Clauson is the right person for the job

For two decades, before his retirement in August, City Atty. Bob

Burnham saw a lot of debates. But there seemed to be no debate over

his replacement, Robin Clauson.

The Newport Beach City Council voted Dec. 14 to select Clauson as

city attorney, the first woman to ever hold the position.

It was the right move, and we wish her well.

Clauson’s appointment seemed to come with a minimum of fanfare.

Perhaps it’s because it came just after a busy election season. Also,

Councilman Steve Bromberg was appointed mayor by the council the same

night that Clauson, 48, was appointed. It hasn’t hurt that Burnham

has worked with the city on a consulting basis since his departure,

which has made the transition smoother. But maybe Clauson’s quiet

taking of the helm has more to do with the fact that she simply

brings a depth of knowledge about the city and her job that makes the

change from Burnham to her so seamless.

The San Diego native brings 15 years of experience as an assistant

city attorney -- experience built from a love for municipal law. That

fulfillment has brought her into contact with 11 city departments as

an assistant city attorney, learning something new all of the time,

she said.

People speak highly of her, too.

“I’ve worked with her for 12 years,” Bromberg said back in

November, when candidates were being sought. “I know her work ethic

very well. She’s right at the top of the curve.”

And the curves will come. Clauson, whose contract stipulates an

annual salary of $165,000 through May 2006, will have to wind her way

through some fairly hefty municipal issues right off of the bat.

Officials and local residents will be looking for ways to use the

Marinapark property on the Balboa Peninsula -- a recent issue that

highlighted wedges between local pro- and anti-development forces.

Water-quality and code-enforcement issues are on the horizon for next

year, as is finding a new assistant city attorney to replace her.

She’ll have to lead the way on annexation procedures for West

Santa Ana Heights, hash out agreements regarding John Wayne Airport

and continue relationships with local, state and federal officials.

What fun!

Through it all, we hope that Clauson will ensure that City Council

actions fall within the constraints of the law while responding

fairly to quality-of-life issues around the city.