Commentary: Current council represents city’s past
I run to represent Costa Mesa’s future. The current City Council majority is now famous for saying that its rapid development throughout the city is designed to attract young professionals and families, but no one on the current council represents them; they represent Costa Mesa’s past.
I represent the Costa Mesa Millennial and Generation X people in our city. It is my generation, and the ones behind me, that needs a voice in this city. I am running to give those people a voice, and now I have the ear of others throughout the city.
My campaign platform speaks directly to their concerns: no charter, more affordable housing, fewer group homes, expanded government transparency, resolution of the youth sports facility issues while leaving Fairview Park natural, added educational choices at Orange Coast College, more businesses and business opportunities, such as the SOBECA district, where I have worked for over a decade
The tendency to look backward for governance instead of forward for new ideas is why we are enmeshed in petty acrimony and long-held distrust. In speaking with my 70-year-old mother, she too feels that we need new voices in Costa Mesa that can bridge the gaps of communication and create mutual goals.
Costa Mesa will benefit from the engagement of its younger generations. They are building the city’s new reputation and economic base by working in the surf and skate companies, such as RVCA, Volcom and Hurley. Public Trade on the Westside and the Wayfarer are restaurants owned by young, local entrepreneurs. These businesses have been a great addition to Costa Mesa. We need a council and city government that encourages and assists in that growth.
Today’s generations are interested in their future and want to see new faces in government and not the same recycled debates and continuing unsolved problems. They want new blood and a breath of fresh air on our council. Simply retreading former council members does nothing for moving the city into a new, improved direction.
The youth of Costa Mesa are relevant. They are committed to this community. They want a city in which they can prosper and thrive. They want to take care of their parents and seniors while building a vibrant life for their children and themselves.
As I continue to build this new army of stakeholders, I want to reach out to all of the residents of Costa Mesa to support positive change. Age is a state of mind. Young residents of Costa Mesa, no matter what their biological age, deserve to have a voice in our city’s government. That is why I am asking for your vote for Costa Mesa City Council. A new voice, a new solution.
Sports agent CHRIS BUNYAN is running for Costa Mesa City Council.