Commentary: Proposed ballot argument falsely claims ‘cronyism’
Costa Mesa’s Charter Committee is made up of our city’s finest and most-respected residents. These volunteers devoted significant time to carefully considering a charter and then drafting one that they honestly believed would best serve our city.
The task was contentious at times, but with the city’s best interests in mind, these selfless individuals gave their time, talent and treasure. While charters come in many sizes, they work best for cities with an engaged electorate, such as Costa Mesa, because they permit residents, not Sacramento, to decide what is best for their city. This charter will also foster savings in our city’s day-to-day operations. Since pension costs are rapidly increasing by millions, savings are needed to avoid basic services from being cut.
Nevertheless, there are those who oppose the charter, and while honest people can disagree about its merits, we should do so without resorting to personal attacks. If the goal is “responsible” government, then bullying volunteers will cause upstanding citizens to not participate. In the instance of the city of Bell (the charter opponents’ poster child for corruption) illegal dealings among high-ranking city employees went unnoticed, due to an uninvolved electorate. Driving the public out of public service will only lead to more Bells.
As to the charter’s drafters, how were they rewarded for their contributions? They are bearing the brunt of a mean-spirited attack orchestrated by Costa Mesans for Responsible Government (CM4RG) and signed by Councilwomen Sandy Genis and Wendy Leece, and former council candidate John Stephens, among others.
CM4RG will make the argument against the charter in the November voting guide that will be seen by tens of thousands at https://www.cm4rg.org/argument-against-the-2014-charter/
It states in part:
“But the councilmen didn’t listen to us. They stacked a ‘committee’ with their cronies, who cobbled together a charter that’s even worse.”
“Crony” is defined as “a friend of someone powerful … who is unfairly given special treatment or favors.”
Moreover, “cronyism” is defined as “partiality to long-standing friends, especially by appointing them to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications. Hence, cronyism is contrary in practice and principle to meritocracy. Politically, ‘cronyism’ is derogatorily used.”
Which charter member received favors? Who received a high-paying job? Who was not qualified to serve? Who deserves to be vilified?
We know the answer: no one.
It’s particularly ironic that CM4RG is responsible. On its website they claim that “we want a city council that” ... “respects citizens” and “does the right thing.”
Our councilwomen can still do the right thing. They can publicly and personally apologize to each Charter Committee participant. And they can act to remove this offensive language from the voter guide.
For their sake and ours, let’s hope they do what is right.
Attorney TIM SESLER is a Costa Mesa planning commissioner, a member of the Preserve Our Neighborhoods Task Force and a member of the city’s Pension Oversight Committee.