Apathy Has Already Won March 2007 City Election
The early election returns for March 2007 are in, and, as usual, apathy is the big winner.How much have we read on this very blog from the Home Depot opponents about their anger at Clowncil Member Grueul? Ditto re her support of Measures R and H, and bringing her kid to Clowncil Chambers? Yet no one in her district is bothering to run against her. Nice.
Same story for LaBonge and Smith. Therefore, no one who lives in any of these Clowncil Districts has any right to complain about these career politicians' shenanigans for the next four years. Harsh? You bet. Put up or shut up.
As for the other districts, and other offices, there are challengers aplenty. I hereby invite them and their supporters to use this forum to tell us about their qualifications and platforms. Let's do what we can to prevent apathy from sweeping all the elections.
Read all about it: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_4645695
Posted by Walter Moore @ 11/12/2006 07:39:00 AM
36 Comments:
How is Smith a career politician? How many offices has he been elected to?
JIHAD IN CD 14
Parra to run against Huizar!!!
Shout out to all you CD 14 Bloggers, we are going to have some fun in our little corner of the city. Alvin Parra quit as a field deputy for Jose Huizar to run against his former boss. For more info read todays "LA ANTONIA TIMES" article by Steve Hymon. Parra was quoted saying that Huizar is more concern about the going ons at City Hall than what is taking place in his district. Huizar, on the other hand said that Parra is desperate to run for council. LET THE BLOGGING JIHAD BEGIN!!!
Does anyone know of the Huizar staffing problems?
I heard Huizar is just like Kevin Shelley in Sacramento, a micromanager.
I understand he made his own Communications Director post a job listing for here own position.
He also demoted Tony Ricasa.
Any feedback.
10:08 Where can I confirm your story?
Don't be sad compadre :(
Jihad my ass.
Who else will run in this district come March 07' election?
You know damn well Jose Huizar has to be shaky in his boots. Alvin Parra has all the dirt on him and Antonio. This will be the dirtiest election fight in the city. It already began in the paper. No one likes Alvin and he doesn't have a chance in hell as the other challengers. But it will be fun to hear all the dirt come out.
Dear 8:59 a.m.
Don't be so defensive. You're providing your own definition of "career politician."
When was the last time that Smith had a job that wasn't a political position within government?
Not voting is a valid reason for not being allowed to complain. No one
should be told that they can't complain if they don't come up with an
alternative candidate.
Why not just say that if your town can't build a war chest capable of beating an incumbent, then you should not participate in the city's governance?
I can hardly wait!
Nick we need more than ever for cd14 these idiots did not do anything for us here. Come Back only you knew how to get things done for us reverse the trash tax.
Where are the more police they promised us?
I just had someone tell me I'm a "micromanager", but I have no idea what this really means. Yeah, I have a high attention to detail and I like to have things done right the first time, but why is this a negative?
Well, when you submitted this question, you shouldn't have used the word "Yeah" in your question, and you originally had single quotes around "micromanager", but I fixed that, and, well, your grammar isn't quite what it could be.
Oh? You just wanted me to answer your question? Not tell you how to ask your question in the first place? Now you're starting to see the difference between interacting with people and trying to manage their every breath, to control rather than manage, to project the message "you're incompetent and I just don't trust you to do even the simplest thing correctly."
That's what a micromanager is: someone who manages at a level far lower, far more detailed than is necessary or appropriate.
Defining the behaviors
Micromanagers get a bad wrap--most often as "control freaks." Yet, to really understand and deal with a "micro" boss, it's important to know the five specific behaviors that define micromanagers.
• They exercise raw power.
• They dictate time.
• They control how work gets done.
• They require undue approvals.
• They demand frequent and unnecessary reports.
DIFUSING THEIR DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIORS:
There are a variety of strategies for dealing with a micromanager. Again, none of them are about "fixing" him. Instead, they're about working to defuse his disruptive behaviors--starting with some practical, sure-fire tips.
• Find out his agenda.
• Take the information initiative.
• Practice the "art" of communication.
• Stay clear on expectations.
• Renegotiate priorities.
• Be preemptive on deadlines.
• Play by the rules.
• Learn from the "best practices" of others.
• Pick your battles.
The micromanager will go to war on every issue. Don't try to match him. Instead, pick the battles that are most important to you.
• Do Not Betray a Micromanager.
Tony Ricasa demoted? Nah.
I don't believe that one.
Show me the money on this scoop.
3:53 U R Completely wrong.
Many CD 14'ers like Alvin.
NO NICK
NO JOSE
NO ALVIN
NO NOBODY UNETHICAL
WE SEEK ETHICAL CANDIDATE 4 CD 14
Is Parke Skelton his consultant?
CD14 March 07 Breakdown:
Jose Huizar - Ready for the political game, but just not ready for Primetime. I doubt that he, and his leadership team, really had a real grasp as to what they were getting themselves into when he ran for office. Lack of quality service is often mentioned throughout the district when describing his administration, and the public's perception of who he is really isn't a positive one. If Parra wasn't really doing well at his job, Huizar should've fired him rather than demote him. This loses credibility to his argument that Parra wasn't doing his job. Maybe Parra was becoming a political threat?
Alvin Parra - Has been around for years in County and City issues, but lacks huge credibility with many people due to issues with his ability to complete and follow through on big stuff, along with lack of political savyness. Some argue that he inappropriately used the LA-32 Neighborhood Council to push his agenda and to aid his community paper. Early on was part of Huizar's CD14 leadership team, but when he was "demoted", he should've bailed out and worked to fix the current problems in the administration as a community activist. This makes him lose a lot of credibility in his arguments against Huizar not doing what was needed to serve the district, since one can argue that he could've done something to help fix them from within. Envious of Huizar, maybe?
Juan "Johnny Jay" Jimenez - Local Boyle Heights activist who lacks the main skills needed to keep an organization in place, which is why his Operation YES lost its offices, lost financial support through the City, and is not well liked by many in the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council. He lacks basic communication skills to clearly promote his agenda (whatever it may be) and doesn't come off as somebody who you would feel confident giving a grant to aid local youth to, let alone be in charge of meeting the needs of 250,000+ stakeholders.
William Morrison - Probably the biggest joke in the race. Anybody who has ever met him knows that he thinks he has the qualifications to be Supreme Ruler of the World, when all he has ever accomplished is to be the laughing stock of politics in CD1 and CD14. If you think Villaraigosa has a big ego, you need to meet this guy. He's not hard to spot - usually the tackiest dresser in the room, and walks with a posture fit for an actor playing the role of Napolean Bonaparte. Without a doubt, the cockiest guy you will ever meet, and I'm sure that you will not look forward to a second encounter with him.
Randy Carrillo - A long time community activist in the Northeast/Highland Park area. Has devoted his life to working with area residents through his faith-based efforts. Probably the nicest guy that you'll ever meet, but lacks the fundamental knowledge and skillsets needed to handle the complicated world that comes with running a Council Office. I wish he would devote more time to his community-based efforts rather than running in a race where he has no chance in being a contender.
As blogger 11/12/06, 6:31 pm said - I can hardly wait!
Parke Skelton's team ran Huizar's race for City Council last year, and I'm sure that they would again this time around. Huizar would be foolish if he'd want to change consultants, but if he did, my guess is that he would go with John Shallman, the mastermind behind the Yes on Measure R campaign.
Alvin Parra, dubbed by Steve Lopez of the Times as the "Homer Simpson" of L.A. politics when he divebombed his own wife's school board campaign.
DOH, he's at it again!
http://home.earthlink.net/~rguevara/lopez-home2-26.htm
11:02
Do you know of any community activists who should have run for council?
``I worked for him for about a year, and what became very clear to me is that Jose Huizar is not the person that he portrays himself to be,' Parra told the newspaper. ``He has made it clear that what goes on in the district and field aren't his priorities. He's more concerned with City Hall.''
WHAT'S HE REALLY SAYING? MY TWO CENTS: HUIZAR IS A FRAUD & PUPPET FOR MAYOR.
Well, I'm not sure Shallman would have him. When Jose ran for CD 14, he initially hired Shallman. Antonio gave Jose the direct order to fire Shallman and replace him with Skelton. As we all know, Jose followed the orders.
Why? Why did he do this? Weren't they amigos?
Not a half-bad analysis, 11:02, I would have said a lot of the same things myself, but I think what you missed is that Huizar can basically phone this one in. No need to go back and court the big developers again this time; save it for a real challenge.
With Villaraigosa's backing, he will likely get the highest percentage of votes in any of the contested council races this time. He's had too little time in (1 year) to have done anything worthy of getting him booted out (by this stage 2-3 years ago, Villaraigosa had already broken more campaign promises in CD14 that he has hearts, in his ENTIRE life.
And Parra's last-minute dirty tricks against Pacheco (on Huizar's behalf, last time), not only make him a less than credible witness to any "skeltons" he might say Huizar has, they also soured anyone else that might have been "anti" Huizar at the time, to ever support him.
Parra gives the impression at every function that he sincerely believes he's the smartest guy in the room, and that he just keeps failing the "entrance" exam because something wasn't quite right . . . the "teacher" had it in for him, he didn't have enough money, whatever.
I doubt Parra can even get past single digits this time, and the rest will be lucky to get A single digit.
Huizar takes this with 75-80 percent, in a low turnout, without even having to knock on any doors. Expect debates to be the four others talking most to empty rooms claiming Huizar didn't show because he was "afraid" of them (cue laughtrack).
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen (removes hat and winks):
It seems somebody knows these candidates very, very well. And not a winner among them? Does this not set the stage for Nick Pacheco to come back? I'll wager not.
With the exception of Huizar and Parra, the other three seem to be sincere and "of the people", savvy? But then again, Villabarbosa was sincere when HE held that office. Me poor mum....what's a woman to do?
This fight is going to be good. Already gossip around El Sereno, some of Eagle Rock and Boyle Heights is as bad as everyone knows Alvin is Jose is even worst. Its like that quote in the papers, "we haven't seen anything he's done." What has he done is the question? The projects he's taking credit for were started by previous council people. Guess that's why they like term limit extensions. Everyone says Jose's an Antonio lap dog even the clowncil members. He doesn't have a mind of his own and can't make a move in the district without Antonio's approval. Eagle Rock does have supporters but that's because they have money and Jose caters to them.
Why didn't any of the LA reporters like the great DAvid Z do a story on Huizar's mafia guy in city hall Gustavo? Now there's a story of corruption and ties to the Mexican Mafia. People are terrified of that guy and Jose keeps him around.
Gustavo is EME?
Can you give us a clue, 3:52, just what the fuck THIS sentence was actually supposed to mean??
"Already gossip around El Sereno, some of Eagle Rock and Boyle Heights is as bad as everyone knows Alvin is Jose is even worst."
These things aren't posted instantly anymore, so you've got some time. Read your post back to yourself (out loud, with lips moving, if need be), or to someone with at least a 5th grade education near you, and see if they even come close to understanding whatever you meant to say there.
Because my guess is, you misunderstood the "gossip" just as much, and there really isn't any.
Nick come back we need you! you were the only one that got things in cd 14
11:02 here again. I'll write from this point on as Indio from Chino (don't confuse me for Chino from Indio, he's my friend).
To respond to 7:08 am about knowing other community folk who should have run, honestly, I can think of a few.
But to save them from getting any mud slinged at them for no reason other than to talk smack about them, I'll keep those to myself. I can already see the haters ready to throw a jab for no apparant reason than to make themselves feel better.
No need to bring back Pacheco's name into any of these conversations. He's off practicing law with his good ol' buddy Ricardo Torres, making a lot more money than he ever did as a Councilmember and not having to deal with any of the public scrutiny that comes with being in office.
Say what you will about Villaraigosa (yes, he did use CD14 as a stepping stone and lied about wanting to stay in CD14), but people who REALLY worked with his office will tell you that he did his job. And by REALLY worked with him, I'm not talking about the Pro-Hahn/Pacheco haters that never had any intentions of working with him (shit, I still see your postings here!). Remember, 1/2 of an elected official's duties are to do their job right, and other 1/2 is to make sure that they promote it so that people remember what they did come election time. Now with term limits, it's the duty of any elected official to do exactly that. Any elected official in training needs to follow Villaraigosa and take notes on how it's done.
As for 12:26 pm, let's talk straight up shop here. Yes, Huizar might as well begin writing his victory speech. The unfortunate rule in politics when it comes to challenging an incumbent is that the incumbent is vulnerable when things have gotten worst in the district. If things improve, or stay the same, the elected has done their job. Public perception about Pacheco was that he was crooked and couldn't be trusted, which is why Villaraigosa struck when he did and took him out. Same goes for Hahn, which is why Villaraigosa struck there too.
Sure, Huizar has only been in office for 1 year, but 1 year is a long time to not only complete projects from previous administrations, but also begin major projects that will carry his name for years to come. Thanks to Measure R, he'll have up to 13 years in office (if he chooses) to create his mark in this district. He had the chance to do so this past year, but somehow, I don't think passing out light bulbs will do the trick.
Huizar will start to work out some of the kinks in his administration as the months come along, and after the election, he will have a second chance to reshape his staff, make the necessary rotations in his field staff, and begin to REALLY roll up his sleeves and get to work on what it means to serve a District like CD14. Having somebody like Alvin Parra in the race will force him to re-examine his administration from top to bottom, and since he's likely to win this race, it's in the best interests of the district that he do exactly that.
After the election, Juan Jimenez will still be sending out e-mails in all capital letters and exclamation marks for no reason, William Morrison will still go back home and ponder tomorrow's task of trying to take over the world, Randy Carrillo will continue to make his rounds in Highland Park bringing smiles to all the people that respect his devotion to the community, and Alvin will sit back and realize that he can be an influential member of the community when he does it right, but he will never sit at the top of the mountain.
Nobody in Council District 2 is more disillusioned that no one took on the task of taking down the Councilwoman than I am. But I am no candidate personally, and the only person who considered running against her, looked at his personal life, his financial prospects and at the 1.5 million dollar War Chest of Ms. Greuel and he did just what she intended any competitor to do. He folded.
I do not blame him and I sure as Hell will continue to bitch and moan and cause Ms. Greuel as much trouble as I can, Walter, in spite of your trite little remarks.
Nick! Nick! Nick ! Nick! Nick! Nick! Cd 14 is cheering your name Back. Nick come back we need you!
It's not just CD 14 that needs a candidate. CD 11 could see a one term councilman.
If Rosendahl continues to push an agenda that is counter to the constituents that vote in his district, he will be vulnerable. At some point his true believers will also become disillusioned when they realize that despite the pep rallies, he has acheived little of what was promised.
Question is, who will run against him?
5:24
Follow Antonio? You don't need to follow him, just cheat, lie and bullshit - then hire a Jewish consultant to polish it up. As for the "public perception" on Nick and Hahn being crooked - that was a multi-million dollar campaign launched by Skelton and Antonio to discredit to good public servants - the proof is in the pudding - Antonio did nothing for CD14 and then he gave them Huizar. That public perception was all a PR ploy to get Tony into the saddle. Where are the indictments or for that matter, the investigations on Nick and Hahn - just more Antonio bullshit - that is his MO and that is how history will remember him. Nick did well for the 14th and he was on his was to doing more. Since the Antonio/Skelton discrediting buzzsaw hit, CD 14 has never recovered.
Follow Antonio - ha, ha, ha. Wait and see how history will remember this man of little integrity and even less character.
5:42 That's enough Pete N.
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