DANA POINT : City Council Takes a Stand for Measure R

Though members were not united, the City Council on Tuesday reluctantly took a stand for Measure R, defeating a resolution that would have opposed the half-cent countywide sales tax increase.

The vote was 3 to 2, with council members Karen Lloreda, Harold R. Kaufman and Judy Curreri voting to not support the resolution opposing Measure R, and William L. Ossenmacher and Toni Gallagher voting for it.

Gallagher, who introduced the resolution, said she wanted the council to take a position on the measure instead of “chickening out” and avoiding the issue. The matter had come before the council April 11, but members at that time chose not to take a position.

Lloreda, Kaufman and Curreri said they could not support the resolution because they are still uncertain about Measure R.

“I am not convinced at this time exactly how I will vote,” Lloreda said. “But I am absolutely convinced that the taxpayers will pick up the costs one way or the other.”

Said Kaufman: “Quite honestly, I haven’t made up my mind. And I may not know until I walk in the booth and make my vote.”

In other action Tuesday night, the council:

* Completed its annual reorganization, electing Lloreda and Kaufman as mayor and mayor pro tem, respectively.

* Approved plans to upgrade the sports fields at Dana Hills High School and authorized the city to seek bids on the project, expected to cost $1.1 million.

* Voted to spend about $381,000 to participate in a countywide project to replace the county’s 23-year-old public safety communications system. The city has been reserving funds for the project over the last few years.