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.
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