As former mayors, we are very concerned about the direction of our city during the past four years. We have seen the city council majority make rash and partisan decisions that are not in the best interests of the residents.
For example, the council refused $485,000 in traffic improvement funds to make a political point. They voted to approve the largest property tax increase in 40 years for a new development without a vote of the people.
The tone of discourse in our city has changed for the worse. Some council members seek to demonize our public employees and civic facilities. Scott Peotter has been called out specifically for his abusive and condescending remarks to city employees.
There has been a disregard for our campaign laws, open meeting laws and conflict of interest restrictions.
We are most concerned with the classless and outrageous way our outstanding city manager, Dave Kiff, was forced out early, and we are very disturbed that a politician, not a professional city manager, was a leading candidate to replace Kiff.
The council majority simply does not represent the values of our city. You would expect the mayor to set a tone that avoids these abuses but Duffy Duffield has failed our community and must bear responsibility for his decisions.
In addition to Duffield, one Councilman in particular, Scott Peotter, has been at the center of all of these problems. Peotter even voted against the city Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy and twice voted against the accelerated pay down of our pension liability.
We believe it is time for a change if we are to protect the quality of life and restore our civic values in Newport Beach. We are supporting Tim Stoaks in District 3, who is running against Duffield, and Joy Brenner in District 6, running against Scott Peotter.
Tim and Joy are long time community activists who have worked for decades on projects like OASIS, the Corona del Mar Library/Fire Station, Santa Ana Heights improvements like the Fire Station, trails and parks and our new animal shelter. They have been in the lead on reducing airport noise and they will represent the interests and values of residents, not politically connected donors.
Join us in demanding a change for the better in Newport Beach and reject the machine politics of the past four years.
Vote for Tim Stoaks and Joy Brenner.
Former Mayors: Evelyn Hart, Keith Curry, Rush Hill, Don Webb, Mike Henn, John Cox, Jan Debay
Newport Beach
