Commentary: It’s time for a change on the Costa Mesa City Council

Since moving here in 1975, I have never seen Costa Mesa this divided. More than ever, Costa Mesa voters need to think carefully before pulling the levers this election.

Two strong factions, each with particularly rabid supporters, are fighting for control of the City Council. Instead of recycling those who have served in the past, it is time to bring in new members not beholden to developers or city employees.

The current council majority seems to understand the burden the pension liability presents to the city’s financial well-being. But this group has been willing to jeopardize the city’s quality of life by supporting increasingly dense development.

Conversely, the other faction doesn’t seem to understand the high fiscal risk the city faces with its huge pension liability. In fact, while on a previous council, a member of this faction voted for increased pension liabilities as an alternative to increasing salaries.

It is one thing to kick the can down the road, but to increase the size of the can with each kick was irresponsible. However, this faction understands that dense development is not why people love Costa Mesa.

The city of Costa Mesa deserves open-minded council members more than experienced council members who are beholden to special interests. Learn what groups are financially supporting which campaigns and consider the reasons why; their goals may not be in the best interest of the city.

Then vote for those who don’t have the budget for the high-priced ads and thousands of signs that litter our city into November.

DENNIS NORDSTROM lives in Costa Mesa.