Whistleblower hotline: (213) 785-6098
mayorsam@mayorsam.org

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Why Community Leaders Support Paul Krekorian

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Below is a personal message from Diann Corral and does not reflect the views of the LGNA or any organization.

Many of you may know me from my work in the community on behalf of the Laurel Grove Neighborhood Association. Today however, I am writing not as a member of the Association, but as a neighbor.

There is a very important election coming up and the winner could potentially serve our area for the next 14 years. It is important that we elect the right person. I am writing to let you know that I endorse Paul Krekorian for the Council District 2 seat and ask that you join me in voting for him on Tuesday, December 8, 2009.

Paul is the best qualified to serve our interests on the City Council. He already represents much of our community as the State Assemblymember and will be able to do even more for us as an elected official on a local level. Paul and his staff have made themselves available for our area time and time again, even solving some local issues when our previous Councilwoman didn't.

Paul got child molesters removed from a group home across the street from a private preschool in our neighborhood. Currently our City law only restricts molesters from being near public schools. There are no restrictions for private schools. As a City Councilmember, Paul will work to change this City law to protect all our children. As a mother of four young children I believe we need to protect all our children no matter where they go to school.

Paul and his dedicated staff have been available, accessible and active participants in our community. Unlike his opponent, Christine Essel, who prior to announcing her candidacy, had never attended meetings in any Council District 2 community or participated in any Council District 2 events or issues. In fact, while serving on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board, Christine Essel worked to harm our neighborhoods by actively promoting the passage of a State law that gives developers of apartment and condominium projects incentives (translation: concessions) that override local zoning laws. That means more density, more height and less parking spaces are required. When the City Council passed their version, Wendy Greuel voted for the ordinance even though community organizations and neighborhood councils in Council District 2 urged her to vote no. She didn't want to bite the hand of those developers who would finance her next election. We need ordinances that protect our neighborhoods as other cities do, instead of giving everything up to the developers and city unions who support Christine Essel, and are trying to buy this election.


Essel continually refers to her experiences as a businesswoman as a major qualification to serve on City Council. In truth, she was the Senior Vice President of Government and Community Affairs for Paramount pictures, in other words, a lobbyist. Where her relationship with government officials, including our City Council consisted of doling out free gifts.
Unlike Christine Essel who will concede to all developers requests, Paul has been supportive of all our concerns with the Valley Plaza and Laurel Plaza developments projects.

Paul has moved to help us obtain the sound walls along the 170 freeway and now after much waiting we are finally in the design stage. He's supported us in our local community events, like our outdoor movie night and block parties.

Paul has the endorsements of most of the Council District 2 community leaders from the neighborhood/homeowner groups and neighborhood council members. This includes Studio City, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Van Nuys, and Valley Glen. Our Neighborhood Prosecutor, Tamar Galatzan has also endorsed Paul. To check out the complete list of endorsements and to read more about Paul, go to www.Paul4Council.com.

Do not be fooled by Wendy Greuel's endorsement of Christine Essel or the City Councilmember endorsements. It will be business as usual if another downtown insider supported by developers, lobbyists and special interest groups joins this City Council.

Paul Krekorian is a good man. He is a family man with young children. He understands the need to protect our neighborhoods and to improve education. To fight for more services for the Valley and to create jobs. He has experience making tough decisions when it comes to balancing budgets and living within our means. He is a coalition builder and problem solver.

I believe most of you know that I care about our neighborhood and do my utmost to serve and contribute; therefore, I would be remiss if I didn't speak up for something so important. My intent is not to offend as I respect everyone's right to their vote and opinion.

This election will be decided by very few votes so your vote counts! Please make a point to get out and vote this Tuesday, as this vote will decide the future of our neighborhood. With the Valley Plaza and Laurel Plaza projects looming over us we need a new Councilmember who will not sell out our neighborhood.

I hope you will join me in sending PAUL KREKORIAN to City Hall as he is someone who cares about us and will fight for us. And a vote for Paul will send a message that our vote and this election can't be bought by special interest money and downtown lobbyists.

Sincerely,

Diann Corral

Labels: ,

33 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Just what I've been looking for since there hasn't been enough cd2 coverage!

Thanks Mayor Sam!

All you guys must be on the take for something to be given the extended dance mix of the cd2 race.

December 06, 2009 7:22 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Once again you are just spewing the Krekorian propaganda machine. Another so called "leader" comes out at the final hour to tout Paul and warn a vote against him is a vote for special intrest. Go smoke some more of Sheftel's ganja. Paul is a failed Sacramento career politician who wants to hop scotch on our heads up the ladder. We needoro listen to kevin James and Trutanich, and other leaders who aren't so angry, to support Essel. Don't be stong armed or bullied by the Kekorian camp. Send a loud message with your vote for Essel that recycled assemblymembers aren't wanted in our city council anymore.

December 06, 2009 7:33 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Huh? Sheftel's ganja is Essel laced!

December 06, 2009 7:50 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Kevin James and Nuch are extreme right wingers who think electing a Republican like Essel is going turn the US Senate Republican.

Even Higby isn't that foolish.

December 06, 2009 7:53 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

awesome

Shallman is writing the press release to attack her now.

December 06, 2009 8:41 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Big endorsement for Essel coming Tommorow.

It will win the election for her on Tuesday.

The Krekorian boys are no match for the likes of John Shallman.

December 06, 2009 8:46 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Brad Sherman will pay a BIG price for his support for Krekorian.

Apparently Wendy and Essel have been pushing Cindy Montanez to take on Sherman in next years democrat primary.

Shallman has already offered his services to Cindy.

Sherman is in trouble.

December 06, 2009 8:52 PM  

Blogger Phil Jennerjahn said:

Yawn.

More propaganda from the Kool Aid crowd.

December 06, 2009 8:52 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

8:52 - Great plan. Shalman can help dig another hole for losers... and when Montanez jumps down into that hole she can keep Essel company.

December 06, 2009 8:58 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

When was the last time Shallman lost?

Considering his strategy worked for Trutanich against all odds, I would say he's picked another winner with Essel.

Wendy Greuel for Mayor may be a little harder unless she starts doing something, or at least taking a position. Greuel's playing politician over a lot of hot button issues - in other words, she's saying nothing. If only she would actually come down on one side or another of a couple of front burner issues, she might actually have a chance.

Surely a Controller would have a position on whether AEG should repay the city for the Jackson memorial? How about the tax-dodging marijuana shops who say they're not selling just taking 'contributions' towards costs?

Perhaps when Shallman's done with getting Essel elected, he'll start making Wendy get off the pot.

December 06, 2009 9:23 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Villaraigosa's endorsement is too late and no good.

December 06, 2009 9:30 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Hey Phil I know Diann Corral and she can kick your ass.

She's also done more for her community than you could ever do.

Keep it up Phil. We're collecting all your dumb comments for the next time you run for office.

December 06, 2009 9:32 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Higby, why did you delete the comment or comments that said the person DID feel you and Joe B. have at least a tinge of racism?

If you want to play that game, why don't you just be a man and out and out declare that criticism of you (that has been echoed by others) is not permitted on this blog?

That way, those of us who feel that way can spend out time on blogs where free speech is welcome even if it does hurt the owner's feelings.

Just be a man and say that this type of talk is banned. You've done it to contributors, so why not declare certain thoughts off limit too?

December 06, 2009 9:32 PM  

Blogger Higby Hates Non-Whites said:

Despite my generally different views from Mayor Sam's, I agree with him on this: Krekorian for CD2

December 06, 2009 9:35 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

One issue that no one has thought about yet is redistricting.

In 2010 a new census is being taken and the powers to be will begin negotiating over the re-alignment of districts. Even after constant pleading by community members, the smaller Sunland-Tujunga community was sliced and diced and wound up with not enough booty (voters) for any of their FOUR Fed. Representatives doe S-T to be bothered with. We were sliced up by the state as well. The City Council Rep is the only person S-T has that is totally within the community. But, I must say that Cameron Smyth did not abandon us and made an effort of stay in contact and attend to our needs when we requested service. But, the point I want to make is, it didn't matter how much our community fought, we were sold out and lost out to people like Richard Close, who was on the re-districting committee and promised to help us, but instead, we were sacrificed so other selected communities would stay intact and the results are what we have today. No clout with State and Fed.officials.

Paul Krekorain has a clear understanding of the how the process works and already has a working knowledge of Sacramento. He also understands our district
and will work to protect not only Sunland -Tujunga, but all the communties in his district (CD2)as well tp prevent this type of tragedy from re-ocurring.

December 06, 2009 9:53 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

8:52 said "Brad Sherman will pay a BIG price for his support for Krekorian.

Apparently Wendy and Essel have been pushing Cindy Montanez to take on Sherman in next years democrat primary."

You have got to be joking! It's obvious that you are either ignorant or just not informed. Montanez flaked out on the CD7 community. She made a deal with the "cartel" and was given two fat Commission positions in return that pay more than if she were a council member. She moved from San Fernando into CD7 to run council and then moved to Studio City to run for CD2, but she was pushed aside for Gatzlan who was going was hand picked by AV to run for CD2 until she fell out of favor with him because she wouldn't go along with his demands, so he chose Essel to be his puppet instead.

You should know that Community members are long on memory and never forget when they have been done wrong! I don't think you know what you are talking about, or, you are wishfully spouting that nonsense off.

The L.A. polical machine sucks! No wonder everyone is disgusted with L.A.!

December 06, 2009 10:13 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Brad Sherman was a big supporter of Jack Weiss and is also a big supporter for Paul Kerkorian.

Sleazy losers of a feather flock together.

December 06, 2009 11:03 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Brad Sherman and Tamar Galatzen will pay for crossing John Shallman.

He is a career ender type consultant for people who cross him.

December 06, 2009 11:17 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

A piss ant like Hacopian CANT beat John Shallman.

December 06, 2009 11:20 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Krikorian is a Sacramento political hack who did nothing, I mean absolutely nothing, to keep the budget of California from growing out of control and he wants to be Councilman? The neighborhood council idiots like Lisa Sarkin (who don't realize just how deeply the city is in a financial mess would) like to elect a failed Sacramento Politician who would do nothing to keep businesses in Los Angeles and try to keep more tax revenue from leaving the City. Krikorian would be a disaster for this City. He needs to stay in Sacramento and take his paycut like everyone else.

December 06, 2009 11:32 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Damn it! Is Shallman off his meds again? Please stop him before he posts again.

December 06, 2009 11:51 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

11:32 PM, Give me names, show me prove of the businesses Essel brought to Los Angeles. How about the productions she helped take out. KREkorian has written legislation to help keep the entertainment business in L.A. What's Essel claim to fame other than reterick? If she were so good at her job, why did movie productions leave on her watch.

It appears that all you can do is name calling in order to make your point. Your ignorance is showing and you're wasting space.

December 06, 2009 11:53 PM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

11:20

It does not take two million dollars to beat a piss ant.

December 07, 2009 12:02 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Councilperson Essel and her friends will NOT forget Brad Sherman's treachery.

December 07, 2009 12:07 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Bizarro: The Slimes has just put out its 2nd re-endorsement of Essel in 2 days - this time a nasty hit on Krekorian that he's not experienced enough in delivering for constituents even though she has NO experience at all! Also bizarre in that the piece starts by saying that inexperience in office is NOT a plus.

Could her polls be so down that "someone" plural is very worried?

December 07, 2009 12:25 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

12:07 the way you keep reminded that she AND Shallman are spiteful and vengeful is NOT a plus, "supporters" of Essel. But no doubt true. This is a reason NOT to vote for her.

December 07, 2009 12:27 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

This is one of the best letters of endorsement I've read. Power is in the people. Vote for Paul on Tuesday, December 8th.

December 07, 2009 12:47 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

7:33-

You are so funny that I almost think you are a plant. Kevin James and Trutanich NOT angry? You are absolutely hysterical. Or I am hysterical reading your post. It's like a SNL skit.

December 07, 2009 1:01 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

It's a damn good thing Brad Sherman endorsed Paul. Brad is the best Congressman we have representing the Valley and Paul is the right choice.

Cindy Montanez will be excellent no matter where she ends up, but as much as I love her, she's no match for Brad Sherman.

I guess I didn't see Cindy's name on the Essel endorsement list. Is it there or is this one of those crazy posts?

December 07, 2009 1:04 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

I don't know why anyone would post that Shallman is so awesome. He has never been a hotshot campaign manager in this town. He's marginal at best.

Whoever said this just made it up out of the blue:
-He is a career ender type consultant for people who cross him.-

Oh sure. Shallman has the power to be a career-ender? I think you're way off base there.

Where's his integrity? He allowed himself to be hired by Mitchell Englander. Two short guys. That's funny.

December 07, 2009 1:55 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

1:55 you are sadly mistaken. But if it makes you feel better, keep denying.

Here's just a few of the victims who were powerful elected officials before Shallman finished them off:

Congressman B1 Bob Dornan
Councilman Mike Woo
District Attorney Gil Garcetti
Senator Richard Rainey
School Board Member Valerie Fields
School Board Member Caprice Young
Community College Trustee Pres. Beth Garfield
Assemblyman Rudy Bermudez
Councilman Nick Pacheco
Commissioner Nick Patsouras
Councilman Jack Weiss

Some have lost and been fortunate to stay in office like Tony Cardenas (beaten by Greuel) and Senator Jenny Oropeza (still in office but lost Congressional bid to Shallman)

There have been countless others I'm sure and plenty of wannabe's who never got off the ground.

Point is, it's nearly impossible to take out incumbents and beat elected officials. Granted not all of the above were the incumbents, but the careers were ended by their defeat.

"Marginal" campaign manager? I don't think so. I doubt seriously anyone running for office would be delighted to have Shallman on the other side.

December 07, 2009 8:38 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

And in all those cases his clients were union goons or in the case of Sanchez a harlot.

December 07, 2009 9:02 AM  

Anonymous Anonymous said:

And the Shallman clients were ANTI-environmental activists (or even lawyers fighting environmental regs) going AGAINST pro-environmental candidates, usually incumbents with a track record PROTECTING the environment.

Something detrimental to those who want a rubber stamp to destroy the environment, in this case, Verdugo Hills as well as the area around Universal City (Ms Production Co lobbyist sure won't fight it no matter what), Victory Blvd. etc.

Almost invariably, these ANTI envrironmental candidates are depicted as pro-environment - a BIG LIE fostered by IE's paid for by the unions who are "buying" this sham candidate. Shallman IS the personification of evil not only in HOW he runs his campaigns but the evil IMPACT of them.

December 07, 2009 10:23 AM  

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home

Advertisement

Advertisement