EDITORIAL:

Four Costa Mesa City Council members had the good sense to move forward on a project to repave and rehabilitate old Newport Boulevard, Victoria Street, Adams Avenue, Wilson Street and Mendoza Drive.

The first step: design plans, at a cost of $500,000.

The hitch: The remainder of the project would be funded by the federal stimulus package working its way back to the House.

So kudos to Allan Mansoor, Katrina Foley, Gary Monahan and Wendy Leece for their entirely appropriate votes.

Which brings us to the lone no vote cast by Councilman Eric Bever.

The reason?

“I have concerns regarding the federal stimulus program. It’s not well enough defined, [I] do not want to add to the momentum for it at this point.”

Councilman Bever, you’ve got to be kidding.

Do you really believe that Costa Mesa can make or break the federal stimulus package? Or, for that matter, even make a dent? If so, you’re thinking way above your pay grade.

The fact is, Costa Mesa has no control over the federal stimulus package.

But it does have control over local projects that could be funded under the package.

Old Newport Boulevard, Victoria Street, Adams Avenue, Wilson Street and Mendoza Drive sorely need rehabilitation, regardless if you support the stimulus package or not.

In other words, don’t throw out the baby with the bath water.