Leckness Campaign Draws Fire

On Sept. 22, the city received a complaint against incumbent council candidate Dave Leckness, whose campaign signs are nailed to trees. The complaint included photos.

Leckness’ signs were also nailed to trees in the February recall campaign. City watchdogs photographed at least 10 examples along Marguerite Parkway.

The Sept. 22 complaint to the city made reference to a 2009 announcement that Mission Viejo was named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation. The complaint states, “I have not seen Dave personally nail these signs to trees. However, nevertheless, they are there and he should be accountable for such a poor practice. Question: What is the city’s position on this unacceptable practice and possible damage to our trees? Should Dave as an elected official offer the citizens a public explanation as to how he allowed this to occur?”

The resident making the complaint reported that Leckness said he is the only person posting his signs, and he is unaware that any of his signs are nailed to trees.