Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Wednesday
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The DWP may find they screwed the pooch in pissing off the City Council, most notably new Councilman Paul Krekorian. The utility, which once was golden, has fallen victim to mismanagement, waste, fraud and abuse leading to systematic failure of it's water and power systems and it's credit rating shot to hell. With their arrogant attempts to raise rates and lying to the Council as of late the Council has now one-upped the DWP in advancing a plan that a long promised DWP rate-payer advocate would not be an appointed position accountable only to bureaucrats but an elected position with real power over the agency. Stay tuned.
One day after announcing his candidacy for City Council activist Stephen Box is finding reaction ranging from supportive to dubious to slanderous. Readers at LAist were generally positive but some wanted more detail from Box and others are daunted by the challenge of besting a sitting incumbent Councilman. In the meantime fellow CD4 candidate Phil Jennerjahn posted a blistering attack on his blog accusing Box of being a Scientologist and implying his campaign be funded by the controversial church which Jennerjahn alleges of having plans to take control of CD4 where the Scientologists have a significant presence.
Speaking of CD4 Councilmember Tom LaBonge may already be feeling the heat of contested election when he put on hold his plan to implement higher taxes on homeowners to pay for libraries. It may be LaBonge did not want to hand his opponents yet another issue to use against him in the current anti-tax environment.
Forget deficits, jobs, crime and non-transparent government. The folks at Franklin Ave - a blog targeted at hip young professionals in Los Feliz - thought that Tom LaBonge was a great Councilman thanks to his cleaning up trash at local Catholic churches and his passion for pumpkin bread made by nuns. But now the Franklins are not happy with LeBong for hassling the food trucks and cancelling the annual DWP Holiday Light Show in Griffith Park. Memo to Stephen Box, Phil Jennerjahn and anyone else running for CD4: This is what you will have to fight against if you are to best LeBong. Indeed the SLAP happy folks, Mayor Sam Dum Dums, Neighborhood Council types and friends of Griffith Park clearly understand the problem with this guy as Councilman. However they are few and far between. Don't say I didn't give you a heads up. Fight for the tacos.
You haven't heard about Ticketgate in a few days but things are still going on behind the scenes. The LA Times reports that a majority of members of the LA Ethics Commission said that elected officials should disclose all free tickets to events they receive, even if they consider attendance at the event part of their "official duties." Villaraigosa however isn't the only mayor getting free tickets to events. Curt Pringle, the Republican mayor of Anaheim, attended the annual Major League Baseball All Star Game hosted at Anaheim Stadium. The difference here however is that Pringle's tickets were purchased by Anaheim for Pringle and the mayor paid income taxes on the value of the tickets.
Looks like Michael Jackson not only got taxpayers to pick up the cost of his funeral but they may also be on the hook for a permanent shrine to the controversial artist. Los Angeles Assemblyman Mike Davis is pushing a plan for the State to buy the 2600 acre Neverland Ranch to turn into a state park. While the current asking price for the property is $100 million, CurbedLA notes by comparison legendary newspaperman William Randolph Hearst's estate San Simeon was donated to the state.
Congresswoman Jane Harman is coming under fire from her November opponent saying that Harman, a multi-millionaire whose husband made his fortune in the home stereo industry, is attempting to buy Newsweek Magazine which is currently for sale. Mattie Fein is saying that Harman wishes to seek to control the content of the newsmagazine on issues of importance to her; creating a clear conflict of interest.
Labels: curt pringle, dwp, franklin avenue, griffith park, Jane harman, mattie fein, mayor antonio villaraigosa, michael jackson, paul krekorian, phil jennerjahn, stephen box, ticketgate, tom labonge
Posted by Michael Higby @ 7/14/2010 02:00:00 AM
37 Comments:
I don't support Harman, I don't like her at all.
But this Newsweek attack is just fluff. Newsweek is already a liberal tread and is a very unprofitable magazine because of it.
Her husband maybe OLD, and much older than her, but he's still a successful businessman and I don't think he would pursue this unless his intent was to make money.
I could be wrong. The guy is 91.
Given Jane Harman's history of suppressing stories, especially at the New York Times, this news does not bode well for the freedom of the press.
Phil Jennerjahn is using Box's SUPPOSED religious beliefs as a way of attacking him that hides Jennerjahn's genuine motive.
Jennerjahn's TRUE motive is pure and simple: jealousy.
You see, Phil talks about not respecting free elections, but is trying to undo the mayoral election. I hate Villaraigosa as much as the next person, but he was freely elected. That doesn't fit Phil's twisted view of the world.
Phil didn't get the support of the Republican party, so he attacks.
NOW, Phil can't handle that some other ordinary citizen is making a run for office, and the only way Phil can attack is by going after him for his FREE religious beliefs.
Not on the issues, but on his own personal belief system.
You have to wonder if Phil would support Mitt Romney because he is a Mormon.
I hope a black, latino or asian runs for office, so phil can attack them based on their race.
PHIL, LISTEN UP. YOU COME IN LAST PLACE EVERY TIME YOU RUN. YOU HAD YOUR TURN. LET OTHERS HAVE A CHANCE. YOU COULDN'T GET WITHIN 5,000 VOTES OF A HOMELESS MAN WHO DID VERY WELL IN THE MAYOR'S RACE. THAT SHOULD TELL YOU SOMETHING. THAT PEOPLE THINK YOU'RE LESS TRUSTWORTHY AND LESS CAPABLE THAN A HOMELESS MAN.
Go away, and respect peoples' right to freedom of religion.
PHIL'S LIST OF LAST PLACE FINISHES
1. Mayor
2. City Council
3. Congress
4. Law School* (denotes drop out)
5. Career
6. Life
7. Respect
8. Common Sense
Phil keeps on ticking because he is devoid of embarrassment, even though he makes an ass of himself on a near daily basis. If Phil has a small penis, I have no doubt that we'll see him parade down Figueroa one day, buck naked, not realizing the everyone is laughing at him.
Everyone is laughing at you, Phil. You're a 43 year old child.
Jennerjahn only respects Freedom of Religion when it refers to HIS religious beliefs.
Phil wouldn't like it if people didn't vote for HIM because of HIS beliefs.
What's next, Phil? Encouraging people to not vote for a black? How would that be different? Is that your "midwestern values"?
If you ever wonder why people give you such crap, it's due to your racist and self-serving commentaries that cause the mocking.
Phil J. - raising the issue of one's religion, and suggesting that someone, anyone: 1) belongs to a particular religion (which is none of your G-D business unless THEY want to make it a campaign issue; and 2) might let belonging to that religion taint their objectivity -- without having one shred of evidence -- is just the WORST kind of BS 1950s style Red-baiting.
PJ, you're not even as slick as old "Tail Gunner Joe" (and that's saying something).
Stick to what you know. LOSING elections -- BADLY. From now on, in the vein of McCarthy's unearned nickname, I'm calling you by an EARNED one, namely "FAILED-runner Phil".
Then, if that catches on, we can make variations, like:
"Failed RECALLER Phil"
BTW, since appearing on the scene in L.A., have you actually finished ANYTHING you ever started (and finishing LAST in the Mayor's race don't count!)
Pay no attention to Phil Jennerjahn. He gets off on us talking about him, even if it's in negative terms. He is like a drug addict who needs to say more and more outrageous things in order to keep getting the attention high.
Daily News reporting that maybe Jack Humphreville is thinking of running. Jack has really been on the DWP for years and is smart, has money, and a great activist for the people. He's a successful businessman and dedicates a lot of his time to city issues.
I would vote for Box over LaBonge.
But I would vote for LaBonge over Jennerjahn.
La Bonge is a target for many people next year, he is in for the fight of his life.
Lots of conversations between 3 or 4 other candidates who will likely get into the race against him.
I would vote for Jack over all three. But I will talk first with Stephen and Jack before I decide for sure. I would probably vote for Phil if he was the only one running against LaBonge but I doubt very many others would.
Mr. Box is smart and asks the right questions, Mr. Jennerjahn is the village idiot, Mr. Labonge is a nice guy but in the pocket of DWP. I vote for Box. Change is good, sometimes you just need to change the sheets.
Higby,
Instead of telling us what is wrong with LaBoge, please tell us what you feel are Phil's strogest skills. Having passion is not a skill.
What SKILLS has Phil demonstrated to make you think that he is suited to be a councilmember. Again, do not compare him to others. Just tell us what skills he brings to the table.
10:30am
BOTH LaBoge AND Jennerjah are the village idiots. I see them as one & the same.
Phil is a drop-out from everything in life, and has failed at everything he has take on in the few years he has bee here. LaBoge is likable and gainfully employed, and not rude like Phil.
But they're both village idiots.
We need to replace that dim wit La Bonge with some one like Krekorian.
Lots of people like Jack. Because of his activism the DWP will now be pushing for a rate advocate which should have been done ages ago. Jack also knows the inside and out of city hall. Box is ok but not as in the know as Jack. Box main issue for years has been biking and that doesn't cut it. Anyone who goes near those Scientologist can kiss their campaign goodbye no matter how many people they have. Negative media will slam them and the internet blogs
Whoever wants to run for that seat should be reading and commenting on the blogs in CD4 i.e. Franklin Avenue, Atwater Village Newbie, etc.
Here we are, 8 months before the election and you hear very little from other candidates.
Will someone PLEASE run against Krekorian, Cardenas, Parks, Wesson, (Englander) and Huizar!??
Mayor Sam,
What is it about Phil that makes you confident that he can SUCCESSFULLY fulfill the responsibilities of being a councilmember?
I'm talking about something other the fact that he may or may not care. I'd like to know what you've seen him accomplish to a successful end.
I can't think of anything that fits this description. What do you know that we don't?
All of these anti-Phil comments starting at 8:38 are the same nutty commenter. You obviously have an unhealthy obsession with Phil to spend so much time posting. What's the real story???
That's untrue. I posted one of the comments.
La Bonge is the target for next year, lets beat them at the polls one at a time.
8:38 sounds like an ex-girlfriend.
11:51,
Phil puts himself out there with his stupid commets, retarded posts, and one failed project after aother.
As for Phil, don't stretch your brain too much. Ron Kaye and Walter Moore's Clean Sweep will find SUITABLE candidates who are CAPABLE of winning.
In other words, don't bother to apply, since you are 0 for 3 in campaigns.
And they do not need your advice.
Higby/Joe - do you really need all those comments about Phil?
I share the same sentiment as 12:03.
I am actually starting to believe that Phil is all of the Anon. comments, even the negative ones, about himself.
Los Angeles City Ethics Commission
A five-member panel of part-time Commissioners appointed by the Mayor, City Council President, City Council President Pro Tem, City Attorney, and Controller. Each Commissioner serves a five-year term and can be removed only for cause.
Commissioners
Helen E. Zukin, President (July 2006 - Present)
Paul H. Turner, VP (June 2008 - Present)
Nedra Jenkins, (June 2008 - Present)
Valerie Vanaman, (August 2009 - Present)
Marlene Canter, (September 2009 - Present)
Los Angeles City Ethics Commission Mission Statement
As an independent voice for more open and responsive City government, the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission acts through its voter-established mandate to preserve the public trust. Through meaningful public disclosure and effective education, the Commission is committed to supporting and equipping an informed citizenry. Dedicated to upholding the public interest, the Commission shapes, administers and enforces City ethics, campaign finance and lobbying laws that ensure Los Angeles elections and government decision making are fair, transparent and accountable.
MEMORANDUM
July 7, 2010
To: Members of the City Ethics Commission
From: Heather Holt, Director of Policy and Legislation
Re: AGENDA ITEM 9
Governmental Ethics Ordinance Review:
Impartiality and Fairness, Part B
Impartiality is critical to good government and helping to “restore public trust in
governmental and electoral institutions.” LAMC § 49.5.1(C)(7). Government decisions should be made in the best interests of the public—not based on bias for or against a particular citizen or based on a public servant’s own, personal interests. The state also acknowledges this by declaring in its Political Reform Act that “government should serve the needs and respond to the wishes of all citizens equally …” and that “[p]ublic officials, whether elected or appointed, should perform their duties in an impartial manner ….” Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 81001(a)–(b).
http://ethics.lacity.org/pdf/agenda/2010/July/071310_A9_GEO_Review.pdf
Although I like Jack H very much, I know firsthand of a lot of CD 4 grassroots folks who do not.
I would really prefer that Stephen and Jack do not split the grassroots vote, but work together.
If Usher runs, these two should jump on board because of the name recognition and $$ she'll likely have - making her the best bet to kick LaBonge out.
We're likely keeping Krekorian, Phil. Most of us want to keep him.
I know that makes you crazy.
Oh well.
6:40 -
Pretty cavalier of you to call intimidating journalists and editorial staff "fluff."
For years Jane Harman has shown no respect for the first amendment and no respect for her constituents, who deserve to read the news without her filtering it first.
I'm shocked that Higby thinks that anyone poorer than a billionaire could purchase Newsweek.
"I'm" a multi-millionaire, and could never afford a sliver of such a publication.
Accuracy, please.
Petra I heard Jane Usher wasn't going to run but she should. IF not Jack H has way more support already out of CD4 then Box. Even LAist posted a story that Box is getting negative comments on that blog.
Phil read the Opinion Positive Piece in the Daily News today about how great Krekorian has been in council with his votes that don't mirror what the other idiots do. He thinks on his own and is for the people. He doesn't grandstand and is a good listener.
Krekorian voted yesterday to approve a DOG BREEDER tp run the animal shelters. The vote was 15-0, so don't position like he's different from the others.
Phil Jennerjahn on same sex marriage:
"It is up to the religions, and the religions say "no".
The gays have no right to force a bizarre definition of marriage on a population that has no interest in that concept. Yes on 8 = victorious."
Odd how Jennerjoke wants to uphold Prop 8, but overturn the Mayor's election.
How do you justify that, Phil? You are principled only when it suits your egomaniacal needs.
Higby,
In case you still think that Phil has a lot to offer, even though you've not articulated in what ways, I'm sure you'll enjoy his commentary tonight about Zuma Dogg.
Phil wrote, "Zuma Dogg? ZD is living the good life in a rent-free pad down by the beach in Venice. I doubt he'll come back to the Valley to fight again."
What does THAT tell you about Phil's ability to assess a situation?
If Pringle had to pay income tax on the All Star Game tickets that the City of Anaheim bought him, why doesn't Villaraigosa have to pay income tax on the free tickets he has received? And if the value would be determined by the street value of the tickets, can you imagine how much that would be?
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