Two weeks on the council hot seat

It has been two weeks since my appointment to the Newport Beach City Council, and I thought I would share with the readers of the Daily Pilot what it was like to go from blissful anonymity to being a public official. It’s been a great two weeks.

Sunday, Feb. 5. It’s the weekend before the council vote. I spend the day touring key sites in the city such as Marinapark, Newport Ridge Park, Banning Ranch and the Oasis Senior Center. Take my wife, Pamela, to lunch at Cappy’s Café in West Newport, the best discovery of the appointment process (courtesy of Councilman Steve Rosansky). Won the poll in the Daily Pilot. This is a good sign.

Tuesday, Feb. 7. It’s the big night. I get five votes and take my seat on the end of the council dais ? I m advised the person sitting in that seat is responsible for the lights during PowerPoint presentations before the council.

Wednesday, Feb. 8. First day as a council member. Great headline in the paper. Turn on computer at 7 a.m. Receive several messages of support. At 8 a.m., Pamela calls with our new home phone number “just for you.” At 8:30 a.m., I receive congratulatory e-mail from the White House. They must read the Daily Pilot. Go to meeting at 10 a.m., turn on BlackBerry following meeting at 10:45 a.m. and have 100 new e-mails. First sign that things have really changed.

Thursday, Feb. 9. Several friends and supporters send nice letters to the paper. Even before my first vote, people I have never met and do not know also send a few letters taking some shots at me. One says I am a “city hall insider,” another says I am “inexperienced.” I guess it wasn’t a coordinated attack.

Friday, Feb. 10. Council agenda package, municipal codes, city charter, council and employee manuals and labor agreements arrive, neatly organized in binders. New material rises three-and-a-half feet off the floor. Cancel weekend movie plans.

Monday, Feb. 13. Take Pamela to Valentine’s Day dinner since council meeting is on the 14th.

Tuesday, Feb. 14. My first council meeting. Barbara Venezia is in the audience and it’s both Valentine’s Day and her anniversary. Annexation must be important. For the most part I get the lights right for the various presentations. We approve a new park in West Newport and create a new green space in Santa Ana Heights. We also approve the West Santa Ana Heights annexation, create a new redevelopment agency to keep tax revenue within the city and give final approval to the sea lion ordinance. All in all, a pretty good first meeting.

Wednesday, Feb. 15. I attend my first meeting on the renewal of the Measure M program with other local officials. See some opportunity for common ground with the environmental community. Make a note to follow up on this. Attend the big Speak Up Newport “state of the city” dinner. Don Webb gives a great presentation. I am introduced first as John Curry, then Steve Curry. The audience is chanting my name. On the whole, I think this is a good thing. Meet Seymour Beek. His daughter, Cynthia, and my daughter, Julia, are close friends. It’s a small world.

Thursday, Feb. 16. At 9 a.m., I receive my first constituent complaint regarding speeding on Newport Ridge Drive. Contact the city manager and chief of police. By early afternoon, police have contacted the resident and have put in place plans for stepped up enforcement and the deployment of the city speed monitor on the street. The city has made arrangements for a police representative to attend the next homeowners association meeting. On the whole, I am pleased with the city’s response and the realization that you really can make a difference being on the council.

Friday, Feb. 17. Look back on my first full week and realize I have been in 12 meetings on subjects including the Newport Coast, annexation, city finances, litigation and park development. Eleven were over meals. Make a note to go to the gym.

Saturday, Feb. 18. Walk from my house to Newport Ridge Drive. Speeding really is a problem. Make note to follow up.

Sunday, Feb. 19. Take a moment to give thanks for the opportunity to serve the city. It is humbling and exhilarating.