Robinson’s election a surprise twist in...

Robinson’s election a surprise twist in City Hall

Stunned! That was the look on Councilman Gary Monahan’s face

Monday night after being blindsided by Councilman Chris Steel, who

sucker-punched the process and nominated Councilwoman Karen Robinson

for mayor. The embarrassingly long delay awaiting a second to his

motion may be an omen. Then, in a scene straight from “One Flew Over

The Cuckoo’s Nest,” Steel was elected vice mayor.

Without the benefit of public comment, which was half-heartedly

held after Robinson and Steel were firmly seated in their new chairs,

the new mayor and vice mayor were “quick-pitched” into office,

leaving supporters of Monahan and other observers reeling. Many of

those who supported Monahan in his bid for a third term viewed his

election as mayor as a slam-dunk and a very logical choice to to

bridge the old and new councils.

The citizens are now left holding their breath, hoping that

Robinson will somehow be able to find more time in her busy schedule

to execute the duties of her new office than she did as a

councilwoman. We wish her extremely good health in the coming year,

because the specter of Steel as mayor, using the dais as his own

personal china shop, is almost too much to bear. Tort reform that

would eliminate plea bargains sure looks good now.

GEOFF WEST

Costa Mesa

Can’t keep capping John Wayne Airport flights

I don’t think an extension of the John Wayne Airport flight

restrictions that includes more use is a good thing. It just goes to

show again how badly we need an airport at El Toro. As the need

grows, where will it go but John Wayne if no other alternative

exists? There will be an ongoing extension of caps, which includes

more flights in the future, I fear.

E. R. SCHEID

Corona Del Mar

There’s nothing to study about bridge at 19th Street

I want to add my voice to the “few hundred people” who have

opposed any further study of the 19th Street bridge. It does not cost

$150,000 to stand at Triangle Square and see that 19th and Harbor and

Newport boulevards cannot take any more traffic. I have no interest

in creating an onramp for Huntington Beach and Newport to access the

Costa Mesa Freeway.

I avoid going into downtown Costa Mesa due to the traffic. I live

right off of Victoria and seldom use it because of the difficulty

crossing the street. More traffic will not improve the situation.

It would negatively impact the wetlands around the Santa Ana

River. The Victoria Street Bridge already divides it. It does not

seem wise to create another separation point. The study money could

be used for other more valuable things than re-studying something

that residents over the years have clearly not wanted. It is time to

remove the bridge from the county plan and move on.

DIANNE RUSSELL

Costa Mesa