Trading Votes
Staff editorial

During the final meeting of 2007, the council selected the 2008 mayor. As no surprise, Gail Reavis nominated John Paul Ledesma, who was serving as mayor pro tem. Before the vote was called, Lance MacLean nominated Frank Ury. After a series of votes and an exchange of insults, both Ledesma and Ury were voted down. Trish Kelley, who was no one’s first choice, got the title.

Catfights, mud-slinging and insults are nothing new for this council. The emerging alliance between MacLean and Ury, however, should give viewers pause. In the 2006 November election, Ury earned the wrath of MacLean by vowing to unseat him. Partly through Ury’s influence with Orange County GOP bosses, MacLean was denied the party’s endorsement. Despite all of Ury’s opposition and dirty tricks, MacLean kept his council seat in a close election.

What could have motivated MacLean to nominate Ury for mayor a year later? Council watchers are guessing Ury will return the favor by casting a vote for one of MacLean’s pet projects. With the recent completion of MacLean’s pride and joy – an electronic sign at La Paz and Marguerite – what’s left?

As another opportunity for MacLean to ignore the will of residents, Sunrise continues to move forward with its proposal of high-density housing on the Casta del Sol golf course. But Ury and MacLean have allegedly encouraged Sunrise from the beginning. Both took campaign donations from Sunrise’s P.R. consultant (Roger Faubel) and attended his holiday party a couple months ago. No need to trade votes when MacLean and Ury are on the same side.

Pathetic as it may seem, MacLean hasn’t initiated anything that has actually helped the city or its residents during his five years on the council. He abandoned his 2002 campaign promises before the end of his first year in office. Instead of representing residents, he’s directed taxpayer cash into the pockets of developers, cell-tower providers and lobbyists. His council votes predictably favor of the contractors, developers and city vendors who have contributed to his campaign fundraisers.

The only thing left on MacLean’s wish list is the Lance MacLean City Basketball Gymnasium. With Ury’s vote, it could happen.