Wake up, Newport, or you’ll be next

Like many residents of most cities across this great county, we are often too busy with our lives to involve ourselves in community and local political issues. It’s not until an issue that we hold near and dear to our hearts is threatened that we typically get involved and stand up for what we believe. Unfortunately, by then it’s often too late.

For me, my awakening was the city of Newport Beach’s cancellation of the 29th running of the Newport Beach Triathlon. Until March 28, I was one of the quiet residents politicians rely on to not question their decisions or challenge their authority.

What I learned about politics on Tuesday is that what really matters is not the events reported on the 6 p.m. news, from faraway lands or Washington. What really matters is the events that are happening in our own backyard. These are the events we have some control over and that make the Daily Pilot more valuable than the New York Times.

On March 28, the Newport Beach City Council had an opportunity to keep alive a good, wholesome, long-standing community event, the Newport Beach Triathlon. It’s a great and worthwhile event for active people of all ages. In a decision so typical of many politicians today, the mayor and City Council, with the exception of Councilman Dick Nichols, delivered a vote to end this year’s running of one of the oldest and longest-running triathlons, effectively ending the race forever.

Prior to the council meeting, I believed that this was a city that worked hard to preserve our traditions and keep the city passion alive. I believed that our mayor, city management and City Council were under- standing, caring, collaborative and solution-oriented.

But I witnessed the worst in representative government. I saw our government attack the good. In an elaborate presentation ? costing who knows how much of our taxpayer dollars ? I saw our local government demonize the event, the participants and its promoters.

Two thoughts crossed my mind while I witnessed this attack: how sad it was that our city officials waste so much time and energy in attacking good and wholesome things, and how scary it is to see the power of government officials so distort the truth.

I felt powerless and victimized as I watched a complete mischaracterization of the event. What was clearly forgotten were all the good intentions and that it took a lifetime of one man’s achievement (Jack Caress) to create and sustain something great for our city and for our residents. It took but one short moment and one word, “no,” by a group of people who had no first-hand knowledge of the event to destroy it forever.

For many years I have been hearing the stories about how the Newport Beach management and City Council were controlled by the special interests and did not serve the people. I did not believe it. I was too busy to take notice. I was too busy to care.

But on March 28, I had an opportunity to see the true face of our local government. I had an opportunity to see the council destroy a lifetime of good work and great achievement of an event I value so much.

I clearly understand my issue is not as meaningful for you as it is for me. But what do you value in this great city? Whatever it is, it could be at risk. There is a fundamental problem with the current Newport Beach City Council and city management ? it does not serve its people. The people have no power in Newport Beach anymore.

So I urge you: Wake up, Newport. You could be next.

ROBERT MORTENSEN

Newport Beach