Author: Franklin J. Lunding

Politicians often run for office promising transparency and a commitment to democratic principles. However, once in office, some elected officials ignore their campaign promises and act in ways that subvert rather than support their constituents.

Treseder ran for Irvine City Council in 2022, promising “transparency and accountability.” She’s running for re-election this year, making those same promises. However, a review of her record shows that Councilmember Treseder has actively worked to deny Irvine voters their democratic right to weigh-in on critical matters.

Irvine City Manager Sean Crumby recently reported that economic instability nationwide has led to rising costs locally. Those rising costs, coupled with new Council programs, have resulted in a projected $6 million budget overage.

These are the same three Councilmembers who have kept us stuck in the costly Orange County Power Authority (OCPA). In the last four years — including projections through the end of calendar year 2026 — OCPA has cost our City government and Irvine’s electricity customers (both residents and businesses) nearly $100 million in overcharges.

As we approach Earth Day on April 22nd, it seems appropriate to take a look back at Irvine’s impressive environmental leadership and see what’s next for our remarkably “green” City.

Like most good things in Irvine, none of these accomplishments happened by accident. Irvine has been fortunate to have been led by a number of environmental champions.