OCTA Board Approves 3% Pay Increase for Oftelie : Transportation: The decision boosts the chief executive officer’s salary to $126,500.

SANTA ANA â€”  Despite recent reductions in staff and bus service, Orange County transportation czar Stan Oftelie on Monday received a 3% pay raise.

The increase approved by the Orange County Transportation Authority board boosts Oftelie’s salary to $126,500.

Oftelie is the transportation authority’s chief executive officer. His new salary compares with the $134,000 paid to County Administrative Officer Ernie Schneider and the $128,000 salary of Transportation Corridor Agencies chief William Woollett Jr.

OCTA Chairman Gary L. Hausdorfer, a San Juan Capistrano councilman, said: “I’m sorry for the people who have lost their jobs, but it’s our feeling that you don’t penalize someone who’s been outstanding. . . . Stan has showed wisdom, leadership and guts.

“It’s an easy thing to say it’s tough times and nobody deserves an increase, but he went through a difficult consolidation and he was not hired originally at a pay level commensurate with his experience or his responsibilities.�

Only one Transportation Authority board member was critical of Oftelie’s raise--Supervisor Gaddi H. Vasquez, according to other board members who requested anonymity. Vasquez, who could not be reached for comment late Monday, apparently felt that Oftelie’s salary should be frozen until raises are given to other county officials, such as Schneider.

Also on Monday, OCTA board members delayed for 60 days the selection of an urban rail route linking Orange County to the Los Angeles Metro Rail system. A staff report favors a northern route from Fullerton to Norwalk, but board members representing west county areas have objected, urging study of a connection via the old Pacific Electric trolley line through Garden Grove, Stanton, Cypress and La Palma. Cypress and La Palma residents oppose this route.

However, Westminster Councilman Charles V. Smith said rail routes impact cities other than just those who play host to the tracks, and should be considered.

The northern route is expected to cost less and draw twice the ridership, although significant right-of-way issues remain.

Another alternative under consideration is a more central route along the Santa Ana Freeway. Buena Park officials will be consulted about this possibility in the next few weeks.