The ego has landed
Staff editorial – April 18

Is the constant political rumble on the Mission Viejo City Council caused by something in the water? After former council members were dumped by voters, what else could explain how quickly new council members became arrogant and surly?

As part of the problem, it takes a certain amount of ego to run for office. For those with abundant ego but without redeeming qualities, ego and power become a lethal combination.

Can’t we all just … get along?

Councilman Frank Ury was recently quoted in the Orange County Register in an article about housing [Sunday, April 9, Marketplace section], saying he wants more affordable housing projects in Mission Viejo. He made an odd comment that Irvine council members are “more statesmanlike” than his council peers. The fact Ury has been judging others on the dais and making scathing remarks in a county blog provides insight about his own lack of diplomacy.

The clash of egos on Mission Viejo’s council is an underlying reason for its failure to serve or represent the city’s residents. Council Members Ury, Lance MacLean and Trish Kelley seem to believe they’ve been anointed to make decisions without regard for the voters who elected them. They appear to thrive on conducting business behind closed doors – without listening to public input until after decisions are made. This council should be ashamed of itself, and the fact it isn’t strongly indicates the attitude of lording over the “little people.” While countless residents go before the self-anointed tribunal, Ury rolls his eyes, leans back in his chair or whispers to MacLean, who laughs out loud.

Three council members have strong ties to political consultants. Ury is connected to John Lewis of Orange, and MacLean and Ledesma are associated with Scott Taylor of Newport Beach. Ury, MacLean and Ledesma seem more interested in payback to their political consultants than representing the residents. For several years, Steadfast couldn’t get a foot in the door with its affordable housing plans in a commercial zone. Steadfast hired Scott Taylor in 2005 and, voila, the vote was 5-0 to overturn commercial zoning and plunk condos in a business park. Steadfast also donated to all five council members’ “campaign accounts.”

While political candidates are entitled to have consultants, voters must be watchful not to empower a consultant who has council members under his thumb. Ury hasn’t succeeded in running plays for Lewis because he controls only one vote. However, Taylor has both MacLean and Ledesma, and voters would be wise to react in November for this reason alone. Taylor represents Ware Disposal, and the city’s trash contract is up for bid in 2008. If Ware presents the best offer, it would be another matter. However, who benefited from Steadfast’s housing deal except five council members, the developer and Scott Taylor? Not the residents, who will pay a high price.

In the city attorney fiasco, the worst possible contender (Richards, Watson and Gerschon) got the contract because numerous council members were neither representing residents nor trying to get the best legal advice for the city. Because negation took place behind closed doors, residents should wonder if Ury was voting for Lewis’ client and Ledesma and MacLean were voting for Taylor’s client. Renewing the old contract for Richards, Watson and Gershon could be interpreted as failed deal-making by council members who voted on behalf of outside interests. Regardless of any plausible explanation, when the worst comes in first, it’s time to dump the deal-makers.

It takes a lot of nerve to disregard 100 percent of public input on any subject, which the current council majority routinely does. Unlike the federal and state systems of checks and balances – executive, legislative and judicial branches – local government relies on public input and expert advice. At this time (between elections) the council is ignoring public input and operating largely without accountability. As Ury said on Feb. 20 when rejecting public outcry to put zone changes on the ballot, “You elected us to make decisions for you.” Ury’s entire fan club can now fit into his SUV.

The counterpart of ego is fear, and those up for reelection – particularly Kelley and MacLean – should have a sense of fear in direct proportion to their egos. MacLean is hiding behind bravado and Kelley is playing her strong suit by remaining silent. They can run but they can’t hide.