Mayor: All debts resolved

Public revelations that Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich has racked up more than $2 million in liens spanning three decades do not seem to have affected his colleagues’ view him.

Public records show Selich has had numerous liens filed against him dating back to 1981. The liens range from a few dollars to a $1.6-million lien for several years’ worth of federal taxes filed in 2007. Other liens are for homeowners association dues, state taxes and property taxes.

For his part, Selich said all liens have been resolved.

Selich’s fellow Newport Beach City Council members either declined to comment on Selich’s lengthy list of liens, or said the matter didn’t affect their opinion of the mayor.

The council unanimously voted Selich to a second term as mayor earlier this month. Selich ran unopposed to retain his council seat earlier this year and has, for the most part, enjoyed popularity during his tenure on the dais.

“It’s a personal financial matter for him, and I’m not even aware if it’s even true or not,” Councilman Steve Rosansky.

Councilman Don Webb said he trusted Selich.

“If Ed says he’s resolved them, then I trust him,” Webb said.

The mayor declined to comment outside of reading a prepared statement.

“These tax liens were the result of past investment activities and all liens were satisfied. In regard to the federal tax lien, it was resolved in my favor — in fact I was rewarded a $135,000 refund for overpaying my taxes,” Selich said. “These do not have anything to do with my duties as a City Council member. I suspect bringing these to the attention of the press is just an attempt by some disgruntled person or persons to discredit my reputation.”

Jack Wu, a local blogger and former spokesman for the political action committee Newporters for Ethical Government, said rumors about Selich’s liens have been floating around for a long time.

“A lien doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a deadbeat or whatnot,” Wu said. “People fall behind sometimes.”

Newporters for Ethical Government sent out political mailers during the last election critical of Rosansky’s past financial dealings.

The group also knew about Selich’s tax liens, but chose not bring up the issue, Wu said.

“There wasn’t anyone running against Ed — he wins regardless,” Wu said. “It really would be futile. What political purpose would it serve to release that information? Even if one person votes, he wins.”

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