HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 - City Positions and Supporting a Diverse CommunityCITY OF
NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Staff Report
July 14, 2015
Agenda Item No. 1
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Aaron Harp, City Attorney — (949) 644-3131, aharp@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Aaron C. Harp
PHONE: (949) 644-3131
TITLE: City Council Members' Expressions of Official City Position or Policy and Re -
Affirmation of Support for a Diverse Community
ABSTRACT:
Recently, City Council Member Scott Peotter circulated an email commenting on the United States
Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage. The email contained a picture of the City of Newport
Beach's ("City") official seal and referenced that he was a City Council Member. City staff have received
several inquiries from members of the public related to this email that have asked whether the position set
forth in the email is the official position of the City. To prevent this confusion going -forward, the attached
resolution adopts a policy requiring City Council Members to take measures to ensure personal statements
or opinions are not confused with official City positions. The attached resolution also re -affirms the City
Council's support for a diverse and inclusive community.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 2015-63, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California,
Adopting City Council Policy A-20 Relating to City Council Members' Expression of an Official City Position
or Policy and Affirming the City of Newport Beach's Support for Diversity, Equality and Inclusiveness.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
No fiscal impact.
DISCUSSION:
On July 6, 2015, Council Member Scott Peotter sent out an email commenting upon the United States
Supreme Court's recent decision which held the United States Constitution guaranteed a right to same-sex
marriage. The email expressing Council Member Peotter's personal views on the decision by the United
States Supreme Court contained a picture of the City's official seal and also referenced that he was a City
Council Member. The City is concerned that the expression of private personal opinions authorized under
the First Amendment by a City Council Member may be construed as being an official City position or
policy. Additionally, the City wishes to re -affirm its commitment to a diverse community that actively
protects the rights of people of different faiths, races, creeds, nationalities, genders, ages, disabilities,
religions, ethnicities, marital status, and sexual orientations.
The proposed City Council Policy A-20 establishes a policy regarding City Council Member's expressions
of official City position or policy. This policy furthers an important public purpose by ensuring the public
does not confuse personal opinions expressed by City Council Members with official expressions of City
policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Not a Project CEQA Language --Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQX) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result
in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the
activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the
environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (24 hours in advance of the special meeting
at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Attachment A - Resolution
Attachment B - Correspondence
ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-63
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CITY COUNCIL POLICY A-20
RELATING TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS' EXPRESSION OF AN
OFFICIAL CITY POSITION OR POLICY AND AFFIRMING THE CITY OF
NEWPORT BEACH'S SUPPORT FOR DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND
INCLUSIVENESS
WHEREAS, the City of Newport Beach ("City") is a diverse community comprised
of people of different faiths, races, nationalities, ethnicities and sexual orientations;
WHEREAS, on July 6, 2015, Council Member Peotter sent out an email
commenting upon the United States Supreme Court's decision which held the United
States Constitution guaranteed a right to same-sex marriage;
WHEREAS, the email expressing Council Member Peotter's views on the
decision by the United States Supreme Court contained a picture of the City's Official
Seal and also referenced that he was a City of Newport Beach Council Member;
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Newport Beach is concerned that the
expression of private personal opinions authorized under the First Amendment may be
construed as being an official City position or policy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Newport Beach wishes to reaffirm its
commitment to a diverse community that actively protects the rights of people of
different faiths, races, nationalities, ethnicities and sexual orientations.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach resolves as
follows:
Section 1: The City Council of the City of Newport Beach hereby adopts City
Council Policy A-20, which is attached hereto and incorporated by this reference, which
requires City Council Members who wish to express opinions or make statements which
are not the official policy or position of the City of Newport Beach, as determined by the
City Council, ensure that said statement or opinion cannot be construed by the public as
being a position or policy of the City of Newport Beach.
Section 2: The City Council of the City of Newport Beach hereby declares that it
is, and has been, the official policy of the City of Newport Beach to not discriminate
against any person on any basis, including, but not limited to, race, creed, color,
ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, religion, marital status, or sexual
orientation. The City Council of the City of Newport Beach affirms its support for a
diverse community where its citizens, visitors, staff, and all members of the public are
treated equally and fairly without regard to their race, creed, color, ethnicity, nationality,
gender, age, disability, religion, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Section 3: The City Council finds the adoption of this resolution and City
Council Policy A-20 is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA")
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably
foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is
not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical
change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
Section 4: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
resolution is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not
affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this resolution. The
City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this resolution and each section,
subsection, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more
sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional.
Section 5: The recitals provided in this resolution are true and correct and are
incorporated into the substantive portion of this resolution.
Section 6: The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall certify the vote
adopting the passage of this resolution.
ADOPTED this day of July, 2015.
Edward D. Selich,
Mayor
IF_11a9=61Li
Leilani I. Brown,
City Clerk
Attachment: City Council Policy A-20
r_dz11
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
EXPRESSIONS OF OFFICIAL CITY POSITION OR POLICY
If member of the City Council desires that a particular official City position or policy be
established or expressed on a given issue, the Council Member shall submit his/her
recommendations on said position or policy to the entire City Council in accordance
with Council Policy A-6, for evaluation and disposition as the City Council sees fit.
Any City Council Member who wishes to make a statement or opinion regarding a
matter which the City Council has not taken an official position on shall ensure that said
statement or opinion cannot be construed by the public as being an official position or
policy of the City of Newport Beach. The City Council finds this policy furthers an
important public purpose by ensuring the public does not confuse personal opinions
expressed by City Council Members with official expressions of City policy.
Adopted - , 2015
ATTACHMENT B July 14, 2015
Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 1:36 PM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: to be read into the record at the Tuesday 7/14 city council meeting
From: GWG
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 1:35:35 PM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: City Clerk's Office
Subject: to be read into the record at the Tuesday 7/14 city council meeting
As a homeowner in District 6, Councilman Peotter is accountable to me personally. I take issue with both the
procedural manner in which his remarks were conveyed, as well as the substantive content.
Procedurally, the City's symbol should not be on any correspondence that does not relate directly to city
business or to promoting residents' health and well-being. It certainly should not be used under ANY
circumstances to denigrate certain residents, or to comment that certain residents should have fewer legal rights
than others. And to further imply that God frowns upon those residents to boot simply shocks the conscience.
Shame on councilman Peotter for abusing his public office to say things that both my kids called "bad choices."
"He should choose his words wisely" said my 7 -year-old. "Maybe he is confused about what the Bible says,"
commented my 9 -year-old (who reads the Daily Pilot, and has attended city events). When elementary school
children think you have made hateful comments, then you probably have.
Substantively, Councilman Peotter appears to think that there is some secret "homosexual" agenda, and also that
a selective group of so-called "Christians" have a monopoly on the rainbow as a symbol of God's promise.
Hogwash on both accounts. Our gay/straight/black/brown/white/etc. "agenda" is that all Americans deserve the
same opportunities and rights. Period. Now the Supreme Court has held that the 1,000 legal rights and benefits
of marriage extend to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. If you disagree, then humbly recognize that
many of your constituents have worked hard, waited, and suffered leading up to this decision. Humbly keep
your opinion to yourself, or to your close circle of fellow judgmental friends that you speak with at private
events that do NOT USE MY TAX DOLLARS to fund them.
Councilman Peotter accuses people like me of being "intolerant" of his opinion, as if that is a bad thing. I
certainly agree that he has a First Amendment right to say whatever he likes, including hate speech, on his own
private time. But the words sent out with the seal of Newport Beach absolutely harm children in our community
who are LGBTQ or who have LGBT parents or who simply believe that everyone matters. And I will never
remain silent when words are hurting children. Personally, I am a Christian and believe Jesus when he tells us
that it is by our LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER that people shall know us. Words matter. Words hurt people.
Peotter's words have hurt people, including children who are bullied and deprived of a safe place to learn every
day at school because people tell them that God favors the white, privileged, straight, wealthy masses.
Now we wait to see how Peotter responds because that is how voters will learn his character. Whatever that
response, we sincerely hope it will not bear the mark of the City that we all fund and live in.
Warm regards,
Gialisa Gaffaney
Corona del Mar Homeowner
Soccer Mom
Teacher
Editor
Parent of two public school children
Anti -bullying activist
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 4:04 PM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Scott Peotter's anti-LGBT Remarks to be read into record at 7/14 city council
meeting
From: Ryan Taylor
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 4:04:18 PM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: City Clerk's Office
Subject: Scott Peotter's anti-LGBT Remarks to be read into record at 7/14 city council meeting
I am aware of Scott Peotter's recent remarks regarding the LGBT community and his position against gay
marriage. It is disgusting and disheartening to hear of my councilman using (and abusing) his elected position to
spread hateful, uninformed and antiquated personal opinions on correspondences bearing the city seal. This
misrepresents our city and its people (including myself and my family) in our equal rights' beliefs and policies.
Neither gay marriage nor the use of the rainbow as an LGBT symbol are issues currently before the city council
or its constituents. I feel it is entirely inappropriate for councilman Peotter to use his officially -themed
correspondence to share these opinions and misrepresentations.
I am often saddened to hear of leaders in other communities who choose to endorse bigotry, violence and
bullying when what is needed and demanded by our time is growing consciousness and acceptance of all
humans' basic and fundamental rights. Time and again, we have seen how the hurtful views of these leaders
may be adopted by the public and used to justify hatred, harm, repression and murder. I feel especially sad and
embarrassed to see those views held and espoused by leaders of my own community. I feel sad to think that my
young son -by virtue of where I've decided to raise him- should be subject to the hateful, negative attitudes of
representatives like Scott Peotter and I call upon him to apologize to those who are harmed by his remarks.
Sincerely,
Ryan Taylor
Corona del Mar resident
July 14, 2015
Brown, Leilani Special Meeting Item No. '
From:
Harp, Aaron
Sent:
Wednesday, July 08, 2015 1:41 PM
To:
Brown, Leilani
Subject:
FW: RESIGNATION OR CENSURE?
From: Lori Morris [mailto:lorirmorrisCcbgmaii.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 1:37 PM
To: Kiff, Dave; Diane Dixon; Petros, Tony; Selich, Edward; KCurry(ftewportbeachca.gov; Harp, Aaron
Subject: RESIGNATION OR CENSURE?
As I believe the residents of Newport Beach have suffered enough at the hands of Mr. Peotter, this last
embarrassing email blast containing the city seal went too far.
It is incumbent upon our elected officials to act. When Dick Nichols made remarks that were out of line with
the views of Newport Beach he was censured by the council and asked to resign by then Mayor Bromberg.
Enough is enough.
I have attached the article regarding that censure from 2003:
htW:Hartioles.latirnes.com/2003/jul/I6/local/me-new op rt16
Group to Monitor Newport Councilman
Deciding a recall would be damaging to the city, an organization
forms to keep tabs on Nichols' remarks. The official is pleased by the
respite.
July 16, 2003Stanley Allison I Times Staff Writer
a
Email
A Newport Beach businessman said Tuesday he would shelve a campaign to recall Councilman Richard
Nichols but still urged Nichols to resign because of his remarks about Mexicans at Corona del Mar State Beach.
In lieu of a recall effort, a watchdog group will monitor Nichols' public comments, said Lloyd Ikerd, 65, an
industrial and commercial real estate broker.
"We thought to do a recall would do more damage than Nichols has done so far," Ikerd said. "We hope he
realizes he's done a lot of damage in the community" and steps down.
Nichols said his remarks were taken out of context and were being used by political rivals to drive him from
office. "I'm pleased that I'm given a respite," he said Tuesday. "I'm not going to give them the pleasure of
resigning."
The 63 -year-old councilman stirred a furor in June when he said he was against expanding grassy areas at the
state beach as part of a package of proposed improvements, because "with grass we usually get Mexicans
coming in there early in the morning and they claim it as theirs and it becomes their personal, private grounds
all day."
The City Council censured Nichols last week for that and other controversial public remarks he has made
during his first term. Council members said they hoped the episode would pass so the city could move beyond
the unflattering media attention.
Ikerd agreed, saying Tuesday that even though he believes a recall effort would succeed, the process would cast
more unwanted attention on the city.
"I don't want Newport to become the epicenter of a divisive debate on immigration and intolerance," Ikerd said
in a prepared statement. "The proper forum for the immigration debate is in Congress."
He said a watchdog group of about 20 Newport Beach residents eager to recall Nichols was being organized to
monitor the councilman. And, he said, if Nichols continues to stir controversy, the recall effort will be revived.
"I think Dick Nichols is his own worst enemy," Ikerd said, "and there's no question that his tirades will
continue."
But the threat of a recall might cause him to think before speaking, Ikerd said.
Mayor Steve Bromberg, who has called for Nichols to resign, said he supported Ikerd's decision, noting a recall
drive could last as long as a year and, even though he believes it would be successful, "it would be disruptive to
city business, and I just don't think that's in the best interest of the city."
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 10:52 AM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
From: Signe Keller
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 10:50:39 AM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office
Subject: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
Please include the following comments into the public record:
Mayor Selich & City Council Members:
Councilman Peotter's expressed views and opinions as a council member do not support equality for all his
constituents. His opinions are harmful to the city and to residents and businesses he is supposed to represent.
Since he has demonstrated that he is incapable of effectively representing his constituents, he must vacate his
position on the council, either voluntarily or by mandate.
Signe Keller
20 Chatelaine, Newport Coast, CA 92657
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 10:57 AM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer, Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
From: Ann Quinn
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 10:56:24 AM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office; Kiff, Dave
Subject: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
Please include the following comments into the public record:
Mayor Selich & City Council Members:
Councilman Peotter's expressed views and opinions as a council member that do not support equality for all his
constituents. His opinions are harmful to the city and to residents and businesses he is supposed to represent. I
acknowledge Mr Peotter's personal freedom of speech but not as a public figure using the City Council's or the City of
Newport Beach's letterhead.
I am appalled by the lack of compassion and equality in Mr Peotter's ranting statements! I would ask he remove himself
from our City government as he obviously does not believe in The American system of Equality for All!
Thank you for your time.
Annie Quinn
VERY Concerned Newport Beach Resident
Ann Quinn
225 Lexington Circle
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Sent from my iPhone
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 10:58 AM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
From: nikki smith
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 10:57:27 AM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office
Subject: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
Please include the following comments into the public record: Mayor Selich & City Council Members: Councilman Peotter's expressed
views and opinions as a council member do not support equality for all his constituents. His opinions are harmful to the city and to
residents and businesses he is supposed to represent. Since he has demonstrated that he is incapable of effectively representing his
constituents, he must vacate his position on the council, either voluntarily or by mandate. Name Address Council District (if you know it)
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 11:31 AM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
From: M. Rumsfeld
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 11:30:31 AM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office
Subject: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
Please include the following comments into the public record: Mayor Selich & City Council Members: Councilman Peotter's expressed
views and opinions as a council member do not support equality for all his constituents. His opinions are harmful to the city and to
residents and businesses he is supposed to represent. Since he has demonstrated that he is incapable of effectively representing his
constituents, he must vacate his position on the council, either voluntarily or by mandate.
Scott Pectter needs to go. I expect it will have to be by mandate. Please step up and do what is in the best interest of our exceptional
city.
Thank you
Meg Rumsfeld
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 12:39 PM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
From: Judy Strauss
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 12:38:59 PM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office
Subject: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
Please include the following comments into the public record:
Mayor Selich & City Council Members:
Councilman Peotter's expressed views and opinions as a council member do not support equality for all his constituents.
His opinions are harmful to the city and to residents and businesses he is supposed to represent.
Since he has demonstrated that he is incapable of effectively representing his constituents, he must vacate his position
on the council, either voluntarily or by mandate.... NOW. We are irate at this irresponsible AND reprehensible
behavior ... AND EMBARASSED.
Judy and Steve Strauss
2501 Island View Dr. Corona del Mar
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 1:00 PM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Public Comments: July 14 Agenda Item #XVII
From: Sharon Fisher
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 1:00:16 PM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office
Subject: Public Comments: July 14 Agenda Item #XVII
Please include my comments in the public record:
Mayor Selich & City Council Members:
As a citizen of Newport Beach, I am repeatedly disgusted by Scott Peotter's behavior as a city official of Newport Beach;
most recently his use of the City of Newport Beach seal on personal e-mails and correspondence including his recent e-
mail criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriage should be halted immediately. Peotter can have his
personal opinions, but should not tie them to the City in any way.
Peotter has been and is bad news for the City of Newport Beach. I wonder what's next. I, for one, don't want someone
like him representing the City of Newport Beach in any official capacity and dread him serving out his term on the City
Council. I do hope people will pay attention and vote in the next election to remove Peotter from office. We don't
need someone like Peotter on our City Council. We need individuals that will take constructive action to address the
real issues of the City of Newport Beach.
Sharon Fisher
11 Avignon, Newport Coast, CA 92657
Council District 7
Sent from my iPhone
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 1:01 PM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Public Comments: July 14 Agenda Item #XVII
From: Jill Deal
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 1:01:12 PM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office
Subject: Public Comments: July 14 Agenda Item #XVII
Please include my comments in the public record:
Mayor Selich & City Council Members:
I am a resident of and taxpayer to Newport Beach. I am appalled by the Council's failure to condemn and censure Mr.
Poetter's outrageous homophobic comments issued under this City's seal. Just issuing new guidelines on use of the City
seal will not be enough to compensate our citizens for the damage he has done and continues to do to our City's
reputation. He needs housetraining. You need to show that you are doing housetraining ON HIM, so that he will not
repeat this type of mindless and offensive conduct. Otherwise, we will soon see a Peotter pinata pictured nationwide
and the city will be a laughingstock. If anyone is thinking of circulating a petition for his immediate removal, I am glad to
sign it to get this guy out ASAP.
Jill Deal
505 Playa
Newport Beach 92660
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 2:55 PM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
From: Alice
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2015 2:54:56 PM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office
Subject: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
Please include the following comments into the public record:
Mayor Selich & City Council Members:
Councilman Peotter's expressed views and opinions as a council member do not support equality for all his constituents.
His opinions are harmful to the city and to residents and businesses he is supposed to represent.
Since he has demonstrated that he is incapable of effectively representing his constituents, he must vacate his position
on the council, either voluntarily or by mandate.
Name Alice Coons
Address 207 Iris Ave
Council District (if you know it)
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. '
From: City Clerk's Office
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2015 3:09 PM
To: McDonald, Cristal; Mulvey, Jennifer; Rieff, Kim
Subject: FW: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
From: Diana snider
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2015 3:09:06 PM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
To: Dept - City Council; City Clerk's Office
Subject: Public Comments for July 14 Agenda Item XVII
Please include the following comments into the public record:
Mayor Selich & City Council Members:
Councilman Peotter's expressed views and opinions as a council member do not support equality for all his constituents.
His opinions are harmful to the city and to residents and businesses he is supposed to represent.
Since he has demonstrated that he is incapable of effectively representing his constituents, he must vacate his position
on the council, either voluntarily or by mandate.
Name Diana Snider
Address 18 Villeneuve
Council District (if you know it)Newport Coast, ca 92657
Thank you!
Diana Snider
July 14, 2015
Special Meeting Item No. 1
R 'r' -%F1% er'
7915 JUL € 3 g'i 10' 38 7-9-2015
Dear Mr. Mayor,
L
I saw the story on the news Wednesday evening about what Peotter posted on his
website, and I am writing to you and the rest of the city counsel to say that I agree with his
open stance against the Supreme Court's ruling. Contrary to Peotter opponent's claim, this
is not about homophobia, this is about democracy that was overturned by liberal judges.
Argument; Prop. 8 was passed back in 2008 by more than 51% of California voters. The
law says only the voters can overturn this decision.
Question; Where does it say in the US Constitution that the government can overturn
this decision?
Question; What's the point of registered voters casting their votes on an issue if the
government is going to overturn their majority decision?
Argument; That's not democracy, that's socialism.
Argument; Sound studies show that hate crimes are not based on rational and logic
based evidence but on rash thinking and/or ignorance, or being mislead by propaganda (as
proven with Nazi Germany and the holocaust).
Question; How is speaking out against something based on rational or logical
disagreement an act of hate crime?
Question; Science does not support the claim that homosexuality is genetic. How is this
hate based on rash thinking?
Argument; Smoking, drug use and alcoholism is higher among homosexuals than among
heterosexuals.
Question; How does this prove that homosexuality is normal?
Argument; This is a sign that homosexuals live miserable lives, that their lives are
empty, and they're resorting to these additions to fill the void that's inside them.
Question; How are we really helping them by legalizing their same sex lifestyle? This is
only going to drive them deeper into this void.
A famed liberal attorney in the city of Houston Tx. name Alan Dershowitz said; "It is so
inconsistent with American law and American tradition ... you don't go after the minister
for preaching the gospel in a way that you disagree with."
I must advise all of you to stand strong with Mr. Poetter on this issue.
Thank you.
July 14, 2015
Brown, Leilani Special Meeting Item No. 1
From:
Harp, Aaron
Sent:
Monday, July 13, 2015 12:48 PM
To:
Brown, Leilani
Subject:
FW: Scott Peotter
For record.
From: Laura McCants [mailto:lauramccants(@cox.net]
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 12:32 PM
To: Harp, Aaron
Subject: Fwd: Scott Peotter
Dear Mr. Harp -
Please see my email to the City Manager and Council below.
Please do whatever you can to stop this bullying and bigoted
behavior on the part of Mr. Peotter. He is a Financial liability to our
City.
Respectfully,
Laura McCants
Dear Mr. Kiff -
Below is an email that I have sent to all of the Council Members this
evening. I understand that you are potentially in a precarious
position on this matter in a few ways, but specifically that you work
at the Councils pleasure and your livelihood depends on them.
However, please work for the Residents (behind the scenes if you
need to), to stop this bully. He just wants a platform to spew his
personal beliefs and hatred from. He is an embarrassment
to our City and to all of us who appreciate the hard and really good
work that you and your staff do for all of us.
Please let me know what else we can do to stop this man?
Respectfully,
Laura McCants
Letters to the Council
Please join the other Council Members and find a way to censure Mr. Peotter.
Scott has been trying to hide his bigoted feelings behind Christianity and using
the City of Newport Beach as his pulpit. He spews hate that the rest of us
Christians don't believe in. God made all men and women and he doesn't make
anyjunk.
This man seems to be self serving and petty. He spends the Councils and the
Staffs time constantly looking at what HAS been done by previous Councils,
instead of what NEEDS to be done for our city. I don't believe he represents the
City of Newport Beach in a professional way, he is embarrassing. He is also a
cheater, when it comes to campaign contributions. He thinks he can just pretend
he doesn't know what he is doing, but he does. If he has run his own business for
35 years, shouldn't he be able to keep better books?
Is this what he teaches his children? You just pretend you don't know what you
are doing, then when you get caught, you play dumb?
Is this what we are teaching our children and grandchildren? That it's okay for people in power to
get away with this behavior? We wouldn't let our children, co-workers, employees or friends get
away with this, would you ?
Please, do the right thing and stand up for all of us who are watching.
Respectfully,
Laura McC ants
Newport Beach, CA
949-910-0411
Sent from iPad
Laura McCants 949-910-0411 Sent from iPad