Mission Viejo council member Cathy Schlicht. Welcome aboard? MV City staff

Having surpassed her first 50 days in office I just interviewed Cathy Schlicht, the newest member of the Mission Viejo city council. During her campaign Cathy was well aware that some of her council peers were not  going to welcome her with open arms if elected based on their strong public support of planning commissioner Rich Atkinson. However, her comments to all of her campaign supporters was that she will look out for the best interests of the citizens regardless of whether or not she is supported by her cohorts on the council.

After submitting a Public Record request on a Consent calendar expenditure I purchased a copy of that invoice that listed a new chair, table and lamp ordered by our city librarian. As it turns out these furnishings were actually purchased for use in our “wellness” room inside City Hall. Before departing City Hall yesterday City Manager Wilberg did take me to the wellness room and showed me these new furnishings. As I questioned Cathy about that room this morning she had no idea what I was referring to which leads me to this next point. She didn’t even know we had such a room. Other than the one time she entered her city council member office no one on staff or council has ever offered to take her on a tour of our 52,000 square foot city hall. Not only should this be a routine SOP for new council members, they could have used that tour to introduce her to most of our managers and employees who are based in that facility.
 
Joking, I asked her if anyone on staff, or another member of the council, even showed her where the ladies restroom was located to which she answered “I found it on my own.” So much for hospitality while putting on a facade that we welcome you aboard.

This brings me to a Jan 22nd email from council member Frank Ury with an open copy sent to me. Among other remarks he tells Cathy: “You are responsible for every employee’s role, every expenditure, every day” yet they have not even introduced Cathy to any of those employees. I have participated in meetings with Cathy and city staff and heard them tell her she is being treated like any other council member. This story is far from over. Note: There is more to say about her “duties” as defined by Mr. Ury which will be covered later.

Back to her first 50 days. Council Member Schlicht is a strong advocate for transportation solution investigations. The city of Mission Viejo anticipates a huge increase in traffic within our city based on pending development to the East. This coming Monday evening our Planning Commission will discuss a “roundabouts” study by a firm named RTE. Even Shirley Land, our city transportation manager, admits that roundabouts are very popular in Europe. Based on Council comments at prior meetings, such as John Paul Ledesma who stated “I must say that I am not open minded about this” independent study, represents a challenge to Cathy. That will not deter Cathy who told me “they are setting it up to fail.” We are currently addressing two major arterials in our city. Oso Parkway and La Paz Road each of which connect to Interstate 5.
Cathy was pleased that each of her commission nominees were unanimously supported by the council at the Jan 19th meeting so that she will be represented at our Planning, Community Services and Investment Advisory Commission meetings.

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