In today’s polarized political climate, the frustration citizens feel toward their government is palpable — not just in Washington and Sacramento, but at the local level as well. Perceived inaction, disagreements on democratic decision-making, and a misunderstanding of the public process can lead to rising tensions.

One of the many downsides of being an elected official — especially at the city level — is that residents often do not understand the complexities of city budgets, project costs and existing laws that act as governmental red tape, along with all the other nuances that go into the ultimate decision and a council vote. An upside for residents, such as those here in Irvine, is that they have elected and appointed officials who are dedicated to the city, study the issues in depth, and work tirelessly to comprehend the challenges to overcome them for your benefit. They must make courageous decisions to move forward in a great city like Irvine, balancing public and private interests, with their residents’ benefit always in mind.

However, when hot-button headline issues like the Southern California Veterans Memorial Park and Cemetery arise, emotions and opinions can cloud reason — which is the only logical explanation for a new recall petition being circulated by a small group of Irvine residents.

Spearheaded by a losing Irvine City Council candidate and a former planning commissioner, the petition seeks to immediately remove Irvine’s mayor, Christina Shea, and Councilman Mike Carroll for the stated reason that the two are “not acting in the interests of residents and voters in getting the veteran’s cemetery to happen.” This statement is patently untrue. The efforts and decisive actions by Irvine City Council to secure a location for the cemetery, identify funding and begin construction are well documented.

From the perspective of the Orange County business community, this recall effort appears less about timely building a cemetery and more about attention-getting and incompatible political leanings.

Yes, the cemetery site is no longer at the original location that voters preferred. No, a location change (within the same Great Park) does not mean that the site is not getting built. Rather, this location appears to ensure that the cemetery does break ground in 2020, given the additional financial resources it brings. Not only will the budget for this deserved memorial receive a much needed boost, but the new site has less environmental and building hurdles to overcome than original proposals. If one’s interests lie with getting the cemetery built expeditiously, this Irvine City Council should be applauded.

Smart spending is a vital aspect to the continued prosperity of Irvine and its taxpayers. Orange County’s business community supports advantageous business and political decisions when they contribute to the financial health of the city. This recall effort is as far from smart as spending can get, with an estimated budget-bust to the tune of an uncomfortable $1 million.

Further, the recall proponents are not offering themselves to reimburse taxpayers the $1 million bill for these proceedings; rather they expect you to pay for their personal political disagreements, just to move up an election by mere months. Both Shea and Carroll would already be on the ballot in a bid for re-election in November 2020.
Irvine deserves better than this. With city council elections less than a year away, residents can make their voices heard in regular order should the community desire it. Until then, support should remain with veterans and their families, as Irvine’s mayor and council — in a remarkable bipartisan approach — continue to move forward with securing a final resting place for O.C.’s heroes.

Recall? Vote no on this wasteful use of your tax dollars, should it ever come to pass.

Lucy Dunn is president and CEO of the Orange County Business Council.

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