Commentary: Embrace the meaning of ‘together’ to make new Newport council work

Election Day is over, and now the honor of helping to govern our great city lies ahead.

As my fellow new council members and I prepare to be sworn in Tuesday, I want to thank the outgoing members — Michael Henn, Leslie Daigle, Nancy Gardner and Rush Hill — for their service and dedication to the city we all love. They accomplished much, and their efforts in many areas will benefit the residents of Newport Beach for years to come.

At the same time, I am excited by the possibilities and promise of the newest members on the council.

Councilman-elect Marshall “Duffy” Duffield is a lifelong Newporter, successful entrepreneur and harbor legend, with a disarmingly direct style. I believe he will be our “anchor” on issues affecting our most important community asset — our magnificent harbor and beaches — and a key contributor on many other quality-of-life issues.

I have come to know Councilman-elect Kevin Muldoon during this campaign as a smart, insightful and conscientious man who is uniquely professional, sincere and warm. I believe he will be a councilman in the mold of some of the past greats who came from the business and professional sphere.

Councilman Scott Peotter is a principled man who has clear ideas, knows how to communicate them, questions the status quo and is dogged and hard-working in pursuit of his goals. Every council needs at least one person with his skills and unrelenting focus.

I also want to say I’m looking forward to working with returning incumbents Ed Selich, Keith Curry and Tony Petros. I expect to learn a lot from them, and I believe all of the new council members will value their council experience as we all move forward together.

Together. It’s a powerful word.

“Together” can make the difference between good politics and bad, effective governance and gridlock, responsive government and government that’s disconnected from the residents.

Now, we’ve just come through a hotly contested municipal election. Some harsh words were exchanged as the campaign reached its emotional climax on Election Day. And a few hard words have been heard since.

But the time for bitter words is past. The election is over; the voters have decided. Now is the time to come together for our community. The bottom line is: We are all Newporters, and we all want what’s best for our city. It’s about the residents — first and foremost.

The council is seven unique individuals — disagreement is to be expected. That is a good thing. Disagreement breeds debate. Debate is the foundation of the practice of democracy and turns disagreement into solutions that get better and stronger through debate.

That is accomplished by listening with respect and an open mind to fellow council members and to members of the community, to take each issue on its own merits, and to deal with the facts as they are. Objectively. For the best interests of our community.

My campaign was all about listening to thousands of residents so that their voices are heard. We now have a common purpose — to ensure the strength and vitality of our extraordinary city and the quality of life it provides. Please join me. I’m still listening.

Businesswoman Diane Dixon was elected Nov. 4 to the Newport Beach City Council. She will be sworn in Tuesday.