Mission Viejo Buzz - 12/28/13

The Buzz

For the lowdown on county politics, read Art Pedrosa’s blog, http://ocpoliticsblog.com/ . His recent articles about OC operative Matt Cunningham have been incisive. Two weeks ago, Cunningham resigned from a county post and lost two county contracts following his display of racism and a lack of respect for grieving Latino families. Cunningham writes attack pieces for politicians and is rewarded for his dirty work with public “consulting contracts” and agency appointments. The OC Register continues to beat around the bush while Pedrosa spells out Cunningham’s offenses: http://ocpoliticsblog.com/lame-oc-gop-chairman-baugh-decides-to-defend-hate-blogger-cunningham/

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Also in political headlines is Jon Fleischman, proprietor of the FlashReport, http://www.flashreport.org/ . Fleischman is currently under attack for heading a Political Action Committee that spent $186,000 in 2012 to benefit candidates Steven Choi and Christina Shea in the Irvine City Council race. Fleischman is credited (or blamed) for derailing Larry Agran’s attempt to remain in charge as Irvine mayor and director of the Great Pork board. Fleischman says he broke no laws, and his detractors accuse him of money laundering and conspiracy. The story made the Dec. 29 OC Register’s front page.

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OC Supv. John Moorlach wants to spend $10,000 of taxpayer funds on a party to mark Orange County’s 125th anniversary in 2014. Moorlach says a party would attract visitors from outside the county and boost OC business. One can only imagine how far people would drive for a slice of cake and a commemorative trinket. Supv. Todd Spitzer says it would be an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds, and private donors should foot the bill for a party. http://www.ocregister.com/articles/county-594526-meeting-party.html

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Six years ago, Mission Viejo City Manager Dennis Wilberg and Assistant City Manager Keith Rattay cooked up a party for the city’s 20th anniversary that cost residents more than $100,000. No one on the council stopped them. As one problem, the council was in the dark about how much Rattay was blowing on a month-long party in which city employees were the primary participants. It was during the year prior to Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht’s getting on the council. When watchdogs saw all the hoopla in city hall, they added up the costs by reviewing public records. Rattay was caught in lie after lie regarding how much was spent. When the city staff gets that far out of control, voters should throw the council majority out of office for not paying attention.

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The city council agenda for the Jan. 6 meeting is posted: http://dms.cityofmissionviejo.org/sirepub/pubmtgframe.aspx?meetid=2165&doctype=agenda . Trish Kelley has again been selected as mayor in the rotation that includes everyone except Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht. Mission Viejo residents really should watch at least one council meeting prior to voting in city elections. Note Agenda Item No. 13, “banners for the military.” Council members who support this expenditure should explain how banners and other clutter on medians are essential public services to be covered by taxes. Item 13 specifies that the banner purchase will be “independent” of the city, “except for installation and removal.” The lucrative contracts for constantly rotating banners should abruptly end. Note that “public speakers” who stand at the microphone in support of median junk, city hall parties and other wasteful spending are often on the payroll as city contractors.

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Those wanting to serve on the Orange County Grand Jury have until Jan. 24 to complete an application. Grand jurors must be at least 18 years old and U.S. citizens. Visit the website, www.ocgrandjury.org, or call (714) 834-6747.

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A humorous video was forwarded by Mission Viejo activist L.L.: “Karl Marx for President.” Watch this clip of an actor gathering signatures in a spoof that takes place in Oceanside. The pitch is “Get Karl Marx into the White House to continue Obama’s support for Communism.” Watch people sign a petition to put Karl Marx on the 2016 ballot. http://www.youtube.com/embed/O0azojPPRhw?feature=player_embedded