Four Councilmembers Vote Against an Irvine Veterans Cemetery

Four Irvine councilmembers voted against a long-promised Veterans Memorial Park & Cemetery on May 27, breaking an 11-year commitment to veterans and their families. Kathleen Treseder, who campaigned on supporting the cemetery, shifted her stance and voted NO, raising questions about her adherence to campaign promises. Councilmembers William Go and Melinda Liu circulated misleading information before the vote, stating the cemetery would clash with the Great Park's amenities. In reality, the cemetery was intended to be located within the park, which is currently under development. Vice Mayor James Mai also voted against the proposal, suggesting that promises made decades ago should be disregarded.

Mayor Larry Agran, who has advocated for the cemetery for over a decade, along with Councilmembers Mike Carroll and Betty Martinez Franco, voted in favor of the initiative, stressing the need for a local resting place for veterans. The council's decision has led to public outcry, reflecting a growing frustration with elected officials' accountability and integrity. This situation underscores the challenge of maintaining trust between elected leaders and their constituents in local governance.