Incumbents face their challengers

At a political forum Wednesday night, Councilman Steve Rosansky called the city’s ongoing battle with area drug rehabilitation homes the “most difficult” issue he has faced during his tenure, while opponent Gloria Alkire complained that campaign signs outside her home have been torn down in the past few days.

Newport Beach City Council candidates sparred over the rehabilitation home issue, government transparency and fiscal responsibility during the roughly hourlong forum sponsored by the West Newport Beach Assn.

Former educator Alkire is challenging incumbent Rosansky for the District 2 council seat. Community activist Dolores Otting is running against incumbent Keith Curry for the District 7 seat.

Mayor Ed Selich, who is running unopposed in his reelection bid for the District 5 seat, spoke briefly at the forum before leaving to attend to another commitment.

Rosansky, who has been criticized for his handling of the rehabilitation home issue in his district, said the city’s hands are tied when it comes down to regulating many of the homes because recovering drug addicts are protected by the same anti-discrimination legislation that applies to people with physical disabilities. The city has become an example to other communities by enacting an ordinance in January that will regulate the homes and by settlement agreement with the largest rehabilitation home operator in Newport Beach, Sober Living by the Sea.

Alkire said she decided to run for City Council because she felt Rosansky did not listen to people from his district who came before the council to discuss their problems with rehabilitation homes in their neighborhood and other issues.

“Many residents have talked to me about issues they feel need to be taken care of ... there isn’t the kind of input sought from the audience or the respect when they come to the podium,” Alkire said.

Otting, who has been a regular at the podium during City Council meeting for the past 15 years, said she wants to see more transparency in city government and fiscal responsibility.

“The Brown Act requires our city to have open meetings, but we have 14 city ad hoc committees that post no agendas and keep no minutes,” Otting said. “This kind of government does not involve you and does not serve you.”

Otting also said she is concerned the city is taking on too much debt to fund public projects like Sunset Ridge Park and a new OASIS Senior Center. She said she would like to see the city partner with more private entities to help fund large public projects.

Curry, who chairs the city fiance committee, said the city is in good financial shape and taking on some debt is necessary to build new parks and municipal buildings.

“Our revenues are up, and our credit is unrivaled,” Curry said.

It is unrealistic to rely exclusively on private donors an sponsorships to fund city projects, Curry said

“Would the people of Newport stand for a big sign in our harbor saying ‘Bay dredging sponsored by Exxon-Mobile,’ ” he asked.

For those who missed it, the forum will be broadcast several times before the Nov. 4 election on Time Warner channel 3 and Cox channel 30.

IN THEIR WORDS

“We believe we’ve crafted the most comprehensive, cutting-edge law to regulate group homes in the state of California.”

Steve Rosansky

“It’s not enough to be opposed to everything to achieve real results.”

Keith Curry

“Our finances in good order, and we have a low crime rate. I will continue to work to make our city an even greater city.”

Ed Selich

“The city council is about the public’s business and the city’s business should be conducted openly.”

Gloria Alkire

“I always think we can do more because this is the best place to live.”

Dolores Otting

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.