Sansone’s legacy

During his 20 years of community involvement, former Mayor Phil

Sansone played a key role in growth and spirit of Newport Beach.

Known for his gruff manner, he always had something to say -- on a

variety of topics.

Phil Sansone on ...

* Developers: “The developers, they don’t give a hoot. They’re

speculators. They stretch our codes to the max. They’re ruining the

town.” -- 1990

* His wife, Nadine: “She was dedicated and supported me in

everything I ever did. She played loads of bridge and had a good ear

for the community.” -- 1999

* His 1943 Air Corps service in Iran: “It was 120 degrees in the

daytime, and by 10 a.m., the dust would come up so bad the aircraft

couldn’t fly in there. You’d take your mattress cover and throw it in

the shower and throw it on the bed and hope to God you got some sleep

before it dried out.” -- 1990

* Growing up in the 1920s and ‘30s in Upstate New York: “There was

no TV and very little radio. Sports was what melded a town together.”

-- 1999

* Leadership: “I don’t like to base a decision I make just on my

opinion. My opinion could be different from the majority. I look for

consensus.” -- 1991

* Hoag Hospital expansion: “Hoag has satisfied the West Newport

people, now they have to satisfy the people in Villa Balboa and

Versailles.” -- 1991

* Floating a bond to purchase Irvine Co. land for a park: “As long

as I’m here, I won’t let a bond issue on the ballot unless it

specifically says where the money is going to come from to pay it

off. That’s what got the state in so much trouble.” -- 1991

* His push for directly elected mayors: “We’ve got a growth

category and a nongrowth category [on the council]. We ended up with

five [for growth] and two [against], so when you got to elect a

mayor, what do you end up with?” -- 1987

* Leaving the City Council after two terms: “I don’t think it

would be a good idea to have an 80-year-old man up there in four

years.” -- 1996