As
predicted in my Jan. 1 column, this year is shaping up as one of
Yorba Linda's most politically contentious 12-month periods on
record, with voters poised to make key decisions regarding the
community's future in both the June primary and November general
elections.
The
November results could remold the makeup and direction of the City
Council and the Yorba Linda Water District, while the June outcome
could cement the council's influence in county Republican Party
politics.
Council
incumbents Gene Hernandez and Craig Young already are raising money
for re-election races, and both have endorsed Tara Campbell for a
third seat scheduled for the Nov. 8 election ballot.
The
first-time candidate also is supported by council members Peggy Huang
and Tom Lindsey for the seat now held by 20-year Councilman Mark
Schwing, who is not expected to seek a sixth term when filing begins
mid-July.
Campbell,
a 2015 USC graduate, chairs the city's Parks and Recreation
Commission. She was named to the panel last year, after council voted
4-1 to vacate the 20 positions on four commissions. Most sitting
commissioners were reappointed, but a few critics were replaced.
Campbell
already is on the June ballot for Republican voters as one of 15
candidates for six positions on the county GOP central committee
representing Yorba Linda, Placentia, Brea and La Habra. Twelve of the
contenders, including five incumbents, are from Yorba Linda.
Two of
Campbell's council endorsers, Hernandez and Huang, now serve on the
committee, and Young is also running for election to the body. The
group grooms Republicans to seek elective offices and makes
endorsements in council, school trustee and water board races.
Meanwhile,
opponents of recent pricing actions in the Yorba Linda Water District
are still seeking a minimum of 9,520 signatures on each of two
petitions to qualify a recall of two second-term directors, Bob Kiley
and Gary Melton, for a future ballot.
Petitioners
hope to time signature submissions so a recall ballot can be combined
with the Nov. 8 election, which will include balloting on positions
now held by 24-year director Mike Beverage and 12-year director Ric
Collett.
A
consolidated election could cost an extra $58,000 to $74,000 and an
estimated $65,100 to $98,000 to verify petition signatures, according
to figures from the county Registrar of Voters.
The
Yorba Linda Taxpayers Association lists pro-recall arguments at
ylta4yl.org, while an anti-recall group posts at
CitizenstoProtectOurWater.com. The groups also host Facebook pages.
The
taxpayers group is expected to endorse two replacement candidates, if
a recall makes the ballot, and two candidates in the general
election, aiming for a four-vote board majority.
And,
since the group criticizes council decisions on development,
landscaping, Town Center and other issues, it is expected to endorse
candidates to oppose Campbell, Hernandez and Young.