POP Goes the Zippi

Back in 2006, Former Assemblyman Gil Ferguson went and visited then-County Treasurer John Moorlach and asked if he would take over his Political Club he founded in 1984, Principle of Politics. Because of John's upcoming Supervisor race, he deferred and the reins of the club were handed over in late 2006 to Marianne Zippi. Although I had heard about that transition a few times over the past few months, it really didn't click until I received the notice for the upcoming meeting and saw, towards the bottom, in the middle column the criticism that was geared (in large font) to the Balboa Bay Club for their lack of parking validation. I also noticed the large amounts of exclamation marks at the end of those statements. Something seemed oddly familiar, and upon further inspection, I saw Marianne Zippi's name and then I remembered. First, I got sad again thinking of Former Assemblyman Ferguson's passing and then I got nervous for the future of POP. For those who are familiar with Freenewport.com have seen Marianne's many, many..."Salty" comments and her many exclamation marks!!!!! I have been victim of many of those attack/comments on that message board, but I wouldn't consider myself too special, since she has quite a track record for her comments in the past, whether they have been geared towards the Newport Beach establishment (Tod Ridgeway in particular) or the GOP "Good Old Boys" or "insiders" who don't "want a woman to run for the office." Someone should tell that to Former State Senator/State Assemblywoman/County Supervisor Marian Bergeson, County Supervisors Pat Bates and Janet Nguyen, or Assemblywoman/State Senate Candidate (endorsed by the GOP "Good Old Boys") Mimi Walters and her heir apparent, Dana Point Mayor Diane Harkey. But Marianne isn't the reason why I'm nervous for POP. Principle over Politics was Gil's baby. His 23 year old baby that he and Anita cared for, nurtured, groomed, and watch grow. Grow to fill up and overflow rooms at the Balboa Bay Club and attract speakers from all over. Any person who would have stepped in to fill Gil's shoes would be in for a monumental task. Whoever stepped in would have to keep the club moving in such a direction which could keep its membership (who were there for Gil) as well as be able to attract new members. When the Republican Party of Orange County's Chairman, Thomas A Fuentes stepped down after 20 years, Former Assemblyman Scott Baugh stepped in and at first, did not get an easy time at it, but a few years later, he has added those new members (with money) while being able to keep the machine moving forward with Republican advancements in Democrat areas. Marianne has inherited Gil's legacy, something that now County Supervisor Moorlach knew he wanted no part of. She has been given the task of keeping Gil's juggernaut rolling. I wish you luck Marianne and hope you can keep the club something which is a feel-good place, free of hate and venom, OPEN for ALL Conservative (Republicans and non-Republicans) people and ideals (not all conservatives are Republican, especially lately), because that is what Gil Ferguson made, it is what Gil Ferguson nurtured and it was what made the club great. I myself will be sending in my membership dues in soon.