O'Neal has much experience
I enjoyed reading your recent piece on Paul Freeman's upcoming
retirement from the City Council. In his response to the question
about the four candidates for City Council, he made seemingly less
than enthusiastic comments about Melissa O'Neal. As a neighbor and
associate, I would like to share my thoughts on her candidacy for the
benefit of your readers.
I first met O'Neal, her husband Mike and their Boxer Raleigh
during their morning walks in our neighborhood. O'Neal and I later
served together on the Wastewater Advisory Committee for the city of
Laguna Beach. She was selected by the City Council because of her
background and experience obtaining funding for and managing the
construction of water and wastewater-related projects in the desert
southwest.
O'Neal's pragmatic approach to problem solving and facilitation
skills were quickly recognized by all members of the committee. She
was instrumental in architecting and implementing a mutually
agreeable resolution to eliminate the risk of grease-related sewage
spills without requiring restaurant owners to install expensive and
impractical grease interceptors.
I am confident that, if elected, O'Neal would demonstrate the same
level of commitment and excellence as she has on the Wastewater
Advisory Committee. I believe that she has the right priorities for
the city, is realistic in her expectations, while at the same time,
being fiscally responsible. She is receptive to alternative opinions
and viewpoints, and carefully considers all options before reaching a
decision.
If, like Paul, you are "not sure where she stands on specific
issues," talk to her, because she is very approachable. As for me,
I'm confident she's the right person for the job and will be voting
for her on Nov. 5.
VICTOR OPINCAR
Laguna Beach
Pearson is a dedicated City Council candidate
Clay Leeds' portrayal ("Bland forum gives one clear outcome,"
Coastline Pilot, Oct. 11) of Elizabeth Pearson as one who would
repress public comment in his account of the recent City Council
candidates' forum is contrary to my experience working with Pearson
as a four-year member of the Planning Commission.
Pearson strongly supported the public comment procedures put in
place during the 37 lengthy and contentious Treasure Island project
hearings of several years ago. The joint Planning Commission/Design
Review Board provided for extraordinarily generous public input time
periods, way beyond the norm. Ironically, we were criticized by some
