Pragmatic council candidate misrepresented by letter

In a recent letter (Mailbag, “Election choices are easy, now just

make them,” Sept. 5), Bill Perkins’ campaign manager Billy Folsom

oversimplifies and, strangely, turns the nonpartisan Costa Mesa City

Council race into a partisan analysis. According to Folsom, all one

needs to know is the old left-wing-right-wing thing.

Folsom characterizes the field in an oversimplified manner, and I

believe his analysis is way off base in certain regards.

Characterizing his candidate as a proud shaker and mover such as

Colin Powell made me laugh so hard I spewed my morning coffee through

my nose. Ow. Folsom’s characterization of candidate Allan Mansoor was

also way off base. While this is understandable, since Mansoor has

never had the opportunity of sharing his views with Folsom, I believe

a correction is in order.

Mansoor is conservative, make no mistake; however Folsom paints a

picture of a guy who can only make right turns when out driving

around town. This could not be farther from the truth, as Mansoor is

open to hearing and considering opposing viewpoints.

How would I know that Mansoor is open-minded? I have opposed him

on city issues and was surprised, and impressed, that he engaged me

and wanted a better understanding of my position just in case I was

correct in my viewpoint.

Mansoor is not easily categorized and, interestingly, his most

ardent Costa Mesa supporters come from the left, and the right.

Strange? Not at all, as those who have bothered to get to know him

have realized that he is sincere and really wants to improve the city

for the citizens. In closing, I would label Mansoor as a pragmatist

if any label is necessary.

ERIC BEVER

Costa Mesa