Greenlight has all the character of a political party
The Daily Pilot editorial “Watching Greenlight” (Oct. 20) opened
up an interesting conversation. You say, “If Greenlight truly acts
like a political party, and does not stand to be controlled by a core
group of leaders, it will make Newport Beach a better city for all
who live and visit here.” But what is the criteria by which you might
judge its validity as a local “political party.” You often like to
point to Greenlight as a “small group” of people who for the most
part are entirely unaccountable to voters.
Well, let me assure you that if credibility of Greenlight hinges
on its being a local “political party” -- that is with broad support
-- that is exactly what it is. Greenlight is one more extension of a
broadly supported local platform that has existed for more than 30
years in Newport, starting with the “Freeway Fighters.”
The platform has stayed the same -- to retain the residential and
environmental qualities and heritage of Newport Beach. Each time an
action has been taken to carry out this platform, the name has
reflected the immediate cause. “Freeway Fighters” eliminated the
Pacific Coast Freeway. “Newport Residents United” lobbied for the
height ordinance around the Bay. “Friends of Newport Bay” saved the
Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve. SPON, Stop Polluting our
Newport, asked for the City Council to appoint a harbor quality
committee and wrote the traffic phasing ordinance.
When residents need to act politically, a political action
committee must be formed, and that is the case with Greenlight. Its
drafters are some of the people who’ve acted before to retain
residential and environmental values, but include new residents, as
well. Its members are the people who voted for the concept it
represents. There is no grand divide between the 63% of the voters
and their leaders. There couldn’t be a concept or initiative put to
the vote unless someone writes the first draft, prepares the final
draft, pays the attorneys, carries out the campaign and files the
reports. That is the “small group” without whom the great milestones
would never have gotten on the ballot and been adopted. In every
case, this “small group” or principals have been people giving
incredible hours of public service without compensation.
Greenlight, by its very nature, is not a special interest group
trying to take over the city. It gives the power to the voters who
have verified that there is indeed a broadly supported local
“political party” in favor of a platform which retains Newport’s
residential and environmental values. I’m very grateful for all the
people before and after me who have joined this local “political
party” in Newport Beach and worked to maintain the area’s uniqueness
and livability.
JEAN WATT
Harbor Island
* JEAN WATT is a former Newport Beach City Councilwoman.
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