Mayor will not seek second council term

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- In a move that surprised even those closest to City

Hall, Mayor John Noyes announced Tuesday night that he will not seek a

second term on the City Council.

Noyes, who represents Balboa Island, did not offer an explanation for his

decision during the council meeting.

During a break, Noyes said, “It’s too complicated,” declining to comment

further.

City officials said they were perplexed by the abrupt announcement,

because they heard as recently as Friday that Noyes would be running for

reelection in November.

Planning Commission Chairman Ed Selich said Tuesday he had no idea Noyes

would not run again.

“I’m surprised,” Selich said. “I think it’ll be a loss to the city.”

Noyes, who owns and operates a jewelry store, was elected to the council

in 1996 and was appointed by his council colleagues as mayor in 1999.

Community activist Phil Arst, who was at the meeting, said he thought

Noyes had done “a fine job” on the council and was shocked by the

decision.

“Wow,” Arst said. “The question is: Who is going to run for his seat?”

Balboa Island community leader Jack Callahan, who has toyed with the idea

of campaigning for a council post, was also surprised by Noyes’

announcement.

Steve Bromberg, who is also involved in the island community, said

perhaps Noyes opted to get out of the limelight.

“I can only assume he knows what is best for himself,” Bromberg said.

“Being on the council in Newport is difficult. It can be uncomfortable

under a microscope like that.”

Former Mayor Clarence Turner, who also was at Tuesday’s meeting, said it

is not unusual for a mayor to step down after a certain amount of time in

office.

“It’s a tough job, more grueling than people realize,” Turner said.