On Tuesday night the Costa Mesa City Council got an ear-full on priorities. They didn’t want to listen. Residents would get their three minutes to speak their minds, and then the Council members would take unlimited time firing back like a bunch of “Angry Birds.”
The most thoughtful analysis of the Counil’s behavior comes from Geoff West, author of the blog A Bubbling Cauldron. He has two posts regarding Tuesday’s meeting that provide far better detail than I could ever provide.
Costa Mesa City Councilman Steve Mensinger (Appointed)
Righeimer and Mensinger demonstrated their disdain for those residents who take the time to study issues and then step to the speaker’s podium to present their views to the council – a right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. It is one of the great ironies from last night’s meeting that Mensinger griped about too few residents getting involved in municipal business, then chides and dismisses those who do.
Councilman Jim Righeimer - Costa Mesa, Photo: Chris Prevatt
Righeimer began his rant with this question: “What have we gotten to here?” That’s a great question, Jim! What HAVE we gotten to? He then dismissed the $10,000 that was being discussed for “hours” and diverted the discussion to pensions! He looked directly at Helen Nenadal, the President of the Costa Mesa City Employee’s Association who had spoken earlier and, shaking his pen at her, said, ” Ms. Nenadal, we have enough money to run our city, we just can’t afford the cost of your employees.” He then launched into a tirade about vacation days, sick pay and on and on. He complained about the council chambers being the only place he gets “beat up” – his words, not mine. He told the audience that “everywhere else he goes” people tell him “don’t stop!” He may have misunderstood those comments. It’s very possible they meant “Don’t stop until you’re across the city limits.” That’s what I’d be saying…
Chris,
Angry Birds/BirdBRAINS, yes. But don’t you think the Riggmarshal and the Smirkmarshal are a threat to democracy?
With the voter reg down here being what it is, Righeimer could actually win a seat in Congress..
Chris,
Thanks for the props… it was the most frustrating, disappointing meeting I can remember in a decade of watching these things. I have never seen any elected official treat concerned citizens with such disdain as did Righeimer and Mensinger. In a matter of months they have systematically destroyed our city, all for personal political gain. Their arrogant, in-your-face attacks on individuals – including former council members and long-time high level city employees – was beyond bad taste.
Chris,
Angry Birds/BirdBRAINS, yes. But don’t you think the Riggmarshal and the Smirkmarshal are a threat to democracy?
With the voter reg down here being what it is, Righeimer could actually win a seat in Congress..
Chris,
Thanks for the props… it was the most frustrating, disappointing meeting I can remember in a decade of watching these things. I have never seen any elected official treat concerned citizens with such disdain as did Righeimer and Mensinger. In a matter of months they have systematically destroyed our city, all for personal political gain. Their arrogant, in-your-face attacks on individuals – including former council members and long-time high level city employees – was beyond bad taste.