If civic center project needs a vote,...

If civic center project needs a vote, let’s vote

I have been a resident of Newport Beach for 11 years. I believe

our city government is effective and that it includes many dedicated

and hard-working people.

However, the scope of the proposed new city hall project is very

large with far-reaching, long-term financial implications for all

city residents. Though there may be some debate about whether Newport

Beach needs a new city hall or about the best method to finance the

project, the underlying issue here is deciding who gets to decide.

Using certificates of participation doesn’t change the fact that all

city residents will pay for this project -- it simply removes

residents from the decision-making process regarding borrowed funds

and servicing the debt. Being removed from the decision-making

process inherently causes concern for taxpayers, as well it should.

The semantics of these discussions regarding taxes, bonds and

certificates reminds me of a famous fellow in Washington who once

started a debate about the definition of the word “is.”

Debt is debt, plain and simple. One way or the other, residents

are going to pay off that debt, with interest, either through tax

increases or reduced services.

So let’s address their concerns. If that requires a vote, then

let’s vote. If some other methods can better address the concerns,

then we should explore those as alternatives to a public vote.

CHRISTOPHER BUDNIK

Newport Beach

Be thankful for having your waterfront homes

After all that is going on in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, I can

no longer contain my annoyance at someone who would buy a waterfront

home and then suggest that the sea lions be moved somewhere else

because the sea lions are a nuisance.

Are you kidding? This could only happen in Newport Beach. What’s

next? Relocate the pesky pelicans and the annoying sea gulls? Unless

these animals become violent, leave them alone.

By any stretch of the imagination, if you are fortunate enough to

have a home on the water -- or a home at all for that matter -- you

are more fortunate than the people displaced by Katrina.

Try ear plugs, gratitude and a refresher course on what comes with

the blessing of living near God’s creations.

MEG TWEEDY

Costa Mesa