Keith Curry will shine in City Council spotlight

The Newport Beach City Council made a brilliant decision in selecting Keith Curry to fill John Heffernan's seat.

Curry is a man of high integrity and deep wisdom in all that he does. His background in financial management and the proper stewardship of public assets will make a huge contribution to the already fine governance provided by our City Council. The public will soon recognize Curry's qualities as a servant leader.

The city is quite fortunate that he stepped forward at this time to serve.

JIM DALE

Newport Beach

At least put Peotter on planning commission

I was disappointed that Scott Peotter was not chosen; he presented himself very well at Tuesday's City Council meeting. Because of his background as an architect, I feel that the council should consider him for the planning commission when a vacancy occurs on that board.

JACK ANDERSEN

Newport Beach

Cronyism is alive and well on City Council

The Newport Beach City Council decision on Tuesday to choose the fourth unelected City Council person was decided by a 5-1 vote. The "insider" choice clearly was Keith Curry, another public administration bureaucrat from Los Angeles, who was selected over popular local activist Dolores Otting. Numerous speakers during public comment called for a change to the provision of the city charter that was designed originally for those who might die in office, or victims of accidents, or simultaneous injury to the lion's share of the council members.

The self-perpetuating aspect of this charter provision allows council members to step down early and essentially name their replacement. In the case of Steve Rosansky, he served three years of Gary Proctor's term, was reelected in 2004 and will serve, if reelected again, till 2012. Literally, all the replacement candidates are being given "incumbent status" and the support of the police, fire and public employee unions -- as well as the Chamber of Commerce. The inmates are running the institution.

The "good old boy/girl network" is alive and well in Newport Beach.

Requiring a vote of the people for all districts, where there is a voluntary resignation before the end of term, would be a good start to taking back city government. Allowing the current system to continue unabated is reminiscent of that old song: 16 tons and owing our souls to the company store!

RON WINSHIP

Newport Beach

Local government is broken in Newport