CAROL WILSON, Capistrano Beach
Thank you for your article highlighting Councilman Paul Wyatt. Recognition of his contribution to our community is long overdue. Always honest, kind and willing to hear all sides of an issue, he did his best to always make decisions that would benefit residents and the community overall. He took the time to study the problems and come up with solutions that everyone could support.
As you mentioned in your article, our homeless issue was his biggest accomplishment for Dana Point during his tenure. Having attended some Homeless Committee hearings, his skills in bringing varied opinions and agendas together for a common solution was impressive to observe. The improvement in our homeless situation in Dana Point is the gold standard for the surrounding communities. We owe Paul a big deal of gratitude for his contribution to steering that committee and bringing the improvements we see today.
During the time of our “districting,” he supported getting the residents involved in making the decision of whether to district or not. He was one of the councilmembers who backed holding workshops so residents could get an understanding of what it would mean to Dana Point and our residents. Ultimately, all the input from the community was ignored, and the majority of the council overruled the comments and suggestions of the citizens.
Last year, discussions were held by the council regarding short-term rentals in residential communities. A large number of residents showed up at the council meetings to offer reasons and suggestions on how to approach STRs in Dana Point. Even current owners were in agreement with many of the residents’ viewpoints. Paul sided with the residents that they should have a vote on that issue. Again, the council majority voted against the residents, saying three councilmen should have say-so over what happens on that issue for 30K+ residents. Paul presented respectful, reasonable alternatives that unfortunately fell on deaf ears.
Paul Wyatt embodies how a council person should conduct themselves—always respectful, never bullying others, coming up with common sense suggestions, never discriminating and being a gentleman; he sets a standard for others to live up to. Thank you, Paul, for your time and commitment serving Dana Point for the past four years.
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