MAILBAG:Newport voters should have the final say

I agree with Tom Johnson’s front-page editorial (“Don’t fake hearing opposing views,” Aug. 10). I disagree with Doug Templin’s page 3 Forum opinion.

The Newport City Council on a 4 to 3 vote has selected an inferior city hall relocation site that will cost at least $10 million more than the sensible alternate “City Hall in the Park” on city-owned land between a usable park and the Central City Library — a great synergistic solution.

The only alternative left to reverse this “divisive” council decision is to give all Newport Beach registered voters a chance to choose between the two sites.

Our system of government allows this initiative petition method when our elected representatives’ decision can lead to a costly mistake.

On the February 2008 primary election day, a large voter turnout is expected.

The public will be able to cast an informed vote if given all the facts between now and then — facts that were ignored by the council majority.

The people supporting this initiative petition are respected, involved, long-term residents of this wonderful city of Newport Beach.

They rightly believe the council’s 4 to 3 decision is a waste of taxpayer dollars on an inferior city hall relocation site.

M.C. JOHNSON

Money should go to best proposal

The City Council has spent $856,847 on “studies” to assist them in their decision regarding location and design of a new city hall. It seems to me the council is no closer to a decision than they were $856,847 ago.

I am curious as to how much of this money has been paid to Bill Ficker, who in my opinion has provided us with the best proposal to date.

RICK OTHMER

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