The Weakest Link
Editorial staff

The city election this November won’t be another perfect storm like the one in 2002. When Council Members Sherri Butterfield, Susan Withrow and John Paul Ledesma were up for reelection in 2002, voters excised Butterfield and Withrow with considerable precision. Ledesma campaigned with challengers Trish Kelley and Lance MacLean, leveraging the residents’ ire against the two gals.

Mission Viejo voters have become adept at dumping whacko incumbents. The current council circus is causing residents as well as out-of-town politicos to measure the odds of another newcomer coup d’etat. With Council Members John Paul Ledesma, Trish Kelley and Lance MacLean up for reelection, who’s the weakest link?

Councilwoman Trish Kelley’s supporters from 2002 are lining up to campaign against her. Her liabilities include nasty personal conflicts and a penchant for social engineering. As her latest bad idea, she’s promoting a pricey Band-aid after 3 1/2 years of ignoring her campaign promise of senior transportation. At the May 1 council meeting, she suggested adding $200,000 to the city’s mid-year budget for a taxi subsidy for those 85 years of age and older. One senior citizen reacted by saying, “The only transportation seniors need at that age is an ambulance.”

MacLean revealed his true political stripe almost immediately after the 2002 election. He quickly aligned with the old regime, including Butterfield and Withrow. He slammed his council peers, the residents and the city with quotes in the L.A. Times. His behavior caused former supporters to ask whether he’s the weakest link or the missing link.

Ledesma’s record as a fiscal conservative is no longer intact. He supported a redevelopment deal in 2003, and he’s lately sided with developers against residents. The council’s 5-0 vote approving Steadfast’s housing project turned into a double whammy against the residents – more housing and a resulting lawsuit against the city. If residents have a forgiving attitude toward Ledesma, it’s likely because he doesn’t stoop to personal attack. He’ll probably be reelected if he has a well-organized campaign.

Mission Viejo’s No. 1 sidewalk pollster is continuing to ask hundreds of residents about the council race. He said, “I don’t see any support for MacLean. I haven’t found one person who will vote for him.” Regarding Kelley, he said, “She doesn’t have the support of four years ago, but she's not as unpopular as MacLean. People are ready to vote him out.” The pollster said Ledesma receives fewer negative remarks, adding, “Ledesma has a better image among people who follow city politics, and the other residents don’t know specifics.”

Of incumbents in the 2006 council race, MacLean appears to be the weakest link. While Kelley has lost friends and supporters, MacLean has made enemies. Both have embarrassed the city with their unprofessional behavior and buffoonery. If challengers can organize effective campaigns, both of these circus performers can kiss their council seats goodbye.