Just a reminder for everyone to Get your ballots in the mail or walk them in Tuesday!! I do walk mine in because I am one of those people that gets the 'I voted' sticker and then walks around asking Everyone if they have voted yet. If you read my posts, then that cannot possibly shock you!! ;-).
Regarding the Hemet elections: I do think that I could have been more opinionated but I don't see that as my job. I clearly have opinions, but I want voters to become educated and research things themselves. I want you to be a part of this democracy. So many people around the world do not have what we have. We do take advantage of it. Please remember that our freedoms and livelihood can be stripped away at any moment. So many people say that it is politics and there is nothing we can do about it. The people who say that are the people who don't participate. They have essentially given up. I am a parent. I have children that I want aware of the process. I want them engaged in their community. I want them to know what it means to live here. It will not change unless we participate and make it happen! So I will say it again -VOTE!!!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Endorsements
Those of you who know me, know that I am not a fan of endorsements. In my opinion, they manipulate democracy and make voters lazy. There is, however, one benefit to them; you get to see exactly which politicians are in bed with who. Case and point, Steve Hernandez. Hernandez is endorsed by the California Democratic Party (don't by any means get me started on the Republican Party because both are guilty) and has worked for Supervisor Ashley since 2004. Ashley is also one in favor of the Stone agenda. Hernandez endorsed Robert Masson, who is running for Hemet City Council and who is also a retired Riverside County Sheriff. See any potential problems for our city with that one getting elected?
Back to Hernandez... He is endorsing someone that would push for a liberal agenda of bigger government, and it does come at the expense of taxpayers. Our middle class has been beaten up, so let's beat them up more? There is a tax increase on November's ballot for Coachella and this is due to the increasing costs of public safety. There is already a tax for Coachella residents that helps supplement public safety costs. The cost for Calfire and Sheriff keep going up, so why would we want someone in office or why would Coachella want someone in office pushing for services that We/they can't really afford?
So how does this effect Hemet? This shows those of us in Hemet that this is in fact a much larger agenda and pursued at the cost of the taxpayer. I understand liberals pushing for bigger government, but I do not understand why conservative/tea party types are pushing for the same agenda. They claim it is to rid our city of demanding unions, but has anyone checked the size of the Calfire union lately? The Calfire union... A little larger than 50 members. How are those demands going to stay excluded from our budget and every other cities budget who voted to contract out services? Also, this last mailer that came out from the Hemet Taxpayers Association (I will have more on that one. I want my research solid.), where do I begin? You must know that this group and funding come from the same source? It is the same language and argument. The problem for them is that their arguments are weak and don't take any solid, whole, factual evidence into consideration. The information provided is selective at best. The only two candidates they are attacking are Krupa and Raver. FYI- from what I understand, there are candidates other than Krupa and Raver who support keeping our public safety under local control. If you got the mailer, then read it and do your homework. And yes, public safety is contributing to candidates. It just so happens the Calfire union contributes to Jeff Stone. The number of signatures gathered for the referendum should tell you that the citizens of Hemet are sold on the services of HFD.
Back to Hernandez... He is endorsing someone that would push for a liberal agenda of bigger government, and it does come at the expense of taxpayers. Our middle class has been beaten up, so let's beat them up more? There is a tax increase on November's ballot for Coachella and this is due to the increasing costs of public safety. There is already a tax for Coachella residents that helps supplement public safety costs. The cost for Calfire and Sheriff keep going up, so why would we want someone in office or why would Coachella want someone in office pushing for services that We/they can't really afford?
So how does this effect Hemet? This shows those of us in Hemet that this is in fact a much larger agenda and pursued at the cost of the taxpayer. I understand liberals pushing for bigger government, but I do not understand why conservative/tea party types are pushing for the same agenda. They claim it is to rid our city of demanding unions, but has anyone checked the size of the Calfire union lately? The Calfire union... A little larger than 50 members. How are those demands going to stay excluded from our budget and every other cities budget who voted to contract out services? Also, this last mailer that came out from the Hemet Taxpayers Association (I will have more on that one. I want my research solid.), where do I begin? You must know that this group and funding come from the same source? It is the same language and argument. The problem for them is that their arguments are weak and don't take any solid, whole, factual evidence into consideration. The information provided is selective at best. The only two candidates they are attacking are Krupa and Raver. FYI- from what I understand, there are candidates other than Krupa and Raver who support keeping our public safety under local control. If you got the mailer, then read it and do your homework. And yes, public safety is contributing to candidates. It just so happens the Calfire union contributes to Jeff Stone. The number of signatures gathered for the referendum should tell you that the citizens of Hemet are sold on the services of HFD.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Council Meeting October 14, 2014
The meeting started out with about 50 people, which is HUGE! Usually, there are 20 of us- and it's the same 20 every week. I will also mention that half of the 20 work for the city and kinda have to be there. So really, only 10 of us actually show up on a consistent basis who aren't somehow obligated to be there.
Back to the meeting... One of the gas stations in town was trying to get its alcohol license switched from a type 20 (beer and wine) to a type 21 (type 20 plus distilled spirits). He was trying to make the case that by upping the license, we aren't adding to the concentration just tweaking it a bit. They share a shopping center with Walmart and Walgreens, both of which have a type 21. Apparently, the gas station wants the license so that they can offer something that their customers would like to add to their list of convenient items. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I am a woman that likes her glass of wine, but for goodness sake, the last thing that needs to be more convenient is liquor. Maybe it's my family of law enforcement talking, but that (in my opinion) level of convenience... Bad!
One of the most interesting things he said was regarding their community partnership and how that included schools, the police department and other organizations. He also mentioned how these community partnerships were a monetary commitment. Now, allow me back up for a minute. Prior to this statement, he had said that they have received letters of recommendations in support of them obtaining this license from schools, people in the community, community organizations, etc. Hmmmm.... At this point, I'm waiting for someone on council to interject. It is just too obvious right?! Nope! Can I have an intelligent question for $500? Dramatic pause... Can I have an intelligent question for $200? More dramatic pause... Still waiting... Okay, so I realize that 500 may have been a very aggressive starting point but I have standards. Maybe I should have started at 200. Or 100. Deep sigh! My standards just aren't being met.
Ohh, I almost forgot! The 50 of us who showed up.. Most came to speak in favor of granting the permit, which was denied. Don't worry, we still had to sit and listen to Milne battle with herself regarding her free-market principals and the fact that she felt more strongly about this setting a precedence (one of the few things I have agreed with her on). So after this agenda item, we were back to our same, cozy twenty!
Back to the meeting... One of the gas stations in town was trying to get its alcohol license switched from a type 20 (beer and wine) to a type 21 (type 20 plus distilled spirits). He was trying to make the case that by upping the license, we aren't adding to the concentration just tweaking it a bit. They share a shopping center with Walmart and Walgreens, both of which have a type 21. Apparently, the gas station wants the license so that they can offer something that their customers would like to add to their list of convenient items. Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I am a woman that likes her glass of wine, but for goodness sake, the last thing that needs to be more convenient is liquor. Maybe it's my family of law enforcement talking, but that (in my opinion) level of convenience... Bad!
One of the most interesting things he said was regarding their community partnership and how that included schools, the police department and other organizations. He also mentioned how these community partnerships were a monetary commitment. Now, allow me back up for a minute. Prior to this statement, he had said that they have received letters of recommendations in support of them obtaining this license from schools, people in the community, community organizations, etc. Hmmmm.... At this point, I'm waiting for someone on council to interject. It is just too obvious right?! Nope! Can I have an intelligent question for $500? Dramatic pause... Can I have an intelligent question for $200? More dramatic pause... Still waiting... Okay, so I realize that 500 may have been a very aggressive starting point but I have standards. Maybe I should have started at 200. Or 100. Deep sigh! My standards just aren't being met.
Ohh, I almost forgot! The 50 of us who showed up.. Most came to speak in favor of granting the permit, which was denied. Don't worry, we still had to sit and listen to Milne battle with herself regarding her free-market principals and the fact that she felt more strongly about this setting a precedence (one of the few things I have agreed with her on). So after this agenda item, we were back to our same, cozy twenty!
Monday, October 13, 2014
As far as I am concerned, the Press Enterprise, as a whole, leaves much to be desired! Let's be honest, they write mostly fluff pieces and nothing with any real depth or anything remotely near investigative journalism. Because if that were the case, they would not endorse candidates such as Smith and Masson. They would have done their homework.
I know for a fact that Masson was out campaigning a week ago and telling voters that he was a supporter of the Hemet Fire Department. You can imagine the names that were thrown around once those voters found out the truth. Both he and Hestrin (Riv Co District Attorney-Elect) used Innovative Political Solutions (I have said this before) for campaign fundraising efforts, which most people wouldn't raise an eyebrow to except for the fact that it is run by a relative of Jeff Stone and Jeff Stone has used the services himself. Please see the Facebook page with the shared post regarding Jeff Stone and receiving the endorsements. Masson is standing there right next to him. The mailer sent out last week by Masson, had a photo of he and Hestrin with a quote from Hestrin that included 'he is exactly what Hemet needs for its renewed commitment to public safety'. What I find the most interesting about that mailer is that nowhere on it does it say that Masson is the president of the Riverside Sheriff's Association. You know why. Our public safety, PD included, would be contracted out so fast should he be elected to city council. Do you really want to take your chances on that one?
Now to Smith... I would love to know the unrealistic demands of the unions. HFFA gave a proposal where they would not get raises for 5 years. I don't recall any unrealistic demands from the SEIU (amazing group by the way, and a complete honor to meet some of the people who work hard everyday, especially after being hit hard by cuts.). So I really don't appreciate that comment, but I guess that would come from someone who wants to privatize and contract-out an entire city, including our library. How are we a business-friendly community when our small businesses are leaving because they cannot afford to do business here? In the eyes of Larry Smith, Hemet is now a business-friendly community. So here's what is ultimately going to happen - A business will come to town and force other ones similar to close because the income base is not here to sustain everyone, once again, leaving more vacancies.
FYI Larry Smith- you were not elected by the people to be mayor. You were elected by a slight council majority that you happen to be a part of. I was in the council chambers that night and if it were up to the vast majority in that room, our city would be led by Krupa and Wright.
And let's see if $500 buys an endorsement, shall we?
I know for a fact that Masson was out campaigning a week ago and telling voters that he was a supporter of the Hemet Fire Department. You can imagine the names that were thrown around once those voters found out the truth. Both he and Hestrin (Riv Co District Attorney-Elect) used Innovative Political Solutions (I have said this before) for campaign fundraising efforts, which most people wouldn't raise an eyebrow to except for the fact that it is run by a relative of Jeff Stone and Jeff Stone has used the services himself. Please see the Facebook page with the shared post regarding Jeff Stone and receiving the endorsements. Masson is standing there right next to him. The mailer sent out last week by Masson, had a photo of he and Hestrin with a quote from Hestrin that included 'he is exactly what Hemet needs for its renewed commitment to public safety'. What I find the most interesting about that mailer is that nowhere on it does it say that Masson is the president of the Riverside Sheriff's Association. You know why. Our public safety, PD included, would be contracted out so fast should he be elected to city council. Do you really want to take your chances on that one?
Now to Smith... I would love to know the unrealistic demands of the unions. HFFA gave a proposal where they would not get raises for 5 years. I don't recall any unrealistic demands from the SEIU (amazing group by the way, and a complete honor to meet some of the people who work hard everyday, especially after being hit hard by cuts.). So I really don't appreciate that comment, but I guess that would come from someone who wants to privatize and contract-out an entire city, including our library. How are we a business-friendly community when our small businesses are leaving because they cannot afford to do business here? In the eyes of Larry Smith, Hemet is now a business-friendly community. So here's what is ultimately going to happen - A business will come to town and force other ones similar to close because the income base is not here to sustain everyone, once again, leaving more vacancies.
FYI Larry Smith- you were not elected by the people to be mayor. You were elected by a slight council majority that you happen to be a part of. I was in the council chambers that night and if it were up to the vast majority in that room, our city would be led by Krupa and Wright.
And let's see if $500 buys an endorsement, shall we?
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Economic Development/Community Investment
So when were they thinking about implementing some of the things mentioned on the Community Investment page? The Mission Statement blows my mind. I know it is giving us a goal, but it doesn't even feel like we are on that mission. To be honest, it feels like we are on Mission Dismantle. Our council 3 and City Manager must define Community Investment very differently from the rest of us. Maybe they are unaware of the definitions of Community and Investment. Selling off a city piece-by-piece does not a community make.
This city looks fragmented and poorly managed when new buildings are being constructed while we have vacant spaces/buildings available for use. It gives the impression that the people running this city have no cohesive plan for pulling this city back together. Raise your hand if you agree.
http://www.cityofhemet.org/index.aspx?nid=597
This city looks fragmented and poorly managed when new buildings are being constructed while we have vacant spaces/buildings available for use. It gives the impression that the people running this city have no cohesive plan for pulling this city back together. Raise your hand if you agree.
http://www.cityofhemet.org/index.aspx?nid=597
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Masson and Smith and Jeff Stone
Please do not forget that Robert Masson is all about the Jeff Stone agenda, which is financial kick-backs to his campaign donors and contracting out all city services. Remember that Jeff Stone, along with the council three, endorsed Masson! The Facebook page for Larry Smith, which I do think can be informative, only reaches part of the problem. An article from the Press Enterprise in 2010 endorsed Smith and Krupa. I included the link to the article just so you can revisit! I am certain that Larry Smith fell far below the level of what was expected. However, I wonder if the intention ever was to get our city back on track. For obvious reasons, I am skeptical. This is simply due to the fact that if the city continues to contract out services and lose the ability to truly negotiate, we will be facing tax increases or worse, bankruptcy. A small portion of our city council is truly committed to economic development and that portion does not include Milne, Smith and Youssef. Smith's write-ups in the Voter Information Pamphlet says that he has helped our city get back on track economically. It is true that we have had a few large businesses open, but have you noticed that many of our small businesses have closed? What does that tell you about Hemet's middle class and the business environment of Hemet?
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Because from time to time, we must have a little bit of fun! Bwahaha!!!
Allegedly, Larry Smith has cameras on some of his campaign signs and drives around at night making sure his signs are okay! If this is true and you gave any money to that campaign, you can now sleep at night knowing that your contribution is protected and monitored by tiny little cameras. Honestly, you know how expensive that would be? If there were cameras, he wouldn't be driving around at night making sure his signs were okay. He can't even tell the truth about his own campaign signs.
However, I wonder how much fun people can have now knowing this information.
On a serious note...
This is on top of the tax dollars being spent on damage control for Smith's campaign. I don't remember saying it was okay to use my tax dollars for that purpose, but you know who did? Milne, Smith and Youssef.
However, I wonder how much fun people can have now knowing this information.
On a serious note...
This is on top of the tax dollars being spent on damage control for Smith's campaign. I don't remember saying it was okay to use my tax dollars for that purpose, but you know who did? Milne, Smith and Youssef.
Facebook Page
The Facebook page is now up and going, yet still pretty basic. I will continue posting on this blog. I have the Facebook page specifically for sharing community events and other posts I like that pertain to Hemet.
www.facebook.com/save.hemet.9
www.facebook.com/save.hemet.9
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Food for Thought
A friend of mine and I were talking yesterday about this country and what it means to be an engaged citizen. It is a privilege to live in this country, even with its imperfections. We strive to correct them. Men and women serve this country everyday to protect the voice and freedom of its citizens. Because of this, we have the power to shape and mold this country through discourse and will. We hold that power; not a monarch or tyrant, but the people. My friend reminded me of this quote from Jefferson.
'The people cannot be all and always well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet after such misconceptions, it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty... What country ever before existed a century and a half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants'.
If those we elect abuse their power, it is our job to remove that power from them. Remember, they work for us.
'The people cannot be all and always well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet after such misconceptions, it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty... What country ever before existed a century and a half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants'.
If those we elect abuse their power, it is our job to remove that power from them. Remember, they work for us.
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