City Council and 'the Winds of Changes'

"May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift"

—Bob Dylan, "Forever Young"

The strong artic winds that have been pummeling Southern California swept into the council chambers last night and brought with them Dylan’s “winds of changes.” Two long time Planning Commission members were voted out of office and replaced by two relatively younger citizens with close ties to the new Mayor. In addition, the City Council voted unanimously to ask the Parks Commission to consider a dog park.

Swept out of office were Dave Carter, a 19 year commissioner, and Terry Anderson, a six year veteran. Both of them can be identified as Herzog appointments, and Anderson in particular, recently ran for City Council with the full support of Herzog and former council member Tettemer.

FWIW – Over the years I attended and presented before the Planning Commission and I thought that Carter and Anderson did an excellent job, not only in  setting a professional tone, but in asking probing questions and generally speaking, making good decisions.

Swept into office were Charles Brower, an attorney who campaigned and worked for Voigts , and Andrew Hamilton, a CPA who is running for a seat on the Irvine Water District in 2016. Hamilton served on the Tustin Planning Commission from 2001-2003. Brower unsuccessfully sought a seat on the Planning Commission in 2004 and 2006.

The winds of changes may disquiet some, and they may bring both good and bad results. In the coming years we’ll see the wisdom of making a radical change in the Planning Commission, and for now it’s sufficient to note the change. BTW – I’ve met both of the new appointees and I have no doubts about their sincerity and energy. I am a little apprehensive in losing the enormous experience that resided with Anderson and particularly Carter, but there are three experienced members remaining and I’m sure they will tutor the new members.

With regard to the dog park, it is long overdue. Readers of my previous articles on the subject will know that Lake Forest is one of the dog friendliest cities in the country, yet paradoxically doesn’t have a dog park. Kudos to Council member Dwight Robinson for his initiative in getting this started.

In the wake of the recent election, we have argued in these pages about whether or not the change in the council would mean changes in the city. I think it’s clear that the answer is “yes.” Put on your overcoats – the winds of changes have only started to blow.