Irvine’s Political Succession Proposal Is Sloppy, Deceitful

Before Mayor Sally Anne Sheridan of Irvine won her office by a narrow margin last June, she pledged to “heal Irvine.” It has been interesting to watch her healing hand at work in the city since the election.

First, public comment at City Council meetings has been cut short, and no direct criticism of the council or its members is now permitted.

Second, the religious commitments of one group of residents is being given preferential status at City Hall through the planned introduction of a Christmas tree and the move to open City Council meetings with an invocation.

Finally, in spite of a court order directing the city to seat elected Councilwoman Mary Ann Gaido, Sheridan and her allies on the council appear determined to subject the taxpayers of Irvine to a costly and potentially divisive special election in November.

In each of these cases, the council has imposed the political and cultural commitments of its staunchest supporters on the city at large. These tactics--the stifling of dissent, the association of city government with the religious practices of one group of residents, and the attempt to exclude a fairly elected city council member--are designed not to “heal” the city but to repress the healthy expression of differences within this politically and culturally diverse community.

It remains to be seen whether the residents of Irvine will tolerate this kind of high-handed, repressive city government. For all our sakes, I hope that they will not.

BETTY GUTHRIE

Irvine