Environmental and human rightsd groups join forces in opposing the border fence project that will fill in canyon. UT
The S&P restores San Diego's credit rating. UT
Oceanside city council agrees to talks with private firms over airport operation. UT
Now that Oceanside has approved project, developer claims it is not in a hurry to start building. UT
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
70 Hours and Counting: Where’s Jerry Sanders?
Even though blue-collar city workers from AFSCME Local 127 agreed to resume bargaining the moment Jerry Sanders’ poverty pension proposal was shot down late Monday night, Jerry Sanders has yet to sit down to the bargaining table 70 hours later.
Lorena Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, called on Mayor Jerry Sanders to return to the negotiating table.
“We believe Jerry Sanders’ announcement to meet and confer by ballot box is another stunt by his political operation to scapegoat city employees in order to deflect attention from his inability to find solutions to our city’s challenges.
“Late Monday, when he made the political calculation that he didn’t have support for his pension experiment, Jerry Sanders – aided and abetted by Mike Aguirre – delivered a last-minute substitute that had never been formally offered before in order to save face.
“This offer was presented about 9 p.m. at night and away from public view. Had it been adopted, an average blue-collar city worker who had worked for 30 years would retire with an $18,500 annual pension with no social security benefits and no SPSP. On its face, the Jerry Sanders’ plan would have left hard-working employees to retire into poverty. Regardless of the proposal’s merits, the unethical tactics of Jerry Sanders and Mike Aguirre run contrary to the rules that they agreed to back when negotiations started months ago.
“The attempt by Jerry Sanders and Mike Aguirre to make a late-night switcheroo was aimed to unfairly shove down our workers’ throats a proposal that had never been discussed prior and was never and still has not been put into the public record of the City.
“Now, Jerry Sanders is trying to force his campaign timeline onto the hard-working blue-collar employees of this city, but it’s clear he’s the one on the clock. Over 70 hours have passed since the City Council shot down this half-cooked pension proposal, and he has yet to come back to the table.
“Instead, Jerry Sanders wants to put a pension proposal in front of voters, but AFSCME Local 127 has said they’re ready to bargain now. I’m calling on Jerry Sanders to end these shameless campaign tactics, for him and Mike Aguirre to stick to the rules he agreed to, and return to the table so the city can move forward.
“Clearly, San Diegans are tired of the bickering at City Hall. San Diego’s working families deserve a Mayor who is committed to moving things forward in cooperation with our City’s employees. Jerry Sanders is failing with every passing hour.
“The public has had enough of the excuses, half-truths and rhetoric of Jerry Sanders and Mike Aguirre. Now is as good of a time as ever for them to start working toward solutions instead of their next excuse.”
Lorena Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, called on Mayor Jerry Sanders to return to the negotiating table.
“We believe Jerry Sanders’ announcement to meet and confer by ballot box is another stunt by his political operation to scapegoat city employees in order to deflect attention from his inability to find solutions to our city’s challenges.
“Late Monday, when he made the political calculation that he didn’t have support for his pension experiment, Jerry Sanders – aided and abetted by Mike Aguirre – delivered a last-minute substitute that had never been formally offered before in order to save face.
“This offer was presented about 9 p.m. at night and away from public view. Had it been adopted, an average blue-collar city worker who had worked for 30 years would retire with an $18,500 annual pension with no social security benefits and no SPSP. On its face, the Jerry Sanders’ plan would have left hard-working employees to retire into poverty. Regardless of the proposal’s merits, the unethical tactics of Jerry Sanders and Mike Aguirre run contrary to the rules that they agreed to back when negotiations started months ago.
“The attempt by Jerry Sanders and Mike Aguirre to make a late-night switcheroo was aimed to unfairly shove down our workers’ throats a proposal that had never been discussed prior and was never and still has not been put into the public record of the City.
“Now, Jerry Sanders is trying to force his campaign timeline onto the hard-working blue-collar employees of this city, but it’s clear he’s the one on the clock. Over 70 hours have passed since the City Council shot down this half-cooked pension proposal, and he has yet to come back to the table.
“Instead, Jerry Sanders wants to put a pension proposal in front of voters, but AFSCME Local 127 has said they’re ready to bargain now. I’m calling on Jerry Sanders to end these shameless campaign tactics, for him and Mike Aguirre to stick to the rules he agreed to, and return to the table so the city can move forward.
“Clearly, San Diegans are tired of the bickering at City Hall. San Diego’s working families deserve a Mayor who is committed to moving things forward in cooperation with our City’s employees. Jerry Sanders is failing with every passing hour.
“The public has had enough of the excuses, half-truths and rhetoric of Jerry Sanders and Mike Aguirre. Now is as good of a time as ever for them to start working toward solutions instead of their next excuse.”
Thursday - Quick Hits
Blackwater permits cannot be appealed claims a city official. UT
City to use state bond funds to repair roads. UT
Campaign over height limit initiative in Chula Vista is becoming heated. UT
Port leases land from Navy so hotel project can move forward. UT
Despite city council opposition growth initiative in San Marcos qualifies for November ballot. UT
City to use state bond funds to repair roads. UT
Campaign over height limit initiative in Chula Vista is becoming heated. UT
Port leases land from Navy so hotel project can move forward. UT
Despite city council opposition growth initiative in San Marcos qualifies for November ballot. UT
FDR Dem Club Announces Endorsements
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Democratic Club has announced the following endorsements:
California State Senate
39th District - Christine Kehoe
California State Assembly
76th District - Lori Saldaña
78th District – Marty Block
80th District – Greg Pettis
San Diego City Attorney
Scott Peters
San Diego City Council – District 1
Sherri Lightner
San Diego City Council – District 3
Todd Gloria
Stephen Whitburn
San Diego City Council – District 5
George George
San Diego City Council – District 7
Marti Emerald
San Diego Community College District
Area B - Bill Schwandt
Area D - Dwayne Crenshaw
San Diego County Board of Education
District 2 - Jose Preciado
District 4 - Mark Anderson
San Diego School Board
Richard Barrera
John Lee Evans
Shelia Jackson
City of San Diego Propositions
A – Yes
B – Yes
C – Yes
State Ballot Measures
Proposition 98 - NO
Proposition 99 – YES
The FDR Club was founded on the principles of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Economic Bill of Rights” from his 1944 State of the Union Address.
These principles include:
• The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation;
• The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;
• The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;
• The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;
• The right of every family to a decent home;
• The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;
• The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;
• The right to a good education.
California State Senate
39th District - Christine Kehoe
California State Assembly
76th District - Lori Saldaña
78th District – Marty Block
80th District – Greg Pettis
San Diego City Attorney
Scott Peters
San Diego City Council – District 1
Sherri Lightner
San Diego City Council – District 3
Todd Gloria
Stephen Whitburn
San Diego City Council – District 5
George George
San Diego City Council – District 7
Marti Emerald
San Diego Community College District
Area B - Bill Schwandt
Area D - Dwayne Crenshaw
San Diego County Board of Education
District 2 - Jose Preciado
District 4 - Mark Anderson
San Diego School Board
Richard Barrera
John Lee Evans
Shelia Jackson
City of San Diego Propositions
A – Yes
B – Yes
C – Yes
State Ballot Measures
Proposition 98 - NO
Proposition 99 – YES
The FDR Club was founded on the principles of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Economic Bill of Rights” from his 1944 State of the Union Address.
These principles include:
• The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation;
• The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;
• The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;
• The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;
• The right of every family to a decent home;
• The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;
• The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;
• The right to a good education.
This Week's CityBeat Cover
As an homage to the Weekly World News, CityBeat's cover this week is a classic. There's no bat boy or alien endorsements, but there should be given the unreal nature of our local elections.
I especially like the "Hartley and Environment" bit at the bottom.
Check it out. It's a hoot.
I especially like the "Hartley and Environment" bit at the bottom.
Check it out. It's a hoot.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Wednesday - Quick Hits
It is all about leadership on the school board. Article illustrates that schools don't necessarily have to cut layoff teachers in response to budget cuts. UT
Campaign for re-election twisting in the wind, as Mayor Sanders decides to place city workers pension reform on November ballot. UT
Why don't the Padres pay for it? Council approves money to build a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Drive from parking garage to Petco Park. UT
Carlsbad city council took a position to oppose new power plant to be located west of I-5. UT NCTimes
City of Vista drops neighborhoods from its massive expansion of its redevelopment zone. NCTimes
Campaign for re-election twisting in the wind, as Mayor Sanders decides to place city workers pension reform on November ballot. UT
Why don't the Padres pay for it? Council approves money to build a pedestrian bridge over Harbor Drive from parking garage to Petco Park. UT
Carlsbad city council took a position to oppose new power plant to be located west of I-5. UT NCTimes
City of Vista drops neighborhoods from its massive expansion of its redevelopment zone. NCTimes
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Tuesday - Quick Hits
At a PUC hearing in Borrego Springs last night hundreds showed up to protest the Sunrise Powerlink. UT
Council and mayor cannot agree on labor contract, so it is headed to the voters. UT
Court ruling is forcing County Medical Services to cover a larger share of the uninsure. UT
MTS and bus driver union reach an agreement on a five-year contract. UT
County board to consider the merger of two East County fire districts. UT
Council and mayor cannot agree on labor contract, so it is headed to the voters. UT
Court ruling is forcing County Medical Services to cover a larger share of the uninsure. UT
MTS and bus driver union reach an agreement on a five-year contract. UT
County board to consider the merger of two East County fire districts. UT
Monday, May 12, 2008
Carl DeMaio Not Playing Nice with Others!
According to the UT, Carl DeMaio and some of his campaign flunkies didn't like the idea that D-5 candidate George George has a 4ft by 8ft on his property. This video illustrates, how first some of the classy DeMaio campaign workers tried to place some signs next to George's. When that apparently didn't try to take the sign down. Is George's candidacy really that big of a threat to DeMaio?
Monday - Quick Hits
New and improved Steve Francis cites his passion for his success. UT
City selects oak trees to replace eucalyptus trees as part of Balboa Park's reforestation plan. UT
In its typical fashion, UT carries water for pro-city charter position up in Carlsbad. UT
City of Oceanside to hear presentation from developer regarding the largest deployments in the city's history. NCTimes
City selects oak trees to replace eucalyptus trees as part of Balboa Park's reforestation plan. UT
In its typical fashion, UT carries water for pro-city charter position up in Carlsbad. UT
City of Oceanside to hear presentation from developer regarding the largest deployments in the city's history. NCTimes
The Republican Justice League?
I ask after a neighbor supplied me with their voter guide sent out by the local GOP.
It talks about some “Reform Team”, made up of Jerry Sanders, Carl DeMaio, Jan Goldsmith, and April Boling, that needs to be sent to City Hall in order to thwart the interests of “special interest union bosses” that “have created a financial crisis with gold-plated pension benefits.”
I realize that a steady diet of FOX and wanting to believe that Bush was the right choice in 2004 lends itself to cognitive dissonance but I can’t think of any reality-based rational for labeling these four a “reform team.”
SANDERS
Oh please. Reform? We’ve had four years and all I’ve seen a poll-driven popularity seeker. People in his own party should remind him that “fees” can be interpreted as “taxes” and, like Golding before him, he’s not making any real changes lest he be responsible for a dip in his popularity numbers. Changes need to happen and the last four years seem to show a pattern of avoiding any meaningful reform beyond the cosmetic.
DEMAIO
Neo-libertarianism is not reform. DeMaio’s style of reform would have farmed out our police to Blackwater. That was an extreme example but a guy who started out feeding from the government trough has no right to bash it. Wanting to make a living again from the government while selling it off is not governing. I guess it is reform for those who liked Newt and Reagan.
GOLDSMITH
Yes, he is not Mike so that is reform of a sort. I just don’t see Jan doing much other that being another Casey Gwinn. His tenure in the State Assembly has become forgettable and I’m still not sure what a guy like him is doing in a race like this. His plans read more like a PowerPoint slide than a guide to action. If the GOP wanted a warm body to run, they could have done better.
BOLING
Out of many issues, I’ll choose one: Mayor Murphy’s Blue Ribbon Commission. If your idea of reform is downplay the severity of the problems in which you were tasked to address because they might be really bad, then you’re better off in the fantasyland of your mind. For a CPA to take part in this deception is beyond the pale. She’s been on just about every Republican campaign as an accountant so she has plenty of chits to call in. You have an idea of how reform minded she’ll be.
I just don’t see this GOP Justice League hanging out socially let alone reforming the city in a positive fashion.
It talks about some “Reform Team”, made up of Jerry Sanders, Carl DeMaio, Jan Goldsmith, and April Boling, that needs to be sent to City Hall in order to thwart the interests of “special interest union bosses” that “have created a financial crisis with gold-plated pension benefits.”
I realize that a steady diet of FOX and wanting to believe that Bush was the right choice in 2004 lends itself to cognitive dissonance but I can’t think of any reality-based rational for labeling these four a “reform team.”
SANDERS
Oh please. Reform? We’ve had four years and all I’ve seen a poll-driven popularity seeker. People in his own party should remind him that “fees” can be interpreted as “taxes” and, like Golding before him, he’s not making any real changes lest he be responsible for a dip in his popularity numbers. Changes need to happen and the last four years seem to show a pattern of avoiding any meaningful reform beyond the cosmetic.
DEMAIO
Neo-libertarianism is not reform. DeMaio’s style of reform would have farmed out our police to Blackwater. That was an extreme example but a guy who started out feeding from the government trough has no right to bash it. Wanting to make a living again from the government while selling it off is not governing. I guess it is reform for those who liked Newt and Reagan.
GOLDSMITH
Yes, he is not Mike so that is reform of a sort. I just don’t see Jan doing much other that being another Casey Gwinn. His tenure in the State Assembly has become forgettable and I’m still not sure what a guy like him is doing in a race like this. His plans read more like a PowerPoint slide than a guide to action. If the GOP wanted a warm body to run, they could have done better.
BOLING
Out of many issues, I’ll choose one: Mayor Murphy’s Blue Ribbon Commission. If your idea of reform is downplay the severity of the problems in which you were tasked to address because they might be really bad, then you’re better off in the fantasyland of your mind. For a CPA to take part in this deception is beyond the pale. She’s been on just about every Republican campaign as an accountant so she has plenty of chits to call in. You have an idea of how reform minded she’ll be.
I just don’t see this GOP Justice League hanging out socially let alone reforming the city in a positive fashion.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Friday - Quick Hits
Republican corporate welfare at work. Westfield seeks to expand its North County Fair shopping center and wants to extend the lease by 55 years and the city of Escondido isn't considering raising the rent? UT
State tentatively approves $100 million for Santee women's jail. UT
State seeks to delay Federal judge order regarding Rincon Indians. UT
Lindbergh Field authorities and state Attorney General office announce agreement to curb greenhouse emissions. UT
What a surprise, Supervisor Bill Horn's credibility at question again! NCTimes
State tentatively approves $100 million for Santee women's jail. UT
State seeks to delay Federal judge order regarding Rincon Indians. UT
Lindbergh Field authorities and state Attorney General office announce agreement to curb greenhouse emissions. UT
What a surprise, Supervisor Bill Horn's credibility at question again! NCTimes
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Thursday - Quick Hits
Budget issues are taking top priority in Chula Vista city council races. UT
Eight arraigned from SDSU drug raid yesterday. UT
In District-3 race crime appears to be top issue for voters. UT
Downtown redevelopment proposal moves to Oceanside city council for approval. UT
Looming environmental disaster as Feds move forward with building border fence through Smuggler's Gulch. UT
Escondido city council sharply divided over pending budget cuts. NCTimes
Eight arraigned from SDSU drug raid yesterday. UT
In District-3 race crime appears to be top issue for voters. UT
Downtown redevelopment proposal moves to Oceanside city council for approval. UT
Looming environmental disaster as Feds move forward with building border fence through Smuggler's Gulch. UT
Escondido city council sharply divided over pending budget cuts. NCTimes
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Wednesday - Quick Hits
Higher education, 96 SDSU students arrested in drug raid. UT NCTimes
Board of Supervisors votes unanimously to lease 3 firefighting planes. UT
One of Aguirre's top lieutenants is leaving office for another job that pays $25K less. UT
City of Oceanside begins looking at $120 million city budget. UT
For the department of the ridiculous, Riverside DA files 47-page appeal to a $5.00 fine! UT
Board of Supervisors votes unanimously to lease 3 firefighting planes. UT
One of Aguirre's top lieutenants is leaving office for another job that pays $25K less. UT
City of Oceanside begins looking at $120 million city budget. UT
For the department of the ridiculous, Riverside DA files 47-page appeal to a $5.00 fine! UT
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Boling's Hands in All the Cookie Jars
I paid a visit to the Registar's office this morning to take a look into the sources of Jan Goldsmith's fundraising. Before I got more than a couple pages in, April Boling's name caught my eye as "Mr. Ferret's" treasurer. Today, Voice casually mentioned that Boling supports Goldsmith's campaign. We'll I'd hope so since she is on his payroll.
Intrigued by her ability to be the treasurer for her own campaign as well as another race at the same time, I decided to look into all the campaigns Boling has treasured.
The list is pretty impressive, and serves as a who's who of Downtown insiders. Just since 2004, Boling has worked for:
1. Kevin Faulconer for City Council
2. Brian Maienschein for City Council
4. San Diego County Republican Party Central Committee
5. Shirley Horton for Assembly
6. John McCann for Assembly
7. Garrick for Assembly
8. Friends of Paul Hegyi
9. Associated Builders and Contractors PAC
10. Associated General Contractors PAC
11. Anesthesia Service Medical Group PAC
12. Building Industry Association
13. Gen-Probe International
14. Hispanic 100
15. New Car Dealers Association
16. BIOCOM
17. San Diego County Taxpayers Association PAC
18. San Diego Lodging Industry Association PAC
19. San Diego Restaurant and Beverage Association PAC
20. Richman for Treasurer
21. Rancho Santa Fe Taxpayers for Fiscal Responsibility – No on H
22. Lincoln Club of San Diego County
23. Rogan for Congress
24. Jan Goldsmith for City Attorney
25. David Bejarano for Assembly
26. TaxpayerAdvocate.org
27. 21st Century PAC
28. Zettel for Senate
29. Stirling for Senate
30. Tricia Hunter for Assembly
31. California Republican League of One Hundred
32. Taxpayers for Shirley Horton
33. Barnett for School Board
34. Brannigan for Judge
35. Abbott for Assembly
36. Clyde Fuller for School Board
37. San Diegans for Congestion Relief – Yes on A
38. Reff for School Board
39. Independent Grocers and Convenience Stores PAC
40. Friends of Bob Watkins
41. Women for Arnold – sponsored by the Republican Pro-Choice Coalition
42. April Boling for City Council
43. Friends of Dick Murphy
44. Phil Thalheimer for City Council
45. Leslie Devaney for City Attorney
Intrigued by her ability to be the treasurer for her own campaign as well as another race at the same time, I decided to look into all the campaigns Boling has treasured.
The list is pretty impressive, and serves as a who's who of Downtown insiders. Just since 2004, Boling has worked for:
1. Kevin Faulconer for City Council
2. Brian Maienschein for City Council
4. San Diego County Republican Party Central Committee
5. Shirley Horton for Assembly
6. John McCann for Assembly
7. Garrick for Assembly
8. Friends of Paul Hegyi
9. Associated Builders and Contractors PAC
10. Associated General Contractors PAC
11. Anesthesia Service Medical Group PAC
12. Building Industry Association
13. Gen-Probe International
14. Hispanic 100
15. New Car Dealers Association
16. BIOCOM
17. San Diego County Taxpayers Association PAC
18. San Diego Lodging Industry Association PAC
19. San Diego Restaurant and Beverage Association PAC
20. Richman for Treasurer
21. Rancho Santa Fe Taxpayers for Fiscal Responsibility – No on H
22. Lincoln Club of San Diego County
23. Rogan for Congress
24. Jan Goldsmith for City Attorney
25. David Bejarano for Assembly
26. TaxpayerAdvocate.org
27. 21st Century PAC
28. Zettel for Senate
29. Stirling for Senate
30. Tricia Hunter for Assembly
31. California Republican League of One Hundred
32. Taxpayers for Shirley Horton
33. Barnett for School Board
34. Brannigan for Judge
35. Abbott for Assembly
36. Clyde Fuller for School Board
37. San Diegans for Congestion Relief – Yes on A
38. Reff for School Board
39. Independent Grocers and Convenience Stores PAC
40. Friends of Bob Watkins
41. Women for Arnold – sponsored by the Republican Pro-Choice Coalition
42. April Boling for City Council
43. Friends of Dick Murphy
44. Phil Thalheimer for City Council
45. Leslie Devaney for City Attorney
Tuesday - Quicks Hits
Mayor Sanders trying desperately to cover his rear in Blackwater fiasco. UT
Steve Francis nets Sierra Club and union endorsement. UT
Humanitarian group claims Enrique Morales is wrongly taking credit for their work. UT
Supervisor Bill Horn and environmentalists seek Federal help in purchasing Rancho Guejito. NCTimes
Federal agency rolls over and says proposed toll road won't cause any wildlife extinctions. NCTimes
Steve Francis nets Sierra Club and union endorsement. UT
Humanitarian group claims Enrique Morales is wrongly taking credit for their work. UT
Supervisor Bill Horn and environmentalists seek Federal help in purchasing Rancho Guejito. NCTimes
Federal agency rolls over and says proposed toll road won't cause any wildlife extinctions. NCTimes
Campaigns that will proceed in spite of themselves
All three of the following campaigns have one thing in common, IMHO, which is a floor of support. As any political science professor and advertising staffer will tell you, name ID is key in a campaign and these three have it. It may be because of name ID that they actually make it past June:
Marti Emerald
Anyone with a TV set in San Diego knows who she is. The local Dem Party is turning people out. Labor is turning people out. As for her campaign, it seems to be turning people off.
If the volunteer coordinator can’t get volunteers and the campaign manager never emerges to promote her candidate, what is the point of having them there?
In another question, what does it take to turn a 20 year TV personality into Juan Vargas-lite? Apparently Juan’s consultant. Remer dropped two mail pieces that were ostensibly pro-Marti. I say that because they seemed to be wastes of resources rather than an effective use of them.
First off, the pieces are swathed in yellow. For a campaign that has chosen the color green as an identifier, you make the call as to what’s wrong. Next, there is a list of supporters which would be fine if people didn’t know who she was and needed names to legitimize her candidacy. Also wasting space are the photos that show Marti in people’s homes and not troubleshooting. I admit it took me a good minute to figure out what the message was here. I think I got it; that she’s not an interior designer but running for something.
The second piece, with screen shots, could have been done better. Again washed in yellow, it reads like a newscaster just moved in and is introducing themself to you. Not “I’m a problem solver here to help.” At least to didn’t have Marti on a bulldozer mowing down a crack house every election cycle like Juan Vargas.
Thankfully, Marti may pull this out in spite of her own “campaign”, if it can be called that.
Hartley
Were this LA, Hartley would be roadkill. His tale would still be making the late night talk show circuit and the “apology” mailer (Remer again) would have been lampooned for weeks. However, because the news media in San Diego would rather cover panda births instead of campaigns Harley will survive to run again.
The Whitburn-Gloria match-up is being seen as an intramural fight within the LGBT community which (surprise) isn’t a majority of the voters in the 3rd. Hartley has walked the district, on and off, for nearly 20 years and been on the ballot more times than Stephen or Todd combined.
As such, Hartley makes the run-off. And, as a final bit of advice to the Hartley campaign, stop it with the phallic imagery, such as open hands on the mail piece or “being caught in a pickle.“
Aguirre
All Mike has to do is lay low and the campaign will take care of itself. Mike’s appeal lies in the “they’re all a bunch a bums” mentality that Republicans have fostered since Reagan and that “government can’t be trusted” mentality that keeps getting Donna elected. There is a sliver of truth in each perspective, but in San Diego, they go unchallenged so they prevail.
Hell, all he has to do is put a few signs up and let his challengers do eachother in. No one wants to give to the challengers for fear of being targeted by Mike, yet no one wants to give to Mike lest they be targeted by his opponents. Such a vicious circle only benefits the status quo, which has Mike as top dog.
Therefore, all his campaign staff needs is a pulse to collect their check. Mike and the nature of San Diego politics have seen to the rest. He makes the run-off hands down
Marti Emerald
Anyone with a TV set in San Diego knows who she is. The local Dem Party is turning people out. Labor is turning people out. As for her campaign, it seems to be turning people off.
If the volunteer coordinator can’t get volunteers and the campaign manager never emerges to promote her candidate, what is the point of having them there?
In another question, what does it take to turn a 20 year TV personality into Juan Vargas-lite? Apparently Juan’s consultant. Remer dropped two mail pieces that were ostensibly pro-Marti. I say that because they seemed to be wastes of resources rather than an effective use of them.
First off, the pieces are swathed in yellow. For a campaign that has chosen the color green as an identifier, you make the call as to what’s wrong. Next, there is a list of supporters which would be fine if people didn’t know who she was and needed names to legitimize her candidacy. Also wasting space are the photos that show Marti in people’s homes and not troubleshooting. I admit it took me a good minute to figure out what the message was here. I think I got it; that she’s not an interior designer but running for something.
The second piece, with screen shots, could have been done better. Again washed in yellow, it reads like a newscaster just moved in and is introducing themself to you. Not “I’m a problem solver here to help.” At least to didn’t have Marti on a bulldozer mowing down a crack house every election cycle like Juan Vargas.
Thankfully, Marti may pull this out in spite of her own “campaign”, if it can be called that.
Hartley
Were this LA, Hartley would be roadkill. His tale would still be making the late night talk show circuit and the “apology” mailer (Remer again) would have been lampooned for weeks. However, because the news media in San Diego would rather cover panda births instead of campaigns Harley will survive to run again.
The Whitburn-Gloria match-up is being seen as an intramural fight within the LGBT community which (surprise) isn’t a majority of the voters in the 3rd. Hartley has walked the district, on and off, for nearly 20 years and been on the ballot more times than Stephen or Todd combined.
As such, Hartley makes the run-off. And, as a final bit of advice to the Hartley campaign, stop it with the phallic imagery, such as open hands on the mail piece or “being caught in a pickle.“
Aguirre
All Mike has to do is lay low and the campaign will take care of itself. Mike’s appeal lies in the “they’re all a bunch a bums” mentality that Republicans have fostered since Reagan and that “government can’t be trusted” mentality that keeps getting Donna elected. There is a sliver of truth in each perspective, but in San Diego, they go unchallenged so they prevail.
Hell, all he has to do is put a few signs up and let his challengers do eachother in. No one wants to give to the challengers for fear of being targeted by Mike, yet no one wants to give to Mike lest they be targeted by his opponents. Such a vicious circle only benefits the status quo, which has Mike as top dog.
Therefore, all his campaign staff needs is a pulse to collect their check. Mike and the nature of San Diego politics have seen to the rest. He makes the run-off hands down
Monday, May 5, 2008
Labor Council Announces Open Endorsement in Mayor’s Race
The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council announced an open endorsement in the race for San Diego Mayor, allowing individual unions to proceed with an endorsement should they choose to support a candidate.
“While no candidate garnered enough support to win the endorsement of the 120,000 working families that this Labor Council represents, it was clear that individual unions will want their voices heard in this very important election,” said Lorena Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the Labor Council. “We will use this opportunity to educate all of our members about the candidates, their positions and their individual union endorsements.”
Other endorsements for the June primary can be viewed here.
“While no candidate garnered enough support to win the endorsement of the 120,000 working families that this Labor Council represents, it was clear that individual unions will want their voices heard in this very important election,” said Lorena Gonzalez, secretary-treasurer of the Labor Council. “We will use this opportunity to educate all of our members about the candidates, their positions and their individual union endorsements.”
Other endorsements for the June primary can be viewed here.
Monday - Quick Hits
Pipe bomb damages Federal Courthouse early Sunday morning. UT
Southbay toll road is meeting its expectations since opening. UT
County Board of Supervisors set to debate the leasing of three firefighting aircraft tomorrow. Debate more lead to broader firefighting policy? UT
City of Carlsbad to consider a smoking ban at all city parks and beaches. NCTimes
Southbay toll road is meeting its expectations since opening. UT
County Board of Supervisors set to debate the leasing of three firefighting aircraft tomorrow. Debate more lead to broader firefighting policy? UT
City of Carlsbad to consider a smoking ban at all city parks and beaches. NCTimes
Whatever, Donna
In today’s Voice of San Diego, SLOP has a bit about Donna Frye getting bent out of shape because she was on a mailer sent out by local labor. She claims that it gives the impression that she is supporting Perters for City Attorney:
"It gives the false impression that I am endorsing Scott Peters for city attorney and that's absolutely false and extremely offensive," Frye said. "I'm getting phone calls from people asking about it and I don't appreciate it."
Frye said she doesn't plan to endorse any candidate in the city attorney or mayor's race.
Fine. What isn’t cool is Donna, once again, making this all about her. We received the mailer and it looked like a “thank you to our supporters on the City Council.” Scott is the presiding officer so it makes sense that he would get top billing.
Frye and Peters haven’t been the best of friends, but at least Scott knows how to work with people. With Donna, it’s either her way or no way. There isn’t room for compromise and when there is, she wants it to be in her court. An example would be the “compromise” she proposed to work out with Mayor Sanders after she gutted the big box ordinance last year. Only Donna knew about such an alternative and it has gone nowhere.
Why? Because, were I Jerry, I would have responded with “You and what army is going to move me on this? You just screwed your allies, so why should I trust you?”
Not that it matters to Donna or her followers. Frye decries the “system” yet she’s a part of it. She brings up valid points but then does little to resolve them because you need to work with your other councilmembers to legislate and she has a poor record of this.
She's offended by a thank you piece because it might send the wrong message. If she doesn't want to endorse in this race, she should say so. But I don't see her taking that step. It may offend the Mike supporters and Donna needs to remain "the outsider fighting the establishment."
I contact downtown told me that they’d never seen anyone go from selfless to selfish as fast as Frye had after her initial election. After six years, it’s sad to see that this self appointed voice of the people cannot see past her own ego to make real change happen.
"It gives the false impression that I am endorsing Scott Peters for city attorney and that's absolutely false and extremely offensive," Frye said. "I'm getting phone calls from people asking about it and I don't appreciate it."
Frye said she doesn't plan to endorse any candidate in the city attorney or mayor's race.
Fine. What isn’t cool is Donna, once again, making this all about her. We received the mailer and it looked like a “thank you to our supporters on the City Council.” Scott is the presiding officer so it makes sense that he would get top billing.
Frye and Peters haven’t been the best of friends, but at least Scott knows how to work with people. With Donna, it’s either her way or no way. There isn’t room for compromise and when there is, she wants it to be in her court. An example would be the “compromise” she proposed to work out with Mayor Sanders after she gutted the big box ordinance last year. Only Donna knew about such an alternative and it has gone nowhere.
Why? Because, were I Jerry, I would have responded with “You and what army is going to move me on this? You just screwed your allies, so why should I trust you?”
Not that it matters to Donna or her followers. Frye decries the “system” yet she’s a part of it. She brings up valid points but then does little to resolve them because you need to work with your other councilmembers to legislate and she has a poor record of this.
She's offended by a thank you piece because it might send the wrong message. If she doesn't want to endorse in this race, she should say so. But I don't see her taking that step. It may offend the Mike supporters and Donna needs to remain "the outsider fighting the establishment."
I contact downtown told me that they’d never seen anyone go from selfless to selfish as fast as Frye had after her initial election. After six years, it’s sad to see that this self appointed voice of the people cannot see past her own ego to make real change happen.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Friday - Quick Hits
Class act they are running over there at city hall. City finally releases e-mail from mayor's office containing swears in it. UT
Airport Board approves master plan from Lindbergh Field that includes the building of a 5-story parking garage. UT
Mayoral candidate in Oceanside has an inaccurate list of supporters on his website. UT
Panel endorse county plan to lease three firefighting plans. NCTimes
Airport Board approves master plan from Lindbergh Field that includes the building of a 5-story parking garage. UT
Mayoral candidate in Oceanside has an inaccurate list of supporters on his website. UT
Panel endorse county plan to lease three firefighting plans. NCTimes
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