Improvements to Newport elections ‘marvelous’

It’s been more than four months since November’s City Council

election, but it’s great to see that campaign reform began Tuesday in

Newport Beach.

It would be wonderful -- no, ideal -- if the work the City Council

began at a study session on Tuesday removes all trickery from future

city elections.

Just think about it. All the talk about phony phone calls, such as

those made during both the 2000 and 2002 council campaigns, could be

all in the past. Well, at least in Newport Beach. The City Council

can’t speak for the county, state or federal governments. But it

would be marvelous.

Going further, there would be appropriate and -- dare it be

pointed out -- legal literature passed around during campaign

seasons. No one would be able to make false statements without

serious reprimands. To avoid such penalties, all candidates would be

forced to tell the truth, whether through campaign literatures, phone

calls and TV ads.

Perhaps Newport Beach voters would finally be able to choose

candidates fairly. That is, they would be able to determine the best

candidates without hesitation that might pop up after receiving odd

telephone calls.

Now, there are many unfortunate reasons why local politics --

Newport Beach and beyond -- will never be perfect. And there are

countless reasons why the term “clean campaign” is a paradox.

But the city knows it can do better and should. Otherwise, a study

session wouldn’t have been set up to take on campaign reform.

Part of the reform that must take place rests with each candidate

and his/her campaign helpers. Do what’s right. It’s simple enough,

yet it never seems to be performed. There are certain rules to abide

by, written or not. Set an example. Be above others who scoff at the

rules and, sometimes too obviously, break them.

Another part of the reform that should take place will occur

within City Council chambers. Everyone should be there or should at

least send a letter with suggestions. If Newport Beach residents want

campaign reform, and thus honest elections, speak up at these

meetings to ask the council to do everything in its power to clean up

the process.

There’s no reason why the playing field can’t be leveled for City

Council campaigns. It just takes a little time to clarify exactly

what’s fair and what’s unfair. This is the opportunity to set an

example for future elections, so that phony phone calls become part

of the past.