Campaign Trail....
Hi everyone. Sorry I've been neglecting the blog...a candidate's work is never done.
Here's an update on what's been happening with the campaign.
Last Tuesday(19th) we had our volunteer committee meeting. What a great turnout! Thanks to all of the Walker - Washburn Walkers for coming. We have a great group of volunteers ready to take to the streets. I personally feel very grateful and fortunate to have you all on my side.
On the 20th, myself, Patti Walker and Linda Roberts participated in the Santa Clara Valley Democrats City Council debate at the Senior Center. For the most part, it all went very well. The candidates were all grilled on various topics including; North Fillmore, Referendum, sewer plant, crime, etc. There were some entertaining moments when I got heckled by a spectator who didn't agree with my answers on the sewer plant issue. No one in attendance knew who the gentleman was - which seems strange if at least someone from town doesn't know who you are. Hmmm....who was that man?
The Santa Clara Valley Republicans debate will be on October 17th at 6:00 pm at William L. Morris.
In the interim, if you have any questions for the candidates just ask on this blog post and we will be happy to answer them for you.
posted by Gayle Washburn @ 5:13 PM
44 Comments
Links to this post
44 Comments:
Well thats great gayle. Where was McCall ,Smedley, Hernandez? Its sad that the editor of the sespe sun wrote a long , detailed article on how my husband and i are made up indivuals. We are not made up, our real name are THOMAS AND CLAIRE KENNEDY.
If the editor wants our home address and phone number , that wont happen. The question of the day is : Is it wrong for a tax paying american citizen to critize a candidate?
clairek: Diane McCall and Ken Smedley were at the joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting. Laurie Hernandez was ill and couldn't make it. Hopefully we will all be available for the next debate.
Claire, even though we've never met you seem very real to me. And, yes, you are entitled to your opinions.
I think the Sespe Sun article was a little harsh on you since I have seen much worse attacks made on Patti Walker in the Sespe Sun and the Gazette.
I continue to question the reason these PAC's consider Patti such a threat. I hope all the voters out there ask themselves the same question.
What is a pac?
Perhaps the mystery man was Kennedy.
I'd like to hear more about your "we don't need a new sewer plant" statement. Would you rather pay the fines from the state?
I considered it a major blunder of the sponsor to hold a forum when two candidates were in meetings.
Perhaps the next one will be more open.
My husband and I were at the joint city council meeting . From what i heard Diane McCall and Ken Smedley knew in advance about the forum.Why is there always an excuse for the opponents of Walker/Washburn?
What really should be clarified is the wishy washyness of McCall's position on the 700 plus homes. Now she claims she is for a reduction to 485 homes. It seems when a position isnt that popular with the public, flip your stance to garner
votes. Smedley / McCall will make a great duo. A Frightening thought dont you think?
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
I watched the Council Meeting last night 9/26/06.
It was about time a Legal Representative stood up to the Council for "THE PEOPLE".
I was amazed and proud to hear Richard Francis.
I truely believe he put them in the places.
How terribly sad though. The Council are suppose to represent their constituents.
Though one arrogant Council man "Conaway" still doesn't get it!!!
Who does he think he is???
He needs to have his head screwed on tighter. Conaway's remarks continuously shows that he is representing the Developers instead of the people.
Dressler was a disappointment. He needs more time too!!! Again another Developers "PUPPET".
As Richard Francis told them all. They created a Hornets nests!!!.
"Listen!!!!'"
"The people don't want it!!!"
There are more signatures on the Referendum than any one of them got to get in office. I loved that.
It was GREAT!!!!!
So the Council continued the vote on the Referendum until the end of October.
What seems to be the problem??? Haven't they had enough time??
Also I didn't hear anything about revoking the 3 Ordinances that were passed on 8/22/06 after the Cerification of the Referendum.
Are they now null and void???
,
Mr. Francis does not represent the "People" of Fillmore, instead he represents himself and a very organized special interest. He in no way speaks on behalf of myself or the majority in Fillmore by saying that we don't want to see this beautifully, well planned community in North Fillmore ever flourish. The truth is that the silent majority in Fillmore is rarely ever seen or heard. The "People" DO want to see progress in North Fillmore and the "People" are eager to make sure that our city stays unique in character while still maintaining a healthy economy. The true majority of Fillmore will be heard in November, NOT Mr. Francis nor his hogwash.
clairek: I will post a new topic tomorrow about PAC's. I have a lot of information I want to share with readers but am in a hurry right now.
anonymous: I didn't say we don't need a new sewer plant. My comment was that I'm not 100% sold on the new plant. At this point, I'm about 85%.
I spent two days with Bert Rapp touring the plant and getting the history and other information about the plant.
I have been studying the TSO(Time Schedule Order), WDR(Waste Discharge Requirements), TMDL(Total Maximum Daily Load)and other documents so I can be informed about this subject.
There are several components that are not in compliance range. One is chlorides. Our chloride levels should be about 100 mg/l. The new plant that has been proposed(membrane technology) only has the capacity to reduce chlorides to 155 mg/l. So, even after spending more than 50 million, we will not be in compliance with state regulations.
This is just one issue that needs to be resolved. I have some other issues that concern me.
1. Even after spending so much for capital expenses, the operating costs, including energy and manpower, will be more than five times our current costs. I would like to see some alternative energy sources used. If energy costs escalate the way they have in the last three years(250%) we will see commensurate increases in sewer bills.
2. I would also like to explore the possibility of managing the plant ourselves rather than contracting it all out. I'm not sure what percentage OMI takes off the top but right now we are paying $600,000 per year for the OMI contract with 3 employees plus another $900,000 for other operating expenses.
The state doesn't require cities to build new plants - the requirement objective is water quality compliance. Could that compliance be achieved by adding other treatment steps(tertiary) to our existing plant? That is what I am trying to find out.
The sponsor of the debate forum was holding their regular monthly meeting and we were invited to participate. It was not set up just for the forum.
I think there are going to be scheduling conficts for all of the debates.
The Chamber of Commerce is trying to schedule a televised debate but unfortunately it is set for the same evening as the school board debate which I wanted to see.
Gracy: Yes, Richard Francis made a powerful statement. In one minute he was able to distill all of the hundreds of comments that were heard at the public hearings.
As I see it, the problem is that once the Referendum was certified, the City should not have moved forward with any of those 3 actions for North Fillmore. However, they did and now they need direction from the City Attorney on what to do about it.
They should be null and void at this point.
Your absolutely correct Marco.
The people will vote November 7th.
They will vote in Patti Walker and Gayle Washburn.
You watch, Smedley will not be re-elected. None of the other Candidates supported by the Known "PAC" here in Fillmore will be elected.
The people here are wise to these tricks. This Election will be a turning point.
The people already have spoken.
Did you forget about the "Referendum"?
Mr. Francis "DID SPEAK FOR THE PEOPLE".
Didn't you hear him?
He told the Council to, "Listen to the people who put you there".
Don't forget, the Referendum had more signatures than any of the Council people got to be elected.
Also, almost 1600 in JUST 2 WEEKS!!
I'm not too fond of Mr. Smedley myself but my point was simple. The people speak for themselves, NOT Mr. Francis for "The People".
I agree that the council must listen to us "People" who voted for them, but I don't believe in crying and moaning about NFSP simply because you don't like it. I see many benefits to the community from this and other developments in Fillmore that will make this town economically stable for everyone who lives here. I don't believe that the 1500 people who signed the referendum were educated on both sides of the issue. My opinion is that a manipulative effort was used to persuade many people to sign including one of my family members who told me all about her experience in front of Vons. Again, just my opinion.
Marco..
How sad, that you can say something like that.
First of all the Citizens of Fillmore are not Ignorant.
How dare you make this statement,
"I don't believe that the 1500 people who signed the referendum were educated on both sides of the issue."
You would be amazed at all of their opinions and how much they know.
Correction, closer to 1600 signed the Referendum.
Also Mr. Francis is a very generous person. It took an Attorney to get the attention of the City Council members.
How dare you show disrespect towards a Generous, Well Educated Attorney.
He represents everyone who signed the Referendum.
Your opinnon or not. It is FACT.
I may also add. Those out there,that were not able to sign the Referendum, but wanted to.
All have been reminded to take it to the Polls. Vote for Change.
Vote for Walker & Washburn.
Also there was no manipulation towards anyone to sign the Referendum.
Making a false statement like this shows a manipulation on Your part.
How dare you make that kind of statement.
People like you do not deserve my time!!!
marc o: I have to agree with Gracy. There were 1600 people very willing to sign the Referendum. They were the "silent majority" who wanted their voices to be heard.
Would you please outline the "many benefits to the community from this and other developments...that will make this town economically stable for everyone who lives here"?
I am willing to listen as long as I am given facts and data rather than propaganda.
Gracy,
I truly apologize if you felt that my opinion was distasteful in anyway. But to clarify, I never called anyone ignorant and I don't appreciate you distorting my "statement" as offensive. First of all I am not setting forth facts. It is simply my opinion that the views of those against the NFSP are exaggerated and have been negatively distilled into the community. Nothing more. Like it not, it is my right to speak my mind in a free speech democracy.
You also accused me of disrespecting Mr. Francis. In my mind, Mr. Francis disrespected me by standing in front of my city council and stating that he speaks on the my behalf as a representative of the "People". The man has no right to speak on my behalf and I in no way have the same views as him nor the special interest that he represents. How dare him Gracy, Not me.
Thank you Gayle. My opinions are not propaganda. May I remind you that I am I lifelong native citizen who will be casting my vote in November. I will vote for the candidates that best represent me. I look favorably at the direction that the city has been taking these past few years and I hope it continues. I don't have time to research in detail for you how a housing boost in Fillmore will benefit the community. I'm hoping that the candidates that are running for city council have already done that research. All one has to do is compare Moorpark's demographics from 20 years ago to today. Or take a drive through Piru and see what happens to a town that doesn't grow or prosper.
Four years ago the "silent majority" voted Ms. Walker off the council. I won't go into how Ms. Walker's supporters blamed the so called PAC's for her defeat. I'm just curious to see if the "silent majority" has shifted this election year. We will see come November won't we.
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Just an update : The editor of the sespe sun has declined our letters which have been critical of diane mccall as of yesterday. This truely is upsetting because i believe in the freedom of speech. let it be known that the editor of the sespe has made it quite clear She is for diane mccall and anyone who questions diane is DELETED. Again what a shame. The editor needs to pack his bags and leave for China, they will totally approve of the censorship!
I agree claire.. that is a shame. Why is it that McCall ,Roberts, Hernandez have been quiet as a mouse. It makes me wonder what they are plotting? Or maybe they are not well programmed yet? Good comment about the censorship.
Wendy...
What about Smedley, he too has been quiet?
As for the Sespe Sun, I believe they have a very small group of people who read their on line paper.
Claire I am looking forward to reading your opinnon here.
Question for Gayle Washburn.
Would you allow a business to open in the city if you knew the business would fail?
Many papers require a name and address to accompany a submitted letter, though they may choose to publish the letter as "Anonymous".
When watching the meeting Tuesday I was shocked that the Attorney said he was willing to compromise on the number of houses in North Fillmore. Were the supporters of the petition aware that he was going to offer that to the city? Legally I don't think that he can over-ride the county approved petition. So why offer that up? Perhaps he stayed at a Holiday Inn Express once.
marc o: You said, "the views of those against the NFSP are exaggerated and have been negatively distilled into the community"
Did you read the EIR? That's where my views came from. The EIR spelled out all of the significant impacts on traffic, air quality, aesthetics, public services, agriculture, noise, etc.
The impacts will not be "mitigated" effectively. I'm just asking for information on how high density residential development will produce a net benefit over all of those liabilities.
Here is an interesting study on growth conducted in three different Southern California localities.
http://www.ucop.edu/cprc/grwthcntrl.pdf
Here is a quote..."Although
property tax revenue increases upon completion of a project, its tax value declines over time, just as certain costs increase (such as infrastructure maintenance).
Dispersing (or increasing) relatively high-revenue commercial expansion toward disadvantaged areas is not an adequate solution, since even commercial growth is
not likely to produce net fiscal gains (as documented in Santa Monica). For those places growing without high levels of exactions, the future portends severe fiscal
strain, in addition to environmental degradation."
One thing to note - the NFSP was never going to produce a net revenue increase until buildout(by then the public service increases will outweigh any incremental taxes).
anonymous: You asked, "Would you allow a business to open in the city if you knew the business would fail?"
Well, I'm not understanding the point of this question but I would have to say it's a free country and if someone wants to invest and start a business that's their perogative. Don't some percentage of businesses fail anyway? Risk is always an element of being in business.
The Citizens for Responsible Growth have, from the beginning of the public hearings, offerred to work together with the city in determining a reasonable number of homes in North Fillmore. The compromise that he is referring to is lower than the 700 that was in the NFSP.
clairek: Please, no name calling...
marc o: Mr. Francis was speaking on behalf of the Citizens for Responsible Growth as well as the 1600 citizens who signed the Referendum.
If you did not sign the Referendum he was not speaking on your behalf.
I have lived in Fillmore for more then 20 years. I am a college grad. and yet I am unable to find a job in this town. What Fillmore needs is more jobs for the people that live here not more homes.
Do you believe that people who work of the city should live in the city?
Is it possible for two people to review the same information and come to different conclusions on the facts?
Which person is "right"?
anonymous: I am curious to know what kind of work you do. What is your degree or profession? I believe that Fillmore has the capability of providing more jobs. The City has the biggest budget of any employer and does a lot of subcontracor hiring.
I would like to see more local people hired for permanent positions or for the subcontracting jobs. There is a lot of tax payer money leaving this town in the hands of consultants. Some of that money should at least be going to qualified residents.
With that said, I think people have to understand that the economy has changed. Lifetime jobs with full benefits are not the norm anymore. We have moved into a service economy with low wages. Those who want to move up may have to provide their own opportunities and start their own businesses.
anonymous 2: I do think that people who work in the City should live here. However, there is no law or ordinance that says they have to.
As far as coming to different conclusions based on facts, I would have to see an example. I do believe that the more information you have the more correct conclusions you can make.
gayle and patty,
what do you as candidates think about having a planned parenthood clinic here in fillmore? i work in the health care industry and see so many std's running rapid in high schools and even some in grammar school. ive seen the ratios for fillmore and its not a pretty picture. teen pregnancy is huge issue here also. any thoughts.
thanks again for this great blog. this is my first time on here and i enjoy the diverse opinions.
Please be serious anon. Fillmore has bigger fish to fry. Try focusing our corrupt city hall for starters.
Thank you Gayle,
I understand that Mr. Francis meant well in representing the folks who signed the refendum. However I disagree with his choice of words to get his message across to the city council. In principle, the term "The People" is used to represent the prosecution in a court of law. The public comment period at the beginning of a city council meeting is not a court trial. To me, Mr. Francis chose to use the term "The People" as a munipliative effect making it seem that the entire community was against the NFSP. In reality 1600 signatures amounts to only about 10% of the entire community. The 90% of the community that remain are men, women and children with a diversity of needs which include a need for more suitable housing for all segments of the community such as young families and first time buyers. The NFSP also fills a need to include a variety of retail shops in that area. I don't speak for anyone butmyself, but I see many great benifits that the NFSP will provide.
Correction, Once and for ALL.
There are about "5400+" REGISTERED VOTERS IN FILLMORE.
The Referendum needed only a small percentage of the votes the existing council got in with.
That count was about 598 signatures.
The Referendum had almost 1600 signatures. That equates to almost 1/3 of the Registered Voters.
These signatures were collected in a 2-week time frame.
You have to set aside the populace of Fillmore.
The Registered Voters are the ones whom speak at the Polls.
You can not make an argument for people who choose not to vote.
The ones who vote are the ones whom are concerned about their community.
Everyone has the right to vote, if they are Citizens of this Country.
It is shameful to have only 1/3 of the populace as Registered Voters.
I would wish the count be at least 75%, but it is not.
Also Fillmore has a History of 5400+ since the early 1980’s and maybe longer.
The count will not change by much.
Now like it or not the Referendum is Certified!!!!
And like it or not, a large majority of the Registered Voters Signed the Referendum.
There was NO Manipulation what so ever.
Those, whom think they were, have the right to remove their signatures.
As I know it, not one person has requested to have their Signature removed.
So no one can say that they were misrepresented. Also the gathers of these signatures are well-respected long time citizens of Fillmore.
As a matter of fact, over 50 people whom I have spoken to; were upset that they were not able to sign the Referendum. I have heard this complaint from others in our Committee.
Marco and Anonymous, subject “OVER”.
I will not let “YOU” trash the hard work of the Citizens of Fillmore.
These active people love this town and “LIVE HERE”. Unlike the Developers and their Associates who are only looking after their Monetary Gains.
Marc O: Just want to remind you that the comments Richard Francis made were not in the open forum. They were made in response to City Attorney Roger Myers briefing of the City Council regarding the Referendum status.
Mr. Myers is not yet able to advise the City Council on how to deal with the passing of the 3 actions regarding NFSP. Mr. Francis is just giving them more information. He is also giving the City the opportunity to work with the citizens in determining the number of homes in North Fillmore without having to wait for an election.
The citizens should have a voice in how the City is going to develop. If there is a group that you are representing that has a different view, then let them come forth, unless they are a PAC, funded by out of town special interests.
I don't think there is a "need for more suitable housing for all segments of the community such as young families and first time buyers".
There is currently a large inventory of homes on the market. I'm also seeing a lot of places for rent.
So that would say that the needs of the community for housing are being met.
As far as retail/commercial, there is a vacant space on A Street in North Fillmore that could be "redeveloped".
Please give me more specific benefits of NFSP.
Dear Anonymous.
Welcome to the blog. We hope you will continue checking in on the issues as they come forward.
As for the health issues regarding the youth in our middle and senior high schools, you are correct that the number of pregnancies in the Santa Clara Valley are over the state average and that does need to be addressed. There are many groups who realize the issue is getting out of hand and are working to find ways to provide avenues to the youth to improve their self-esteem. For instance, Big Brothers & Sisters supports the Mentoring Program. The Higgy Foundation provides funding and support through the SCAMP and Young Girl’s Conference. The Young Girl’s Conference is held at the Middle School and targets these tough issues. It is handled completely by the youth who have done a miraculous job year after year.
As a community we need to not be shy in acknowledging our problems. It is only through acknowledgment can we find solutions. Your care and concern about the problem is a start. Maybe this issue can be tackled at the new Ventura County Medical Clinic set to open up in the coming months.
Both Gayle and I appreciate your comments. The question you raise is important and it is through you, the community members, that we learn more.
Patti
---------------
With the new medical center being built, I hope these individuals will be able to get the treatment they need. If there are STD’s present in grammar school children, I think the police need to be contacted.
Gayle
I have a Good question:
How does Smedley expect to Widen Hwy 118??????
That has to be a typo,Hwy 118 is not in our City Limits.
Didn't anyone proof read the Draft for his flyer??
Gracy, roger is very busy "PROGRAMING" Diane McCall.
Neglected Voter...
cute made up name.
Good come back.
But come on, that is a "BIG" typo.
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
On the Campaign Trail...
Did anyone notice on the Sespe Sun.
That when McCall and Roberts write ups were posted they were posted as the 1st Article. For a few weeks as well.
See where they placed Patti Walker,
3rd Article down.
Also the last Council meeting about the Referendum.
The Sun covered it up,they titled the Article as "Local Starbucks Supplies Firefighters with Coffee".
The majority of the Article was about last Tuesday's Council meeting.
Neglected Voter - I am new to the blog - a friend told me about it and am glad to see another way to have discussions on the issues facing Fillmore - and was wondering what you mean about "Roger PROGAMMING Diane." I am sure I am not the only one wanting to know. Please do tell.
I agree with you neglected voter.
If one happy voter cant understand what neglected voter meant, then my theory is truely correct.
INCOMPETENCE AND IGNORANCE DOES RULE CITY HALL AND THE CITY COUNCIL!
Gayle..
I like the Article about you in the Sespe Sun, nice picture.
Again just like Patti you are 3 Articles down.
That’s okay you two are on the top of my page.
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Hey claire do you vote? and yes people have the right to their opinion until it becomes slanderous. But, in this instance it seems to me that you are hypocritical. you state that you are angry about the sespe sun article, yet they are only expressing their opinion.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home