Unopposed and committed

The Daily Pilot asked three questions to Newport Beach District 4 City Councilwoman Leslie Daigle, who is the only candidate for her seat. The questions and her answers follow.

Barbara Venezia dropped out of the race on Oct. 3 but will still appear on the ballot. She declined the offer to answer the same questions.

Also printed are responses to the same questions from Mayor Don Webb, who represents District 3. There will not be a corresponding story about his reelection bid because it is uncontested.

1. Why should voters choose you?

2. How will you make the council more responsive to residents?

3. What do you hope to accomplish over the next four years?

Leslie Daigle:

1. I currently serve on City Council and previously served on Planning Commission. I am committed to sustaining and improving our quality of life. This past week, I voted to approve an historic agreement with the county which gives the city veto authority over land acquisition to construct a second commercial runway at John Wayne Airport. I am endorsed by the Airport Working Group (AWG). I’ve supported programs and projects to improve water quality and funded the Back Bay Science Center where our children will be able to learn the importance of our environment. I’ve led the city’s efforts to sue Irvine over the 20,000 high rise condo units that are developing along the Jamboree Corridor. We must stop 40,000 vehicle trips from dumping into Newport. I have the perseverance necessary to campaign and continue to represent the citizens of this great city. I am a fiscal conservative endorsed by the Republican Party of Orange County.

2. Residents deserve accessibility and communication. Walking precincts enabled me to meet many residents and is a valuable process to learn the issues that concern residents. Many people have opened their door to me and in turn, I have an open door policy. I may be contacted by e-mail, telephone, in person, or through my website. My website is www.lesliedaigle.com. I believe council members should periodically hold localized meetings in their district at a city facility or community association setting.

3. I will work to maintain the character of our coastal community by protecting ocean, harbor and bay views, securing open space and enhancing the Upper Newport Bay. While as a continuing member of City Council I am committed to providing quality police, fire, and lifeguard and recreation services. I am committed to maintaining a world class library system and continuing to provide seniors with services at Oasis. City facilities must be refurbished to good order particularly the Oasis center and public safety facilities. I will implement the signal synchronization system to improve traffic flow. I have worked on the technology plan. I will continue to lead our efforts in trying to prevent Irvine from developing the 20,000 high-rise condos at our border that generates more traffic in Newport Beach. I will work to preserve the flight curfew and enforce the settlement agreement. I will continue to work with each of you and my colleagues on City Council for the betterment of our community.

Don Webb:

1. Over the last four years I have demonstrated that I will fairly look at all sides of the issues that come to the City Council before trying to make an informed decision on what is in the best interests of all within the city. During the last year as mayor, I have shown that those coming before the City Council can expect to be treated fairly and be given an opportunity to express their views.

2. The City Council is responsive to the interests of the residents. Most of the actions taken by the City Council are in response to requests and input from residents. Residents are on committees, boards and commissions that review and make recommendations to the City Council on all elements of city operations that include arts, libraries, planning, aviation, recreation, building, water quality, and environmental issues just to name a few. The new general plan reflects extensive input from residents through surveys, outreach meetings, and advisory committees over a four-year period. Residents have an opportunity to comment on every item on the City Council’s agenda before an action is taken. The city’s webpage provides access to agendas for the various meetings and information on all parts of the city operations. Council members and staff are and will continue to be available to meet and speak with residents.

Over the 40-plus years I have lived in Newport Beach, I have developed a very broad base of friends, acquaintances and associates. I find that the vast majority of those within the community feel that the City Council is responsive to the residents. There is a vocal “slow to no growth” element within the community that cites lack of responsiveness to the residents when the city does not follow their agenda. Newport Beach has become the vibrant, well managed jewel of the Southern California Coast by listening to its residents and striving to always improve their quality of life. This means that we must change to keep up with the times and cannot live in the past with the memories of the way it used to be.

3. The new City Council has the potential to be a well balanced and cohesive body that will get things done. My priorities include controlling any expansion of JWA, a new City Hall, athletic fields at Sunset Ridge Park, a new Oasis facility and a Marinapark with park and visitor marina facilities.