By ICN Editorial Board

Vote "yes" on Irvine's future by re-electing Mayor Don Wagner , and electing Carrie O'Malley and Anthony Kuo to city council. Irvine City News strongly endorses Mayor Don Wagner for a second term as mayor. ICN also endorses Irvine Planning Commissioner Anthony Kuo and Irvine Transportation Commission Vice Chair Carrie O'Malley to fill the two open seats on the city council. Our endorsement can be explained with one word: Optimism. We believe in Irvine, in its past, present and future. This is one of the most successful cities in the United States. We have excellent schools, low crime, a strong economy and a beautiful and clean environment. Need an example of that excellence? We just got the news Irvine is once again the Safest City of its size in the country. That's the 13th year in a row Irvine has been ranked safest of its size based on FBI crime statistics for violent crimes. This year, Irvine also ranked first for lowest property crime per capita. On page five of this issue you'll read that Irvine was recently ranked the second-best city in the country to raise a family. It's just one of many accolades Irvine achieves, with new superlatives and high rankings announced regularly. The success Irvine enjoys does not come easily. It takes the best teachers, police officers, volunteers, city staffers, civic leaders, citizens, businesses and nonprofits to keep Irvine operating at the highest levels. It also takes committed and experienced leaders in the mayor's office and on the city council. That's what we have in Don Wagner. He's a proven leader. In just two years in office, he's shown he's a steady hand guiding our city into the future. In our cover story we make the case for why Mayor Don Wagner is our choice to continue as the civic leader of Irvine. He's experienced, established and even inspirational. He stands for something, and believes in the future of Irvine. Mayor Wagner has shown no reticence in tackling tough issues, including traffic, the county's homeless population, Measure B, proposals for a massive development on county land, and more. We also strongly endorse Irvine Planning Commissioner Anthony Kuo and Irvine Transportation Commission Vice Chair Carrie O'Malley for election to the city council, joining with the Orange County Business Council and many others in the city in so doing. O'Malley's many endorsements include Orange County Taxpayers Association and the California Women's Leadership Association (CWLA), a statewide organization that brings together influential women to affect meaningful change in communities and government. Kuo has been endorsed by the Irvine Police Association, among a multitude of Irvine residents, leaders and organizations listed on his campaign website. O'Malley and Kuo have proven their commitment to serving the city, and will bring new energy, diversity and ideas to the city council. One of the things we admire most about Wagner, Kuo and O'Malley is that they're positive people, optimistic about Irvine's future and willing to do the hard work to make sure we maintain our quality of life and vibrant economy. There is always room for improvement in any city, even one as well run and successful as Irvine. But if one listens to the "No on B" slate of candidates running for mayor and the two open city council seats, you might think Irvine is a failed city in need of saving. The coordinated campaign of Ed Pope, Jaci Woods and Frank McGill revolves around a single issue: Measure B. That's the veterans cemetery issue that was decided last summer, when voters chose to reverse zoning text amendments that would have allowed the cemetery to be built the Strawberry Fields site. We've looked closely at the campaign websites and materials for each one of the "No on B" candidates, to see what they stand for, rather than just what they're against. Do they have plans and aspirations for the future of the city, and the many people who make their home in it? Or is the Irvine they believe in a place from the past of 30, 40 or more years ago? For those who believe in the Irvine of today and tomorrow, who remain optimistic and positive about the city, who show up to do the hard work to continue Irvine's success, the choice is clear. Vote for Mayor Don Wagner, Carrie O'Malley and Anthony Kuo on Nov. 6. Editor's Note: Irvine City News will preview city council candidates in next month's issue.