County Elections Promise More Than a Measure of Controversy : Cityhood Proposal for Saddleback Area

I find it humorous to read comments in opposition to cityhood for the valley by a few people who do not know the facts surrounding the cityhood incorporation efforts. Since I’m the citizen-attorney who initiated, drafted and filed the papers, I believe (since no one ever bothered to contact me) that the public should have all the facts even though I support cityhood for the valley--Measure R. And by the way, I never got one cent for my efforts, because I believe in this cause.

It was I who suggested, drafted and signed the application submitted to the water service district. I repeatedly advised the committee that it would be an extraordinary expenditure of money to have each of the petition signatures (we had collected approximately 4,000 signatures) validated even if we got the petitions signed in time. I also warned the committee that there were political opportunists in the valley who would want to divide up the city political boundaries and the tax spoils for their own benefit and requested they let me make the necessary contacts to cut off these efforts.

As I have predicted all along, there are political interests who do not want to see this city in being. They would like to pick it apart--dismember it for its spoils and their own selfish interest; they have political agendas.

For those voters who have common sense, consider these facts:

Wouldn’t you want to have direct control on the use of a certain portion of your taxes? Isn’t that what local control is all about? Wouldn’t you want to have direct control over the future development and redevelopment in your area? Then visit the absolutely exquisite vistas, canyons, tree groves and rock and foliage formations in this proposed city. We have potentially one of the most scenic park areas in all of Southern California, and some of the developers who propose to develop this area will be excellent partners. That’s what breeds for a good environment.

Don’t you want a spirit of cooperation to pervade the new city? To have a divisive council is non-productive and wastes taxpayers’ money. Vote for a group of candidates that wants the city to be successful--it’s your money.

THOMAS M. WHALING

El Toro