MAILBAG - Oct. 30, 2006

Wu’s qualifications run deep

Whoever “we” is (in the Oct. 7 editorial “In Newport: Two new faces, a protest”) cogently described the issue involving Barbara Venezia. I completely agree that Newport Beach Councilman Leslie Daigle’s failure to denounce the unethical practice of political consultant Dave Ellis has offended all constituents. But why would she denounce it anyway? Dave Ellis, a dirty-games specialist, is a consultant to Daigle. Ergo, she was well aware of Ellis’s horridness.

As the writers (again, “we”) stated, all voters should vote for Barbara Venezia for District 4. She deserves the seat. Anyone affiliated with Ellis and his utilization of famous left-wing tactics (e.g.: negative fabrications, personal attacks that ignore reality, and the printing of such) should be voted against. Candidates who have paid for his pernicious consulting services must not be permitted to hold any elected positions. Corrupt individuals like these are extremely detrimental to the city of Newport Beach.

The Pilot’s assessment of the race for District 1 is even more vital to the city’s future. The authors erred in their depictions of the candidates for District 1. The following points elucidate the facts about Mike Henn and Jack Wu.

First, Henn’s qualifications and experiences do not make him better fit for the seat. They merely represent that he is older than Wu — nothing else. Wu’s qualifications and experience demonstrate that he is the more impressive candidate and that he should win the seat. Wu launched his own accounting services company that was sought after by a large CPA firm. The large firm recognized Wu’s outstanding entrepreneurial skills as well as his capacity to create and realize objectives set in a professional business model. Wu’s successes and experience will abet his ability to facilitate the betterment of the city.

Second, Henn’s background as a chief financial officer is not impressive. Wu’s background as an accountant, a business owner, a corporate controller and as a successful individual who is active within the community are impressive.

Third, Wu’s college degrees exemplify that he is well-versed in a myriad of issues that concern a city government. Henn was limited to studying general subjects a very long time ago. This renders his understanding of city government and business thereof as anachronistic. Henn lacks the ability to understand what is essential to Newport Beach. Henn’s outdated skills bound him to an executive position (acquired by the bereavement of a business partner) in which he conducts control via the advice of his lower-ranking counterparts. Wu works in a present-day industry and performs hands-on tasks on a daily basis (i.e. he understands what is necessary to accomplish goals).

Conversely, Wu epitomizes exactly what Newport Beach needs: The “next generation” of leaders. In addition, Wu’s “biggest qualifications” are not only his active membership in Republican Party leadership circles. He has devoted a lot of time to the community and, if elected, would devote an even greater amount of time as a member of the City Council. He is not just a member of the city’s environmental quality affairs citizen advisory committee, he is an expert. Jack provides his environmental expertise to the committee and the city. He is a member and volunteer of several local organizations in the community (Henn’s involvement in local organizations is dwarfed by Wu’s). Wu has already proven himself a quality leader. If given the opportunity to represent the residents in Newport Beach, he will be even more “deeply rooted in the fabric of this community.”

Finally, Tod Ridgeway, Daigle and Henn are all Ellis’s clients. Ridgeway appointed Daigle and he has endorsed Henn. They have all engaged in releasing what they term “hit campaigns” that attack the credibility of their opponents with erroneous information fabricated for no purpose other than to sabotage their opponents.

For voters in 2006, Jack Wu is the right choice for District 1.

MIKE PASCALE

Newport Beach

Daigle has served her district well

Leslie Daigle has been our area’s councilwoman for over two years and I have had the pleasure of working with her on many issues that have affected our Eastbluff area. I have found her to be not only very professional but extremely approachable as well. She has consistently listened to the residents in our area and has been an effective representative.

As the mother of three small children, I and other PTA moms were in the process of circulating a petition to obtain a crossing guard for our school. After speaking with Daigle, the petition turned out to be unnecessary. Within a week, the city deployed a crossing guard to help Eastbluff students get to and from school safely. This not only includes elementary school children, but junior high and high school kids as well.

In addition, the tennis club in our area was holding “rave” parties every Sunday afternoon during the summer. These parties were spilling over into our neighborhood, creating issues with noise, litter and crowd control and making a general nuisance for the community as a whole. As soon as she was approached with this dilemma, Daigle quickly worked with code enforcement and the police department on this issue and after a few weeks, the parties ceased!

She has also led the effort on behalf of the city to commit funds to refurbish the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center where all my boys participate in activities. The pool now receives widespread community use and is an important community asset. Daigle has come to many of our association’s meetings ready to lend an ear and help with any issues our area might have. My husband and I, along with many of our friends who have young children, strongly support Daigle.

JENNIFER MANNON

Eastbluff