Employment with city does not compromise this candidate

While I must accept the Daily Pilot endorsement of my Greenlight

opponent in the race to fill the District 3 seat on the Newport Beach

City Council, I take serious exception to the reasoning employed to

justify the selection. The Daily Pilot concludes that my ability to

perform my duties as a councilman could be compromised because of my

prior employment with the city of Newport Beach. That is totally

unfounded.

As a member of the City Council, it would be my responsibility to

act in the best interests of the city and to protect the taxpayers.

My values, integrity and understanding of my fiduciary

responsibilities could never allow me to let prior employment

relationships, personal friendships and associations interfere with

my allegiance to the people electing me to public office.

With regards to salary negotiations, they are conducted by a

retained professional consultant working with the city management

team. A majority of the City Council members provides direction on

policy governing the meet and confer process. I would be only one of

seven persons providing that direction.

On personnel issues, the City Council has direct control over the

three employees it hires: the city manager, the city attorney and the

city clerk. All other city department heads and personnel, by

provisions set forth in the City Charter, are retained by and report

to the city manager.

Over the years, I have developed a reputation of being tough but

fair while always looking out for the best interests of the city of

Newport Beach. On all issues related to personnel and salary

negotiations, I will continue to review the information presented and

vote for the position that is best for the city. The city manager was

my boss for only two years, and I, along with my colleagues on the

council, would evaluate his performance impartially with the goal of

making sure the city is fiscally and operationally sound.

Through years of experience, I understand the role of the City

Council and that of the city manager. It is the responsibility of the

City Council to constantly be aware of the overall operations of the

city and make policy decisions. The city manager is the chief

executive officer and responsible for the day-to-day operations of

the city.

My knowledge of the city, particularly its infrastructure, and

experience in providing solutions for city problems gives me a

perspective that will allow me to make informed decisions as a City

Council member.

I would have liked the Daily Pilot endorsement, but you chose my

opponent, not me. I can live with that, but please don’t justify your

selection by questioning my character to function as an effective and

honest member of the City Council because I worked for the city. That

is unfair and just not true.

DON WEBB

Newport Beach

* Don Webb is running against Allan Beek in Newport’s District 3

City Council race.