Local Election Heats Up in the Fall

Many of us who attended the MVCI forum left pleased to see two candidates come across strong. Clearly, Bruce Garlich and Mike Scheafer share concerns expressed by many: that leadership is desperately needed in this city, not just knee-jerk reactions to situations as they arise; that safety for all who live, work, shop or play in this city is a priority. Costa Mesans want a center for our community filled with a downtown draw for residents and visitors young and old alike; there should be an elimination of the constant buzz buzz buzzing of the utilities and wiring that are draped across our backyards not just for 19th Street; and we need citywide revitalization; not just for the Westside or the north side, but citywide!

We heard two candidates, Bruce Garlich and Mike Scheafer acknowledge that yes, there are considerable, pressing issues like leadership in our police department and the lack of officers on our streets, but there are the commonplace issues we face in our neighborhoods including code enforcement related issues of unkempt front yards or those without grass for months on end, three-four and five cars parked in driveways, potholes, and the lack of tree-lined medians --- the forgotten "cosmetic" issues that show lack of pride for our community.

In case you could not attend, you would have heard things that may have come as a surprise to you such as Candidate Leece referring to Costa Mesa as "a drive-through city" or our Mayor Mansoor referring to "the sound of la cucaracha" in Costa Mesa (and if you want to hear the song yourself, try this link to the cockroach ditty. http://www.songsforteaching.com/daria/LaCucaracha.mp3

The media missed three comments that generated some interest last night.

1) Costa Mesa needs a new library and leadership in this city that places value on what a great library offers to a community. So many Orange County cities have libraries that are a destination point, something of which to be proud, like Newport Beach (which is city-owned and operated) and San Juan Capistrano (which is county-owned and operated). How woefully inadequate are our libraries are reflects how little respect we have for them.

2) Costa Mesa is a city that is falling short on the number of affordable, quality child care spaces to meet its needs. We need leaders who will focus on promoting the development of child care facilities and services in future developments, and consider children, youth and families in future planning processes in areas of land use, development, zoning and human and recreational services.

3) Costa Mesa needs leadership that will be proactive in working with, support and acknowledge the efforts of community organizations that are engaging in participation of all groups in the civic arena including the underrepresented low-income families who see themselves as catalysts for positive community change. We need leadership that recognizes that our city has nonprofit organizations and community leaders who are advocating for affordable housing and access to services for the good of all Costa Mesa.

Costa Mesa needs the proven leadership of Bruce Garlich and Mike Scheafer.