Mayor Ed Selich, who is running unopposed in his reelection bid for the District 5 seat, spoke briefly at the forum before leaving to attend to another commitment.
Rosansky, who has been criticized for his handling of the rehabilitation home issue in his district, said the city’s hands are tied when it comes down to regulating many of the homes because recovering drug addicts are protected by the same anti-discrimination legislation that applies to people with physical disabilities. The city has become an example to other communities by enacting an ordinance in January that will regulate the homes and by settlement agreement with the largest rehabilitation home operator in Newport Beach, Sober Living by the Sea.
Alkire said she decided to run for City Council because she felt Rosansky did not listen to people from his district who came before the council to discuss their problems with rehabilitation homes in their neighborhood and other issues.
“Many residents have talked to me about issues they feel need to be taken care of ... there isn’t the kind of input sought from the audience or the respect when they come to the podium,” Alkire said.
Otting, who has been a regular at the podium during City Council meeting for the past 15 years, said she wants to see more transparency in city government and fiscal responsibility.
“The Brown Act requires our city to have open meetings, but we have 14 city ad hoc committees that post no agendas and keep no minutes,” Otting said. “This kind of government does not involve you and does not serve you.”
