HomeMy WebLinkAbout9.1 - - Communication from Public - 1/4/2011DAVID L. BOYD CITY Cl~EERK"
TRUSTEE, DISTRICT 2
2010 JAN -3 AM 11. 46
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
200 KALMUS DRIVE, PO Box 9050, COSTA MESA, CA 92628-90,
�_, QI :I �° .- p
PHONE 714.966.4012 FAX 714.432.1916 s., A-1-1:
WEBSITE: www.ocde.us E-MAIL: ocbe@ocde.us ^
December 30, 2010
The Honorable Gary Monahan
City of Costa -Mesa --
77 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
u' Stephen Mens Ix�nAr
w. uw n,ge
Dear Mr. Mayor:
Unlike many in the community, I have not known Mr. Mensinger for an extended period
of time. We're not close personal friends. I'm not even sure that he voted for me. But what. I
have observed in the past three years that he's been my neighbor has convinced me that he's he
right person at the right time to best serve the needs of the taxpayers and students of Costa Mesa.
I don't think that any reasonable person could question the business skills that Mr.
Mensinger's would bring to the Council. But some have questioned his temperament and
willingness to work with others that (night not share his political views. A conversation that I had
with Mr. Mensinger over two years ago might alleviate some of these concerns.
There has been speculation that Mr. Mensinger supported Katrina Foley's campaign for
the school board this year only because it would open a seat on the Council. It's understandable
why some who don't know all the facts might reach this conclusions. But a conversation that
took place in 2008 might shed some light on his motivation and willingness to work with others.
At the peak of campaigning in the City'Council race, a Katrina Foley sign appeared in the front
of the Mensinger home. When I asked him how a conservative could support Ms. Foley, he
commented that she had been supportive of his efforts to improve youth programs and athletic
fields. In other words, their mutual interests in the children trumped their political differences.
-With respect to temperament, ivIr. Messinger. can be blut.It and to the point. But in these
trying times, isn't that what we heed to move the City forward?
I believe that we need Council members that can hold to their political beliefs but not be
afraid to seek common ground with others when it's in the public interest. It's for this reason I
encourage you and the other members to appoint Mr. Mensinger to the Council.
cc: Members of the City Council
From: Bob Lee [mailto:bob_lee@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2011 11:43 PM
To: Daily Pilot - LA Times; op2council
Subject: Costa Mesa city council vacancy
On Tuesday the Costa Mesa City Council will appoint a new member to fill the
unexpired term of Katrina Foley, who has joined the Newport -Mesa school board. I.
would urge the council members to fill the vacancy with a person who has displayed
a genuine commitment to the well-being of the city: Chris McEvoy.
McEvoy narrowly missed being elected to the council this past November, despite
having mounted a small -budget, no-frills campaign. He represents a fresh,
independent voice, untied to special interests or conflicts of interest. I hope the
council members will see these qualities for what they are and resist the temptation
to select instead someone who "agrees" with them. Costa Mesa doesn't need
lockstep conformity on its city council; we need reasoned debate and willingness to
consider multiple viewpoints.
I ask the council members to do what's best for Costa Mesa --not what's best for
politics: please select Chris McEvoy to fill the vacancy on the city council. Thank you.
Robert E. Lee Jr.
2151 Pacific Ave. #A204
Costa Mesa CA 92627 .