This week, Newport Beach voters received a flier on this issue sponsored by the Orange County Deputy Sheriff's union that is a perfect example of old-style, union-intimidation tactics. In my opinion, that flier contained gross misrepresentations designed to preemptively influence any potential harbor patrol decision in order to advance the union’s narrow goal of preserving jobs for its members. I received only four phone calls on it (three of which were opposed), so it generated little public interest. I urge the citizens of Newport Beach to continue to ignore such blatant bullying and interference by outside agencies. Be assured it will have no impact whatsoever on your City Council’s deliberations on this issue.
MICHAEL HENN
There has been no proposal advanced by the county or city to take over the harbor patrol.
The Deputy Sheriff's union is premature in its panic.
If the city decides to consider the item, it will be reviewed thoughtfully and professionally with two fundamental policies in mind:
1. Will the city's operation of the harbor patrol make the Newport Bay safer for residents?
2. Can the city perform the service cheaper and more efficiently?
Until these questions are answered, I have no position on the issue.
LESLIE DAIGLE
In the short time I've been on the council, this has not been a topic for a study session or a future agenda, so at this point I don't know if there is any valid reason for the city to take over the harbor patrol.
What I do know is that the sheriff’s department, or at least its union, has not tried to conduct a reasonable discussion of the issue with the city but instead has tried to intimidate us with threats about going after the council if we don’t toe their party line, so I’d like to take this opportunity to say that whatever we decide, it will be based on what is best for our city and will have nothing to do with their bully-boy tactics.
NANCY GARDNER
