Laguna Wood City Council Appointment Raises Questions Posted by CotoBlogzz 03/19/2009 4:30 PM City of Laguna Woods city manager Leslie Keane has confirmed that Cynthia Conners was appointed unanimously by the city council yesterday, to fill the vacant seat left by the death of Mayor Pro Tem Brenda Ross Although Ms. Conners’ appointment was not unexpected, particularly given the previously stated preferences (shown below), the appointment does raise several questions. Council member Council Member Hack:
Stated preferences Noel Hatch and Ruth May
Council Member Rhodes:
Ruth May and Cynthia Conners
Mayor Pro Tem Robbins:
Cynthia Conners and Noel Hatch
Mayor Ring:
Cynthia Conners, Ruth May and Noel Hatch
For example, CotoBuzz readers are wondering about the unanimous vote, as well as the timing: Ms. Conners has stated that given the recent political assassination of Ms. K. McDaniel from the Third board, she feels she can leave the board “on good hands”. Further, other candidates argue that they are more qualified than Ms. Connors, having previously been candidates for city council and having attended every council meeting, but such candidates state that “we now have all former GRF or Mutual Board members on the City Council.” and is “it’s strange that Ms. Connors has no City Council experience and only a couple of years in the city” So we asked the city council members to respond, either individually and or collectively, as to why they think Ms. Conners was the most qualified candidate, So far, we have not heard from city hall.