Curry prefers small politics

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of profiles of Newport Beach City Council candidates.

Newport Beach Councilman Keith Curry served in the Reagan administration for five years, but today he prefers the smaller machinations of City Hall.

Why? Results, he said.

“Federal government isn’t that much different from local government, only you actually get things done,” Curry said.

Under Reagan, Curry oversaw private-sector initiatives for mass transit in the West. During his two years as councilman for Newport’s District 7, he led efforts to raise money for a city-sponsored memorial to the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines in Castaways Park and construct the Newport Coast Community Center.

Curry was an outspoken opponent of Measure B, a municipal ballot measure passed earlier this year that requires the next city hall to be built on a piece of city-owned land next to the central library. He frequently sparred publicly with Councilman Steve Rosansky over the measure, and the two had heated exchanges on the dais over the city hall issue.

Now that Measure B has passed and the city is searching for an architect for the multimillion-dollar building project, Curry said he is committed to working “in the spirit of unity” with the rest of the council on the project.

His critics have accused him of politically motivated votes.

Curry voted in favor of an ordinance to increase city fees earlier this year, but later voted against the resolution to pass the ordinance, said community activist Dolores Otting, who is challenging the councilman this election year for the District 7 seat.

“It was a political move to say he voted against the fee increases,” Otting said. “I feel like I am a truly dedicated to the community. Not only will I represent the people in my district, but in all districts ... It’s supposed to be about caring for the people in the community.”

Rehabilitation home activists in Newport Beach accused Curry of political posturing earlier this week when he asked the council to pass a resolution opposing Proposition 5, a statewide ballot measure that would allow more nonviolent drug offenders to attend treatment instead of serving time.

“How dare you, of all people, Mr. Curry, ask this council for a resolution ... even as you attack the residents in the press and at City Council candidate forums,” said activist Lori Morris at the meeting. “Now that it’s election time, you jump on the bandwagon.”

Curry also believes he knows a thing or two about the city’s money and how it should be spent.

He chairs the city’s finance committee, and, as a member of the facilities financing committee, helped develop a plan to build new city parks and other municipal facilities over the next 15 years. He said he wants to remain on the council because he feels he can help Newport grow and prosper.

“The city is at a crossroads,” Curry said. “We have the opportunity to create city security into the next 20 years and create tremendous public value, or we can fail at this task and set our decline into motion.”

Council district: 7

Education: Master’s in public administration, bachelor’s in political science and certificate in urban studies from Cal State Long Beach

Profession: managing director of public financial management

Family: He and wife Pamela have been married for more than 25 years. Their daughter, Julia, is a graduate student at USC.

Years in Newport Beach: 14

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at [email protected].