Costa Mesa mayor defends her actions

As an elected official, I take my job as a city representative

very seriously, and I strive to “do the right thing” in every vote I

make. I realize that my actions are scrutinized and that I am

occasionally subject to public railings. There is always the

possibility that when I do not agree with someone, they will make

unfair attempts to destroy my credibility.

In my opinion, such was the case on July 31, when the Daily Pilot

published a Community Commentary written by Doug Sutton, a regular

speaker at council meetings (“Mayor needs to respond to city’s

needs”). Since the letter contains several gross inaccuracies and

misrepresentations, I felt it is necessary to respond and address

Sutton’s pronouncements.

In February 1999, the City Council voted 5 to 0 to save and

allocate funds to restore the Huscroft House. The house was to be

moved to the east side of Fairview Park with the idea that it could

be used as a cultural landmark and museum for the community. In 2000,

a new council voted 3 to 2 against any restoration of the house.

Community members rallied and asked the council to reconsider its

decision. We lost. Would I like private funding from the Segerstroms

(per the $200,000 suggestion from Councilman Chris Steel) attached to

my vote on the merits of the Home Ranch project? Absolutely not.

Sutton says that because Steel negotiated with the Segerstroms, as

part of the Home Ranch project, to “ante” up for funds for the

Huscroft House, I should “find it in my heart” to support a proposal

from Steel. That’s not how I work.

I look at each item that comes before the council very carefully

and make my decisions on what is best for the community and the right

thing to do, based on my research, community interaction and staff

reports. I will never cast a vote as a “thank you” for a

consideration another member of council has made on what they may

consider “my behalf.”

California Scenario, also known as Noguchi Garden, is the most

important work by Isamu Noguchi on the West Coast and, arguably, the

most important work of public sculpture in Orange County. I support

progress and intelligent growth, which sometimes includes protecting

art or open space. Council decisions regarding business have enabled

this city to prosper as a result of the tax base our businesses

provide. I am proud of the fact that we are a center for both

business and the arts. I have always believed that true progress

opens the door to growth and at the same time protects, preserves and

respects the cultural heritage that brought the community to life.

The vote to preserve Fairview Park for passive use was determined

before I was elected to the City Council, and I applaud it. On Jan.

19, 1998, a motion “to put a Bark Park in the Fairview Park Master

Plan” was made by former Councilman Joe Erickson and seconded by

former Councilwoman Heather Somers. I appreciated Sutton giving me

the credit for the Bark Park, but unfortunately I wasn’t a council

member. According to recreation standards, by the way, a facility for

dogs is considered a passive activity.

The Sutton letter insinuated that I don’t care about the quality

of our school system. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am

the council liaison to the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and

care deeply about giving our student population the best educational

experience. I also seek out and publicize outstanding achievements by

our students in my council comments whenever possible.

Regarding the city budget, I am proud that the caliber of business

that Costa Mesa attracts allows us the luxury of a $100-million

balanced budget. A vibrant city like ours has many fiscal needs and

interests, from public safety to street maintenance and repair, to

neighborhood and park beautification. Appropriating funds to diverse

components is a responsibility and challenge that I have looked

forward to in each of my four years on the Costa Mesa City Council.

As mayor, I will continue to do my best to honorably fulfill my

responsibilities, with a focus on the positive, and working for

solutions that benefit this great city of Costa Mesa.

* LINDA DIXON is the Costa Mesa mayor and will seek reelection in

November.