Bribery Affair Turns Up Newport Hero
Orange Countians have a renewed confidence in the strength of their American democracy and Newport Beach citizens have a new hero in their midst with the story (Jan. 5) of the courageous service provided by Newport’s Planning Commission chairman, Buzz Person, in derailing the attempt by a local restaurant owner to subvert the democratic process of our government through bribery. Such undercover corruption gnaws at the very vitals of American democracy. But to know we have a public servant with guts and integrity who could call this illegal and unpatriotic attempt on its own ground, gives us all hope and new faith in America.
Newporters have reason to be proud of their community, and we all have a new hero--Buzz Person!
If there is a cloud in the affair, it is the tap-on-the-wrist sentence on the perpetrator by Judge Margaret Anderson. If a judge does not understand any better the threat to America that lack of integrity in government brings, then she should get off the bench.
TOM PENDELL
Balboa
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