decide in today's budgetary situation to commit to an unknown expenditure of city funds to rename the library. Bring back the idea for discussion when the city is on good fiscal footing, PLEASE!
Guest User
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Submitted At: 3:29pm 07-28-26
I oppose the naming of the Orange Library after the Murphys. I feel it is a bad precedent to set and given that the cost is unknown, it would fiscally irresponsible. There also is potentially a conflict of interest in that Mrs. Murphy is still involved behind the scenes in Orange politics.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 2:08pm 07-28-26
I oppose changing the name of our Main Library and History Center for many reasons. At a time when our City is embroiled in major efforts to reverse a financial crisis, why add one more divisive and costly suggestion to the mix? Aren't tax increases, charter amendments, parking fees, and reduced services sufficient? Must we spend money to change the name of the library rather than hire people to operate it? And, on what basis choose former Mayor Murphy as the honoree? Although he served as mayor, did he do anything so outstanding that he should be honored above Mayors Smith, Cavecche, Coontz, or Slater? In fact, many people feel Mark Murphy helped bring on our current crisis. It takes time to understand a person's legacy; more than a few years.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:36am 07-28-26
I am gravely concerned with the obvious conflict of interest between Councilmember Tavoularis, who brings this motion, and one of the beneficiaries of this motion (Vikki Murphy). This comment has nothing to do with whether the Murphys are deserving of having the library named for them (that isn't the issue here).
The issue is that Ms. Murphy acted as an officer for both Wilson Automotive and the Dave and Holly Wilson's charitable foundation (two separate and distinct entities). In her capacity as officer, Ms. Murphy signed/signs on behalf of these organizations - effectively, on behalf of the Wilsons. Regardless, the Wilsons donated significantly to Councilmember Tavoularis' campaigns and those donations seem to be playing a part in Agenda Item 8.1.
At the very least, Councilmember Tavoularis must recuse herself from the discussion and vote.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:35am 07-28-26
I am writing as the Parliamentarian of the Friends of the Orange Public Library to express my strong opposition to the proposal to rename our public library. While I recognize and respect the intent to acknowledge the Mayor’s contributions to our community, proceeding with this initiative at this time is fiscally irresponsible. Our city is currently facing significant budget constraints. Despite these low funds, the city has not conducted a comprehensive financial analysis of the total costs associated with this renaming. Changing the name of a public institution incurs substantial hidden expenses, including updating physical signage, rebranding the municipal website, and destroying and reprinting all public educational and marketing materials. In a time of fiscal scarcity, our limited tax dollars must be prioritized for direct public benefit. These funds would be far better served if they were allocated to purchasing new library books, expanding digital resources, or extending operating hours for our community. Opposing this renaming does not diminish or disrespect the Mayor's dedicated service to the City of Orange. However, true stewardship of our city requires financial prudence. I urge the City Council to vote against this proposal and focus our resources on preserving and strengthening the vital services our library provides.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:48pm 07-27-26
I think it’s an irresponsible position for the city council to take to consider renaming the library after a local politician. If Mark Murphy had an impact on the library then consider perhaps naming the community room after him. It may be more appropriate than to consider than the entirety of the entire library and history center.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:49pm 07-27-26
I find it ironic that the council person who is most vocal about closing/selling the Taft branch is the one promoting this unpopular idea. Our city shouldn’t be spending any extra money on frivolous vanity projects right now.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:55pm 07-27-26
I am shocked at this proposal and strongly opposed to the renaming of the Orange Public Library and History Center. The current name forever connects the institution to the community. We must continue to honor the History in the name and ensure this public institution keep its identity.
At a time when the City faces a tight budget and the library funds have been greatly reduced, it doesn’t make sense to add the expense of new signage, printed materials, websites, maps, stationary and everything else made necessary. This is a very bad indication as to the way the City of Orange conducts business, especially the way this has been handled.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:37pm 07-27-26
I strongly and wholeheartedly oppose the renaming of the Orange Public Library. Why is this even a thing? Such a complete waste of money, time, energy, and resources.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:54am 07-27-26
I would like the Library to remain as the Orange Public Library.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:42pm 07-26-26
Orange City Council Meeting Agenda Item 8.1
I am opposed to the renaming of the Orange Public Library and History Center. The name connects the institution to the community, first as Orange Public Library and then as the Orange Public Library and History Center. Let’s continue to honor the History in the name. And let this public institution keep its identity.
At a time when the City faces a tight budget and the library funds have been greatly reduced, it doesn’t make sense to add the expense of new signage, printed materials, websites, maps, stationary and everything else made necessary. This is a bad look for the way the City conducts business, especially the way this has been handled.
Please vote NO on item 8.1.
Thank you,
Rosemarie Williams
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 3:12pm 07-26-26
I am opposed to renaming OPL after Mark Murphy and his wife. What a rediculous, Trumpian, vanity project. I basically cannot see the city taking the time and expense of elevating Murphy to such a "lofty" position, when there are more pressing needs - like the budget deficit! A more suitable acknowledgement would be to name the council chambers after the Murphys, put a plaque up on the Civic Center wall, or plant a tree with a plaque. Please don't change the name of or library. It's name is synonymous with our city
Most libraries are named after the city where they're located.
Thank you,
Douglas Howerton
Orange, CA
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 8:06pm 07-25-26
If you do this I will take a dump in the fountain every single day.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 4:02pm 07-25-26
Please focus on the needs of the residents of the city of Orange — renaming the library is a waste of time and resources
Guest User
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Submitted At: 2:47pm 07-25-26
Why are we spending time and taxpayer money on renaming a library that isn’t broken? If this is one of the City’s priorities, I think we’re focused on the wrong things.
Residents deserve leaders who are working on improving our roads, public safety, parks, infrastructure, and the everyday issues that actually impact our community—not debating a name change that many people never asked for. I am shocked this is even a thing.
- Caroline
Guest User
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Submitted At: 2:08pm 07-25-26
Stop. It’s an orange public library leave it at that
Guest User
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Submitted At: 12:44pm 07-25-26
I am a library patron of Orange Public Library and History Center and I oppose the renaming of this great library.
The proposed name is too long with the addition of the mayor title, and 2 names to remember. Even if the renaming passes, people will still keep calling it Orange Public Library since it's shorter, and much easier to remember the city it's named for. Renaming the library erases the historical significance of the City of Orange itself. The City of Orange and Orange Public Library are so much more than the 2 people being named after.
Thank you.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 12:39pm 07-25-26
Dear Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council,
I am writing to express my concern about the proposal to rename our public library at a time when the city is facing a budget deficit. While I understand that recognizing individuals or updating public facilities may be well- intentioned, I believe this is not the right time to prioritize a project that could require public funds and staff resources.
Renaming a public library often involves expenses such as replacing signs, updating printed materials and digital records, revising maps and directories, and making other administrative changes. Even if these costs are relatively modest, they represent resources that could instead be directed toward maintaining library services, expanding programs, preserving operating hours, or addressing other essential community needs during a period of financial constraint.
Our library serves as a vital resource for residents of all ages. It provides access to educational materials, technology, job-search assistance, children's programming, and community spaces. During a budget deficit, I believe the city's focus should be on protecting these core services rather than undertaking changes that may offer limited practical benefit.
I respectfully ask the City Council to postpone consideration of renaming the library until the city's financial situation has improved. If the proposal is revisited in the future, I encourage the Council to ensure there is meaningful public input and a transparent discussion of the anticipated costs and benefits.
Thank you for your time, your service to our community, and your consideration of my concerns. I appreciate your commitment to making responsible decisions that reflect the best interests of our residents.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez _
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 11:00am 07-25-26
As a resident of Orange I oppose the renaming of our public library.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:56am 07-25-26
Do not change the name. This is so ridiculous.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:46am 07-25-26
This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard. Why would we want the name of the man that ruined Orange put on OUR beautiful PUBLIC LIBRARY? Did you think to ask anyone in the city if this is something that would benefit OUR city? It is named ORANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY , because that's what it is and has ZERO to do with the most fraudulent mayor we ever had which is Mark Murphy.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:31am 07-25-26
This is a ridiculous waste of time and resources to even discuss. Mr Murphy is a perfectly average man, and is in no way deserving of such an honor. Please step out of your offices and get out into our community - if you did so you would understand how little the people of Orange want vanity projects to stroke the egos of politicians.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:31am 07-25-26
Do not name buildings after politicians. He was in it for his own gain. If you need to name it a local author or philanthropist would be more appropriate. Use a name that will mean something to generations to come.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:31am 07-25-26
I do not support naming buildings after politicians.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:52am 07-25-26
Stop wasting time/money/energy on these Trump-lite vanity proposals and get back to work on solving the deficit before we go bankrupt.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:12am 07-25-26
If you want to name something after Mark Murphy name the toxic piles of covered trash on the Sully Miller site @ Cannon and Santiago Blvd in East Orange. Murphy allowed his cronies, Milan Capital to dump unchecked trash, debris , old pool tiles , fluids on that site creating a toxic landfill. NOW Milan is walking away leaving the mess for someone else to clean up. Murphy does not deserve to be honored for anything.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:08am 07-25-26
No thank you! That makes no sense!
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:05am 07-25-26
It’s the Orange Public Library. Period. No name change needed, or wanted for that matter.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:04am 07-25-26
ass-nine to rename a building after generations of how it currently stands! Am I correct that the proposed name are individuals the majority of the constituents loath! DO BETTER!!! Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:59am 07-25-26
Insane to name a treasured orange institution after a man who bankrupted our beautiful city. What is wrong with council for even considering this? Never in my wildest dreams did I think Orange was fraught with such corruption and cronyism HOW EMBARRASSING AND SHAMEFUL.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:51am 07-25-26
Absolutely, unequivocally, without a shadow of a doubt NOOOOO! WHAT ARE WE DOING? Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:39am 07-25-26
Strongly oppose
Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:22am 07-25-26
Absolutely not! I’m not a hater but the library is special and historic, please don’t commercialize it in this way.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:21am 07-25-26
I would hate this. Leave OPL as OPL!
Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:12am 07-25-26
No please
Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:56am 07-25-26
No eay
Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:22am 07-25-26
Please do something else… maybe name a section of the park perhaps… or a name a street… but not our library!
Guest User
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Submitted At: 12:30am 07-25-26
Do not name the library after Mark Murphy. This city does not need to be like the president putting his name and face on everything. He did nothing for our city. This would mean there is something corrupt or deceitful happening. Leave it alone.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:58pm 07-24-26
It should not be named after the Murphy Family
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:44pm 07-24-26
I strongly oppose renaming the Orange Public Library after Mark Murphy. Although he did many positive things as mayor, he is also known as a divisive politician, too cozy with special interest groups, and his anti LGBQ stance runs counter to the Library's mission of inclusiveness and serving all members of the public. The City of Orange has enough on its plate to even consider this act of vanity. Maybe you could name a room in city hall after him.
But please keep the Library as is.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:40pm 07-24-26
Dont trade in the history of our city for something so outrageous. Give them a plaque, a bench. Who would even consider this idea???
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:34pm 07-24-26
Worthless. So many things you can do to help the city and you choose this. Of course it’s someone Murphy appointed suggesting this, no one else would have suggested it otherwise.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:23pm 07-24-26
I think it would be more appropriate to plant him a tree at City Hall with a plaque underneath it, no need to change our buildings to people‘s names
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:17pm 07-24-26
Such a poor idea.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:52pm 07-24-26
The city of Orange is rich in history - and there are so many worthy, respectable, and notable choices to nominate the renaming of a public space. Please do NOT name the library after someone who does not represent the city’s people, literature in the community, or have a positive impact on education.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:50pm 07-24-26
I forgot who he even was for a moment. Absolutely keep our Library's name the same! I strongly oppose! Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:30pm 07-24-26
I 1000% oppose renaming our library! People shouldn’t be able to just buy this city out! Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:20pm 07-24-26
DO NOT RENAME THE LIBRARY! It’s been the Orange Public Library for over a hundred years AND LETS KEEP IT THAT WAY! Mark did nothing significant enough to get it changed to his name.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:07pm 07-24-26
I strongly oppose renaming the library after Mark Murphy.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:44pm 07-24-26
I vehemently oppose the renaming of our precious Orange Public Library after Mike Murphy. He was a horrible Mayor and we do not need to name historic buildings after him.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:26pm 07-24-26
Generally I am against naming things after people who are still alive. It seems that this person was not as popular or well liked as the city council would like to think. Therefore I don’t think it is a good idea to name it after this specific individual. Orange is an old historic city. Surely there must be someone from the city’s past that could provide a prominent namesake to the library. If the city council insists on naming after someone still living, I suggest Freddie Freeman. He seems to be very respectable and someone the children of Orange could be proud of and give them inspiration for their success in life.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:09pm 07-24-26
This is dumb. These people should not want to be remembered for proposing this idea.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:07pm 07-24-26
I respectfully oppose renaming the Orange Main Public Library after former Mayor Mark Murphy and Vikki Murphy. A public library should be a unifying civic institution, and I do not believe this proposal reflects the broad community consensus that such an honor deserves. In my opinion, the Murphy family's legacy remains closely associated with a difficult period in the City's financial history, making this recognition unnecessarily divisive. I am also concerned that Vikki Murphy's longstanding role as Executive Vice President of the David Wilson Automotive Group, together with the company's well-known participation in local civic and political affairs, creates at least the appearance of an inappropriate connection between political influence and the awarding of a permanent public honor. Regardless of whether any laws were broken, the City should avoid actions that could diminish public confidence in the impartiality of its decisions. For these reasons, I urge the City Council to reject the proposed renaming and preserve the library as a community institution that belongs equally to all residents.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:55pm 07-24-26
Please leave the name as is. This is historic and should stay as is and not be named after the former mayor who is responsible for this debt we are carrying.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:43pm 07-24-26
Naming Orange Public library after the Murphy’s! NO!
Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:56pm 07-24-26
The only thing that the city should name after Mark Murphy is the $20million debt nightmare the city has been strapped with. There are plenty of Orange residents who have been pillars for the library, Peter Wetzel for example. He’s been an active member of friends of the library, member of friends of the library board leadership, and as the city has cut library budgets over the past decades he has stepped up and done custodial volunteer labor. During murphy’s time as mayor - he cut their budget.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:53pm 07-24-26
I strongly oppose naming the library after Mark and his wife. Mark left our city with countless issues. Our current city council has had to deal with the financial irresponsibility of Mark and his council. Under Mark a giant hill of toxic construction waste was allowed to pile up next to my neighborhood. The library does not need to be named to pacify some former politician. If the library were to be named after someone it should be someone who has given their time and energy to the city, community and library, not someone who makes financial contributions or who served in a political capacity. To honor Mark with this naming would be a slap in the face to the citizens of Orange who continue to deal with the consequences of his time as mayor.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:27pm 07-24-26
DO NOT RENAME the Orange Public Library to anything it it’s given name. We are in ORANGE and people who reside and come visit or pass through should know our city has a MAIN library in the heart of our city. Renaming it would cause alot of confusion and deteriorate the history of our community. Leave as is. Thank you! Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:25pm 07-24-26
Naming the library after the same people who got us into this massive debt which in turn had us close one library and cut hours on another is so ridiculous it’s laughable Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:24pm 07-24-26
Isn’t the current state of our city due to his mismanagement. Or is that just the excuse of our current city council for their inability to manage our city. Either way leave it as is! Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:23pm 07-24-26
Do NOT rename the library. The former mayor and even some of this existing council made horrible decisions that led us to the fiscal crisis we currently are facing. Where is your pride in our city? The elitism and cronyism is staggering.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 6:04pm 07-24-26
Please leave the name as is.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:51pm 07-24-26
Please, please don’t. Leave it as is. It belongs to the people of Orange, and should continue to be named as such. Unfortunately many of our current fiscal woes were under Mr. Murphy’s watch. While I appreciate anyone who would serve our great city, there have been many and no one individual should have this honor, especially when we are in the current predicament we are.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:51pm 07-24-26
Why are we naming the library after a mayor who may have put us in the position that we are in? The city is broke!! Keep it to the original name for all the people who live in Orange, not to highlight one resident who was once a mayor here.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:47pm 07-24-26
Please leave the library name as is. It should not be associated or renamed to anyone. We are losing our original city touch
Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:46pm 07-24-26
Stupidest idea to come out of the city in quit awhile. I’d like to know who is paying the city to get this done. In my opinion he wasn’t even a very good mayor also in my opinion he had way to many people in his pocket.
Vehemently against renaming the library.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:44pm 07-24-26
Non positive. Please get rid of the the NO TRAIN HORN signs people need to hear the horns before they run the gates and get struck or they’re car hit. Let’s try to prevent crashes Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:40pm 07-24-26
Negative, and remove the parking meters while you’re at it Guest User
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Submitted At: 4:53pm 07-24-26
Why is this something we're wasting time, energy, and funding on when the city is already in a budget crisis? This council needs to listen to their constituents, and not their party masters. What an absolute waste of time and resources. The career politicians on the council need to be removed if this is what they thing is important to residents.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 4:51pm 07-24-26
Mayor Slater & City Councilmembers,
I am adamantly opposed to the renaming of the Main Library (or any City of Orange Library) after deceased former Mayor and his widow Vicky Murphy. While I appreciate anyone willing to dedicate time to serve our City as Mayor or City Council, I think this proposal is in poor taste and tone deaf at this time of a severe City fiscal crisis.
To ask that City funds be spent to change signage & to dedicate this Library to the Murphys while simultaneously preparing to ask residents to vote for a tax increase is mind-boggling. And, to do so at a time where City Libraries are underfunded, short-staffed, with reduced hours due to funding, feels plain wrong! While Mr. Murphy's friends may recall him fondly & wish to find a way to honor him in the name of his "service" to his City, that is quite likely not how many, or even a majority of Orange residents recall Mr. Murphy. In fact, his name has recently become synonymous with having "kicked the can" year after year, being either oblivious to, or not wanting to deal with the looming fiscal crisis that was brewing under his tenure. For that reason and other questionable decisions made during his tenure, I don't believe that honoring him by permanently placing the Murphy's name on any City Library is appropriate or deserved.
As a final point, former Mayor Joanne Coontz (deceased) dedicated almost 30 years of public service to the City of Orange. She is iconic in the City of Orange in that she was the first female City Council Member AND the first female Mayor of Orange! Served approximately 18 years on City Council. She co-founded the Friendly Center, Orange Housing Development Corp, led efforts to establish the Orange Veterans Memorial. She was the first female Chair of the Planning Commission. Promoted the creation of the Taft Branch Library. Founded the Orange Public Library Foundation to fund and build the City of Orange Main Library. In honor of ALL those incredible achievements, the City honored her by naming the Reading Room/History Center in the Main Library after her.
With that in mind-to then propose naming/re-branding the entire Main Library after former Mayor Murphy & his wife, with former Mayor Coontz being named after a "room" in "Mayor Murphy's Library" is in incredibly bad taste & has a distinct feel of some sort of one-upmanship, sexism, favoritism.
With all the other issues the City is currently contending with, we certainly do not need one more thing causing distrust of our Council's decision-making, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of our residents by something as questionable and permanent as this proposal. There are some fine individuals currently serving on the Council, trying to re-establish trust & rectify the fiscal mess they inherited. Please don't let the Mark and Vicky Murphy Library be something you are known for approving. As others have already suggested, name a tree or a plaque at City Hall after him. Maybe at some point establish a "Honor Wall" at City Hall for those how have served & since passed (if funding is donated, or the City not in a fiscal crisis). But naming a Library after a guy who was "popular" with his pals & made questionable fiscal decisions is an inappropriate "honor" him, his surviving wife, or any local political figure. Spend that "unknown" amount on Library resources, books & staffing in Murphy's name, for the City deficit he left. Or name a library room after him, like they did Ms. Coontz.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 4:44pm 07-24-26
I am strongly opposed to renaming the Orange Public Library as the Mark Murphy Library.
The Orange Public Library is an important part of our city’s heritage and identity.
At a time when the City is facing financial challenges, the residents and businesses of Orange continue to support our community and make sacrifices. I believe the City Council should also focus on preserving the traditions and institutions that define our city, rather than changing the name of one of our public landmarks.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge the City Council to preserve the name of the Orange Public Library.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 4:42pm 07-24-26
Absolutely oppose renaming the library and history center, which is already so underfunded and overlooked in the city budget that it can’t even operate on a regular schedule, yet you’re going to choose a highly divisive former political official to honor and somehow find the funds to do this? If you really want to honor the history of Orange give the funds directly TO the history center, already named for Orange, the people it belongs to. Stop wasting time and money with these grandstanding gestures designed to pat cronies on the back and focus on the real issues plaguing this city.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 3:29pm 07-24-26
100% NO. The city should not be spending our money on renaming our library and history center when they are asking us to approve a tax increase. It is the community library-not a political figure and a donor. This is political and partisan. This has no reflection on the community support of the Murphy's-it is just not appropriate. Whether you supported Mayor Murphy or not isn't really the issue. The question is whether this is an appropriate use of public funds given the City's current financial challenges. I believe the answer is no.
Reminds me of a recent renaming of a very honored and public center in DC. How did that go? Public buildings belong to all of us. Their names should reflect the community they serve, not become political statements that divide residents. If the City wishes to establish a policy for honoring former elected officials, that discussion should occur openly, with clear criteria and public input—not through an isolated agenda item.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 3:19pm 07-24-26
I am very much opposed to the renaming of our Orange Public Library and History Center. The Library is part of the legacy and history of the City of Orange. If you wish to honor Mayor Mark and Vikki Murphy, name a park or a street in the City of Orange after them. The citizens and businesses in Orange are supporting our City during this financial crisis. I think the City Council needs to do the same.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 3:05pm 07-24-26
The City Council is asking residents to accept higher fees, reduced services, difficult financial decisions, and a sales tax increase to help get us out of a financial hole. Y et somehow we are expected to believe there's money available to rename the library after a former mayor. This proposal sends exactly the wrong message. Many residents remember Mark Murphy's years in office very differently than this agenda item suggests. Before we honor someone in this permanent way, we should ask whether their leadership truly represents the values and accomplishments we want future generations to associate with one of our most beloved public institutions. I, for one, do not believe it does.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 2:41pm 07-24-26
In reading Mark Murphy's obituary in the Orange County Register, I found the statement, "Despite his many honors, Mark never wanted to make a name for himself – he only wanted to make a difference" to be pretty straightforward. Perhaps the city can honor him by redirecting that "unknown cost" associated with renaming the building into underfunded library services instead.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 1:59pm 07-24-26
I’m a 3rd generation Orange resident. I’m adamantly opposed to renaming our beloved library after this individual.
If you want to honor him place his name on the new fire station instead. He clearly preferred the fire and police departments over anything else in the city. The library should not publicly memorialize someone who had little regard for the library or its long history of service to the community.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 1:36pm 07-24-26
Dear Mayor Slater and the City Council,
I am a resident of Orange. In fact I was born in Orange as were my parents and grandparents. I am shocked and saddened to see this kind of proposal come before the City Council. The Orange Public Library was built in 1908 and has always been the Orange Public Library. There should never be a name attached to the Library or the History Center at any time now or in the future.
The other consideration is the cost to make any changes to the name. Given the budget situation in the City why would this even be considered as an option. There is not even enough money for the library to be fully funded with staff.
I STRONGL Y URGE all City Council members to vote NO on this resolution. I am sure there is another park or location that could be named after the Murphy family if that is important to do. Personally, it is not important there are bigger problems to be worked out.
Thank you for your time.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 1:08pm 07-24-26
Hello, I am a resident of Orange and oppose the renaming of the the Orange Public Library and History Center.
This facility being to the citizens or Orange and was built with public funds, not donations from one individual. The Library Services Department has already suffered severe cuts due to budget mismanagement, and now asking the City to send even more funds (amount unknown according to the staff report) to rename the library for one person as a vanity project feels like a waste of the City Council's time and the resident's money. Let's consider using the funds that would be used for this project to re-fund library programs and staffing to give actual value back to the community. If there is some desire to honor the former mayor and his family, let that be on someone else's dime and at a less grand scale. Dedication of trees in our local parks has been used to honor past city officials, perhaps this could be a more appropriate alternative. Thank you.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 12:10pm 07-24-26
While I appreciate anyone serving the community of Orange, I question the logic of naming a much loved asset of the City after a man whose leadership was instrumental in creating a deficit so great that the funding of staff for the Library has been cut so much that our History Center can not operate as it was designed to.
Jeannette McClain
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Submitted At: 11:18am 07-24-26
This is a ridiculous and absurd waste of City funds when we are in a budget crisis. The library and historical center are now named for the entire City. We do not need a library named to glorify a couple of citizens. The library hasn’t even been allocated any money to buy books, and you want to spend money on renaming it? What a useless idea. Stop wasting our time AND money. Pay attention to matters of importance to ALL our citizens.