Costa Mesa voters must choose carefully
Geoff West
The Aug. 18 editorial (“We’ll just have to get by with less this
year”) left me more than a little depressed. As a frequent critic of
the Costa Mesa City Council’s leadership, the specter of even “less”
on the dais is painful to even contemplate.
I, too, was disappointed that Joel Faris, Heather Somers, Bill
Turpit and others whose names had been frequently mentioned as
possible candidates chose not to run this time around. Each could
have brought a little different slant and energy to matters affecting
our city.
All is not lost, however. Between now and the elections in
November we, the residents of Costa Mesa, have an opportunity to
flesh out the remaining candidates, to get a clear focus on their
positions on the pressing issues facing the city and then make our
feelings known in the voting booth. Allan Mansoor, of course, is at a
severe disadvantage because the other four candidates all have an
opportunity to display their skills -- or lack thereof -- at least
twice a month as they conduct the city’s business. For him to
overcome the recent negative press associated with the alleged
controversy revolving around his postings on the now-slumbering
Concerned Costa Mesa Citizens Web site will take a mighty effort on
the part of his supporters. One thing is sure -- he can probably
forget about getting the gay and lesbian vote.
It is my hope that, between now and the election, the residents
will have several opportunities to attend candidate forums -- or at
least view them on Channel 74 -- so an informed choice can be made
when they get to the voting booth. While nothing is certain, it does
appear that Gary Monahan’s bid for re-election has broad support in
the community. I am left with the nagging feeling that the contest
for the remaining seat may come down to a choice between “the lesser
of two evils,” with Mayor Linda Dixon and her clone, Katrina Foley,
on one hand and the neophytes, Mansoor and Bill Perkins, on the
other.
As the issues are debated over the next few weeks, each of us must
pay close attention and attempt to ascertain the true depth and
intentions of each candidate -- not an easy task. If we don’t do our
homework and make the best choice possible this time around to
determine who will guide this city of more than 100,000 people for
the next four years, the consequences can be summed up in two words
-- Chris Steel.
* GEOFF WEST is a Costa Mesa resident.
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