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.
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