Newport-Mesa needs leaders like Irvine’s Larry...

Newport-Mesa needs leaders like Irvine’s Larry Agran

Many people in both Costa Mesa and Newport Beach are disturbed --

if not irate -- over the role played by the mayor of Irvine in the

development of Proposition 51. Mayor Larry Agran always seems to be

several steps ahead of our own elected leaders, who can only fume and

grumble at his foresight and skills. Proposition 51 may well be the

worst piece of proposed legislation presented to a democracy in the

last 50 years, but Agran sure knows how to look out for his

constituents.

Just imagine, for a few moments, that Agran had been mayor of

Costa Mesa instead of Irvine. The Costa Mesa Freeway would probably

travel underground beneath the business district to end at the city

limits. Eastside residents could talk to each other in their back

yards without having their eardrums damaged by the thunder of the

airport. The relentless slum creation in the city would have been

ended and reversed. Fairview Park would be something enjoyed by

hundreds every weekday and thousands on weekends. Costa Mesa would

receive per capita income at least as much as does Newport Beach and

not almost $30 less. City ordinances would be written so that anyone

could read and understand the meaning as it applies to his or her

plan or problem. Every decision of the Planning Commission would not

be tediously restudied and retried. Maybe we might even have a

beautiful Mormon temple instead of an unsightly Ikea. I could go on,

but you get the picture.

Unfortunately, Costa Mesa can’t have Agran for mayor. We can,

however, seek City Council members who may have more foresight and

combativeness for the city’s welfare than previous mayors have

demonstrated. The worst that can happen is that we elect people who

aren’t as lethargic in seeking the best interests of the city as have

been the incumbents who seek reelection this November. The incumbents

have failed. It is time for a change in the Costa Mesa City Council.

The residents of Newport Beach can make their own analysis.

PAUL FLANAGAN

Costa Mesa