Two Seats, Eight candidates for Costa Mesa City Council

COSTA MESA, Calif. - Nov. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- The dictionary defines the word leader as a person who rules or guides or inspires others.

Over the last four years the City of Costa Mesa has been ruled by Jim Righeimer and the council majority.  Responsible residents seem to be rallying a cry for the two open seats to be filled with leaders who guide, inspire and respect the needs of the residents.  The increase in crime, especially burglaries, due to the systematic disablement of the Costa Mesa Police Department, is just one of the reasons the public is rallying around these two candidates.

It is new, and unusual, to have two candidates working so closely.  Humphrey began talking with voters over a year ago, as he wanted to gather facts that came directly from the residents of his community.  Shortly after both candidates were determined "official," both realized how many issues they agreed upon. The new "team approach" to campaign was unusual for both of these public servants, but as time went on, and the volunteers kept rallying, it was clear this new team effort was worthwhile -- for them and the volunteers. The number one focus for all, was making their community and neighborhoods safe again.

“Hundreds of Costa Mesans have stories related to thefts and burglaries,” said Foley. In 2012, 668 Costa Mesa homes were burgled, compared with 458 burglaries citywide in 2010. In the same two years, thefts rose from 2,454 to 3,050 in Costa Mesa, and auto thefts went from 282 to 361,” said Foley in a recent Daily Pilot Commentary titled "Righeimer, council let city down on public safety."

Unfortunately for the city, "the majority [currently serving on the City Council] actually believes what Righeimer said at the Eastside Forum: 'You could double the police department and it wouldn't impact crime... We would just all get more speeding tickets.' They believe we need to change the people who live in the city as the solution to prevent crime. They ignore that many of the burglaries and crimes against people occurring are perpetrated by out-of-towners -- not residents," said Foley.

Foley and candidate Jay Humphrey, as well as the army of volunteers that have rallied to support these two proven leaders, feel that the only solution to the city's current problems is a change of leadership.

If you are reading this piece because you have yet to decide which two candidates will get your vote, we urge you to look at the well-researched FACTS about crime in the city, the $175,000 monthly legal fees, the dismantling of the police force, and more.

In Geoff West’s commentary, “Why I won’t vote for Jim Righeimer,” he states that “by ignoring the staffing recommendations of his consultants and senior law enforcement leaders, his actions have dramatically diminished what was once regarded as the premiere police department in Orange County.”  And, you will have no problem learning all that facts connected to Righeimer’s lawsuit against the men and women of the Costa Mesa Police Department.

As for Jay Humphrey, he begins his opening statements on his website with this statement: “Over the last three years, I have watched with dismay as the council majority in Costa Mesa has taken us in a direction detrimental to the future of our city.  They are promoting divisiveness and acrimony.  Their actions are stripping the city of talented and dedicated employees, reducing the services our city can provide, and compromising the public safety we have long enjoyed. “

Foley, Humphrey, and a volunteer army of residents, are angry that the residents of Costa Mesa can no longer feel safe in their homes.

As mentioned above, Humphrey and Foley are former Costa Mesa City Council members.  Both have served as leaders of numerous local service and civic organizations, including the Costa Mesa Planning Commission.  Both want to work toward rebuilding the local police force so that it will once again be strong, if not stronger, than it was in the past.  Both know it is going to take time to rebuild all the damage that Righeimer and his council majority have done to the police force, and the city, in the last four years.

Humphrey and Foley urge Costa Mesa residents to go to the polls on Tuesday, November 4th and vote out Jim Righeimer -- begin the long process of restoring the City Costa Mesa to its former glory which included safe neighborhoods.

You can also gather more facts about the candidates and the various city issues at www.katrinafoley.com.


*****  Vote Foley and Humphrey for Costa Mesa City Council -- honest, dedicated, fair civic leaders. *****