Most elected politicos will once a term or so (every 4 to 8 years) collect a raspberry (bad) or a rose (good) for their actions.
Kristen scores a Raspberry with a special censure (I guess that’s like nuts on top) on her very first council meeting, on her very first motion, in the very first time she spoke from the dais. That has to be a record for all politicians!
Actions speak louder than words and NC Times has it right. Her words during the campaign spoke to being conciliatory and a relationship builder, her actions in her first motion reinforce the feuds and make the silly games more lame.
Her actions are the truth, her words during the campaign were not the truth.
Shame and censure on you Kristen Gaspar and you violated the four way test of Rotary. Is it the Truth?
You are now a proven liar and it’s in print for all to read.
Didn't those chuckleheads at the NCT endorse Gaspar when it was obvious to everyone who bothered to attend the forums that Gaspar is a complete empty suit and a shill for the unions and developers?
A lot of good it does now for the NCT to tell us that Gaspar sucks after they helped elect her.
If the NCT editorial board is going to persist in such willful ignorance, I'd appreciate it if they kept their uninformed opinions to themselves next time.
Well, well, well, at least the NCTimes has a conscience. Unlike the Encinitas Rotary, Paul Gaspar and his P.T. friends, and Ecke, Meyer et al. Another Great Uniter goes under. The next time someone says they are going to be the Great Uniter I will vote for the other person. Although, in this case I would not have voted for Gaspar under ANY cirumstances. Too much unreported baggage. Much more to come Kristin. So have fun on the Council before you get recalled. Hope you are reading this jerome You are next.
Any beat reporter could have told the editorial board that Gaspar was inexperienced and closely aligned with Stocks. It was clear to all who listened to her that she would be devisive and inflexible herself. I'm for 90' lights at the Hall Park - not one inch shorter. As if 90' is some sort of magic number. Even Dalager seemed more flexible, and willing to work with the community.
Either the editorial board did not ask local reporters or did not care.
Oh, there goes the Lame-Stream media at it again. All of the news stories are typical attack pieces supported by these liberal activist organizers. Except NCT. They were nice before. You people are just as bad. You all think Gaspalin was plucked into her position for reasons other than what is best for the community but to retain the strange hold on the city. And you activist that don't want a park for our children, I know that 33% of you are children and we need to build a regional sports park that rivals anything in Irvine. And those hundreds of homes that will lose there ocean views, and thousands of homes that will lose their quality of life and their community character are really not as important. Having a community park for all with playing fields is not what you want. You want 90 foot lights with loud speakers, cell towers, aviation lights with half the light output of the Rose Bowl. It will bring us together. You'll see. You will see. This will turn out great. I hear her say that she is, "...going to reach out to Teresa and that other lady, unless I am advised not to. But I will have tried like I said I would."
Stocks, Bond and Gaspar are all laughing, they are the majority. Watch the council meetings get even shorter as they will immediately make the motion and vote. No discussion.
I could say the same thing about New Encinitas...more foreclosures, more crime, and more drug abuse...meanwhile the real estate is holding steady on the coast, and more people are living within their means, more people own their homes outeright, and the city gets the biggest percentage of property tax dollars from Leucadia. Nuff said.
Well to be true... most of you are trustfunders or inheirited your homes. It's good to be lucky and well off I guess. Thanks for paying more taxes, unless you hide behind prop 13.
The new trio just screwed Barth again. Barbi has been rewarded for her good behavior. Barth has been taken off the NCTD and SANDAG apointments. So much for at grade crossings and any help from the railroad on a worthy bike/walk trail for Vulcan.
Whats with the infatuation with Barth? This should be called the Barth Brown Nosers Blog. I wonder how many residents of Leucadia moved here from somewhere else with mommies trust money or retired from a cush government gig and want working folks to pay for their wet dreams. Or failed to launch and still live in the back shed or garage. Maybe they sell antiques or groom dogs. Arent welfare and food stamps great! Now all you need is a medical marijuana dispensary to move in next to the Plant Lady and your life will be complete.
Annual rates paid by some of the 2,000 local government plans in the giant California Public Employees Retirement System could soar roughly 55 percent over the next three years, a CalPERS board member estimates.
OUR VIEW: Encinitas councilmembers appear to skirt law's edge --------------------------------- EDITORIAL: Serial meeting or not?
North County Times opinion staff
In this year's version of the biennial food fight that Encinitas politicians have in choosing a mayor (which is mostly an occasion for various people to disrespect each other and to play political gotcha), various City Council members Tuesday night appeared dangerously close to violating the California Open Meetings law prohibiting serial meetings.
We're not party to any of the private conversations and hence won't cry foul, but, reading between the lines, it appears that everybody was busy talking to half of the others about business that needed to be talked about on the dais.
Councilman Jerome Stocks admitted talking to colleague Kristin Gaspar about making Jim Bond mayor, but says he didn't tell Bond about it.
And Bond said he and Stocks had talked about who Stocks wouldn't support ---- namely, Teresa Barth, who was denied the honorary post in favor of Bond.
Councilwoman Maggie Houlihan, who expressed dark, conspiratorial suspicions about the Bond-Stocks-Gaspar talks, said she talked with Bond.
Who knows if she talked to her favorite, Barth, who showed up to the meeting with preprinted announcements about her disappointment at the outcome?
Barth's supporters are understandably miffed that she was denied the gavel, but in the greater scheme of things, that doesn't seem to be a really big deal.
And we're not certain whether any of these conversations violated the Brown Act, making the choice of Bond subject to nullification or other action, so we'll leave things go with a reminder:
The relevant portion of the Ralph M. Brown Act ---- California Government Code 54952.2(b) ---- says that a "majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body."
That means a city council member (or school or special district board member) may not use private conversations with a majority of the members to line up agreement on positions or payback or to secure votes. That would be collective deliberation.
We understand how convenient it is to talk to one's colleagues without the rigmarole of rules. And we're not so naive as to think it doesn't happen with some frequency in local governments.
But transparency in government is a good and necessary thing. And keeping all the talk in public is worth it.
OUR VIEW: Encinitas councilmembers appear to skirt law's edge --------------------------------- EDITORIAL: Serial meeting or not?
North County Times opinion staff
In this year's version of the biennial food fight that Encinitas politicians have in choosing a mayor (which is mostly an occasion for various people to disrespect each other and to play political gotcha), various City Council members Tuesday night appeared dangerously close to violating the California Open Meetings law prohibiting serial meetings.
We're not party to any of the private conversations and hence won't cry foul, but, reading between the lines, it appears that everybody was busy talking to half of the others about business that needed to be talked about on the dais.
Councilman Jerome Stocks admitted talking to colleague Kristin Gaspar about making Jim Bond mayor, but says he didn't tell Bond about it.
And Bond said he and Stocks had talked about who Stocks wouldn't support ---- namely, Teresa Barth, who was denied the honorary post in favor of Bond.
Councilwoman Maggie Houlihan, who expressed dark, conspiratorial suspicions about the Bond-Stocks-Gaspar talks, said she talked with Bond.
Who knows if she talked to her favorite, Barth, who showed up to the meeting with preprinted announcements about her disappointment at the outcome?
Barth's supporters are understandably miffed that she was denied the gavel, but in the greater scheme of things, that doesn't seem to be a really big deal.
And we're not certain whether any of these conversations violated the Brown Act, making the choice of Bond subject to nullification or other action, so we'll leave things go with a reminder:
The relevant portion of the Ralph M. Brown Act ---- California Government Code 54952.2(b) ---- says that a "majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body."
That means a city council member (or school or special district board member) may not use private conversations with a majority of the members to line up agreement on positions or payback or to secure votes. That would be collective deliberation.
We understand how convenient it is to talk to one's colleagues without the rigmarole of rules. And we're not so naive as to think it doesn't happen with some frequency in local governments.
But transparency in government is a good and necessary thing. And keeping all the talk in public is worth it.
Houlihan violated, NOT Gaspar --------------------------------- EDITORIAL: Serial meeting or not?
In this year's version of the biennial food fight that Encinitas politicians have in choosing a mayor (which is mostly an occasion for various people to disrespect each other and to play political gotcha), various City Council members Tuesday night appeared dangerously close to violating the California Open Meetings law prohibiting serial meetings.
We're not party to any of the private conversations and hence won't cry foul, but, reading between the lines, it appears that everybody was busy talking to half of the others about business that needed to be talked about on the dais.
Councilman Jerome Stocks admitted talking to colleague Kristin Gaspar about making Jim Bond mayor, but says he didn't tell Bond about it.
And Bond said he and Stocks had talked about who Stocks wouldn't support ---- namely, Teresa Barth, who was denied the honorary post in favor of Bond.
Councilwoman Maggie Houlihan, who expressed dark, conspiratorial suspicions about the Bond-Stocks-Gaspar talks, said she talked with Bond.
Who knows if she talked to her favorite, Barth, who showed up to the meeting with preprinted announcements about her disappointment at the outcome?
Barth's supporters are understandably miffed that she was denied the gavel, but in the greater scheme of things, that doesn't seem to be a really big deal.
And we're not certain whether any of these conversations violated the Brown Act, making the choice of Bond subject to nullification or other action, so we'll leave things go with a reminder:
The relevant portion of the Ralph M. Brown Act ---- California Government Code 54952.2(b) ---- says that a "majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body."
That means a city council member (or school or special district board member) may not use private conversations with a majority of the members to line up agreement on positions or payback or to secure votes. That would be collective deliberation.
More B.S. in the Council appointments we now we have Gaspar as Stocks alternative on both NCTD and SANDAG boards. Thus we not be represented in a constructive manner. There will be no movement on at grade crossings or way side horns and don't look for any new vegetation along the rail corridor. Stocks needs to go we need and all out effort to remove the ego driven knucklehead and put in place someone who cares about Encinitas
Stocks wants out too. He will use his SANDAG powers to get Martin Garrick's seat when he is termed out. People don't seem to get how tied Stocks and Gaspar are - he has been coaching her.
I'm embarrassed by our council, but I'm ashamed of our fellow voters. If anyone spent an hour researching the candidates before last election, reviewing the qualifications, listening to them speak; they could see what they could expect of them as council members. Just follow the money trail for the Gaspar campaign, that told me everything I needed to know. Why are so many so ignorant?
This travesty must end! Gaspar is beyond clueless and she is assuming a position as an alternate for Stocks on select committee positions!!?? Absolutely unbelievable! I agree with the poster who said just a little research would have revealed the absolute lack of any qualifications on the part of Gaspar. At the forums, you could see $tock$ pullng the strings of her mouth to parrot her meaningless tiatribes about unity and independent thinking. Slick mailers and highway signs apparently do work! Our only hope is the watchdog group that attends the council meetings and watches these people like a hawk. To the less than 1% of citizens who are aware of the real situation, I salute you! Democracy will survive because of your efforts.
Encinitas please note....The mastermind is out in the open at last. For the last several years Jerome Stocks has let Dan Dalager run interference for him as he has pulled the strings. Now he has the Council in the palm of his hand with Gaspar and Bond and he is showing us what he thinks of the citizens of Encinitas and the idea of transparency in government. He is showing us that it does not matter what we think he is going to do what he wants and we can stuff it. It is one thing to watch and complain about the hijacking of Encinitas and another to actually do something. The worst thing we could do to his political ambitions is to recall him..........mmm!!!
Don't you all get it by now? The Council, New Encinitasl and Downown Encinitas just don't care what Cardiff and Leucadia think. Better get used to it. New money is in and most of us know what New Money does. They tear things down, have no sense of community; and usually hate the people who have been here the longest. Way of life in Encinitas is changing and the new world order has hit us over the head. James Bond is crafty and he knows this is true. Why do you think he set it up so Jerome would be able be mayor in 2012. Just in time for reelection, just in case he cannot beat Garrick. I truly hope he does go to Sacramento. The boys and girls up there will beat the shit out of him so fast it will make him need to drink even more, if that is possible. It's not a travesty, it is just the way of the world.
Just how did Bond make his appointment lists without discussing it with Stocks and Gaspar? Another Brown Act violation? This whole election fiasco is a good but hard lesson for Encinitas voters. Politicians and pseudo politicians tell us what we want to hear and then do what ever they want. Unless we stand up to them and take action they just laugh and keep on going. While you think this is just about the City Council....remember they council controls the city staff, city attorney and city manager.....and every aspect of our civic life. Teresa Barth and Maggie Houlihan are just there to fill the empty seats. This is a crying shame as these two women have done much for Encinitas and do not deserve this as the reward for their efforts. We need to get rid of Jerome Stocks and I don't mean two years from now.
Anon 11:48- That would be a nice Holiday gift. Does anyone have any dirt on Stocks and would you be willing to share with your name on it? Seems like he and his Rotary buddies have stiffled anyone who puts their name on anything. Aren't all 3 of the new coalition in the Encinitas Rotary. If so, there is no way they don't talk. Someone needs to join that Rotary or at least if there is a Rotarian already out there that has some balls speak out.
You in here again...with your pathetic characterizations?? It must be tough being the only taxpayer in Encinitas. If you actually had something relevant to say it might be worth it, otherwise you are just a waste of space.
If that is too radical for you, how about pots and pans!! Every council meeting, show up with pots and pans and bang then silly for 5 minutes. Do that every hour on the hour for 5 minutes outside city hall in the parking lot during council sessions.. You'll make a lot of noise and bring attention to a needed situation.
It worked in Argentina and helped bring down a military junta.
8:11 & 8:36 - clearly the same hard working soul whose leading contribution to the world is scorn. Some who are dealt lemons make lemonade. You take sour grapes and make whine. My sympathies to your colleagues who endure your daily rant, and to your loving family who for predictable reasons did better things with your inheritance.
Look for a motion to have an elected mayor soon. This is the set up and the master mind it all is really Christy Guerin who will be lined up and ready to run for mayor with tons of financial backing. That's the plan. Guerin is bad for Encinitas.
Christy Guerin - I don't know. She was disloyal once to the people who put her on council. It would seem she may be disloyal again - to the developer types who will put her there as mayor. Better Christy, who may change for the better, than Stocks, who won't.
Barff and hollowhead Houlihan lovers remind me of the patients in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, except these mental incompetents have computers and can type. But your brains are still mush.
1:33: I am not 8:23. My family has no money to inherit. I make mine by working hard. I think I am on to you trustfund baby. Spend your families wealth well.
The council majority has acted under the distinct appearance of deliberating in violation of the Brown Act numerous times, and has admitted it several times. There are also emails showing this to happen on several other occasions.
I've not seen reason to suspect Barth knowingly violate the Brown Act, except once when holding a meeting that wasn't properly noticed.
In this case, there is the distinct appearance that Barth Houlihan and Bond networked as did Stocks, Bond, and Gaspar. Well, Stocks admits to speaking to Gaspar and Bond about the item (=3). Houlihan with Bond and most likely Houlihan with Barth (=3 with a high probability).
Houlihan and Stocks appear to have played a similar role. Gaspar and Barth appear to have played similar roles.
1206, There seems to be an attempt to whisk up an emotional drive to get an elected Mayor, without much analysis of the matter. Why should we have an elected Mayor?
With an uninformed electorate who are easily swayed by a glitz campaign of hollow promises and flashy slogans, or who just don't care enough to even vote at all; we now have a minority that controls the political apparatus of the community and could care less about even disguising their partisan loyalties anymore. The monied element has grown so arrogant as to publically display their distain for the commoners thinking that they have a voice in governement anymore. Gaspar is symptomatic of the special interest dominance over public affairs, in order to further their own economic interests over that of the "public good". Eat cake peasants - if you can afford it!
This has to be a Raspberry Record!
ReplyDeleteMost elected politicos will once a term or so (every 4 to 8 years) collect a raspberry (bad) or a rose (good) for their actions.
Kristen scores a Raspberry with a special censure (I guess that’s like nuts on top) on her very first council meeting, on her very first motion, in the very first time she spoke from the dais. That has to be a record for all politicians!
Actions speak louder than words and NC Times has it right. Her words during the campaign spoke to being conciliatory and a relationship builder, her actions in her first motion reinforce the feuds and make the silly games more lame.
Her actions are the truth, her words during the campaign were not the truth.
Shame and censure on you Kristen Gaspar and you violated the four way test of Rotary. Is it the Truth?
You are now a proven liar and it’s in print for all to read.
Didn't those chuckleheads at the NCT endorse Gaspar when it was obvious to everyone who bothered to attend the forums that Gaspar is a complete empty suit and a shill for the unions and developers?
ReplyDeleteA lot of good it does now for the NCT to tell us that Gaspar sucks after they helped elect her.
If the NCT editorial board is going to persist in such willful ignorance, I'd appreciate it if they kept their uninformed opinions to themselves next time.
Well, well, well, at least the NCTimes has a conscience. Unlike the Encinitas Rotary, Paul Gaspar and his P.T. friends, and Ecke, Meyer et al. Another Great Uniter goes under. The next time someone says they are going to be the Great Uniter I will vote for the other person. Although, in this case I would not have voted for Gaspar under ANY cirumstances. Too much unreported baggage. Much more to come Kristin. So have fun on the Council before you get recalled. Hope you are reading this jerome You are next.
ReplyDeleteI say we recall her NOW! Does anyone know how to do that?
ReplyDeleteGaspar, Stocks and Bond all get a lump of coal in their stockings. Bum Humbug!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's lonely at the top, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI have not heard one comment or read one word in the papers that condone gaspar's first action.
ReplyDeleteAll are appalled.
I think she should be awarded the first "BOOB' award. Not meant to be sexist, it's just the truth.
ReplyDeleteAny beat reporter could have told the editorial board that Gaspar was inexperienced and closely aligned with Stocks. It was clear to all who listened to her that she would be devisive and inflexible herself. I'm for 90' lights at the Hall Park - not one inch shorter. As if 90' is some sort of magic number. Even Dalager seemed more flexible, and willing to work with the community.
ReplyDeleteEither the editorial board did not ask local reporters or did not care.
Giver her enough rope...
ha ha
ReplyDeletethis city sucks
i love encinitas for it's small town beachiness but could it get a more dysfunctional govt?
i overheard today that whole foods is already thinking about pulling out of pacific station over parking concerns.
way to skull-F the town
Oh, there goes the Lame-Stream media at it again. All of the news stories are typical attack pieces supported by these liberal activist organizers. Except NCT. They were nice before.
ReplyDeleteYou people are just as bad. You all think Gaspalin was plucked into her position for reasons other than what is best for the community but to retain the strange hold on the city.
And you activist that don't want a park for our children, I know that 33% of you are children and we need to build a regional sports park that rivals anything in Irvine. And those hundreds of homes that will lose there ocean views, and thousands of homes that will lose their quality of life and their community character are really not as important. Having a community park for all with playing fields is not what you want. You want 90 foot lights with loud speakers, cell towers, aviation lights with half the light output of the Rose Bowl. It will bring us together. You'll see.
You will see. This will turn out great.
I hear her say that she is, "...going to reach out to Teresa and that other lady, unless I am advised not to. But I will
have tried like I said I would."
It's posted now. Here is the link
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nctimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_cb76e0ae-0c95-11e0-802c-001cc4c002e0.html
The Raspberry is at the end.
Barth's re-election campaign slogan was Promises Made Promises Kept.
ReplyDeleteNow Gaspar's can be Promises Made Promises Broken.
Stocks, Bond and Gaspar are all laughing, they are the majority. Watch the council meetings get even shorter as they will immediately make the motion and vote. No discussion.
ReplyDeleteWhat a bunch of losers in Leucadia.
ReplyDeleteI could say the same thing about New Encinitas...more foreclosures, more crime, and more drug abuse...meanwhile the real estate is holding steady on the coast, and more people are living within their means, more people own their homes outeright, and the city gets the biggest percentage of property tax dollars from Leucadia. Nuff said.
ReplyDeleteWell to be true... most of you are trustfunders or inheirited your homes. It's good to be lucky and well off I guess. Thanks for paying more taxes, unless you hide behind prop 13.
ReplyDeleteThe new trio just screwed Barth again. Barbi has been rewarded for her good behavior. Barth has been taken off the NCTD and SANDAG apointments. So much for at grade crossings and any help from the railroad on a worthy bike/walk trail for Vulcan.
ReplyDeleteWhats with the infatuation with Barth? This should be called the Barth Brown Nosers Blog.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many residents of Leucadia moved here from somewhere else with mommies trust money or retired from a cush government gig and want working folks to pay for their wet dreams. Or failed to launch and still live in the back shed or garage. Maybe they sell antiques or groom dogs. Arent welfare and food stamps great! Now all you need is a medical marijuana dispensary to move in next to the Plant Lady and your life will be complete.
8:11 hope you got paid well for that piece of shit generalization.
ReplyDeleteIt got your panties in a bunch. Must be true.
ReplyDeleteYou mean people get paid to write on this blog? How do I get a paying gig?
ReplyDeleteI'll T off on someone if I get paid.
ReplyDeleteOr if I am Gasper or Stocks, I will vote for anything if my special interest tells me to.
Annual rates paid by some of the 2,000 local government plans in the giant California Public Employees Retirement System could soar roughly 55 percent over the next three years, a CalPERS board member estimates.
ReplyDeleteRecall bond over this and pulling barth's committee assignments.
ReplyDeleteI am ashamed of our council.
ReplyDeleteEncinitas's new slogan,
ReplyDelete" I am ashamed of our City Council!"
You get what you pay for and now Encinitas is owned by the City Employees Union and the Ecke Development Corporation.
Bond's brain is near dead. No need to recall that dude. He is about to forget where he lives.
ReplyDeleteLast Thursday's NCT Editorial
ReplyDeleteHoulihan violated, NOT Gaspar
OUR VIEW: Encinitas councilmembers appear to skirt law's edge
---------------------------------
EDITORIAL: Serial meeting or not?
North County Times opinion staff
In this year's version of the biennial food fight that Encinitas politicians have in choosing a mayor (which is mostly an occasion for various people to disrespect each other and to play political gotcha), various City Council members Tuesday night appeared dangerously close to violating the California Open Meetings law prohibiting serial meetings.
We're not party to any of the private conversations and hence won't cry foul, but, reading between the lines, it appears that everybody was busy talking to half of the others about business that needed to be talked about on the dais.
Councilman Jerome Stocks admitted talking to colleague Kristin Gaspar about making Jim Bond mayor, but says he didn't tell Bond about it.
And Bond said he and Stocks had talked about who Stocks wouldn't support ---- namely, Teresa Barth, who was denied the honorary post in favor of Bond.
Councilwoman Maggie Houlihan, who expressed dark, conspiratorial suspicions about the Bond-Stocks-Gaspar talks, said she talked with Bond.
Who knows if she talked to her favorite, Barth, who showed up to the meeting with preprinted announcements about her disappointment at the outcome?
Barth's supporters are understandably miffed that she was denied the gavel, but in the greater scheme of things, that doesn't seem to be a really big deal.
And we're not certain whether any of these conversations violated the Brown Act, making the choice of Bond subject to nullification or other action, so we'll leave things go with a reminder:
The relevant portion of the Ralph M. Brown Act ---- California Government Code 54952.2(b) ---- says that a "majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body."
That means a city council member (or school or special district board member) may not use private conversations with a majority of the members to line up agreement on positions or payback or to secure votes. That would be collective deliberation.
We understand how convenient it is to talk to one's colleagues without the rigmarole of rules. And we're not so naive as to think it doesn't happen with some frequency in local governments.
But transparency in government is a good and necessary thing. And keeping all the talk in public is worth it.
Last Thursday's NCT Editorial
ReplyDeleteHoulihan violated, NOT Gaspar
OUR VIEW: Encinitas councilmembers appear to skirt law's edge
---------------------------------
EDITORIAL: Serial meeting or not?
North County Times opinion staff
In this year's version of the biennial food fight that Encinitas politicians have in choosing a mayor (which is mostly an occasion for various people to disrespect each other and to play political gotcha), various City Council members Tuesday night appeared dangerously close to violating the California Open Meetings law prohibiting serial meetings.
We're not party to any of the private conversations and hence won't cry foul, but, reading between the lines, it appears that everybody was busy talking to half of the others about business that needed to be talked about on the dais.
Councilman Jerome Stocks admitted talking to colleague Kristin Gaspar about making Jim Bond mayor, but says he didn't tell Bond about it.
And Bond said he and Stocks had talked about who Stocks wouldn't support ---- namely, Teresa Barth, who was denied the honorary post in favor of Bond.
Councilwoman Maggie Houlihan, who expressed dark, conspiratorial suspicions about the Bond-Stocks-Gaspar talks, said she talked with Bond.
Who knows if she talked to her favorite, Barth, who showed up to the meeting with preprinted announcements about her disappointment at the outcome?
Barth's supporters are understandably miffed that she was denied the gavel, but in the greater scheme of things, that doesn't seem to be a really big deal.
And we're not certain whether any of these conversations violated the Brown Act, making the choice of Bond subject to nullification or other action, so we'll leave things go with a reminder:
The relevant portion of the Ralph M. Brown Act ---- California Government Code 54952.2(b) ---- says that a "majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body."
That means a city council member (or school or special district board member) may not use private conversations with a majority of the members to line up agreement on positions or payback or to secure votes. That would be collective deliberation.
We understand how convenient it is to talk to one's colleagues without the rigmarole of rules. And we're not so naive as to think it doesn't happen with some frequency in local governments.
But transparency in government is a good and necessary thing. And keeping all the talk in public is worth it.
Houlihan violated, NOT Gaspar
ReplyDelete---------------------------------
EDITORIAL: Serial meeting or not?
In this year's version of the biennial food fight that Encinitas politicians have in choosing a mayor (which is mostly an occasion for various people to disrespect each other and to play political gotcha), various City Council members Tuesday night appeared dangerously close to violating the California Open Meetings law prohibiting serial meetings.
We're not party to any of the private conversations and hence won't cry foul, but, reading between the lines, it appears that everybody was busy talking to half of the others about business that needed to be talked about on the dais.
Councilman Jerome Stocks admitted talking to colleague Kristin Gaspar about making Jim Bond mayor, but says he didn't tell Bond about it.
And Bond said he and Stocks had talked about who Stocks wouldn't support ---- namely, Teresa Barth, who was denied the honorary post in favor of Bond.
Councilwoman Maggie Houlihan, who expressed dark, conspiratorial suspicions about the Bond-Stocks-Gaspar talks, said she talked with Bond.
Who knows if she talked to her favorite, Barth, who showed up to the meeting with preprinted announcements about her disappointment at the outcome?
Barth's supporters are understandably miffed that she was denied the gavel, but in the greater scheme of things, that doesn't seem to be a really big deal.
And we're not certain whether any of these conversations violated the Brown Act, making the choice of Bond subject to nullification or other action, so we'll leave things go with a reminder:
The relevant portion of the Ralph M. Brown Act ---- California Government Code 54952.2(b) ---- says that a "majority of the members of a legislative body shall not, outside a meeting authorized by this chapter, use a series of communications of any kind, directly or through intermediaries, to discuss, deliberate, or take action on any item of business that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body."
That means a city council member (or school or special district board member) may not use private conversations with a majority of the members to line up agreement on positions or payback or to secure votes. That would be collective deliberation.
8:36,
ReplyDeleteWhy does barth get support. She is not corrupt and fights for transparent government. Can you say that about Stocks?
More B.S. in the Council appointments we now we have Gaspar as Stocks alternative on both NCTD and SANDAG boards. Thus we not be represented in a constructive manner. There will be no movement on at grade crossings or way side horns and don't look for any new vegetation along the rail corridor. Stocks needs to go we need and all out effort to remove the ego driven knucklehead and put in place someone who cares about Encinitas
ReplyDeleteStocks wants out too. He will use his SANDAG powers to get Martin Garrick's seat when he is termed out. People don't seem to get how tied Stocks and Gaspar are - he has been coaching her.
ReplyDeleteEncinitas Council Chambers=Ground Zero
ReplyDeleteI'm embarrassed by our council, but I'm ashamed of our fellow voters. If anyone spent an hour researching the candidates before last election, reviewing the qualifications, listening to them speak; they could see what they could expect of them as council members. Just follow the money trail for the Gaspar campaign, that told me everything I needed to know.
ReplyDeleteWhy are so many so ignorant?
This travesty must end! Gaspar is beyond clueless and she is assuming a position as an alternate for Stocks on select committee positions!!?? Absolutely unbelievable! I agree with the poster who said just a little research would have revealed the absolute lack of any qualifications on the part of Gaspar. At the forums, you could see $tock$ pullng the strings of her mouth to parrot her meaningless tiatribes about unity and independent thinking. Slick mailers and highway signs apparently do work! Our only hope is the watchdog group that attends the council meetings and watches these people like a hawk. To the less than 1% of citizens who are aware of the real situation, I salute you! Democracy will survive because of your efforts.
ReplyDeleteEncinitas please note....The mastermind is out in the open at last. For the last several years Jerome Stocks has let Dan Dalager run interference for him as he has pulled the strings. Now he has the Council in the palm of his hand with Gaspar and Bond and he is showing us what he thinks of the citizens of Encinitas and the idea of transparency in government. He is showing us that it does not matter what we think he is going to do what he wants and we can stuff it. It is one thing to watch and complain about the hijacking of Encinitas and another to actually do something. The worst thing we could do to his political ambitions is to recall him..........mmm!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't you all get it by now? The Council, New Encinitasl and Downown Encinitas just don't care what Cardiff and Leucadia think. Better get used to it. New money is in and most of us know what New Money does. They tear things down, have no sense of community; and usually hate the people who have been here the longest. Way of life in Encinitas is changing and the new world order has hit us over the head. James Bond is crafty and he knows this is true. Why do you think he set it up so Jerome would be able be mayor in 2012. Just in time for reelection, just in case he cannot beat Garrick. I truly hope he does go to Sacramento. The boys and girls up there will beat the shit out of him so fast it will make him need to drink even more, if that is possible. It's not a travesty, it is just the way of the world.
ReplyDeleteJust how did Bond make his appointment lists without discussing it with Stocks and Gaspar? Another Brown Act violation? This whole election fiasco is a good but hard lesson for Encinitas voters. Politicians and pseudo politicians tell us what we want to hear and then do what ever they want. Unless we stand up to them and take action they just laugh and keep on going. While you think this is just about the City Council....remember they council controls the city staff, city attorney and city manager.....and every aspect of our civic life. Teresa Barth and Maggie Houlihan are just there to fill the empty seats. This is a crying shame as these two women have done much for Encinitas and do not deserve this as the reward for their efforts. We need to get rid of Jerome Stocks and I don't mean two years from now.
ReplyDeleteAnon 11:48- That would be a nice Holiday gift. Does anyone have any dirt on Stocks and would you be willing to share with your name on it? Seems like he and his Rotary buddies have stiffled anyone who puts their name on anything. Aren't all 3 of the new coalition in the Encinitas Rotary. If so, there is no way they don't talk. Someone needs to join that Rotary or at least if there is a Rotarian already out there that has some balls speak out.
ReplyDeleteTo poster 8:26
ReplyDeleteYou in here again...with your pathetic characterizations?? It must be tough being the only taxpayer in Encinitas. If you actually had something relevant to say it might be worth it, otherwise you are just a waste of space.
Flaming torches and pitch forks???
ReplyDeleteIf that is too radical for you, how about pots and pans!!
Every council meeting, show up with pots and pans and bang then silly for 5 minutes. Do that every hour on the hour for 5 minutes outside city hall in the parking lot during council sessions.. You'll make a lot of noise and bring attention to a needed situation.
It worked in Argentina and helped bring down a military junta.
What do you have to lose???
11:41 & 11:54 Something like THIS ?
ReplyDeletehttp://boehnerbooze.wordpress.com/
11:56 - ditto
ReplyDelete8:11 & 8:36 - clearly the same hard working soul whose leading contribution to the world is scorn. Some who are dealt lemons make lemonade. You take sour grapes and make whine. My sympathies to your colleagues who endure your daily rant, and to your loving family who for predictable reasons did better things with your inheritance.
Look for a motion to have an elected mayor soon. This is the set up and the master mind it all is really Christy Guerin who will be lined up and ready to run for mayor with tons of financial backing. That's the plan. Guerin is bad for Encinitas.
ReplyDeleteBang your pots!!!
ReplyDeleteChristy Guerin - I don't know. She was disloyal once to the people who put her on council. It would seem she may be disloyal again - to the developer types who will put her there as mayor. Better Christy, who may change for the better, than Stocks, who won't.
ReplyDeleteAn elected mayor would be disastrous for Encinitas. The system works fine as it is. Just vote in term limits.
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice Christmas present planning gave to a developer.
ReplyDeleteBarff and hollowhead Houlihan lovers remind me of the patients in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, except these mental incompetents have computers and can type. But your brains are still mush.
ReplyDelete1:33: I am not 8:23. My family has no money to inherit. I make mine by working hard. I think I am on to you trustfund baby. Spend your families wealth well.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest trust fund baby in this City is Paul Ecke 3.
ReplyDeleteNo. I weigh much more than Paul.
ReplyDeleteWe need to get the council to elect a Mayor - NOW!!! 2012
ReplyDelete755,
ReplyDeleteThe council majority has acted under the distinct appearance of deliberating in violation of the Brown Act numerous times, and has admitted it several times. There are also emails showing this to happen on several other occasions.
I've not seen reason to suspect Barth knowingly violate the Brown Act, except once when holding a meeting that wasn't properly noticed.
In this case, there is the distinct appearance that Barth Houlihan and Bond networked as did Stocks, Bond, and Gaspar. Well, Stocks admits to speaking to Gaspar and Bond about the item (=3). Houlihan with Bond and most likely Houlihan with Barth (=3 with a high probability).
Houlihan and Stocks appear to have played a similar role. Gaspar and Barth appear to have played similar roles.
1206,
There seems to be an attempt to whisk up an emotional drive to get an elected Mayor, without much analysis of the matter. Why should we have an elected Mayor?
Yeah, what good would an elected mayor do?
ReplyDeleteThe elected mayor would clearly be the developer-union funded candidate (see deer-in-the-headlights candidate Gaspar's first-place finish).
We already have a three-person junta doing exactly what a developer-union mayor would do.
What's the point? Adding another politician to the city pension gravy train?
W.C is right. We could end up with a Jim Bond or Jerome Stocks as Mayor for four years instead of just one.
ReplyDeleteWith an uninformed electorate who are easily swayed by a glitz campaign of hollow promises and flashy slogans, or who just don't care enough to even vote at all; we now have a minority that controls the political apparatus of the community and could care less about even disguising their partisan loyalties anymore. The monied element has grown so arrogant as to publically display their distain for the commoners thinking that they have a voice in governement anymore. Gaspar is symptomatic of the special interest dominance over public affairs, in order to further their own economic interests over that of the "public good". Eat cake peasants - if you can afford it!
ReplyDeleteTown Without Pity
ReplyDeleteWhy is it alright to pass over Jim Bond for Mayor and not Teresa Barth?
ReplyDeleteI really don't understand the logic.
Because Jim should have stepped down 10 years ago.
ReplyDelete