72ND ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

DICK ACKERMAN

After a dozen years in local politics, Ackerman is among the Assembly’s staunchest free-market proponents.

* Party: Republican

* Age: 55

* Residence: Fullerton

* Education: UC Berkeley, bachelor’s degree in mathematics, 1964; Hastings Law School, law degree, 1967.

* Career highlights: Attorney for 30 years. Fullerton councilman 12 years. Orange County Waste Management Board. Southern California Hazardous Waste Commission. Elected to Assembly in 1995.

* Priorities: Reduce regulation on business. Boost local control for schools and government. Slash taxes. Anti-abortion. Opposes HMO reforms. Gun control foe.

FRANK LEGAS

Long active in local volunteer programs, Legas is making his first run for office. He is an accountant and retired naval officer.

* Party: Democrat

* Age: 66

* Residence: Fullerton

* Education: B.A., business, M.B.A., DePaul University.

* Career highlights: Former school board member in Illinois; counselor for Service Corps of Retired Executives; certified fraud examiner.

* Priorities: Establish ongoing communication with district residents on legislative actions. Improve education by experimenting with various processes. Promote programs that reduce violence in society.

OTHER CANDIDATE: Loren Meierding of the Libertarian Party.