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Sue Lester, and council candidates Sandy Genis and John Stephens. "It is a far, far better thing that I do..."
Good friend of the blog, former Costa Mesa council candidate, champion of medicinal marijuana and terror of Costa Mesa’s tweeker bike thieves, Sue Lester just called to let me know she is backing out of the council race this year and instead getting behind great candidates Sandy Genis and John Stephens.
Kudos to Sue for not being a political prima donna, for realizing the most important thing is for Costa Mesans of goodwill to unite behind NO MORE THAN THREE sane candidates in order to put an end to Riggy’s Reign of Terror (in the form of candidates Monahan, Mensinger and McCarthy who Must be defeated.)
While I had her on the phone, I asked about the initiative to bring back, and regulate strictly, medical marijuana co-ops in Costa Mesa, an initiative that has just recently qualified with enough signatures despite unprecedented harassment and hurdles placed before it by the city. (Remember Debbie Tharp’s arrest for collecting signatures?) She says she thinks the Righeimer Council will probably engage in lots of stalling tactics to keep it off the ballot. But, as usual finding the silver lining, she thinks that will probably end up adding to Riggy’s downfall.
Here is Sue’s statement:
After much thought and consideration, I have decided to withdraw from the 2012 Costa Mesa City Council race. I ran in 2010 and intended to run in 2012 for the same reasons.
I am truly disturbed by the manner in which Costa Mesa is being run. There is a lack of depth in terms of diversity on council which seems to prohibit fair representation for our community as a whole.
I am disappointed by the lack of respect shown to residents and employees of the city by some elected/appointed officials and the decisions that have been made which have the appearance of being driven by personal feelings, nepotism, and outside influence.
Costa Mesa needs and deserves Council Members who make their decisions based on the research of facts, public input, and the short and long term success of the city and all of its components (residents, businesses, and employees). I don’t believe that is something we have now. The dais is no place for personal power and agendas or outside influence. We need candidates that are running for the sole purpose of serving the community.
Although I know I would be an asset to this city as a representative on council, I do not want to take the risk of standing in the way of other great, qualified candidates with good intentions. Too many candidates can create the potential of a split vote and I do not want that to happen.
Making the decision to run for council was never about me. It was about wanting change so much that I was willing to step up and try to make that positive change possible. It was about contributing to the community and acting in the best interest of the community.
I believe by withdrawing from this council race I will be doing just that. It will give the residents of Costa Mesa who are not happy with the current council the best opportunity to elect new council members. At the end of the day I want what I have always wanted which is for the City of Costa Mesa to thrive.
I will continue to attend council meetings, volunteer, and support the organizations and residents of this city. I don’t need to be a council person to do that. I will give input and support in an effort to make that happen. I will stay engaged in the affairs of the city, maintain a watchful eye, and speak up when I think there is something that must be said in support of positive change. I will fight for the success and stability of the city I call home, Costa Mesa.
At this point, I fully support Sandy Genis and John Stephens for Costa Mesa City Council. They have for many years contributed to this community in various ways. They have been and will continue to be involved in the community affairs and will fight for what it best for Costa Mesa. Although there are three open seats, I can only put my full support behind two candidates at this time as the filing period has not ended and I am want to take more time to do my due diligence in making sure my vote goes to a candidate who will make the right decisions for Costa Mesa. It is my hope all of the residents of Costa Mesa will do the same.
Can this really be happening in Orange County, of all places? A wise and selfless act by someone interested in political office? That’s rarer than a snowstorm on Goat Hill.
This really leaves me impressed with Sue Lester. She got into the race because her city needed her in — and then she got out of the race because her city needed her out. You can’t ask for more than that of someone. Good show!
Yep…
*Down to the magnificent 7 now. We love those Black & White type of elections:
These are the good guys and these are the bad guys and this is the door……
Good work Sue…..thanks for making it a simple choice for the folks in Costa Mesa.
*OK – they have just added two more City Council Candidates….because the “Big Three M’s” are probably affraid…… they might get smoked in November. They still will be smoked – but in the end will probably just blame it on each other!
Sad…folks worry more about their back pockets than the will of the people…sad!