Commentary: Employee unions are paying for Costa Mesa political mail

My household has received a number of political mailers from out-of-town government employee unions, each endorsing council candidates Katrina Foley and Jay Humphrey and opposing the proposed Costa Mesa charter, Measure O.

We have also received phone calls from labor groups in Santa Ana recommending the same. A variety of patently false arguments were given in each instance.

Why would out-of-town labor groups be so heavily interested in the Costa Mesa council race?

The crux of the issue is this: Foley has a history of lavishing unsustainable salary and benefits enhancements on Costa Mesa city government workers, thus leaving little cash in the budget for other needs like city infrastructure maintenance and parks acquisition and improvement. As Foley’s union-supported running mate, we can expect much of the same from Humphrey, if he is elected, because like Foley, Humphrey will feel like he owes the unions for their unfettered campaign spending on his behalf.

On the other hand, Mayor Jim Righeimer recognizes that the city budget must balance proper compensation for government workers with sufficient funds on hand to tend to the needs of the community.

Righeimer has negotiated hard with our unions to be able to afford essential things like residential street, sidewalk, alley and park repairs and replacement. Thankfully, this overdue improvement work is now getting done.

Measure O, by including the city’s COIN transparency law, would require that labor negotiations be conducted in the best interest of the citizens and the public be apprised of the proposed contracts before the council can vote on them.

Costa Mesa voters would also get to vote on any future pension increases if the charter is adopted. Oddly, Foley and Humphrey do not support these common-sense provisions.

The bottom line is if you want the vast preponderance of the city’s funds to go to our government union members while infrastructure is ignored, then support Foley and Humphrey.

If you want a reasonable budget that fairly compensates our essential city workers and carves out a reasonable portion to address the very real needs of the community, then vote for Righeimer and Lee Ramos and yes on Measure O. It really is that simple.

ERIC BEVER is a former Costa Mesa mayor.