The Garbage Chronicles, Part III
The vote on the controversial Sunshine Canyon Landfill in Granada Hills has been been postponed until next Friday. Sources say that the Department of Sanitation is saying that there is "not enough time" to give a contract to anyone other than current operation BFI.Sanitation has, once again, only considered landfills instead ofother alternatives or at least these are the only options presented with Sunshine of course being presented as the cheapest.
Insiders say to expect a major showdown between Councilman Greig Smith and Northridge West Neighborhood Council President Jim Alger over the issue, including what Alger alleges are Smith's inherent conflicts on the issue. They also point out that Smith's chief of staff is the nephew of BFI's lobbyist.
Alger told the Sister City, "Mr. Smith's failure to lead effectively on this issue affects all Angelenos. The Granada Hills Dump is located a few hundred yards from the citys' post-filtered water supply -- and all landfill liners leak eventually. Maybe if Councilman Smith paid more attention to his current job, instead of spending so much time threatening to sue Neighborhood
Councils, attacking their leaders, and involving himself and his staff in other campaigns, the residents of Granada Hills would not be looking down the barrel of yet another broken promise."
"Maybe if Councilman Smith paid more attention to his current job, instead of spending so much time threatening to sue Neighborhood Councils..."Alger is expected to bus residents into the Council for the showdown, as he has been known to do. Stay tuned.
Jim Alger
Posted by Mayor Sam @ 2/08/2006 12:37:00 AM
109 Comments:
That dump is here to stay. The key battle was fought, and lost, in the 1990's. Even if the City of L.A. decided to spend a fortune to send its trash elsewhere, the dump would continue to accept trash from the other 80+ cities in the county.
when are you going to change the name of this lame blog to "Jim Alger's Bullhorn"????
Walter,
The dump does not have to be here to stay if the politicians would show some courage.
If LA simply stopped sending its trash to Sunshine, BFI would not be able to back-fill the loss of the largest trash contract they possess.
The 80+ cities you refer to already have contracts to go elsewhere. The plan of "phasing out" use of Sunshine by the city is the very thing that will allow them to seek alternative customers.
Walter, I am surprised that you of all people would discourage the community by saying it is here to stay. You ran for Mayor when everyone told you you had zero chance, that takes the courage to try despite the odds.
We CAN stop using Sunshine if this city has this discussion and creates the political will to do so.
Greig Smith claimed to be the only person with a plan to close Sunshine once and for all.
The Mayor claimed he would veto any attempt to extend the contract at Sunshine.
It is high time politicians were held to their promises.
Hey Mitch, I mean Anon10:06...
If the blog is so lame, why do you keep coming?
Dude, the trash trails leads all to Padilla. Everybody knows it was then council president Padilla & Chief of Staff who prolonged the vote in mid summer. Short memory anybody? APAD voted no while his staffer collected yes votes. For what, so that BFI could help him raise money for upcoming race?
The other 80 cities in LA County have deals w/ Sunshine Canyon. And since WM dropped out...where is the trash going to go?
Hey Mayor Scam....
tell your buddy Alger that Lyn is out to smear him using local electeds and others who owe her favors...tell him to make sure he's not hangin with his pee pee out
City Sanitation has requested funding in their budget for both Alternative Technologies to dispose of trash in ways other than landfills, as well as funding for added recycling education and programs, that would divert tons away from both landfills and other future disposal technologies. Sunshine Canyon will be used mainly due to the cost added to ship tons of trash per day long distances, those costs that would be put at the feet of the citizens as an added tax to their Santation Equipment Charge showing on their DWP bill. In an effort to avoid the added tax, time is needed to find alternative sites and technologies. Quick fixes now will only cost all of us. How will elderly on fixed incomes and the poor handle this added tax?
There are 89 Cities in the County of LA.
Name the city Walter, and I'll tell you exactly who has their contract.
Los Angeles is BFI's BIGGEST contract. If BFI loses that contract, they will be in trouble. They cannot go around to other cities in the county and bully them into canceling their contracts and signing with them. As a businessman Walter, don't you agree with that?
And SOME of the other cities use Sunshine Canyon and some of them don't.
And Sunshine Canyon cannot take trash from outside the county.
The only thing that would happen if BFI were to lose the City's residential trash contract, is they would be scrambling to get all of the businesses and private entities within the county.
11:18
When you talk about trucks going farther away, don't think that 100 trucks would be going someplace else. Remember that all 100 of those trucks would go to a transfer station and they would put all of the trash into one or two big huge trucks. So, it's not a matter of many, many more truck trips.
This issue confuses many people. Especially if BFI lobbyists or the Bureau of Sanitation is telling it..
Anon 10:41
Lyn is running her mouth off about Alger while Alger is running a campaign.
Lyn only has supporters who owe her favors, while Alger has believers because he has fought for them.
Come election day all the endorsements in the world won't help either one of them, it will be all about who is known.
Alger is known, Lyn isn't it is that simple.
See you in November Jim.
not a bad idea Arch... not sure what good it would do though.
I for one LOVE Algers' quote in your piece Sammy. It's about time he took a good swing at those bastards.
He raises a good point; why are they so interested in his stupid Assembly race? And what better use could they be putting their time to other then taking shots at him?
Of course thanks to Smithy the people in the North valley keep getting screwed.
Jim, enough with the Assembly, go for City Council!
This issue is a classic problem with elected officials in a democracy.
"The people" have wasteful habits, and a way of life that produces more trash per capita than any other group of humans on the planet.
As a result of this way of life, we've destroyed vast swaths of our countryside to produce the goods that we waste more vast swaths of land for to store those goods in when they are deemed to be "trash".
Public officials have typically been the ones to establish some system of (at the least) getting all this trash put somewhere other than our sidewalks and gutters.
Los Angeles has a relatively VERY low collection fee for the very important public service of trash pick-up.
Public officials can only really affect one side of this equation: what to do with trash that is created by their loving constituents.
If they want to use economics (read higher fees) to influence how people roll through consumer goods and perfectly re-usable or repairable trade goods - they get blasted by "community advocates".
If they try to provide facilities for more trash dumps - they get blasted by "community advocates".
I have no axe to grind with Councilman Smith, or his constituents, but someone needs a reality check before they go blaming someone who has inherited this problem from OUR wasteful ways.
People talk nowadays about how high gas prices will eventually save our economy (by forcing us to be more efficient). Perhaps raising fees of trash collection to pay for mitigating the effects trash dumps have on our environment will serve a similar purpose.
ubrayj02 - Your comments are very insightful and I think every word of it is true. We always want to blame someone else for our predicament. At least the city is finally trying to come up some long term plans instead of the next quickest fix.
Please review Cal Access for donations made by Allied Waste/BFI. Many local elected officials, including all of the Board of Supervisors and many LA City Council members received donations from BFI. One notable exception is Greig Smith. The folks who want to put an end to Sunshine canyon need to preasure these other elected officials and support Mr. Smith's effort with RENEW LA.
Too bad Alger lies about his endorsements (Julie Butcher) his fundraising ($30k-$23.1k loans+ in- kind accounting for $2.5K for 8 pages of misspelled poorly written work= $2,300.actual dollars raised. He loses.
When I ran for office, I researched the issue, and I told people the truth, even though they didn't want to hear it: that dump is here to stay. The city and county, having granted the required permits, cannot close the dump without using eminent domain, and the price of doing that would be prohibitive. That's what I said then, and I haven't come across anything that compels a different conclusion now. Alas, the candidate who promised everything to everyone won.
P.S. Everyone did not tell me I had zero chance. On the contrary, in polls of people who actually heard me debate the other guys, I won. Plus, even though the other guys' budgets and free coverage exceeded mine by a factor of 100-200, I beat Alarcon in several districts. If we get "Clean Money" in this town, or if the L.A. Times deigns to cover me, watch out!
6:55 PM - I wanna be clear, here... you're testing the tolerance of activists in the 38th who work hard to play it straight and give all the candidates a fair shot by talking trash in public and under cover.
Apart from generating ill will, keep in mind that in the 38th, the only Dems who get re-elected are those who take a lot of fire in public. And a primary that burns all our bridges isn't going to help anyone.
655 = we know who you are
ONLY ONE GUY I KNOW WHO ENDS HIS SPEECHES WITH "HE/SHE WINS/LOSES"
Yes, and we all know that guy. To say Jim lied about the Butcher endorsement when she was in his press release... you guys are really pathetic.
Oh and to the Lyn fans, if a private party "loans" your campaign money it still counts as money raised. These loans don't get paid back unless the campaign raises it.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Only one guy we know would bother to pull original documents and not wait for the electronic versions to publish.
Lets see, Jim raked in 30K in loans or otherwise and Lynn brought in a grand total of 4700, including 3300 from her husbands labor union and another 1000 from her own household.
So, 30k vs 500 bucks... hmmm I wonder how this race is going to turn out.
6:55 was who you thought it was... they showed up after 7:30
who has lyn made deals with?
ubrayj,
As a constituent of Greig Smith's and a resident whose home CAN see the dump (as I've stated alredy), I agree with everything you said except this...
We don't blame anyone else for the landfill. We blame the City of Los Angeles and the lobbyists/attorneys who work for BFI.
Of course we blame the manufacturers and we find the waste of the United States to be pathetic compared to other countries, but I'm not sure who you meant when you said we blame others.
If you live near a trash dump - it really sucks.
In the Whittier area, the County has a valley that they are gradually filling up with garbage. The people who moved into the area are obviously ticked off about huge trucks plying the roads, toxic gas escaping from the dump, and the association of their neighborhood with trash.
Everyone is on your side emotionally if you live near a dump.
BUT if you really want to eliminate the need for trash to be dumped in your backyard you have to evaluate the entire system that takes that trash from other places and puts it in your backyard. BFI has an automatic upper hand in any negotiations with the City because we need to put our trash somewhere. Ultimately, I wouldn't blame BFI for the problems your neighborhood is saddled with.
When you start looking for a politician, or a company, to blame for a problem you can cut off many other beneficial solutions. Our electeds need to have more of a spine, but they honestly do take most of their marching orders from their constituents.
If I were your neighbor, I would try and find a way for BFI to make MORE money, to be MORE profitable, by recapturing perfectly usable goods and materials. I would try and attract capital to build local markets for discarded objects that can easliy be recycled, upcycled, or decomposed for other purposes.
To do this, there would have to be a lot of pre-sorting of garbage by the people leaving it on their curbs (a common tradition prior to WWII). There would have to be a source of skilled and unskilled labor to process, collect, and resell that garbage (i.e. trade schools and shop classes need more funding).
The bottom line, I think, is to find ways for people to make money by keeping it out of your neighborhood. The cultural changes, the technologies, and business models that we would develop would create jobs and growth in a sector of our economy that is currently underexploited - but that has serious long-term implications on our region's health and well-being.
To team Alger morons-
Alger claims to support clean money but does not publish his financial reports on line. When his wife and campaign team loan him $23,100 and he pays them back with the same money in the same period you look to see what he has legitimately raised, not laundered. The electronic reports are only required if you raise $50k otherwise your on your honor or serving the interests of open honest government by posting them. He can only spend money he has in the bank. You fools act like being intelligent and knowledgable is a deficit.
Congratulations on Alger's full and complete support of Gay marriage.
However in responce to other comments, Julie Butcher did not endorse Jim as was stated in the rather confusing press release on Mayor Sam. Was that an Alger lie or just humbuggery by B.S. artists in his camp?
Why not post Alger's 460 on line if everything is on the up and up?
Dear Mr Jim Hilfenhaus,
You have been floating this ridiculous rumor of "money laundering" around for 2 days. It is a sad and pathetic display at how your wife has NO ISSUES other than "I am a good democrat now pat me on the head and give me a biscuit".
Now your team of 2 "good democrats" wants to tear down other democrats because in the end it is really about YOU and YOUR desire to stack the Central Committee with YOUR people.
The form 460 is entered by the SECRETARY OF STATE when they damn well feel like it. Since Algers camp didn't file electronically it takes them longer and you know that.
Funny, all your money came from YOUR UNION and YOUR HOUSE so who are you in be in this game the pot or the kettle? Algers people raised 6 times the amount of money as you did and all you can do is whine about it.
It really fries your shorts that Alger has some union support because that is all you care about. Not the people, not the developments, not the environment just YOU.
Now tell your wife to find some issues we care about to discuss or Alger is going to mop the floor with your asses.
Lets see, according to Algers' 460 it shows a donation to Algers campaign from one Julie Butcher, General Manager of SEIU.
When we look at all other candidates we have a goose-egg.
Also, it appears only 2 people have pulled the original filings from Norwalk and I was one of them... I wonder who #2 was???
All I know is when Jim Alger showed up last night he had no less then 8 people with him. Lyn came in with her husband.
It is pretty obvious to the casual observer who is running a real campaign.
Jim, don't let these fools get to you at all. They had nothing new to say. When you were done you got the most enthusiastic applause in the room and that was in clearly unfriendly territory.
Shaw, or Hilfenhause what ever name she chooses to use this week doesn't have any issues, any volunteers or any campaign. Everyplace you speak you bring a message of hope that she can't. Just look at her, she looks belligerent, angry and mean. Not that she IS these things, it is just how she looks.
Alger attacks Greig, Alger attacks Mitch, Alger attacks Lyn. What is Alger's plan for Sunshine Canyon? The plan can not be I will fight for you because that is not a solution. That is a slogan. Why is Alger the best Democratic candidate? I sure hope it is not becasue he managed to raise more money. What is education level? Has he accomplished anything beyond the few successes listed on his web site? Where has he worked the last 15 years? What is his profession? How does he support himself? Way to many unanswered questions with the guy.
If Lyn Shaw wants to align herself with people like Mitch and Greig, Alger is in good shape.
As for your questions, no one gives a shit every time you ask them. Jim is about issues.
What is Alger's plan for Sunshine Canyon?
To force the City of Los Angeles to a) pay for its own trash and
b) offer incentives to business and apartments for increased recycling
c) NOT hire lobbyists to work in his office
Why is Alger the best Democratic candidate?
a) He is the only candidate talking about issues that matter.
b) He isn't so far to the left that he can't win a conservative district
c) he is the only candidate who is actually campaigning.
What is education level?
He graduated High School, like many leaders before him.
Has he accomplished anything beyond the few successes listed on his web site?
These "few successes" are monumental success that involved complex issues and years of work. We have yet to see what is on his opponents web site... oh that's right SHE DOESN'T HAVE ONE!
Where has he worked the last 15 years?
Is this the qualification? 15 years of employment records??? HE WAS 16 15 YEARS AGO! You want to know if he had a paper route???
What is his profession?
He left his job at a staff member of the Senate. As he said last night prior to that he owned a small business that went under after September of 2001. Then he suffered a "catastrophic" knee injury which kept him down until he started working for the Senate.
How does he support himself?
It's called SAVINGS, you should try it sometime.
Now... let us return to the questions that matter...
What has Lyn done for the community?
What has she done to stop Sunshine Canyon? Wal Mart?
What has SHE personally done for labor?
What did SHE personally do to help during the special election?
What has SHE done to help stop Las Lomas, the TMC Mine or Newhall Ranch?
What has Lyn Shaw done to LEAD a community other than party line Democrats?
How would she represent a district that is majority Republican?
Today is very sad for me.
I have made it a point not to attack another Democrat in the race for the 38th State Assembly District because it serves no purpose other then to assist our eventual opponent.
In fact the only thing I have ever said is that while there is nothing that can take away my opponent’s contributions to the Democratic Party, there is also no way a self-described “left-wing Democrat” could ever mount anything more than token opposition to the machinery in place in the 38th.
The most recent attacks against me, as the last round and the round before that are once again, misguided, false and based solely on the desperation of a candidacy seeking a message.
For the record, the form 460 although not required, was posted on my website under the link “Financial Filings” nearly one week ago. I am sure that there will be those who wish to criticize, as many are prone to do but this campaign has and will continue to be one of transparency.
The fact that a fellow Democrat has seen fit to attempt to take focus off of the issues and instead attempt to take cheap shots at myself, or my supporters merely demonstrates how much they fear having conversations about issues that matter.
Issues such as forcing local control over land use decisions, ending the use of urban landfills, creating an economic infrastructure component to new development so people can afford to live in the community where they work, defending a woman’s freedom of choice, and improving transportation. These are just some of the many issues this campaign has been engaging throughout the entire district.
We re facing serious problems, and we need serious candidates to propose real solutions and engage the discussion. If my opponent or anyone else has something constructive to add I will welcome them to the discussion. Until that day comes, I will continue to be the one candidate who will continue to fight for what he believes, and run a campaign of issues, and not attacks.
Thank you as always for all of your support.
Jim
8:17 Anon You have demonstrated how little you know about the north valley.
To place Greig Smith the man who has endorsed the republican in the race, in the same breath with Englander and Lyn is to give the race to Alger.
It isn't a secret Smith and Englander are rooting for Lyn, they know they can whip her bad in November. They aren't so sure about Alger -- they prove that everytime they attack him.
El segundo individuo que tiró del informe de Alger es un individuo Judío gordo
Would that be none other than Stewart?
You mean to tell me that Stuart Waldman is starting rumors on Mayor Sam?
Nothing like getting outed huh Stewy???
If you like Lyn so much just campaign for her instead of anonymous posts on Mayor Sam.
Let me start by saying I am a Democrat, and a member of one of the sponsoring clubs at Tuesdays forum, and definitely NOT an Alger fan. Well, I wasn't before now.
I was at the event on Tuesday and I must say that Alger wasn't at his best. He delivered a good speech but seemed a bit uncomfortable. He gets major points for talking about issues, and a bunch more for even showing up considering these are Lyn's clubs.
He seemed to be trying to counter some WalMart criticism with the line "contrary to what you may have heard I led that fight from day 1." He brought up universal health care, clean money, the landfills and a few others.
His speech clearly was designed to position himself as the front-runner as his theme was -- the other side is afraid to face him --which is why they are attacking him. He was handed a question by a known Lyn supporter about what he has done for the party and responded "not as much as Lyn that's for sure" a well timed compliment. This seemed to inoculate him for he had to know was coming...
Jim got what would be the loudest and longest applause of the evening. I give him a 7.
Lyn went up after him and gave the same old boring "look how long I have been in the party" speech that we have heard for about 2 years now.
(Side note, Lyn has about 20 years on Jim in age so her involvement for 16 years still puts Alger ahead of her... just thought of that)
"I worked on many of your campaigns" (as if they need to be reminded). I'd write more but their seriously was no substance to what she said. I give her a 4 and that is a gift.
What seemed to get under her skin was the Alger camp. More specifically that Alger HAS a camp.
They came in before he did. Put out literature, a full color book, brochure and buttons. There was between 8-10 of them there, all with buttons and some staff id lanyards. Alger was definitely aware these were Lyn's clubs and he came with an army.
Lyn had absolutely nothing. In fact she was one of the only candidates who had no literature at all. I was very disappointed.
I was also very disappointed in the rumor mill that was being circulated against Jim. It seems Lyn's' entire campaign will be to bash Jim behind his back.
I have heard Jim speak before on other issues so I have seen him do much better. But the negativity that was being circulated about everything from his wife to him being a republican (of course not true), made me sick.
The fact that Lyn and her husband stood there and let it go on was a disgrace to the party, especially given her stature in the party.
Mr. Alger, I wouldn't describe myself as a "fan" yet but you are a voice of hope for a party that to often preaches defeat, and lacks clarity. Your words to pgive us something to believe in. Win or lose, your words the other night and on this blog have reaffirmed my faith that this party does have a future.
You are 100% right about keeping the fight about issues and not attacks. You may have a new volunteer soon. Actually I don't have much choice, as your supporters have pointed out, your the only campaign in town.
Keep up the good fight.
I high school graduate and failed business man. Take away Wal-Mart and DWP and..... He talks about issues. That is a slogan. How is this man of few accomplishments going to bring powerful elected officials together to get things done. That does not happen by engaging in name calling.
Where has Alger ever called anyone a name? HE HASN'T! Just because you say it doesn't make it so.
So to the one Lyn fan out there, when she discusses issues at all, then you can compare plans to fix things.
Lyn has yet to even bring up a single issue we care about so enough of this bashing Alger.
Alger showed us all who he was after Hurricane Katrina hit and he flew his own plane down there to help.
At least he is trying, and by the way he brought together 42 of the Cities NC's on the DWP issue. Put together a coalition of the Chamber of Commerce, the NC's, Labor Unions and Homeowners to defeat WalMart so I like his ability to unite people while all you guys can do is attack attack attack.
Yes he did. He made sure he took a photographer along for the photo op.
How long did he work for the Senate (State or Fed)? Did he actually pick up any endorsements given these connects? If not, why not?
He is not far left but he calls for universal health care and increased funding for after school care. Sounds like tax and spend to me. The 38th District is a middle class to uppermiddle class area and will be the folks taxed to pay for this stuff.
He sounds like a Liberal to me. He would fit right in with the Liberal majority is Sacramento. The State can not pay for the social programs they have now and Alger wants to add more.
Hey Anon 4:21 (and other times)-
If you've got something, why don't YOU post the 460 online? It's a public document. If you're not full of hot air, post it up and show us the problems you've found.
(yousendit.com lets you post files if you feel you're too "important" to let us know who you are)
I put a call in to SEIU 347's political director personally, and will post their response when they get back to me.
Matt W / Santa Clarita
Alger's 460 has been on his website. Too bad the two people who traveled to get a printed copy didn't see that.
Looks like this Alger race has finally struck a nerve of a few very nervous people.
You have attacked his financials, his business, his accomplishments, his Katrina work, his status as a Democrat and even his wife and he has batted every single attack back with issue oriented answers.
You have accused him of attacking others, not working for the Senate, money laundering, having nothing to do with Wal Mart, the DWP rate hike fight or the MOU, being a closet Republican EVERY SINGLE CHARGE HAS BEEN PROVEN TO BE FALSE.
Oh the desperation of a Shaw campaign that is going down in a ball of flames because you insist on attacking the only Democrat with a chance.
My question is this. How do you believe your being a good party democrat by leveling false charges at a fellow Democrat?
Nice going Lyn... you just lost my vote.
Hmm, should've read all the comments before posting... really, though I'm just not a fan of anonymous and unsubstantiated commentary. ("why do you read this site then, eh?" ahem...)
I'm personally a Democratic activist, and the idea is pretty clearly to give a vague sense that a Dem candidate is suspicious somehow. It could be one of Lyn's supporters, it could be one of Smyth's supporters, and frankly, it hurts the Democrats just as much either way. So these things have to be challenged.
I should still read the whole thread first, though :)
What this state needs is fiscally conservative but socially moderate politicians be they Democrats or Republicans.
Mr. Alger is running on his record which is commendable but his record is thin.
His education level, work history, and accomplishments are fair game.
Apparently, when he worked for the Senate, he accomplished little and impressed none. If he accomplished something, it would be on his web site. If he impressed the folks he worked for, where are the endorsements.
Let's get back to the dump. Any solution for the dump needs to be cost neutral or close to it. The City will pass the fees for increased costs on to citizens as user fees. The working poor and more importantly the elderly on fixed incomes in the 38th will be hit the hardest. User fees will likely be regresive and hurt these the most.
He claims he will make the City pay for it but that is unrealistic.
Let me get this straight...
People paying for their own trash is a bad idea??? Exactly how hard would Algers proposal of 1 dollar a month hurt the poor???
Lets not be responsible with our trash, lets continue to kill the elderly and our children in the 38th because it is cheaper.
At least Alger is getting the discussion going.
One dollar a year would be just about cost neutral however Mr. Alger has no plan listed on his web site outlining the details. He simply states, that he will fight to ban urban land fills. Does that mean he is for shipping it to someone else's backyard. He is saying what people what to hear but is providing no details. We do not need empty slogans for the 38th District.
Like I said, a lot of slogans or discussions as you call them, from Mr. Alger but no detailed plan from the failed business man.
I have yet to hear ANY other candidate for the 38th even bring up a "slogan" as you call It.
The reason you are even able to attack his issues is because he takes stands on issues.
Jim has stated REPEATEDLY that he supports increased recycling, Material Recovery Facilities and bio conversion technologies. He supports increasing trash fees by one whole dollar to pay for it.
You may not like his plan but until your team has a better one your not in this discussion.
That sounds a lot like Grieg Smith's RENEW LA. So he is supporting Grieg's plan.
Jim has always supported portions of Smiths stated plan. He just questioned why his staff lobbies against it.
He also has asked if Smith ran for office as "the only candidate that had a plan" why did he sit on this plan for nearly 3 years?
As for the ideas in the plan, Alger has endorsed many of them publicly. As Jim has said over and over again he agrees with Smith more than he disagrees but Smith has not shown the ability to turn his plan into action until an election year.
I believe Algers quote on this post was that maybe we wouldn't be renewing the contract again if Smiths' staff would have been working to make his plan a reality instead of launching attacks against him. I tend to agree.
There are 14 other council folks, many have resisted Smith's efforts. Many have received contributions from BFI. Mr. Smith has not. Mr. Alger should stop attacking Greig Smith and should support directly his lobbying effort with other council members and the Mayor. Oh I forgot, this is not about getting something done for the community, it is about getting traction on an issue for Alger.
That is such bs it isn't even worth responding to.
This is a nice coordinated attack you have going between Smith and Shaw against Alger. I give you guys credit... to bad we all know better.
who is this guy stewart, also who is lyn?
Lets see... when has Smith EVER asked for Algers or anyone lses help in lobbying for ANYTHING???
he doesn't he just takes the credit from those who do.
So let me get this right, Alger has to be invited to support Smith's plan. I thought this was about doing what is right for the 38th District regardless of who has the best plan. Jim Alger sent a letter to the editor of the Daily New stating people were dying in Granada Hills (due to Sunshine Canyon) because of a lack of Leadership by Greig Smith. One trait of a good leader is knowing when to follow.
The Neighborhood Councils in the valley need to unite behind Smith to get this done.
This does not appear to be a problem of leadership with the local council district but with one Neigborhood Council Official who would like to hold higher office.
Oh Mitch, yow silly you are to think that attacking Jim is suddenly going to work.
Jim Alger, a volunteer who has tried repeatedly to get your office to do ANYTHING for the district should now stand up and do your bosses job???
ARE YOU SERIOUS???
So what, you guys can take the credit for his hard work? so you can claim it for yourself when you run for CD12?
The fact that YOU were lobbying AGAINST your boss speaks volumes to your credibility on the issue.
Mitch, the best way for you to ensure Alger wins is to keep attacking him. NOBODY likes you.
Besides, Alger says he agrees with PORTIONS of Greigs plan, but if Greig wanted community partners at the table he wouldn't shut out the North Valley Coalition, the Neighborhood Councils or anyone else who could help.
Of course it isn't about helping the district, it is about your boss getting re-elected.
You can get a lot done if you do not mind who gets the credit. Mr. Alger will not support Greig Smith because politically it is not good for Alger. Alger is placing is his political goals above the best interest of the 38th District.
Again if Greig Smith has a good plan Mr. Alger should support it.
Alger's campaign exsists only on Mayor Sam. In the real world no one knows him. Despite having a cult of dweebs posting for him he has no published verifiable endorsements. His ex-boss Senator Alarcon has endorsed Lyn Shaw.
Mitch, The best thing for the 38th or CD 12 is a district without your boss Mr Smith.
As for Shaw, Alarcon has NOT endorsed her... in fact she has NO published endorsements, no website and no campaign.
With all this Alger bashing taking place where are HER credentials?
Any endorsements Shaw receives should be looked at as half baked. She is a party hack and many people feel they "owe" her. People will not endorse her because they think she is right for the job.
Even here there has been no discussion of better ideas or plans, just old fashioned Englander styled attacking.
"You can get a lot done if you do not mind who gets the credit" Nice words Mr. Englander... spoken right from the man who is there to take credit for other peoples work.
Wow are these folks scared of Alger or what?
Notice no response to the ISSUES raised.
My vote still goes to Alger.
As stated ealier, Alger is for Universal Health Care and expanded after school programs. Who pays? The folks in the 38th Assembly District will pay. Social programs have bankrupted this State and Mr. Alger wants more. Gray Davis expanded social programs and look where he is now. We need fiscally conservative candidates. Mr. Alger does not appear to be that person.
If he gets elected residents of the 38th District will need to watch their wallets.
That is about the first legitimate criticism I have seen on here of Jim.
I will wait to see what he has in mind first however, because an argument can be made that the current system is costing the residents of the 38th.
I think there's an argument to be made that having an assemblymember who sees taking potshots at the majority as the best use of his time would be a problem when it came down to funding your district's projects.
FWIW, Richman has some clever ideas, Smyth seems a little more "partisan warrior." But it's a question for any area as to who can get work done: a hardline majority-party player, hardcore opposition, a majority-party nonpartisan, or an opposition compromiser.
I figure that if the voters really *wanted* to hate the government, electing crazy right winger would be the way to get nothing out of Sacramento, but hey - you get the government you ask for, yeah? Gives you something to moan about while you're stuck in traffic.
Alger's lack of experience is an issue. Alger's failure to support Greig Smith's RENEW LA is an issue. Alger's desire to expand social programs is also an issue.
No education, no real work history, failed at business, an inablility to work with others (Greig Smith), and a tax and spend politician.
With Alger, we will have to Watch our wallets in the 38th district.
Using Grieg Smith as an example of "Not being able to work with others" is a failure of Smith not Alger.
Alger has approached Smith several times but Smith is more concerned about his own political career so he hogs credit, and refuses to work with the community.
Alger has assembled coalition after coalition and has a fine record of success.
Why does Alger need an invitation to support Smith's plan? Because it is not about doing what is right, it is about gaining a political advantage. It is about what is best for Mr. Alger.
We do not need that kind of leadership in the 38th Distict. He is running for an Assembly seat not Greig Smith, so it is Alger's traits as a leader that count.
A leader does the right thing for the community and a politician slings mud.
Mr. Alger is not a leader.
Ten sitting LA City Council members have received donations from Allied Waste/BFI. They include Garcetti, Parks, Padilla, Perry, Reyes, Cardenas, Weiss, Zine, Wesson, and Janice Hahn. Mayor Antonia Villaraigosa also accepted money from BFI. Every sitting member of the Board of Supervisors have received money from BFI. Councilman Smith has a tough task going against the grain of so many entranched politicians.
The community must speak with one voice. Mr. Alger must support Mr. Smith's effort with RENEW LA. If he does not he will be part of the problem not part of the solutions.
FYI, Jim Alger's former boss Richard Alarcon also took money from BFI.
Anyone who thinks Alger's campaign exists only on Mayor Sam should look
here:
here:
Hey 6:43P Feb 10 Check again Senator Alarcon is an endorser of Lyn Shaw, as is Lloyd Levine,Paul Koretz,Karen Bass, Dario Frommer,Debbie Bowen most of the LA City Council and the LA Congressional Delegation and many,many more. She will publish when ready and probably not on Mayor Sam.
The Alger supporters wanted to talk about issues. Now that the dicussion turned to issues, they are silent. No experience, weak leadership, big spender, a vote for Alger is a wasted vote.
Anyone who surmises that Alger can't get along with people because he can't get along with Smith is definitely not a resident of CD 12, where hardly anyone can get along with Smith.
I've been reading your blog and I agree that Englander is most of the reason why nobody can get along with Greig, but you all are giving Mitch too much credit. He's just so untrustworthy and such a grudge holder, he makes it impossible to get along with him or Greig.
Greig doesn't get along with the Chamber, homeowner groups, neighborhood councils, that coalition that fights the dump, business owners who aren't Chamber members.
All he has left is Rotary, Jaycees and a couple of political groupies.
Mr. Alger is running for the 38th Assembly District but can not bring himself to support Mr. Smith on a key community issue because of Smith. We need leaders who will act with the communities best interests at heart.
The community must unite behind Mr. Smith on the Sunshine Canyon issue to get this done. Mr. Alger will not because he does not like someone.
Is that leadership?
I will point out that I am the only Assembly candidate discussing this issue, even if you don't like what I have to say.
That being said, I won't "get behind" Mr Smith's plan for multiple reasons not the least of which is that I believe the City of Los Angeles can do much better.
I do agree with parts, emphasis on parts, of Mr. Smith's plan but the end result of the existing plan is to fill Sunshine to capacity and close it. That isn't a plan, that is a cop out that leaves the residents to deal with his broken promises years after he has left office.
If Mr. Smith was serious about this, he would engage the North Valley Coalition, the Neighborhood Councils and other community leaders to either fix the current plan or explain why its failures can not be cured.
Mr. Smith instead plays "hide the ball" with crucial information and refuses to engage the community in any meaningful discussion. I have told him personally and through his staff that we should meet on this and other issues. He has not shown the maturity level to sit at the table. Experience has taught me that those that wait until the 11th hour to meet with you, or flat out refuse to discuss the issue, are usually hiding something. Given the history of a lack of openness from Mr. Smith's office I have no choice but to be doubtful.
There is no way I will support a plan that I don't have all of the information on, or alternatives to. It isn't a good plan just because Smith and his staff say it is. If Mr. Smith refuses to communicate how he arrived at the conclusions he has in his plan, to support such a plan would not be leadership... it would be dereliction.
I don't just do things because they are politically expedient, I do them because they are the right thing to do. The day I am convinced Mr. Smith's plan, which involves renewing BFI's contract next Friday, is the right thing to do I would say so regardless of my personal opinions of him.
When I have a plan, it is my responsibility to present that plan to others and convince them to sign on, as with the LEARRS plan. I do not work for Mr. Smith and I will not carry his water for him, nor will I do the job of his staff by outreaching to the community on a plan I don't fully support just because he wants me to.
Mr. Smith has lost virtually all credibility with me, he just can't be taken at his word.
He claimed to be the candidate with a plan to close Sunshine Canyon when he ran, nearly 3 years later a plan that does not close sunshine was finally introduced, over a year after BFI threatened to stop picking up LA's trash if we didn't extend the contract.
Mr Smith was Chief of Staff for Hal Bernson when he allowed Sunshine Canyon to be expanded into Granada Hills and showed no leadership on the issue for nearly 3 years after taking office. Why should I trust him now?
If I would have listened to him, Wal Mart would be breaking ground in Northridge. Instead of engaging on the issue, he sent a letter threatening to sue me and another NC boardmember so forgive me if I don't rush to the "all hail Greig" train.
The bottom line is that I did not achieve the coalitions I have, or the successes that I have by caving in because some anonymous poster on Mayor Sam told me to.
Standing for what you believe is leadership my friend. And I believe Sunshine needs to be closed. If that means paying a dollar or two more for trash pickup then so be it.
While I thank you for your concern, I will not take leadership cues from anonymous posters on Mayor Sam.
Finally, Mr. Alger admits that it is personal. He will not support the only viable plan on the table to resolve the Sunshine Canyon issue because of who has presented it.
He will continue to undermine Councilman Smith's efforts for his own political gain.
He has not taken the Mayor, ten other City Council members or his former boss, Richard Alarcon, to task for taking money from BFI.
Yet he will continue to attack Councilman Smith's efforts.
Have you gotten the picture yet. This is not about want is best for Assembly District 38th, Council District 12, or Granada Hills residents who deal with Sunshine Caynon daily.
This is about was is politically expedient for Jim Alger.
The sad part about this is that he can not see the forest throught the trees. His lack of support is a lack of leadership.
Jim says that he doesn't agree with the plan and you make it about personality.
Smiths plan keeps sunshine open 4 20 years. Alger is right to oppose it... It sucks
Here we go...
"Finally, Mr. Alger admits that it is personal. He will not support the only viable plan on the table to resolve the Sunshine Canyon..."
Alger NEVER said it was personal in fact what he said was
"The day I am convinced Mr. Smith's plan, which involves renewing BFI's contract next Friday, is the right thing to do I would say so regardless of my personal opinions of him."
What part of Smiths plan "resolves" sunshine canyon??? NONE OF IT.
----------------------------
He has not taken the Mayor, ten other City Council members or his former boss, Richard Alarcon, to task for taking money from BFI.
Why would he? Smith is the only one purporting to "have a plan". Richard Alarcon has actually closed a landfill whereas Smith just talks about it.
You guys are real good at twisting the truth around and hoping nobody notices. If this thread goes to 999 we will still notice.
Why are you trying SOOOOOO hard to get Jims support for your little bogus plan???
JIM DOESN'T SUPPORT A "PLAN" TO KEEP SUNSHINE OPEN FOR THE NEXT 10-20 YEARS so get over it.
It must be such an honor that Smith thinks sohighly of Jim that they would spend this much time rewriting history before our very eyes.
Taking Jims words and completely turning it around or trying to.
Jim stated very clearly he doesn't care who's plan it is it is the plan he doesn't agree with because the plan involves Smith breaking his promise to the community to close sunshine canyon.
Mitch, give your computer a rest dude.
Here is an idea... ALL ALGER SUPPORTERS... Don't even respond to this thread that will undoubtedly have some "go Greig Smith" theme in short order.
Smith is an ass and we are capable of reading Jim's actual statements.
The fact that they think we are that stupid is an insult.
These morons are making more Alger supporters by attacking him so much.
Mitch has a small group of dweebs montitoring this blog and seeking to attack Alger any way possible. He's buddies with Smythe. My friend works with some of them, its sad.
Politicians don’t have the guts to mandate better fuel economy for cars and trucks. The industry said high mileage goals were unrealistic, just as their own offerings (hybrids, fuel cell, reduced weight vehicles, more efficient engines etc.) proved this claim to be totally without merit. Industry then shifted gears, pun intended, and hid behind the argument that the consumer wants the giant gas guzzler and that banning/reducing the production of such vehicles would damage the economy and the free market. With all the massive profits from the sale of these whales and the oil they burn, political influence was purchased.
What the heck does this have in common with Sunshine Canyon… well, everything. The Los Angeles City Council does not have the guts to mandate the responsible handling of the city’s trash. Industry has proven just how possible it is to mechanically separate trash and then reuse/recycle/incinerate the components. We are told that this is not realistic for Los Angeles and yet Germany and Japan manage to do it and benefit handsomely from the process (Hmmm… I think I remember a council member spending our tax dollars to visit Germany to study this very process). BFI makes garbage truck loads of cash from the deal and it just so happens that they lobby city council and make contributions to political campaigns.
Note to Greg supporters: The Renew LA plan may supply hundreds upon hundreds of pages we can recycle but it will NOT close Sunshine Canyon. No amount of acting or posturing or attacking from Greig Smith or Mitch Englander will change the fact that “The only candidate with a plan to close Sunshine Canyon” saw that urban landfill not only remain open on his watch but actually expand to the south! With said expansion it now borders our city’s water treatment facility! Nice work!
Remember kids, drink your Ovaltine and SUPPORT CLEAN MONEY.
I can't believe anyone is bashing Alger for not "getting on board" with Smith.
Anonymous 5:11 poster who says so is devoid of all brain cells.
Anon 5:11 said that the community must unite behind the plan to get rid of Sunshine. How is that exactly?
You seem to know - I'd like to hear it. Here I am sitting in Granada Hills wondering why the only way we can get rid of Sunshine is to unite behind Greig. Please enlighten me as to how that will work.
Well apparently the Editors of the Daily News disagree with Mr. Alger and some of his friends who have posted on this site. Please read the editorial section of todays Daily News. They commend Mr. Smith for having a plan to end dumping is Sunshine Canyon. They blame the rest of the City Council and the Mayor for taking no action.
They report that Mr. Smith's plan is the only viable plan on the table. Mr. Alger proposes no plan and rejects Mr. Smith's.
On this issue Mr. Alger is an obstructionist.
If Alger has a plan, lets hear it. To date he has presented no plan to close Sunshine Canyon and attacked the only leader who has.
If he refuses to present a better options and refuses to support the only option other than unrestricted dumping, than he like the rest of the City Council has demonstrated a lack of Leadership.
We need leaders who can move us forward not obstructionist who hold us back.
Greig Smith is excellent at one thing. Making it look like he is doing something while simultaneously doing nothing.
The reason this is the "only plan on the table" is because Greig owns the table and controls all the players.
It isn't leadership to cut out the North Valley Coalition, the group that has been fighting that dump for years.
It isn't leadership to use City Stationary to threaten community leaders.
It isn't leadership to remove Neighborhood Councils from the process.
It isn't leadership to fail to bring support for a plan and then bash people for not jumping on board blindly.
Smith and Englander can't lead on this issue because they are to busy attacking people.
What I notice is that while they attack Alger, the questions posed to Lyn 2 days ago remain unanswered... which of course is the purpose of the attacks.
And while you guys were attacking Jim on Mayor Sam, he had 2 busses of people canvassing Santa Clarita yesterday and I just saw one in Granada Hills 10 minutes ago.
Jim has answered every question posed to him. You may not like the answers but he did answer them, so to refresh your memory here were the questions for Lyn:
What has Lyn done for the community?
What has she done to stop Sunshine Canyon? Wal Mart?
What has SHE personally done for labor?
What did SHE personally do to help during the special election?
What has SHE done to help stop Las Lomas, the TMC Mine or Newhall Ranch?
What has Lyn Shaw done to LEAD a community other than party line Democrats?
How would she represent a district that is majority Republican?
Now Lyn, these questions have been here for a few days. You have had enough time to find some decent answers other than "I worked on this persons campaign". Give it a shot.
a good quote worth emphasising...
" No amount of acting or posturing or attacking from Greig Smith or Mitch Englander will change the fact that “The only candidate with a plan to close Sunshine Canyon” saw that urban landfill not only remain open on his watch but actually expand to the south! With said expansion it now borders our city’s water treatment facility! Nice work!"
And as Alger pointed out with Mitchell Englander, nephew of BFI/Sunshine Canyon Lobbyist Harvey Englander as Chief of Staff and head jackass in 425, how can we expect anything other than words?
Smith promised the community a rose garden to get elected and gave them just the thorns when he arrived. Nice "leadership".
Nice to see Smith, who has endorsed Smythe for the November election, working so hard for Lyn. Wonder why he wants Lyn to win the primary so bad huh? hmmmmmmmmm
Lyns camp of 3 (Herself, Jim Hilfenhaus and Mitch Englander) have used a lot of lies, deception attacks and strong arm tactics to attempt to silence Alger to no avail.
When he wins the primary, this will make him all the more formidable candidate.
If Englander has 2 brain cells he would shut up. Alger has a large enough staff to handle these brush fires and not get side tracked... Lyn just has her union husband, his mob mentality and a little dweeb who really wishes he was important.
Jim you have already won. They followed your leadeship and began discussing a very vital issue.
Thank you
You Alger folks keep saying he answered every question put to him. What is his plan to end dumping at Sunshine Canyon? Where will he send the trash? How much will his plan cost residents? How long will his plan take to implement? Give me some details, maybe I will like what I hear!
I am a voter in the 38th district. I am not connected to any elected official or potential candidate. I would like Mr. Alger to stop ducking the issues and give us his detailed plan.
What are the Rotary and Jaycees doing for smith?
Alger has not ducked the issue and certainly has answered it more than any other candidate for the 38th.
His paln will cost 1-2 dollars per month and involves immediate alternatives such as increased recycling, mandatory recycling in Apartments and Business, and allowing the North Valley Coalition to enact their comprehensive plans including opening RFP's for companies other than landfills.
Remember, Sunshine isn't the ONLY option it is the CHEAPEST. By Alger showing the leadership required to tell people that the answer is to go with a more expensive solution, he has shown courage that no other politician has shown.
Oh, and quit hiding behind the false "I'm a concerned voter routine". No "concerned voter" pulls up 4 day old posts on Mayor Sam and posts comments. They call the campaign and ask a question.
Rotary is doing zip and the Jaycees have nominated Jim Alger for Outstanding Young Californian of the Year".
Jim Alger said "Mr. Smith's failure to lead effectively on this issue affects all Angelenos. The Granada Hills Dump is located a few hundred yards from the citys' post-filtered water supply -- and all landfill liners leak eventually. Maybe if Councilman Smith paid more attention to his current job, instead of spending so much time threatening to sue Neighborhood Councils, attacking their leaders, and involving himself and his staff in other campaigns, the residents of Granada Hills would not be looking down the barrel of yet another broken promise"
Given the level of Greig Smiths staff attacking him on this blog I am going to have to agree with him.
All of this is designed to destract us from the fact that no other candidate is even talking about issues. If you don't like Jims leadership, the alternative is Lyn who has enacted her 5th ammendment right to remain silent.
Alger has presented no plan for Sunshine Canyon and continues to attack the only person who has.
Tell him to get out front with a better plan. If he does, it will be his first demonstration of leadership on this issue. He should post the details on his web site and let the voters evaluate it.
How many of these posts are by Alger and how many by Mitch?
I don't get it, Mr. Alger said Greig Smith will not engage the North Valley Coalition but the NVC lists Mr. Smith as a partner, on their web site, in ending dumping. They do not list Mr. Alger. Who should the voter believe Mr. Alger or the NVC.
A lack of leadership is one thing but candidates like Mr. Alger should at least be honest when they make an accusation. I am beginning to understand why folks want to sue him for slander.
More bs from Mitch. Just more attemts to detract from the fact that jim is talking issues.
Nobody has threatened a slander suit except Smith who then got spanked by the daily news for it.
Now, where are lyns answers?
It is not bs. Look it up on the NVC website. Also see the North Valley Community News published by the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. An article regarding the Nothridge East Neighborhood Council seems to indicate that they have a good relationship with Councilman Smith. Don't take my word on this. Stop by the Chamber offices at 9401 Reseda Blvd Suite 100, Northridge and pick up a copy of the paper yourself.
I have given two sources for folks to verify whether Mr. Alger is being forthright in his statements. The information appears to indicate that he is not.
So the allegation by Alger that Councilman Smith has not engaged Neighborhood Councils or the NVC does not appear to be accurate.
The NORTH VALLEY COALITION has stated that they were COMPLETELY LEFT OUT of the RENEW LA plan. They may support Smiths "stated" position to close Sunshine but NOTHING in that plan closes Sunshine.
First you say Smith shouldn't have to "go to Neighborhood Councils" then you say he "appears to have a good relationship with Neighborhood Councils".
and you wonder why noone likes you Mitch. It is because you spend so much time spinning you forget to do your job. If you tried that for once, you wouldn't have to spin.
First you say "No wonder people are talking about suing Alger" but you forget the only person who threatened to sue anyone was Smith threatening to sue 2 Neighborhood Council Members.
If Smith's plan is so great why does he not have the Neighborhood Councils support? Why hasn't Northridge West, Northridge East, Granada Hills North, Granada Hills South, Sylmar, Porter Ranch, Winnetka, Reseda or Chatsworth Neighborhood Councils endorsed the plan?
Could it be because it SUCKS?
Could it be because it breaks Smiths promise to the community to close Sunshine?
Or could it be that because your spending so much time on Mayor Sam trying to sell it 5 days before a vote that you forgot to sell it to the community?
Is it possible Algers statement was right that if you spent less time attacking him you would have amassed a coalition of support?
Or is it possible you don't want support but want to be able to say "we fought for you and tried"?
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Jim has members of the North Valley Coalition working on his campaign. They obviously view him as a partner and the fact that he is intelligent enough to put knowledgeable people on his staff shows a leadership ability not demonstrated by any other candidate to date.
Please see "Alger: No County Fed Endorsement" Post 2-13-06, Blog entry 6:03. Alger and friends decline to answer questions regarding his Criminal History.
Alger posted that 10 year old story on his website fool. How do you think YOU found out about it?
He didnt fill out a frieking form right. We didn't care then, don't care now.
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