Public Vote Sought on Disney-Angel Plan

A group of 11 residents led by the Rev. Louis P. Sheldon said it will ask the Anaheim City Council today to put the city’s recent pact with Disney to a public vote in November.

Sheldon, head of the Traditional Values Coalition, argued Monday at an impromptu City Hall press conference that Anaheim taxpayers were unfairly shut out of the decision-making process.

The complex package allows Disney to buy the California Angels and commits Anaheim taxpayers to fund 30% of a $100-million stadium-renovation plan at Anaheim Stadium.

Sheldon also disputed claims that the deal, which would keep the Angels in Anaheim for at least 23 years, is in the best financial interests of Anaheim.

“I think the Disney Co. is trying to scalp us,” said Sheldon, who formed the Anaheim Taxpayers Assn. this week to fight the deal. “We want the city to know we think this is bad business.”

The council is expected to give final approval to the memorandum of understanding with Disney within the next 30 days, according to city officials.

“It’s a fair deal for the city and community,” said Mayor Tom Daly, the agreement’s leading backer on the council. “And I can’t remember an issue before the council in the last 10 years that has received as much coverage and scrutiny as this deal.”

If the group’s protest goes unheeded, Sheldon vowed Monday to collect signatures for a city charter amendment called “The Taxpayers’ Right to Vote Act,” which would let residents vote on whether to back any bonds or indebtedness plans.