Newport Beach, California's Republican Mayor Will O'Neill recently voiced strong criticisms of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz during a television appearance on Fox & Friends.

O'Neill expressed his concerns over Walz's public safety policies and leadership style as the governor prepares for a fundraising event in the locality, comparing the VP candidate to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, as Fox News reports.

The mayor highlighted the contrasting governance styles of his city compared to those of Democratic-led cities, particularly in the context of public safety.

His comments come ahead of a scheduled visit by Walz, who will be speaking at a major union event in Los Angeles before heading to Newport Beach for a high-dollar fundraiser.

Contrasting Public Safety Policies Ahead of Walz's Visit

The Republican mayor criticized the approach to public safety by both Walz and Newsom.

He drew parallels between the unrest in Minneapolis during the 2020 George Floyd riots and similar disturbances in California cities like Los Angeles and Oakland.

O'Neill described the governance by Walz and Newsom as showing "different sides of the same blue coin," suggesting a similarity in their policy outcomes that have led to public disorder in their respective states.

High-Profile Fundraiser Sparks Local Critique

As Walz prepares to attend a fundraising event with tickets costing as much as $100,000, O'Neill has dubbed this visit "donor tourism." He criticized the stark differences in public safety and economic conditions between Los Angeles and Newport Beach, implying that the governor might learn something from the conservative governance of Newport Beach.

O'Neill proposed an alternative itinerary for the governor's visit, suggesting a tour of Newport Beach's police department and discussions with local community members who are supportive of the police.

A Local Perspective on National Politics

During his television appearance, O'Neill also commented on the shifting policy positions of Vice President Kamala Harris since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee. He used this point to further criticize the Democratic leadership, suggesting that even within California, places like Newport Beach remain "pockets of sanity" amidst broader state challenges.

The mayor's invitation to Walz was framed as an opportunity to showcase a city that has not cut police funding and prioritizes economic stability and quality of life over political contributions.

Offering a Lesson in Conservative Governance

O'Neill expressed his desire to have Walz witness firsthand the conditions of Los Angeles and then compare them to Newport Beach, hoping it might inspire a rethink in the governor's approach to governance.

"I hope while he is in his armored vehicles going through the streets of Los Angeles, he actually spends time looking out and seeing the streets filled with encampments and crime, and by the time he gets to Newport Beach where we've got paved roads and a clean environment, that he will actually spend some time looking around and say, okay, maybe that, maybe Newport Beach," O'Neill stated.

Conservative Values Spotlighted During Fundraising Tour

"As the Mayor of Newport Beach, a city with a 7-0 Republican City Council, I welcome Gov. Walz to spend time with our City leadership while he’s dipping into some of our residents’ pockets," said O'Neill. He emphasized the success of Newport Beach in maintaining safety and economic prosperity without yielding to pressure to defund the police or compromise on conservative principles.

O'Neill’s invitation to Walz includes a promise to demonstrate how conservative governance can lead to the flourishing of a city without the turmoil seen in other urban areas affected by similar policies.

Newport Beach's Conservative Success as a Model

In conclusion, Mayor Will O'Neill’s critique of Gov. Tim Walz's upcoming visit to Newport Beach underscores a significant ideological divide.

O'Neill sees this visit as a chance to highlight the successes of conservative management in a state largely dominated by Democratic leadership.

He hopes to contrast the vibrant, safe streets of Newport Beach against the challenging scenes often witnessed in other Californian cities governed by Democrats.