The Buzz column, May 25

Those watching the May 21 council meeting finally caught a break. The meeting lasted only 52 minutes, and both Councilwomen Gail Reavis and Trish Kelley were absent. As a result of Kelley’s absence, no $100,000-a-year staff member received lavish praise for merely doing the job, and the meeting was approximately three hours shorter than usual.

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An out-of-towner commented to blog staffers, “What Mission Viejo needs is an elected mayor.” No, it doesn’t. Having council members take a one-year turn is enough. If the office of mayor were determined by the candidate getting the most votes, it would have gone in 2002 to Trish Kelley, who is incompetent on the council. Meetings lasted forever – up to 2 a.m. – during the otherwise forgettable year she took a turn as mayor. In 2004, Frank Ury received the most votes. Even Ury’s peers on the council know better than to let him take a turn as mayor.

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While campaigning for office in 2004, Ury said he would “take Mission Viejo to the next level.” What was he talking about? Soon after winning a seat, he attempted to give his HOA a gift of public funds by using taxpayer dollars to build a park on private property. That’s illegal. During the past two years, Ury has voted to rezone six commercial properties to high-density residential, allowing developers to run roughshod over residents trying to protect their homes. A month ago, Ury insulted his former fans by voting to deny residents the right to pull council agenda items for discussion. At every opportunity, Ury has taken Mission Viejo to a lower level.

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The L.A. Times and OC Register are all over the May 24 indictments of former CUSD superintendent James Fleming and former assistant superintendent Susan McGill. As an interesting quote in the Times, CUSD Trustee and longtime Fleming supporter Duane Stiff said he wasn’t surprised Fleming was indicted. If Stiff hasn’t already appeared before the grand jury, perhaps he would like to tell them why he’s not surprised.

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Community members who worked in the 2005 CUSD recall effort reacted to a question from The Buzz: would they work in another recall to remove the remaining four old-guard trustees? All those contacted said no. One responded, “Just let things play out. I doubt the old-guard trustees will run in 2008. What I support is genuine, qualified challengers lining up to run. By qualified, I mean knowledgeable candidates with a record of involvement and leadership in CUSD.”

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A “Celebration of Life” honored the late former State Assemblyman Gil Ferguson on May 19. Marianne Zippi of Newport Beach described Gil’s memorial service as “a sincere, dignified and even humorous review of his many accomplishments.” The monthly breakfast programs of Principles Over Politics established by Gil and Anita Ferguson will continue. Tom McClintock will be the guest speaker for the next program on June 16. Call (949) 644-7094 for more information.

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Another friend of many Mission Viejo residents has moved on in a different way. Brittany McKee, who was known for her activism in the Sierra Club, is relocating to Georgia. Her farewell party was held last week in San Clemente

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A memorial service will honor the late Norman P. Murray at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5, at Presbyterian Church of the Master. Norm, who passed away May 23, is deeply and sadly missed.