We will be meeting at the City Hall/Library parking lot at 5:00 p.m.
PLEASE JOIN US!

MEMO RE:    PICKETS AT MISSION VIEJO CITY HALL PREVIEW

TO:          VIP INVITEES

FROM:       THE COMMITTEE FOR INTEGRITY IN GOVERNMENT

The Committee for Integrity in Government will picket the Mission Viejo City Hall preview on April 24.

The Committee is a non-partisan group promoting open, honest and responsive government. It's members include the Chairpersons and leaders of both Republican and Democratic organizations, elected and appointed officials, and community leaders. Its research and disclosures on issues played a major role in the defeat of two incumbent city council members at the last two elections.

The group recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with a dinner attended by city council members, commissioners, and community leaders. Speakers included Orange County watchdog Shirley Grindle and Orange County Register Senior Editor Steven Greenhut.

The group opposes the City Hall Preview event because 1) the council majority used a deceitful ballot question preventing voters from opposing a new city hall, 2) the ballot statement by Sherri Butterfield and Susan Withrow promised a $10-$12 million facility but the actual cost was approximately $20 million, 3) the new facility houses less employees than before in twice the space, 4) taxpayer money was wasted on luxury expenditures for fixtures and furniture, including a $6,000 desk for the city manager, and 5) the VIP Preview for countywide political officials, being held prior to the open house for local taxpayers, illustrates the building was created by the council majority as a self-serving monument and power showcase. An Orange County Register lead editorial recently derided the excessive spending by Mission Viejo officials on this project.

The project sets a bad example for public policy, and the Committee prefers that county officials show their disapproval of this abuse of power and affront to voters by not attending the April 24 Preview. RSVP's may be withdrawn to the city administration at 949-470-3051 (phone), 949-581-0983 (fax), or via email to cityadmin@mission-viejo.com.

The Committee also encourages officials to withhold political endorsements from candidates supporting this excessive spending. For questions, please contact Brad Morton, Chairman of the Committee for Integrity in Government, at 949-583-7464.