Irvine Council’s Suit Against County

The Irvine City Council’s decision to sue Orange County over developer agreements is a total misuse of taxpayers’ money and a very bad precedent. Irvine has the right and jurisdiction to entitle land within the city, and the county has the right to entitle land within the county jurisdiction.

The citizens have the political recourse, through recall or general elections, to keep the county Board of Supervisors as well as the Irvine City Council accountable for its actions. This is a very basic separation of powers and must be maintained.

The suit filed against the county by the city of Irvine attempts to cross over this line. It is very arrogant and presumptuous of the City Council’s liberal majority to preempt the citizens’ rights and normal means of political recourse. The use of city funds in this matter constitutes a serious misuse of the public trust and monies. Further, the City Council’s use of funds to defend the constitutional challenges brought against the slow-growth initiative is far beyond the scope and responsibility of city government.

If voters are for a proposition, they--not governmental institutions--should defend and support it. Mayor Larry Agran, Councilman Ed Dornan and Councilman Ray Catalano must be made accountable for their irresponsible misuse of city funds.

MARK ROY

Irvine