Mission Viejo Buzz - 07/13/13

The Buzz

Musical Chairs Part 1: OC Supervisor Pat Bates is running for Mimi Walters’ state senate seat. Assemblywoman Diane Harkey is running for state Board of Equalization and State Sen. Mimi Walters initially said she would run for Bates’ Board of Supervisors seat. Musical Chairs Part 2: When Cong. John Campbell decided last month he wouldn’t seek reelection, Walters announced she’s running for Congress. With Walters jumping out of the race for OC Supervisor, Harkey is considering jumping in.

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Readers can vote in a poll for who should replace Cong. John Campbell, http://ocpoliticsblog.com/  Choose from 20 potential candidates: OC Supervisor John Moorlach, State Assemblyman Don Wagner, State Sen. Mimi Walters, retired businessman Quang Pham, OC Supervisor Pat Bates, former State Sen. Dick Ackerman, former Cong. Chris Cox, Irvine Mayor Steven Choi, Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, Board of Equalization Member Michelle Steel, former Anaheim Councilman Harry Sidhu, former Assemblyman Van Tran, businessman John Webb, former OC Supe Gaddi Vasquez, PIMCO executive Neal Kashkiri, businessman Phil Liberatore, Cong. Ed Royce, Cong. Gary Miller, retired Marine Col. Greg Raths and former Laguna Niguel Councilman Paul Glaab.

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With Walters out of the Board of Supervisors race, Mission Viejo Councilman Frank Ury says he’s in. The county blog refers to him as the “special interest fave,” http://ocpoliticsblog.com/special-interest-fave-frank-ury-to-run-for-pat-bates-supervisorial-seat/  He’s also the “fave” of OC Register columnist Brian Calle, who attempted to portray him as a conservative in the last election. On that topic, the blog says, “The Register just loves Ury. Apparently they appreciate his commitment to over-developing Mission Viejo. But do the residents of that city appreciate the horrible traffic that Ury’s developments have created? To back all this development when we have no extra water and an energy shortage is just plain irresponsible.”

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Mission Viejo watchdogs compiled a list that included Ury’s voting record, published on this blog prior to the last election: http://www.missionviejoca.org/html/article128.html . OCR refers to Ury as an “engineer.” According to Ury’s claims and the data he provides about his employment, he has worked in sales or computer operations. Whatever his career is, he’s hoping to walk away from it.

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With water and energy in short supply and roads clogged with traffic, the South County coalition of trough-feeders would like more development. They’ll hold a conference in Aliso Viejo on July 26 to talk about “Housing South OC’s Workforce.” Mission Viejo residents should recognize the topic as more apartments, more affordable housing and more traffic congestion.

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According to City Manager Dennis Wilberg’s newsletter, city hall’s Character Committee recently threw another self-serving event for itself – a Character Gala. While the photo shows only 28 students participating in the committee, the article says 100 people showed up for the “free” dinner. Children in Mission Viejo who are NOT associated with the Character Committee are learning about character and values at home, and their parents are not asking taxpayers to pay for their dinner and entertainment.

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Saddleback Civic Light Opera and the Department of Theatre Arts are presenting “Fiddler on the Roof” this month at McKinney Theatre. Visit the website, http://www.performingartslive.com/Events/Fiddler-on-the-Roof-512013182846 . Event phone: 949-582-4656. Address: McKinney Theatre/Studio Theatre, 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo. Performance dates and times: July 19, 20, 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m.; July 21, 28 at 2:30 p.m. Ticket information: 949-582-4656; www.saddleback.edu/arts