‘One-Sided,’ Mission Viejo Mayor Says of Story

* The front-page article “Former Foe of Builders Now Gets Their Money” (March 31) gave readers one-sided information.

Last year, I soundly defeated the most expensive recall effort by special interests in our state’s history. I have since received reparations in the form of campaign contributions from developers for the purpose of retiring my recall debt--a debt necessitated by their $500,000 assault.

That yearlong siege caused great turmoil in our city and sacrificed thousands from my modest family savings account. In the aftermath of victory, I looked to those responsible for that sacrifice to pay for it.

The article claimed that my voting record has changed since receiving the reparations. An exhaustive review of all minutes of the City Council since the first such contribution proves that I have remained consistent and independent on all issues affecting development interests.

I led the council in protecting and restoring sensitive open space in the wake of grading operations by the Mission Viejo Co. I provided the critical swing vote necessary for imposing a building moratorium, and I shepherded a multimillion-dollar traffic improvement program based on developer fees.

Instead of unfounded claims and innuendo, The Times should applaud the council and my leadership for delivering on campaign promises. I have used the recall victory and moratorium to leverage the Mission Viejo Co. into relinquishing development rights and donating $18 million worth of public benefits.

I have consequently reduced density 25% from the master plan, protected open space, preserved a school site and implemented a meaningful growth-management plan.

In a brief period, I have done more for my constituents since the recall election than any self-proclaimed “slow-growth” champion in Orange County. I did so without litigation and without retreating from principles. I simply channeled the same courage and determination used to thwart a $500,000 recall effort into positive leadership with a new council majority that I helped elect.

ROBERT A. CURTIS

Mayor, Mission Viejo