City Council seat should be put on the ballot

If one were into conspiracy theories, you’d have to think that

Newport Beach City Councilman Gary Adams wants to see an election in

his neighborhood this fall.

Last week, Adams -- who’s in his second term on the council after

serving on the city’s Planning Commission -- announced that, because

of a job promotion, he’ll be moving to Washington, D.C., in the fall

and will have to resign his post.

It’s a helpful, early heads-up to the city and his colleagues,

especially since November hosts three council elections, not to

mention a few high-level state and U.S. votes. It gives election

officials plenty of time to print a four-part, instead of three-part,

Newport Beach ballot. And, perhaps more importantly, it gives

interested residents enough time to prepare a run for office. Isn’t

Monday the first official day to announce the intention to run, after

all?

Certainly, you’d have to be a conspiracy-theory freak to think

that was Adams’ intention. But you don’t have to be one to think an

election to replace Adams is a good idea.

Normally, city officials have to weigh the cost of a special

election against the ease of an appointment. But in this case, the

election is already scheduled -- along with all the corresponding

debates and forums. What’s a few more council hopefuls added to the

mix going to hurt?

And think how much it will help. Residents of Newport Beach will

be able to choose their representative -- as our democratic system

encourages, if not demands. There could be no cry that the rest of

the council picked someone who fit their preconceived perspectives.

And a race for an open seat might very well raise the level of debate

about city issues and resident concerns.

Opening Adams’ seat up to the election is a winning decision, in

other words. And may the best candidate win.