Not what he thought it would be
Although Councilman John Anderson told me, “I never saw myself running for political office, and I was always skeptical of politicians,” he seems ever more disenchanted with local politics as the weeks go by.
In fact, Anderson announced, “I have no intention of running for re-election,” a startling statement since he has three years left in his term.
Anderson noted, “I have found the world of politics is too often one of broken promises, pandering for votes, critics lurking in the shadows and shifting, questionable alliances based on personal gain rather than the public’s best interest.”
He added, “My personality, belief that people should say what they mean and mean what they say and expectation of others to be true to their word are incongruent with politics.”
Anderson ran second among 10 candidates for two seats last year, with Yorba Linda Residents for Responsible Redevelopment supporting him and first-place finisher Jan Horton.
But since they rode together atop a YLRRR fire truck in last year’s Fiesta Day parade, they’ve often criticized each other on Web sites and at council meetings.
Anderson noted, “I ran because of the outrageous actions of the last council and wanting to effect change. I campaigned on the same issues as [Horton]…. Her actions are diametrically opposed to her promises and have eliminated any realistic prospect for change on the council…. [S]he has become that which she ran against in the election.”
Of course, I’ve asked Horton about the comments and will present her response in a future column.
Meanwhile, Anderson still seeks “a comprehensive investigation” of the failed high-density Town Center plan developed by the former Old Town Yorba Linda Partners under an exclusive negotiating agreement with the city.
“There is no denying…obvious and substantial collaboration” by council members, city staff, political action groups, Chamber of Commerce, developers and others who “waged war” on residents, stated Anderson.
He added, “One of the developers…came forward with allegations…city staff and [council] were complicit in the efforts to forestall the [Old Town zoning referendum]. The… allegations and proof should be impartially evaluated and not by the same city officials he accuses of impropriety.”
A FINAL NOTE
Anderson thinks an inquiry motion might die lacking a second or 3-2, due to “Horton’s recent voting pattern with the pro-high density council members” Allen Castellano and Jim Winder.
The topic was item 41 on last week’s agenda, but council didn’t get past item 19 in a seven-hour session.
In fact, Anderson announced, “I have no intention of running for re-election,” a startling statement since he has three years left in his term.
Anderson noted, “I have found the world of politics is too often one of broken promises, pandering for votes, critics lurking in the shadows and shifting, questionable alliances based on personal gain rather than the public’s best interest.”
He added, “My personality, belief that people should say what they mean and mean what they say and expectation of others to be true to their word are incongruent with politics.”
Anderson ran second among 10 candidates for two seats last year, with Yorba Linda Residents for Responsible Redevelopment supporting him and first-place finisher Jan Horton.
But since they rode together atop a YLRRR fire truck in last year’s Fiesta Day parade, they’ve often criticized each other on Web sites and at council meetings.
Anderson noted, “I ran because of the outrageous actions of the last council and wanting to effect change. I campaigned on the same issues as [Horton]…. Her actions are diametrically opposed to her promises and have eliminated any realistic prospect for change on the council…. [S]he has become that which she ran against in the election.”
Of course, I’ve asked Horton about the comments and will present her response in a future column.
Meanwhile, Anderson still seeks “a comprehensive investigation” of the failed high-density Town Center plan developed by the former Old Town Yorba Linda Partners under an exclusive negotiating agreement with the city.
“There is no denying…obvious and substantial collaboration” by council members, city staff, political action groups, Chamber of Commerce, developers and others who “waged war” on residents, stated Anderson.
He added, “One of the developers…came forward with allegations…city staff and [council] were complicit in the efforts to forestall the [Old Town zoning referendum]. The… allegations and proof should be impartially evaluated and not by the same city officials he accuses of impropriety.”
A FINAL NOTE
Anderson thinks an inquiry motion might die lacking a second or 3-2, due to “Horton’s recent voting pattern with the pro-high density council members” Allen Castellano and Jim Winder.
The topic was item 41 on last week’s agenda, but council didn’t get past item 19 in a seven-hour session.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
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