Council makes the right choice

The Newport Beach City Council on Tuesday night did the best job

possible in silencing critics who complained that a replacement for

outgoing mayor Steve Bromberg should be decided at the ballot box.

They picked the right man.

Ed Selich, who has been on the city’s Planning Commission for 10

years, is an even-handed, knowledgeable and dedicated city leader. He

will bring lengthy experience to the council seat that represents

Newport Center, Balboa Island, Irvine Terrace and Lower Newport Bay

-- and he very well might end up serving a lengthy tenure, since he’s

eligible to run for two full terms that could see him out of office

in 11 1/2 years.

Selich’s background will be of particular benefit, given the

issues that are coming before the council: St. Andrew’s church

expansion, which will involve a keen eye to planning and development

details; the use of the Marinapark site, which will involve measured

negotiations; and, perhaps closest to his heart and most suited to

his skills, the update of the city’s general plan, which will guide

development in the city for decades.

Plus, there is the debate that is certain to continue over the

proposed new City Hall and fire station.

We have little doubt the Selich will quickly become a valuable

leader on these issues and more. He should have the smallest of

possible learning curves and be ready to take action immediately.

Of course, as we’ve said before, if the council’s latest choice --

its third in as many years, following Councilman Steve Rosansky and

Councilwoman Leslie Daigle, who were the two members who didn’t

support Selich on the one and only vote the council made -- doesn’t

live up to voters’ standards, those voters can go to the ballot next

year and pick someone else.

Still, it’s hard to imagine voters picking a better candidate.