Republicans on the Council

The intent behind Rich Wagner's quote in today's Pilot was not to say, "we believe the Newport Beach council is all good Republicans, and we expect them to do what good Republicans do, so we will be shocked if this measure does not go through". The underlying point (and it is a good one), is this: The Council is being watched by the real Republicans in this county, and they are being given a chance to show their support for a measure that puts the power with the people, where it belongs. Putting this on the ballot is necessary to create the union fight the Santa Monica socialists posing as OC union bigwigs say they want. By calling attention to the stated party affiliation of the current council, Rich is rightly pointing out that some very influential and responsible members of the community are watching what they do. Does the LC expect Curry's initiative to end up on a ballot? That is not the issue. Regardless, those obsessed with fiscal responsibility have a fight on our hands. If it ends up on the ballot, we have to be prepared to deal with the unions ad nauseum. If it fails to be on the ballot, we have to be prepared to hold the councilmen responsible who neglected to put it to the vote of the people. We have a win-win Tuesday night - not because any victory will be secured [it will not be], but because at least we get to know where to focus our efforts next.