Campbell calls for plant construction

Paul Clinton

NEWPORT BEACH -- Assemblyman John Campbell (R-Irvine) delivered a

sobering message Friday to local businessmen and civic leaders about the

state’s ongoing energy crisis.

Venting his frustration over what he said was Gov. Gray Davis’ failure

to get a handle on the situation, Campbell called for faster approval of

new power plants and less bond debt to pay for needed power.

A Republican proposal to use $5 billion in general fund money to pay

for part of the state’s power purchases fell on the legislative scrap

heap earlier in the week when Davis’ $12.5-billion bond bill passed the

Assembly on a 42-29 vote Tuesday.

“You’ll find it in the governor’s shredder,” Campbell said. “It’s

simply a question of taking leadership. This governor doesn’t do that.”

Campbell garnered rounds of loud applause after many of his remarks.

Campbell spoke after a smoked-salmon lunch at the monthly meeting of

the Orange County Coast Assn. at the Newport Dunes.

Marian Bergeson, a former assemblywoman and state senator, emceed the

event and introduced the freshman assemblyman, who was elected in

November. Bergeson lives in Newport Beach.

Bergeson praised Campbell’s dedication to the district.

“I really feel we’re privileged to have John on the front lines,”

Bergeson said.

Among those in attendance were Newport Beach Councilman Tod Ridgeway,

Seal Beach Mayor Patricia Campbell (who is not related to Campbell) and

Laguna Beach Councilman Wayne Baglin.