LETTER TO THE EDITOR:Comments on Daigle were too harsh

I read with interest Tom Johnson’s Fair Game column (“Newport can stop the dirty politics”) published on Oct. 6.

Candidly, I was surprised by some of Johnson’s comments concerning Councilwoman Leslie Daigle. I like Daigle. She has been helpful to me and to the West Newport Beach Assn., of which I am the current president since coming on the council.

She strikes me as thoughtful, conservative in appearance and acts, analytical and responsive to residents’ concerns. Her job is pressure-packed, but she appears to have withstood the negative and positive challenges of politics. My personal view is that she is well qualified to continue service as a member of the council.

I also like Barbara Venezia. I find her honest and frank I think it is helpful to be articulate in one’s position, but I think it is also helpful sometimes to carefully measure one’s comments and to achieve resolution of thorny issues in a more quiet, diplomatic and give-and-take manner.

Venezia’s style is different from Daigle’s, and I guess I have some concerns that her bluntness may lead to friction on the council.

If I recall correctly, former Councilman Gary Proctor used to have a small sign on the council dais that read: “A closed mouth gathers no foot.”

I have no problem with views passionately held, but I think greatness (and credibility) is sometimes best achieved by respectful delivery of the message.

Johnson is certainly an influential person in our community. I respect his points of view, his pithy writing style, his sense of humor and all that he has done for Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.

I simply cannot agree with the spirit of his rather strong statement: “Barbara Venezia deserves to be on the City Council, and frankly, I don’t think Leslie Daigle does.” I would hope that upon reflection Johnson might reconsider his view and recognize the honesty, integrity, civic spirit and value that Daigle will continue to bring to the council in light of Venezia’s decision to withdraw.

PAUL K. WATKINS

Newport Beach