The Buzz

What is an appropriate title for a newspaper employee who either fails to report news or writes articles that are so biased they belong on an editorial page? He should be called a representative, not a reporter.

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A Mission Viejo resident who made public comments at the June 21 City Council meeting bragged about the “grassroots” victory that defeated Measure D, the Mission Viejo Right To Vote. What is “grassroots” about a professional campaign paid for by outsiders? The speaker was Wendy Bucknum, who joined with special interest, a real estate PAC, developers and lobbyists in a well-funded outsider effort to defeat Measure D. Did anyone campaigning against the measure NOT have a financial stake in its defeat?

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Observers estimate the amount of money paid by outsiders to defeat Measure D is well beyond the $100,000 known to date. The next due date for campaign finance reports is August 2. The supporters of Measure D spent approximately $1,500, not $3,000 as a representative of Saddleback Valley News erroneously stated.

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Adam Elmahrek makes a good point in his June 23 Voice of OC article about Councilmembers Frank Ury and Trish Kelley, who voted on June 21 to protect their lifetime medical benefits: http://www.voiceofoc.org/blogs/article_331df476-7ed0-11df-8e9c-001cc4c002e0.html . From the article: "Ury said he couldn't support Schlicht's motion because of the possibility of a lawsuit by a council member against the city. It's an interesting argument for Ury to make, considering only he and Mayor Trish Kelley could possibly qualify for lifetime benefits in the future, and only he and Kelley could possibly be in a position to sue the city over the benefits. So, is Ury protecting the city from himself? Or is he worried that Kelley would sue the city to get the benefits?"

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Also from Elmahrek’s June 23 Voice of OC article, "In 2008, Councilman John Paul Ledesma noted that the average cost of a health plan -- when taken advantage of for 24 years after retirement -- is $257,000.”

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City Council candidates have approximately six weeks to file nomination papers with the city clerk. Completed papers may be filed between July 12 and Aug. 6. City watchdogs estimate 10 candidates will join the stampede for three open seats. Holding fundraisers recently were incumbent Councilmembers Trish Kelley and Dave Leckness. Councilman John Paul Ledesma will term out this year, finishing his 12th year on the council.