EDITORIAL

We’re glad to see that Newport Beach Councilman John Heffernan has

reconsidered his public announcement that he would resign from his seat

this fall.

At the end of the April 23 City Council meeting, the freshman

councilman told those still around that he would resign from his

four-year seat. Reasons for the decision were purposely vague, but he

mentioned that he wanted to spend more time with his family and then

hinted at another reason.

“It is not the fact that I’m usually on the outside of most votes, it

had more to do with who I was participating with,” he said afterward.

But on Friday, Heffernan said he has not finalized his decision.

“There are certain things that have taken place over the last 48 hours

that have caused me to question it. I’m not sure what I’m going to do.”

Again, details were scarce, but the attorney and businessman did say

“There’s a lot of unfinished work to be done here, and I’m not so sure

that the rest of the council’s going to get it done.”

Well, whatever the reasons, we urge Heffernan to retain his council

seat and finish out his term.

While we obviously believe everyone should spend as much quality time

with family as possible, the District 7 representative made a vow to his

constituents and to the city when he won the election with 39% of the

vote in November 2000. Further, his victory was no small task in that he

beat incumbent Tom Thomson and former City Manager Bob Wynn.

Heffernan is also the lone council member who supports the slow-growth

Greenlight law and should not abandon his supporters now. They voted him

in and need him to help them push their cause.

Anyone who runs for a political office must know the time restraints

involved and he is no exception. He has promised those who voted him in

that he would spend some extra time representing them.

There are two more years left on his term and we hope he serves them

all.