County Board does what the city of Newport wouldn't do

Earlier this year councilman Keith Curry brought a motion to the city council to place a measure on the November ballot that would require voter approval of future pension promises made to city employees. The highly unionized city fought it tooth and nail, and the motion never had a chance to be voted on. How a measure that simply would allow the people to have a say in how their tax dollars are spent could have upset so many people is beyond me, but the conservative city of Newport Beach said no to fiscal responsibility, and yes to continuing to cater to the public employee unions.

As of today, the county Supervisors have proven that they apparently advocate a true "power to the people" philosophy more than our own council. The voter referendum we pushed for in Newport will be on the ballot, only this time as a county measure. Expect the battle to be a nasty one, but in the end, the voters will do what has to be done, and what San Francisco and San Diego of all places have done with huge success: Not allow a small group of politicians afraid of unions to indenture our kids and grandkids with promises that can not be responsibly kept. Power to the people, indeed. Kudos, County Supervisors. Now, let's get this passed.

More comments will come on what happened in Newport Beach earlier this year, and exactly who spoke out in favor of what position.