Best, not-so-best for Yorba Linda in 2010
Here’s my annual review of the best and not-so-best in local politics, for 2010:
Best decision by voters: Giving the Measure Y ethics ordinance the largest margin of victory--better than 85 percent “yes”--of any municipal ballot measure in city history.
Best decision by City Council: Putting the ethics ordinance on the ballot, allowing voters to “lock-in” much-needed reform so future councils can’t arbitrarily return to past habits, such as convening closed-door committee meetings with no published agenda or minutes.
Next challenge for the council: Expanding the ethics ordinance to include added reforms related to political action committees, whistle-blowers, council conduct and transparency.
Worst decision by the council: Increasing the “cafeteria plan” fringe benefit package of council members a whopping 13.4 percent, while pleading poverty on many other issues.
Least transparent council action: Placing the 13.4 percent increase on an August agenda for one vote in a 10-item “consent calendar,” and removing four of the items for separate discussion and votes, but leaving the benefit boost with the “routine” items not discussed.
Most inept council action: Squabbling so much over how much to cut council salaries at a June 30 budget session, members finally decide against any “share-the-pain” reduction.
Most ignored council campaign issue: None of the six contenders offered a plan to fix finances at the city-owned Black Gold Golf Club, recipient of $4,786,268 in city loans and $327,592 in waived interest payments through the 2009-10 fiscal year.
Best grass-roots campaign finance method: The Yorba Linda Residents for Responsible Representation political action committee raised $13,452.79 at 10 garage sales 2008-10, and Jan Horton raised $437.02 from one sale in August.
Biggest quagmire for council: Where to put state-mandated, low-cost housing units in light of loss of Measure Z that would have allowed some in a Savi Ranch business area.
Luckiest break for council: Longtime Parks and Recreation director Steve Rudometkin agreed to return as City Manager, when Dave Adams resigned after one year on the job.
Most tireless Old Town advocate: 41-year Main Street businessman Louie Scull devotes untold hours to promoting the special events that draw thousands of residents to the area.
Best attempt at redemption: Former mayor and one-and-a-half-term state Assemblyman Mike Duvall donated $34,100 in leftover campaign cash to non-profits, including $7,000 to the local Boys and Girls Club.
Most interesting challenge facing “fiscal conservative” council members who oppose pork barrel spending: Deciding whether or not to utilize a $3.1 million Congressional earmark to build a pedestrian bridge over Imperial Highway in the Old Town area.
Best and most-watched city event to squeak by on a 3-2 council vote: The July 4 fireworks show--the 21st in city history--cost less than the amount spent last year.
Most historic election outcome: Voters tendered pink slips to two incumbents at the Yorba Linda Water District, biggest turnover in the public agency’s 50-year history.
Most surprising election result: PYLUSD voters narrowly nixed an appointed incumbent and teacher union-endorsed candidate, while two other teacher-backed candidates won by wide margins.
Best decision by voters: Giving the Measure Y ethics ordinance the largest margin of victory--better than 85 percent “yes”--of any municipal ballot measure in city history.
Best decision by City Council: Putting the ethics ordinance on the ballot, allowing voters to “lock-in” much-needed reform so future councils can’t arbitrarily return to past habits, such as convening closed-door committee meetings with no published agenda or minutes.
Next challenge for the council: Expanding the ethics ordinance to include added reforms related to political action committees, whistle-blowers, council conduct and transparency.
Worst decision by the council: Increasing the “cafeteria plan” fringe benefit package of council members a whopping 13.4 percent, while pleading poverty on many other issues.
Least transparent council action: Placing the 13.4 percent increase on an August agenda for one vote in a 10-item “consent calendar,” and removing four of the items for separate discussion and votes, but leaving the benefit boost with the “routine” items not discussed.
Most inept council action: Squabbling so much over how much to cut council salaries at a June 30 budget session, members finally decide against any “share-the-pain” reduction.
Most ignored council campaign issue: None of the six contenders offered a plan to fix finances at the city-owned Black Gold Golf Club, recipient of $4,786,268 in city loans and $327,592 in waived interest payments through the 2009-10 fiscal year.
Best grass-roots campaign finance method: The Yorba Linda Residents for Responsible Representation political action committee raised $13,452.79 at 10 garage sales 2008-10, and Jan Horton raised $437.02 from one sale in August.
Biggest quagmire for council: Where to put state-mandated, low-cost housing units in light of loss of Measure Z that would have allowed some in a Savi Ranch business area.
Luckiest break for council: Longtime Parks and Recreation director Steve Rudometkin agreed to return as City Manager, when Dave Adams resigned after one year on the job.
Most tireless Old Town advocate: 41-year Main Street businessman Louie Scull devotes untold hours to promoting the special events that draw thousands of residents to the area.
Best attempt at redemption: Former mayor and one-and-a-half-term state Assemblyman Mike Duvall donated $34,100 in leftover campaign cash to non-profits, including $7,000 to the local Boys and Girls Club.
Most interesting challenge facing “fiscal conservative” council members who oppose pork barrel spending: Deciding whether or not to utilize a $3.1 million Congressional earmark to build a pedestrian bridge over Imperial Highway in the Old Town area.
Best and most-watched city event to squeak by on a 3-2 council vote: The July 4 fireworks show--the 21st in city history--cost less than the amount spent last year.
Most historic election outcome: Voters tendered pink slips to two incumbents at the Yorba Linda Water District, biggest turnover in the public agency’s 50-year history.
Most surprising election result: PYLUSD voters narrowly nixed an appointed incumbent and teacher union-endorsed candidate, while two other teacher-backed candidates won by wide margins.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
<< Home