Commentary: City has no need for a Fairview Park survey

I have read blogger Geoff West’s Feb. 21 commentary, “Push for Fairview Park survey is just a ploy,” and Mayor Steve Mensinger’s Feb. 13 commentary, “A survey can help us reach consensus on Fairview Park.”

I agree with West’s views. I too oppose Mensinger’s proposal for a Fairview Park sports field survey.

The survey is not needed, because the vast majority of the residents who have attended the Fairview Park Citizens Advisory Committee meetings have spoken in opposition to sports fields. In many cases, these residents frequently use the park or would be most harmed by development of sports fields. Even Mensinger acknowledged their opposition in his commentary.

I am very skeptical of Mensinger’s survey proposal. I question his underlying motivation and his respect for Fairview’s natural qualities. Remember his near-complete lack of criticism of the illegal and destructive gravel path that mysteriously developed in Fairview Park. In addition, I am concerned about the objectivity, design and process associated with such a survey proposal.

It may not be possible for the survey to be objective, because Mensinger acknowledged in his commentary that those who support leaving the park alone were possibly in the majority, but then went on to say, “Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that there’s no stronger advocate for solving our field space issues than me.”

Thousands of people read the Daily Pilot and may have been swayed by the unsubstantiated claim of a sports field space issue and could have taken his comment, even though they may have no stake in the matter, as instructions to answer the survey in support of his position. This would be like a judge issuing biased jury instructions.

I am also concerned about the design of the survey. Will it be a push poll? There should be no survey or push poll.

In addition, I have concerns about the process of developing the survey. Who will review the survey information and questions for accuracy and objectivity? Will the survey describe the negative physical, archaeological and environmental effects on the park, the costs of developing and maintaining sports fields, the water consumption and the increase in traffic and parking problems in neighborhoods near the park?

The real need is for more existing sports fields to be lighted. So let’s solve this problem with our tax money and drop the survey and the idea of sports fields.

CHARLES MOONEY lives in Costa Mesa.