MAILBAG - Feb. 9, 2006

Lawsuit against city is a caviar dream

Every dollar the city of Newport Beach has to pay to Stephen Sutherland and his attorneys for his lawsuit takes a dollar away from our children (“Developer files lawsuit against city,” Saturday).

My kids do not have a lighted soccer field on the west side of the bay. West side kids are being denied a place to play at night for the six months from October to April.

For the amount of money that will be squandered on his selfish claim, a lighted soccer field could have been built. Instead of thousands of hours of children’s joy, Sutherland and his attorneys will feast on caviar and champagne.

From a public relations standpoint, this lawsuit paints a very ugly picture of Sutherland. If he cares about this community, he should do the right thing.

MARK ARBLASTER

Newport Beach

Proposal for new city hall should go to vote

I am disappointed with the Newport Beach City Council in regards to the proposed city hall.

The City Council consists of seven people, and only three of them have been elected by the taxpayers, who are expected to pay for a new city hall.

I understand the circumstances of people leaving and new people being appointed, but considering the cost, I do not feel that this is democracy in action.

More than $500,000 should not have been spent already on a proposed project that is coming under so much criticism by the taxpayers. The council members have not listened to the people they represent.

This kind of expenditure should go to a vote of the taxpayers and not a bonded situation whereby the council and city don’t need the approval of the voters. This is nothing more than an attempt to do something that the taxpayers may not approve. This is not the proper way to handle the situation.

All locations for a new city hall should be considered if the taxpayers approve the cost. If the taxpayers approve the cost, the location should be in the best interest of all.

The members of the council are all good people, who I think do a very good job in many areas. This is not one of them.

BOB MCCAFFREY

Balboa Island