More Atkinson Shenanigans
by Joe Holtzman

Last week, I attended the monthly meeting of the Heritage Committee. Of concern to me was that when I had read the minutes (click here to read) of the September meeting, I saw that CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL Rich Atkinson had attended the September meeting of the Heritage Committee.  I was fishing in Montana in early September, so I had not attended that meeting.

I had learned from several other members in private conversation that Heritage Committee Chairperson Nancy Cho had "squired Commissioner Atkinson" into the meeting. I also learned that Atkinson had asked what the city council could do for the Heritage Committee.

When the September minutes where reviewed at the Oct. 1 meeting, I expressed great concern that Rich Atkinson the candidate was there to curry favor with the Heritage Committee. I also made it very clear that the Heritage Committee, being part of the city of Mission Viejo government, was prohibited by the Fair Political Practices Commission from endorsing or involving itself with candidates. I also informed committee members that Rich Atkinson was rather naive or very bold in approaching the Committee, as he had been warned about his statement that the city of Mission Viejo staff endorsed him – which by law (FPPC) is illegal. Nancy Cho chose to defend her action, but it was plain to me that Trish Kelley had encouraged Nancy to take Mr. Atkinson to the meeting. 

Nancy was not too pleased with me after I addressed this issue in a firm way in the meeting.  Also note: I think Atkinson attempted to endear himself to the Heritage Committee by inquiring about buying 20 of our Mission Viejo History books.  That was rather phony, as he has not purchased any books to date.

In addition, it was revealed by city staff on Oct. 1 that the paltry Heritage Committee budget for The Heritage House had been eliminated. The prior budget had been $3,000.00, and now it is zero. I remarked to the committee that the money is apparently earmarked for the Rose Parade float, at which Nancy Cho bristled.