The Buzz

City hall’s Farmers Market is on the council agenda for Nov. 18. Up for discussion, the city staff has been operating a business on public property at taxpayer expense. This government-subsidized operation competes with grocery stores and other businesses throughout the city. The staff admits spending $21,000, and that’s the tip of the iceberg. Expenses include full-page newspaper ads, endless flyers, brochures, video productions and imprinted “free” shopping bags, plus other forms of promotion. The city’s Farmers Market has its own taxpayer-funded website, http://cityofmissionviejo.org/DepartmentPage.aspx?id=18301 . Taxpayers have funded a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts activities, gluing mosaic tiles on bears and live entertainment including musicians. An enormous amount of staff time, which costs a fortune, is not accounted for. Compare the outcome (e.g., “artisan alley”) with what it was supposed to be: a program to encourage healthy eating. By the way, what people eat is none of city hall’s business.

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Here’s a message from residents to city hall: we want our money back. City hall is supposed to provide essential services for its residents. Instead of sticking with such basics as maintaining roads and keeping the city safe, a high number of the city’s 275 employees are immersed in social activities, so-called “cultural” events, poorly attended festivals and failed programs that compete with the private sector. Two weeks ago this blog published information, which the city was required to disclose publicly about its “culture and leisure” expenditures http://www.missionviejoca.org/html/buzz92.html . During the past fiscal year, city hall spent $16,528,182 on non-essential programs, and that doesn’t include city employees’ salaries and benefits.

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A resident reported on what’s behind the fenced area at the far south end of the civic center parking lot. He said, “When I parked near the fenced area last week, I was curious as to why the city would need a mesh fence for its corporate yard. So I looked inside and saw several trashed bikes. They are (or were) the bicycles used by the police department. I’ve seen the bicycle policemen, and that’s a question in itself. With the city’s hilly terrain, the OC Sheriff’s Department has bicycles in Mission Viejo as if we’re on the beach. Will the bikes be thrown away instead of given to someone who would use them?”

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Comment from Buzz reader L.C.: Now that we've passed ObamaCare and can find out what's in it, say hello to a new tax unbeknown to most "wealthy" homeowners who are considering selling their homes. According to reporter Ronica Clearly, "If you are single with an adjusted gross income of $200,000 or file jointly with an income of $250,000 or more, you may be impacted. Once you sell your home, any profits over the first $500,000 are already subject to a capital gains tax. And now those profits will have an additional 3.8% tax to fund Obamacare."

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Those who watched the video coverage of the wheelchair tennis tournament in Mission Viejo noticed the lack of attendance. The view from the cameras only showed the court. This required blocking out the top half of the screen – a weird tactic. Promoters of the event and the city staff said no Mission Viejo tax dollars would be involved. However, the city’s video production and coverage were prominent. Additionally, the tennis resort was closed to its members for the duration of the week-long event. All the usual accommodations were provided at taxpayer expense. Residents should ask when the city will be reimbursed for the obvious outlay of tax dollars.

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Last week, Mission Viejo resident Larry Gilbert posted an announcement about the 5th District race for OC Board of Supervisors. Candidate Robert Ming received the endorsement of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Larry wrote, “Folks. The HJTA is very cautious in endorsing political candidates. Getting their endorsement is not easily achieved. As stated before, and to be repeated again, I have met with Laguna Niguel Mayor Robert Ming where we have discussed issues impacting the 5th District. He is the best candidate in the race to replace Pat Bates. Regards to all.” Larry Gilbert

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From the Nov. 15 press release: “Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Endorses Ming for Supervisor.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA - On the heels of the endorsement of Robert Ming by Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Shawn Nelson, the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC has announced their endorsement of Robert Ming for Orange County Supervisor.

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, responsible for saving taxpayers over half a trillion dollars, has been advocating on behalf of California taxpayers for the past 35 years.

"We believe you will be an excellent representative for taxpayers and look forward to working with you in the years ahead," said Kris Vosburgh on behalf of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Political Action Committee.

"I am honored to have received the endorsement of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC," Robert responded, "their resounding voice defending California taxpayers for all these years has been an invaluable weapon against the overreach of government.  I am proud to have their support in my campaign for Orange County Supervisor."

In the City of Laguna Niguel, Mayor Robert Ming has demonstrated how government can operate efficiently, by reducing government regulation and encouraging free enterprise. As a fiscal conservative, Robert has consistently opposed tax increases, supported balanced budgets and contracted with the private sector whenever possible. As Supervisor, he would continue to protect taxpayers by providing fiscal oversight to the Assessor's and Treasurer-Tax Collector's offices, and appointing members to the Assessment Appeals Boards that hear appeals on property valuations and tax assessments.   

Robert Ming is running for Orange County Supervisor in the 5th District, currently represented by Supervisor Pat Bates, who is leaving due to term limits.  Orange County's 5th District includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as Newport Coast, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, and Wagon Wheel.