Sounding Off -- Don McGee

Most of us have seen “Terminator,” been the procrastinator, and used

an exterminator. Now we have a nefarious force swooping down among us I

will label “The Initiator.”

Former Assemblyman Scott Baugh has proposed an initiative for the

November ballot that will divide Huntington Beach into five council

districts. Baugh works for a variety of corporate interests in and around

Orange County.

If one scrutinizes who is pushing for the division of the city, it

isn’t hard to understand the motive lurking beneath. Baugh is a

lawyer/consultant/lobbyist -- a hired gun, so to speak. How many hired

guns have the poor hired lately? I will estimate about zero.

This initiative is a subtle and cynical power play that will enable

those who have only their selfish interests at heart to use their vast

resources to exert control over the process of government. There are

those who would have us believe that one of the underlying factors is a

desire to give representation to the poor and downtrodden of our fair

city. I guarantee that these “humanitarians” will be using this ploy to

enshroud their real intent. Bottom line -- if each elected member of

government does not already represent each and every constituent then

they should be removed from office. Dividing the city into districts will

not serve the public and will only add to whatever divisiveness already

exists.

On the other hand, it will serve the private interests because

manipulation of three votes is infinitely easier than four. This strikes

at the core of this subterfuge; if successful it will be all the special

interests will need to rewrite the general plan and do with our city as

they see fit.

Turning over control to these types will not serve us well and will

not be what we want, need or deserve. This initiative will be the first

step toward a disaster that will have repercussions for generations to

come. Do not be bamboozled by those with only their selfish interests at

heart.

* DON MCGEE is a Huntington Beach resident. To contribute a Sounding

Off column, fax us at (714) 965-7174 or send e-mail to

hbindy@latimes.com.