Burciaga’s back in town

LOLITA HARPER

Welcome to Burciaga Boulevard. Destination: Costa Mesa City Council.

Mirna Burciaga, who is a trailblazer in respect to civic duty,

will take her place on the Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 1

after the resignation of Commissioner Kelly Feldman and an

appointment by Councilwoman Libby Cowan. And while her input on

subjects such as pedestrian and bicycle pathways has yet to be heard,

there is no question about Burciaga’s political track.

When I asked the mother, business owner, Chairwoman of the Costa

Mesa Human Relations Committee and future commissioner about her

plans to pursue a seat on the City Council, she chuckled.

“I have some ideas about that,” she said. “I have some plans about

running. It is definitely something I want to do.”

Ah hah. So, was her posturing on the parks commission a calculated

move to elevate her status in the community and therefore make her a

stronger candidate for a council run in 2004?

“I don’t see it that way,” Burciaga said. “I was really surprised

when Libby asked me, I didn’t even know anyone was leaving.”

Burciaga said Cowan approached her, expressed confidence in her

qualifications for the position and asked if she would consider

stepping into Feldman’s vacancy. Burciaga said she thought about it

and realized it fell in line with a lot of what she had been doing in

the community already, in regards to after school facilities and

such.

It also happened to be a step in the right direction toward

becoming an elected official, she admitted.

Cowan’s answer on Burciaga’s appointment demonstrated the

councilwoman’s political savvy. Did she strategically appoint

Burciaga to elevate her status in the community and make her a

stronger candidate for a council run?

“Absolutely,” Cowan said.

Cowan, who will be termed out in 2004 and leave an empty seat on

the dais, said she saw Burciaga as a “rising star in the community.”

Her position on the Parks and Recreation Commission will bring a

needed perspective, and Burciaga will undoubtedly have many

contributions to make to this ever-changing and growing city.

Burciaga’s new position also satisfies the need for a highly

underrepresented portion of the community, Cowan said.

“I do believe the Latino community is largely underrepresented [in

an official capacity], and as a community it is maturing, and Mirna

is a sign of that,” Cowan said. “The appointment takes that next step

and gives her an opportunity to participate at the city level. And I

certainly encourage her to pursue whatever political position she

wants to.”

The last two City Council races were dominated by the “improvers”

and resulted in the elections of Councilman Chris Steel in 2000 and

Councilman Allan Mansoor in 2002. While each man holds his individual

positions on various subjects, the overarching “improver” agenda

calls for increased scrutiny of social programs and a more fiscally

conservative local government.

Cowan, Steel and Councilman Mike Scheafer -- who was appointed

after former Mayor Karen Robinson resigned to become a judge -- will

see the end of their tenures in November, leaving Cowan’s position

wide open. Hers is a pivotal seat, as Cowan is regarded as the last

“liberal” anchor on the dais. Depending on whether Steel is able to

retain his position, debatable, and on Scheafer’s popularity with the

electorate, Cowan’s replacement could mean the difference between an

all-male, all-Republican council and one with a little more

diversity.

How about a Latina to add a little spice to the dais?

That is the target of Burciaga’s path. But has she traveled far

enough to make a run in 2004? And is she ready to take Cowan’s spot?

“Those are questions she has to answer,” Cowan said. “But I think

she has paid her dues to the community and if she feels she is ready,

then all the better.”

So, Mirna, are you ready for November 2004?

“I think so,” she said. “I have to start working on a campaign and

working on support but by that time I should have it in place. I am

looking toward 2004 at this point, but you never know. People always

say, ‘One second can change the rest of your life,’ so we’ll see.”

November is still 11 months away. For now, she is focused on her

leadership of the Human Relations Committee and her upcoming gig on

the Parks and Recreation Commission.

“I just want to serve my community,” she said. “We can’t just

complain about things. We have to come up with some solutions and be

part of the solution. ... We’ll see what I can do.”

Yep, we certainly will.

* LOLITA HARPER writes columns Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4275 or by e-mail at

[email protected].