Barbs traded on city issues

Newport Beach City Councilman Keith Curry lambasted opponent Dolores Otting for her stances on development and the city’s debt load while Otting called on city government to be more open and fiscally conservative during a well-attended City Council candidates forum Friday morning at Oasis Senior Center.

“We’re in an economic crisis, and I would hope you of all people would understand we need fiscal responsibility and fiscal conservancy,” Otting told the room full of seniors. Otting is vying for Curry’s District 7 council seat.

Candidates faced off on everything from growth and development to whether leaf blowers should be banned in Newport.

Otting decried city plans to borrow money to finance large building projects.

“This city is going on a $250-million spending spree, and I don’t know if that’s what you people want for our community,” she said.

Curry, who leads the city finance committee, said he believes the Newport is in good financial shape.

“We have a modest amount of debt for a city our size,” he said.

Borrowing money to fund large public projects like parks and city buildings is a common practice, Curry said. The city would not be able to build a new senior center or parks without incurring some debt, Curry said.

“My opponent has no strategy to get it done whatsoever,” he said.

At one point during the nearly hourlong forum, Otting, a community activist, praised GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin for reviving the Republican party.

“I think we need more women in office,” she said.

Curry responded in the spirit of Sen. Lloyd Bentsen, who famously told then-Sen. Dan Quayle “You’re no Jack Kennedy” during the 1988 vice presidential debate.

“Dolores, I know Sarah Palin ... I won’t use that line,” Curry chuckled.

Retired school Supt. Gloria Alkire, who is challenging Councilman Steve Rosansky for the District 2 seat, continued to defend her lack of experience in city government by playing up her leadership skills and executive experience as a school official.

Alkire said she had experience negotiating land deals and building projects as a superintendent.

“If you want to change government, you have to change people,” Alkire said. “I am spending my own hard-earned money to give you a choice.”

While Alkire said she had been studying city issues and has read Newport’s general plan, Rosansky said he has more experience and knowledge about city issues.

“The general plan you read cover to cover, I helped write,” Rosansky said. “I’m running on my record.”

Mayor Ed Selich, who is running unopposed for reelection in District 5, also spoke briefly at the forum, touting the council’s accomplishments over the past year, including negotiating a development agreement with the Irvine Co. that will provide millions of dollars in development fees to Newport for a new senior center and city hall.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.