[Re: Residents Demand MacLean Apologies] I was at the meeting and noted two groups of residents were present in addition to Mission Ridge homeowners and Oso Viejo Park neighbors. Recall proponents attended, and MacLean’s supporters wearing red shirts sat together. As a recall proponent, I can attest that Oso Viejo Park neighbors and Mission Ridge homeowners haven’t been involved in the recall.
At the beginning of the meeting, the red-shirt speakers defended MacLean. As the meeting progressed, the two neighborhood groups told how MacLean had misrepresented and insulted them. The red shirts were quietly leaving. By the time the discussion turned to allegations of a Brown Act violation by the majority members of MacLean, Ury and Kelley (M-U-K), almost no red-shirt MacLean supporters remained.
Two additional neighborhoods now understand why MacLean is being recalled. The recall is neither a personal vendetta nor is it a power grab as MacLean states. No one wants to “gut” the city or turn it upside down. MacLean is unfit to serve.
Connie Lee
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I stood with 50 residents of my El Mirador Community, as we appreared before Mission Viejo City Council to oppose an expanded cell tower on our street.
That was our first introduction to Lance MacLean. Fifty of these El Mirador homeowners witnessed and can attest to the fact that Lance MacLean was condescending, rude, and even mocking to El Mirador residents. There was no need for such behavior, nor was it professional.
Two years later, I stood with the group “Mission Viejo Cell Out”, an alliance of over 200 Mission Viejo residents who are affected by the Council’s “Wireless Master Plan”, a plan which encourages the marketing of cell towers in MV city parks and open spaces. They too, witnessed Lance MacLean’s demeaning attitude towards citizens.
But the most egregious act of all was witnessed by the community of Gilleran Park – which successfully fought a cell tower when the Planning Commission rejected T-Mobile’s plans for Gilleran.
Lance MacLean, himself, appealed on behalf of T-Mobile, a million dollar corporation. He brought the case to City Council where it was then approved. T-Mobile could have done that by themselves! No one understood why Lance MacLean needed to be spokesman for T-Mobile rather than his MV constituents of Gilleran Park. To Gilleran Park residents it was a slap in the face; an utter betrayal.
Lance MacLean has berated more than one community of citizens; I can fully understand what the residents of Mission Ridge and Oso Viejo Park have experienced. MacLean’s dislike of the public is ever palpable.
I don’t know all the particulars with respect to the homeowner complaints and intend no offense by my thought that I would actually like better cell phone service in MV, and what better place for cell towers than in open space (with consideration given to nearby homeowners of course). That said, there is no excuse for rude behavior on the part of anyone in a leadership position. I find it so unfortunate that so many leaders in this country have forgotten that it is an honor to serve and that every constituent has a right to be heard with respect. A real servant leader is even able to overlook perceived or actual disrespect from his or her constituents. On the flip side constituents need to treat leaders with respect regardless of how crass they may be and use the ballot box to turn the rascals out. I have heard enough to conclude that recall is appropriate with respect to Mr. MacLean. Hopefully it will succeed and send a wakeup call for a return to civility and respect.
To clarify re Jon’s comment, “Open Space” was the Abanico green belt nestled in among homes on both sides. It was for this reason that homeowners approached the council for help.
I agree with Jon, the issue is not the matter; it is the way the public is treated when they approach the dais. Somehow, upon election, officials such as MacLean turn into pompous “Lords” rather than humble representatives of the public.