Save Newport Real News in Newport Beach
Councilman Scott Peotter’s opinions are undoubtedly abrasive and even offensive– but of all the people elected in 2014 (ie: those who actually have a voting history to look at), he’s arguably got the most solid track record when it comes to votes. However, he can’t keep his mouth shut when it comes to politics outside of Newport Beach. Two years ago, he wrote about the Supreme Court ruling which allowed gay marriage in all 50 states. Peotter objected to it publicly based on his religious beliefs. Many condemned his speech– including myself— but I did note that he has the right to say it, as this is still a free country.
Peotter has been described as a “political animal” and his ambitions for higher office– while he denies them– are clear.
So how will this play out? It’s obvious: it will backfire badly, and elevate Peotter’s star to national-level status.
Excerpts from an email being passed around to try to drum up support for this effort have stated “As most of you know he is the homophobic, extreme right-wing, mean spirited man who currently represents us.” While all of that may be correct, recalling someone based on their religious beliefs instead of their votes is a terrifying concept, to put it lightly– and I don’t even agree with Peotter on a lot of his political views outside of the confines of this city.
So what will Peotter do? He’ll be the subject of news stories who will be reporting on this across the nation, and the headlines will read “Councilman being recalled due to religious beliefs”. Money will pour in from religious leaders and followers of his same faith and political beliefs from cities far and wide, and Peotter’s name will be fast-tracked to national attention, as both sides will make Newport look like a seriously out-of-touch city.
If this group wants to prove their “power”, then perhaps they should focus on the person who has the worst voting record in the city rather than the personal convictions of a man who is clearly not in sync with the mainstream– but whose personal convictions have absolutely nothing to do with his actual job as a councilperson.
Or, perhaps they should do something that will serve to help the people of Newport Beach far into the future: To create district-based elections, instead (Peotter lost his own district last time). Councilpeople already act like they are the sole arbiters of the district which they are elected from, so making this official would have no practical governmental affect– but it would seriously impact the ability of Big Money to buy elections in our small beach town.
However, if their goal is to elevate his name and give him a massive donor list and influence nation-wide while embarrassing Newport with this absurd conflict, then attempting to recall him based on his religious beliefs is exactly what they should be doing.
The group will be meeting tonight for two hours at a house in Big Canyon to decide how, or if, to move forward.
