Who Is Representing Us?
by Larry Gilbert

Having just visited the Arkansas Capitol, let me pose the following for discussion that entails a double-edged sword.

While I support less government, there has been debate over our state Legislature with the concept of adding more elected members to our House and Senate. The thought being our breaking the ongoing Democratic control of both Houses. Having been in the pool of candidates tasked with "redrawing the lines," better known as Redistricting (Prop 11-Voters First Act), I can speak from personal knowledge that it was doomed for failure from the outset. For political correctness the three state auditors, a Republican, a Democrat and a Decline To State, were tasked with purging over 30,000 applicant names looking for the perfect team. That final group was based on the following five characteristics of "diversity." Gender, demographics, economic, political party affiliation and race/ ethnicity.

Let's look at some data based on my travels to State Houses of government. Arkansas has a population of 3 million. Their 100 House members and 35 Senators meet part-time. Do the math. Their House members represent only 30,000 constituents while their Senate number is 86,000.

California's 38-million population is served by 80 full-time members of the House and 40 Senators or 475,000 per Assembly member with 950,000 per each Senator.

Earlier this year we visited the Connecticut Capitol and learned that they have 3,600,000 residents being served by 151 in the House and 36 in the Senate, which breaks down to 240,000 per House Member and 100,000 per Senator. They have a part-time Legislature.

Let's throw Texas into the mix based on their population of 26 million. They have 150 part-time House members and 31 Senators representing 173,000 and 84,000 people, respectively.

We visited Oregon's Capitol in Salem during one of their off years and discovered that their 4 million residents are served by 60 in the House and 30 Senators. Doing the math, each House member represents 67,000 people while their Senators represent 133,000.

I agree with the statement that "all politics is local." Think about it. While I am not proposing our building a larger Capitol to house an additional 100-plus elected officials, I ask you to weigh in on whether you feel that our current Legislative body is effectively representing your interests or focusing on "special interests" who provide the access to massive sums needed for campaigning for reelection each term. I've seen their lobbyists on elevators or walking the halls calling on our elected officials during each of our trips to the Capitol. By now you see the picture. Your comments are welcome.

Tune in to Council Meeting

To view the agenda for the Nov. 18 Council meeting, go to http://dms.cityofmissionviejo.org/sirepub/pubmtgframe.aspx?meetid=2110&doctype=agenda . To view backup material, click on the blue links in the agenda.

A Mission Viejo watchdog forwarded the following information, calling attention to items of interest on Monday’s agenda.

If you cannot attend the meeting but would like your comments to be part of the public record, consider expressing your point of view by sending an e-mail to Karen Hamman, the city clerk, asking for inclusion in the public record: KHamman@cityofmissionviejo.org . Don’t forget to reference the Agenda Item Number on your correspondence.

The Consent Calendar carries various check registers and treasurer’s reports. 

Under Old Business, Item #10 is a five-year agreement with Tyler Technologies in the amount of $968,522 for a core financial software system. The city’s current program dates back to 1992.

Item #11 is awarding $75,000 to various cultural arts and human services organizations.

Under City Manager Reports is Item # 18 – Amendment to the Orange County Fire Authority Joint Powers Agreement.  This agreement was created by the OCFA to redistribute property tax dollars to the General Fund accounts of cities whose citizens overpaid into the Structural Fire Fund. To date, Villa Park and Aliso Viejo have voted NO. The Fire Authority needs 16 of the 24 members to vote YES.

Item # 20 is the Farmers Market Item that Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht placed on the agenda.  The city has spent approximately $21,000 in promoting the Farmers Market. Is this expenditure a valid use of public funds?

SRA Meets on Thursday

Saddleback Republican Assembly will meet on Thurs., Nov. 21, 7:00 p.m., at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

For the program, guest speaker Ken Maddox will discuss the problems of big government. His topic will be "Who's Looking Out for the Little Guy?"

Ken has served in a variety of elected offices. He is a former Garden Grove councilman, State Assemblyman and Capistrano Unified School District trustee. He is also a proud member of the California Republican Assembly. In his first political campaign, he was a volunteer for Bill Dannemeyer. Ken has since worked on his own campaigns and helped others attain office.

Ken has a B.S. in communications and a M.A. in management, and he is a past Senior Fellow of Public Policy at UCLA. He is also a former U.S. Army officer, having served in combat arms and intelligence units both before and after the attack on our nation on 9-11. Ken and his wife Monica live in Aliso Viejo.

SRA meets on third Thursdays of the month except during July, August and December. For additional information, call SRA President Matt Trudell, (949) 769-1412.

Non-government Events

Following is a sampling of events and activities that are not funded by taxpayers or promoted by the Nanny State. Please support private enterprise and non-profit groups.

Big Bucks Bingo, Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. early bird and 6:45 p.m. regular games, Mission Viejo Elks Lodge, Marguerite and La Paz, Mission Viejo, 949-830-3557. 
http://www.mvelks.com/

The Laguna Playhouse presents Val Kilmer in “Citizen Twain,” Thurs. – Sun., Nov. 21-24, The Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, ext. 1, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com

Soka University concerts: Jay White’s tribute to Neil Diamond on Sat., Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m.; Jasper String Quartet on Sun., Nov. 24, 3:00 p.m., Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu

Mount of Olives Church, Sun., Dec. 1, (first Sunday of each month) bring food for the SHARE Food Drive, http://moochurch.org/share. Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 837-7467, http://www.moochurch.org/

na Point Harbor Boat Parade, Sat. – Sun., Dec. 6-7 and 13-14, 7:30 p.m., decorated boats compete for awards, enjoy photos with Santa and boat rides, (949) 923-2255, 34624 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, http://danapointharbor.com

Christmas at the Mission, Sat., Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., ringing of historic bells, entertainment, food, live music, kids crafts, 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 234-1300, http://missionsjc.com

La Vida Drum Circle, Sun., Dec. 17, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., group meets on the evening of every full moon (Dec. 17, Jan. 16, Feb. 15, etc.). Drummers should bring their drums. Firewood is appreciated for the bonfire, Aliso Beach, Aliso and Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 275-7544, http://www.lavidalaguna.com/things-we-dig/

St. Kilian’s Recycling Drive, Sat., Dec. 21, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, held on the third Saturday of each month. Organized by Knights of Columbus; acceptable items include aluminum, paper and plastic. No glass or cardboard. Lower parking lot, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 472-1249, http://www.stkilianchurch.org

Holiday Ice Rink, Irvine Spectrum Center, private and group skate lessons are available, open daily through Feb. 17, Giant Wheel Court, Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, (949) 753-5180, http://www.skatespectrum.com

Political and Government Events Calendar

Moulton Niguel Water District meetings: Engineering and Operations on Mon., Nov. 18, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Finance and Information Technology on Wed., Nov. 20, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Board of Directors on Thurs., Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., MNWD Main Office, 27500 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-2500, http://mnwd.com/board-of-directors-2/

Orange County Board of Supervisors will hold a regular meeting on Tues., Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m., Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 834-3100. http://ocgov.com/cals/?ViewBy=7&CalDate=1/15/2013&EventDateID=89649

Capistrano Valley Republican Women Federated, Wed., Nov. 20, 11:30 a.m., at the Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. This month, the organization is hosting its annual luncheon. CVRWF meets on third Wednesdays of most months. Call (949) 240-6799 for reservations, http://cvrwf.org

Santa Margarita Water District Board of Directors meeting on Wed., Nov. 20, at 7:00 p.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com

Saddleback Republican Assembly, Thurs., Nov. 21, 7:00 p.m. SRA meets on third Thursdays (except in July, August and December) at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room-B, Mission Viejo. For information call (949) 769-1412.

SOC912, Fri., Nov. 22, 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., Norm Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. A $5 donation at the door will help pay for costs; free to first-time visitors and young people through age 24. http://www.meetup.com/SOC912/events/145277542/

“Trains, Trees & Traditions” Special Exhibit opens at the Nixon Library on Sat., Nov. 23, and runs through Jan. 5. Julie Nixon Eisenhower will attend the opening day event. Exhibit includes model trains and layouts of railroad scenes. Christmas trees are decorated with collectables and international themes. Nixon Library concert on Sun., Nov. 24, Yorba Linda Arts annual performance of the Messiah, 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., in the East Room. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org

Saddleback Valley Unified School District board meeting “if necessary” on Tues., Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m. The Annual Organizational Meeting will be on Tues., Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.; 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/

Holiday Open House hosted by State Senator Mark Wyland, Wed., Dec. 4, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., supporting his food drive for Serra’s Pantry. Needed items include canned items (tuna, chicken, vegetables and fruit) or dry pasta, Guests are invited to enjoy conversation and refreshments, 27126A Paseo Espada, #1621, San Juan Capistrano. Please RSVP to (949) 489-9838. (Paid for with private funds, not tax dollars,)

Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT! for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., Dec. 9. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m., at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. Note the change of date to the first Monday of the month for this meeting.

OC Veterans Advisory Council, Wed., Dec. 11, 6:00 p.m. The council meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Veterans Service Office, Conference Room A/B, 1300 S. Grand Ave., Building B, Santa Ana, https://cms.ocgov.com/gov/occr/occs/veterans/advisory/default.asp

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet on Wed., Dec. 11, 7:00 p.m., district office, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. Agenda and supporting documentation are published on the website 72 hours prior to a meeting, (949) 234-9200, http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com/

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.

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