During the February 8, 2011 Orange City Council meeting, both Councilmembers Fred Whitaker and Jon Dumitru suggested that the City sell off the water company. Previous comments by Whitaker indicate that he believes that there could be a significant chunk of change coming from the sale of the municipal water company. Councilmember Jon Dumitru, who consistenly balks at raising water rates to cover operating expenses, also joined in the call to sell off the water company.
Also of note is that Councilmember Whitaker, an attorney, wants to find ways to outsource the City Attorney function. For the residents, the City Attorney is a key line of defense in keeping electeds in line for campaign finance laws, Brown Act, and conflicts of interest. For an example of how conflict of interest laws can be weakened by having outside counsel, look at Costa Mesa (which uses contract counsel) and their dealings on the Orange County Fairgrounds.
Councilmember Whitaker also wants to significantly streamline the permitting process for wireless antenna installations. Councilmember Tita Smith expressed concern over the "streamlining" process taking out public input and oversite while allowing wireless companies a free hand to install the cheapest, ugliest equipment where they want to.
Residents of Orange need to start pushing back on this City Council or they will lose their City to corporate control. Residents need to start taking a very hard look at the money behind Councilmembers Jon Dumitru and Fred Whitaker, their business ties, clients and interests. Experience has shown that following the money to the source reveals the end game. Orange residents need to start following the money trail now to put these Councilmembers in their place.
Comments