The Buzz

Councilwoman Gail Reavis surprised a lot of people with her Aug. 8 announcement she won’t seek reelection. A few days prior, she was still courting Casta del Sol voters by promising to preserve the golf course. What happened during the past week that changed her mind about running? When her announcement broke on another blog, a resident posted, “Gail probably calculated her chances of winning and decided she didn’t want to risk it.” How big a factor was the attack team of Council Members Frank Ury, Trish Kelley and Lance MacLean? Her decision not to run was a sure way to avoid defeat as well as a bloodbath.

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When an incumbent doesn’t seek reelection, the deadline for challengers to file is extended into the next week. Those who completed the filing process by the original deadline of Aug. 8 are Councilman Frank Ury and challengers Neil Lonsinger, Rich Atkinson, Cathy Schlicht, Michael Williamson and Rebecca Price. At least four others considered running.

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In another contest that affects a portion of Mission Viejo residents, the Capo school district board of trustees has four seats up for grabs. Area 1, which is currently represented by Trustee Mike Darnold, has an extended filing deadline of Aug. 13 because Darnold isn’t seeking reelection.

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A friend of Trish Kelley emailed the councilwoman and copied this blog, indicating she’s tired of hearing about easels. Oh, really? Kelley has a history of supporting top-dog administrators who lie to the public. During the 2005 attempt to recall all seven CUSD trustees loyal to then-Supt. James Fleming, Kelley supported the corrupt administration. She practically swooned whenever then-Deputy Supt. David Do-Me (Doomey) came to a council meeting to tell lies at the public microphone. Ms. Clueless was involved in the PTA while CUSD administrators were redirecting Mission Viejo tax dollars to build facilities everywhere else. Those who succeeded her as PTA leaders immediately saw what was wrong. Ms. Kelley’s supporters should tour Newhart Intermediate School whenever they need a reminder of her poor judgment.

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Community activist Dale Tyler rolled out the Mission Viejo Right-To-Vote Initiative on Aug. 8, and residents have begun the signature-gathering process. Readers with eagle eyes may have seen the public announcement among legal ads in the Aug. 8 Saddleback Valley News. Approximately 100 residents have thus far offered to circulate the petition and gather signatures. They have six months to collect approximately 6,100 signatures of Mission Viejo voters.