By Thomas M. Whaling, San Juan Capistrano
I read the editorial of Jonathan Volzke with a little skepticism. Most politicians are motivated to acquire a position in office because of a desire to please some of their constituents with their chauvinistic verbal ruminations and solicited rulings. Other public servants are idealistic and desire to work for the common good. In retrospect, as I contemplate this matter, the complexity of what drives, motivates or induces political thought and action is very complex and would take extensively more profound thought for analysis and synthesis of motivation.
Therefore, I hope to put a context on the writing of Jonathan with his evaluation of Councilman Reeve’s acts. I see Jonathan depicting Reeves as “narrow visioned.” Jonathan correctly pointed out that the City Council is no place for an ideologue. (Some citizens understand partisanship quite to the contrary.) I have a perspective of Reeves as a very intelligent person who believes he is operating on principle and has a goal of pushing an agenda for so-called constitutionalists. Am I wrong?
However, unlike any other political position, the City Council is a unique place, for a person must be a legislator (e.g., ordinances); an executive (e.g., policy direction); and a judge (e.g., personnel matters). Many of these decisions, in fact, fall into more than one category. Most importantly, councilpersons should act for what is best for the entire body politic but never destroy the rights and liberties of the citizens.
While I am not naïve (some may disagree), money has a great influence in politics, but it should not be the prime mover. I agree with Jonathan concerning the practical mental acumen and the work ethic of what a City Council person should be. I voted for Byrnes and Allevato because I’ve personally talked to each. I found their process of political thinking appeared to meet the highest criteria for that position. I could be wrong since I am a Democrat in a Republican forest. But I’ll take my chances on a balanced independent/Republican City Council. After all, it’s supposed to be non-partisan.
