Just pick a council member from a...

Just pick a council member from a hat

The politics of electing a replacement for the Costa Mesa City

Council is becoming more entertaining than a TV reality game show.

In the spirit of entertainment, let me suggest a reasonable

solution: Write down the names of each qualified candidate, seal it

and put in a bowl. Then have one of the council’s audience (randomly

selected) pick a name from the bowl.

Done, straight and simple. The $75,000 saved on special election

should be marked for future salary increases for the senior staffer

at City Hall. This is entertainment.

AL MORELLI

Costa Mesa

Paring down the council farther is a possibility

Today, I sent a letter to the Costa Mesa City Council suggesting a

one-time fee of $1 per household to raise $40,000 for a special

election.

It occurred to me that there is a less expensive way to settle the

dispute. My motion is to not count the vote of any member of the City

Council who has a photo on the city’s Web site, but does not list

his/her biography. I second the motion. Call for the question. 3 to

0, the motion carries.

After watching the last meeting on Monday night, it was obvious to

me that we do not need a replacement to break the deadlock. What we

need to do is get rid of the guy who did not know how to set the

timer. I would be comfortable with the other three until the next

election is held.

BARRY SAMUELS

Costa Mesa

Not the balance that Costa Mesa wants

Four guys and one woman sitting on a Costa Mesa City Council is

contrary to the voting pattern of the electorate.

LILLIANE GORBATY

Costa Mesa

Column right on the council target

Regarding “Thinking Allowed,” Monday:

Amen and amen. Right on. Wow, straight thinking, and aloud, and in

print. That is rare these days, but very, very refreshing. Certainly

hope all the players are paying attention.

Keep up the good work.

GENE BEAVIN

Costa Mesa