Irvine’s Vote on Electing a Mayor
Thanks very much for your coverage of Irvine’s Measure E (“Irvine Mayor in Eye of Direct-Vote Storm,” Oct. 24). It makes us feel a bit less provincial than we suspect we are.
I would add only one insight into the smoke generated by the political battle over Measure E. The Times’ writer suggests that opponents of the measure are “members of a well-financed group of residents and business people.” Any Irvine resident--and certainly any Times reporter--has access to campaign finance papers, of course. A cursory glance at the papers filed by opponent of Measure E is revealing: The opponents turn out to be rather more “well-financed” than “residents.”
Of about $15,000 thrown into the fight against Measure E, more than 90% originates outside our city. Much of that represents the contributions of huge development firms.
What do big business interests in Newport Beach, Corona del Mar and elsewhere find so threatening about a mayor directly elected by Irvine residents?
WILL SWAIM
Irvine
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