Inside scoop

--Compiled by the Daily Pilot staff

Let us admit right away that this is going to be a little

self-serving. And we’ll also overstep any boundaries of journalistic

objectivity.

But the decision by the Newport Beach Planning Commission to start

meetings at 6:30 p.m. instead of 7 gets our wholehearted support.

Commissioner Michael Kranzley, who proposed the change, offered a

simple explanation.

“Our meetings go on until a time when many of us aren’t functioning

well any more,” he said.

Quite frankly, we’re not really buzzing either when you guys discuss

floor elevations, landscaping features and sign ordinances at 11:30 p.m.

Commissioner Shant Agajanian, who abstained from Thursday’s decision,

worried a little about leaving enough time to wrap things up at the end

of the work day and get to the meeting on time.

One of the seven commissioners behind the dais even went so far as to

ask for less time to talk. And talk. And talk.

“You might be more abrupt to us to move things along,” Commissioner

Earl McDaniel told commission Chairman Edward Selich.

Commissioner Anne Gifford threw in another good reason why things

should get going at an earlier time: “It’s a way of helping the public to

participate in Planning Commission meetings.”

A debate that goes on late into the night, she said, “really doesn’t

lend itself to citizen participation.”

Well, yeah, but we’re afraid your new progressive starting time won’t

end up filling more seats. Sorry.

We’ll be there, though. That’s a promise. Now if only your City

Council friends could follow suit . . .