THAT’S DEBATABLE:Harbor patrol watch

Do you think the city of Newport Beach should take over patrols of Newport Harbor, or should the Orange County Sheriff continue to do it?

The Newport Beach City Council has not even begun to consider the issue of taking over the harbor patrol and has not held negotiations with any other agency related to this. It is a complicated issue that deserves careful study.

When, if ever, we conclude that it would be advisable to consider this, I am confident the solution would not burden Newport Beach taxpayers or sacrifice the safety of harbor users.

This week, Newport Beach voters received a flier on this issue sponsored by the Orange County Deputy Sheriff’s union that is a perfect example of old-style, union-intimidation tactics. In my opinion, that flier contained gross misrepresentations designed to preemptively influence any potential harbor patrol decision in order to advance the union’s narrow goal of preserving jobs for its members. I received only four phone calls on it (three of which were opposed), so it generated little public interest. I urge the citizens of Newport Beach to continue to ignore such blatant bullying and interference by outside agencies. Be assured it will have no impact whatsoever on your City Council’s deliberations on this issue.

MICHAEL HENN

There has been no proposal advanced by the county or city to take over the harbor patrol.

The Deputy Sheriff’s union is premature in its panic.

If the city decides to consider the item, it will be reviewed thoughtfully and professionally with two fundamental policies in mind:

1. Will the city’s operation of the harbor patrol make the Newport Bay safer for residents?

2. Can the city perform the service cheaper and more efficiently?

Until these questions are answered, I have no position on the issue.

LESLIE DAIGLE

In the short time I’ve been on the council, this has not been a topic for a study session or a future agenda, so at this point I don’t know if there is any valid reason for the city to take over the harbor patrol.

What I do know is that the sheriff’s department, or at least its union, has not tried to conduct a reasonable discussion of the issue with the city but instead has tried to intimidate us with threats about going after the council if we don’t toe their party line, so I’d like to take this opportunity to say that whatever we decide, it will be based on what is best for our city and will have nothing to do with their bully-boy tactics.

NANCY GARDNER

The county operates specific services and has revenue-producing assets in Newport Harbor. The supervisors have raised the issue of realigning some of the services with the city.

To the extent the transfer of the harbor patrol is accompanied by the transfer of physical assets such as boats and revenues so that the cost impact is neutral to Newport taxpayers, I am willing to consider it. I would also insist on the flexibility to reconfigure the patrol to provide the best and most cost-effective service to our boaters and taxpayers. As we evaluate this issue, public safety will be a paramount consideration.

Frankly, I question if such a cost-neutral transfer can actually be negotiated. The ham-handed and misleading attempts of the sheriff’s union bosses at political intimidation have certainly diminished my confidence in this organization having a role in our city. The rank-and-file officers deserve better representation than they’re getting.

KEITH CURRY

If the City is asked to pay for the sheriff’s operation of the harbor patrol in Newport Harbor, then I feel that the city can put together a patrol, as part of our police department, that will do as good or better job of serving our citizens. I do not feel that the city should contract with another law enforcement agency to provide services inside our city limits.

I am very suspicious of a union that comes into our city and threatens to make trouble for and oppose any council member that would consider anything other than the status quo for the sheriff’s harbor patrol. The union has already sent out a factually flawed hit-piece mailer to the residents of Newport Beach as part of its threat. With close to 1,500 deputy sheriffs in the county, why are they so concerned about losing 25 to 30 positions?

The city should be open to conducting discussions with the county board of supervisors on the future responsibility for the harbor patrol. If agreeable terms can be reached — which would include the ability of the city to recoup a large portion the added cost — then I could support the city taking over the harbor patrol function.

DON WEBB

Did not respond.

MAYOR STEVE ROSANSKY

Did not respond.

ED SELICH