“When in service to others, the number one thing to remember is, if you see someone struggling,  reach out and help them,” says Orange Councilman Jon Dumitru. 

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Jon Dumitru, District 2

Jon Dumitru is currently serving his second stint on the Orange City Council representing west Orange.  Born at Chapman General the oldest of three boys, he was raised in Old Towne and central Orange.

“My favorite thing growing up was this big dirt lot near my house where we would play soldier and throw dirt clots,” says Dumitru, who became an Eagle Scout at age 16.

“A lot of who I am today was influenced by the adults I had as role models,” he says.  “My high school history teacher, Mrs. Stover, inspired me.  I also learned important lessons from recently retired Orange High Music Director Mike Short, who taught me to be be a moral and ethical citizen.”

Short remembers Dumitru well.  “Jon has great follow through,” says Short.  “When he says he’s going to do something, he gets it done.”

Dumitru’s love of singing has led him to travel the world.  “I was in concert choir and chamber singers in high school and the Master Chorale after that,” he says.  “I’ve sung around the world performing the music of Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin while standing in the place where the music was written.  It was amazing.”

Dumitru also traveled as a youth to visit his grandparents in what was then Yugoslavia.  “A lot of the world doesn’t have the freedoms we do, and I’ve gotten to see that firsthand,” he says.

Growing up, Dumitru says he didn’t watch cartoons but instead watched the news.  “I am enthralled by world politics,” he says.

Dumitru knew from an early age he wanted a career in public service and fulfilled that desire by working 30 years for the Orange County Fire Authority.  He first ran for city council in 1996.

“One of my dearest friends was Steve Ambriz,” he says.  “In high school we said that we were both going to be on the city council someday.  We ran in 1996 and both got smoked.  He eventually got elected, and I followed him shortly thereafter.”

Dumitru was a councilman from 2004 to 2012.  Eight years later, after retiring from work in 2020, he ran again.

“I don’t believe I can complain about anything if I’m not willing to step up to change it,” says Dumitru.

“Jon loves Orange and wants to make sure that he leaves it a better place than he found it,” concurs Short.

Dumitru encourages residents to work with the city.  “A resident of the City of Orange has a better chance accomplishing their goal because this city is so responsive,” he says.  “You’ll get there.  It might take a little bit, but you’re going to get there.”

Jon Dumitru
714-744-2211  /  [email protected]