City Hall Thwarts Business

A Mission Viejo business owner told a group of customers last week he is tired of hearing from city hall. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he agreed to be quoted:

“I own businesses in several cities, and the Mission Viejo city administration is by far the most unfriendly toward business. I have virtually the same business in each city, but the only city administration that calls me is Mission Viejo. Their attitude is intrusive and not wanted. I am bringing the city sales tax and creating jobs. I don’t expect anyone to thank me, but people in government don’t have any idea what it takes to stay in business.”

The owner said the city applied pressure with suggestions that were neither requested nor helpful.

The city staff, particularly Keith Rattay, has a reputation for making demands on businesses about building design or design elements, including the choice of plants, trees and d‚cor. Anyone who wants to see an example of Rattay’s ideas on how to improve business should look at the small, rust-colored car on a post near the Sonic Drive-In, which cost the business owner $10,000.