“The initial ruling would remove three of five City Council members from office just days before they will be up for re-election. As a result, the City of Mission Viejo would no longer be able to meet quorum requirements for voting. While the City intends on filing an appeal during the 30-day stay, its top priorities continue to be good governance and serving the residents of Mission Viejo.”
While we respect the Judge’s time and attention to this matter, we disagree with the initial ruling and intend on filing an appeal during the 30-day stay that was granted – before detrimental impacts to the City and its residents take effect.
We believe this ruling overlooks or misinterprets key elements of the prior stipulated judgment to implement district-based voting, which was: (1) twice approved by the court and (2) consistently relied on in good faith by both the City and Plaintiffs.
The initial ruling is entirely impracticable and disruptive to the City’s ability to govern on behalf of its residents.
In addition to delaying and obstructing normal City business, there would not even be enough Council Members to swear in newly elected representatives following the November general election.
Beginning on September 30th, no further decisions to be made at the City Council level until we have elected officials to form a quorum for proper voting purposes.
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