MAILBAG:

Too bad there isn’t a credible polling organization in Costa Mesa to rely on. So far, it’s hard to know which candidates are up in the polls, who is about to throw in the towel, and how many of them have decided to get ready for the 2010 election.

However, two weeks before the “D” day, it appears that Katrina Foley and Jim Righeimer have a comfortable lead over the other candidates.

It looks like they might even have their tickets in the bag. Recently, the Daily Pilot disclosed its list of preference and not surprisingly it has endorsed Foley and Righeimer.

Although I don’t agree with Righeimer’s policies, I think he does bring needed character and independence to the City Council.

These qualities were hardly seen during Allan Mansoor’s tenure and the current administration. Still though, he hasn’t lived in Costa Mesa long enough to lead our city.

I also believe that Foley, by far, is the best candidate of the two.

Gary Monahan made the Daily Pilot’s wish list as well. I guess the editors quickly forgot he had 12 years to fix our economic and social woes as mayor and council member, respectively.

When Monahan had his chances, he didn’t do the job. He held his own during his first two tenures, but in the last one he failed miserably.

After making commitments with Mansoor and his faction, Monahan helped turn our “City of the Arts” into “Costa Migra,” despite the fact that more than 30% of the population has a Latino background.

Also, the Daily Pilot forgot to mention that if Monahan wins, Costa Mesa taxpayers would have to arrange a decent retiring package for him. Instead of electing him again, I think a better idea would be to push a term-limit initiative (two terms only) to stop people from taking advantage of our political system and taxpayers’ money.

I’m glad Eric Bever wasn’t mentioned by the Daily Pilot.

I don’t know if his refusal to have an interview with the editors affected his chance to get an endorsement, but I know he showed no independence during his years in office. His defeat will be a great loss for Mansoor, who pretty much babysat him on the floor.

Nick Moss, Chris McEvoy and Lisa Reedy brought a lot of enthusiasm to the campaign, but I don’t think they are ready to run the city yet.

After the election, they should try to get their names available for commission jobs to get experience; then they should run for office.

That leaves Chris Bunyan, Bill Sneen and, of course, Gary Monahan fighting for the last ticket.

Since this election is about “change” and the “future,” local residents must be careful about whom to vote for. Monahan represents the past and more of the same. Twelve years was enough for him.

GLORIA M. MUNOZ

Costa Mesa

Voting for Obama? Forget about it!

I find it hard to believe after watching all four debates that anyone could still be willing to vote for Obama. His own running mate called him “too inexperienced to run this country” while he was trying to secure the presidential nomination.

This makes Mr. Biden a liar either then or now. Which is it? Obama has said he is willing to have talks with Iran without preconditions. An enemy of the United States since the Carter administration. Holding Americans hostage for more than a year.

Obama wants to socialize our medical insurance. No thank you! He continues to claim he will cut the taxes of 95% of Americans. I hear these type of statements every election year yet my taxes go up.

McCain may not be the best choice but if he is the only other I am voting for McCain!

JOHN WILLIAMS

Garden Grove

Dolores Otting is the right fit for council

Bravo for your endorsement of Dolores Otting for Newport Beach City Council. Residents have welcomed her much-needed her integrity, honesty and full representation of the community.

LINDA C. OROZCO

Newport Beach