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The vote swinger
ViginantinCV....I have been seeking the answer to that question for some while. Just WHAT does John McCann DO to support the Missus and the four little McCanns? The USNR is a limited commitment, isn't it? One weekend a month? Perhaps we would learn that info from his Statement of Economic Interests, and I think it would be appropriate for the Chula Vista City Clerk to post it online, in the interest of full disclosure.— January 6, 2015 7:49 p.m.
The vote swinger
It would be informative (and a nod to transparency) if the City Clerk's Office would post the Statements of Economic Interests for the finalist candidates on the City's web page. They are public documents and the public should be able to see and know the details of each of their economic interests and sources of income.— January 6, 2015 5:58 p.m.
The vote swinger
Yes, Susan, that is an interesting point. Timing is interesting, as well, as a bit of web research shows that Ratner Clothing sold its mfg. business in 1989, just about the same time these other interesting alliances between Malclom, Horton, and others are being formed. Ratners owned the building on L Street that is now part of the SUHS property nightmare. I do not recall the alleged purpose the SUHSD said the newly acquired Rater property on L St was to be, but think it might have been pitched as either a new District HQ or a new place for the district's fleet of busses and other vehicles to be kept. It would be interesting to look back to see what was envisioned at the time. Don't forget that Greg Sandoval and Jim Cartmill both came on the District Board about that same time. I think that was also during Ed Brand's first tour as superintendent.— January 5, 2015 2:33 p.m.
The vote swinger
Shirley Horton has long been allied with David Malcolm, going back at least to the early 1990's when he was on the CV City Council and 'groomed' Shirley (who was petrified of speaking in public) for bigger things and higher office. Malcolm's financial resources and backing have always appealed to the likes of McCann (does anyone know exactly WHAT he does for a living besides the USN Reserve to support the Missus and four little MCCanns?) who seems to gravitate to moneyed backers. Let's not forget that the Sweetwater USD property 'deals' have yet to be authorized - approved (called entitlement) by the City of CV, and that Malcolm may have some financial interest in some or all of them. There are lots of tentacles and threads, not to mention dots to connect in this scenario.— January 5, 2015 12:01 p.m.
The vote swinger
In re: malfeasance in other states - It was Alioto, the former Southwestern College VP of finance who had an "interesting" financial trail and background in, I believe, Wisconsin. It's easy to check online. Gandara was from a city in Texas known for corrupt officials. I believe it is also the hometown of Pearl Quinones. It's sad that people on hiring committees in our local communities do not do a better job of checking out the past of those who do apply for positions in our public agencies. Sounds like VU, as Woodchuck notes, is fine in our 'club of chummy misfits.'— January 5, 2015 10:51 a.m.
Everyone need not apply
Thanks Susan. In re: Patty Chavez, her appointment was a meteoric, if somewhat secretive, rise to the dais, after a sketchy and hastily built resume, entirely at the last minute. Interesting to say the least. Now, Chavez finds herself in the company of Shirley Horton, et al., with South Bay Community Services, the so-called non-profit organization that exists (and pays hefty salaries to top folks including Horton and Kathy Lembo) entirely on public grants (more than $1mill from the Sweetwater School District alone, as well as the City of CV). Others involved in the ranks of supporters for SBCS include Kevin O'Neill and Cheryl Cox, not to mention David Malcolm and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. The heartening thing about the list of applicants for the current vacancy is that it includes so many new names. I agree, it will be a most interesting process. I do hope the City Clerk's office is better equipped to communicate with the applicants this time around. Failure to send at least a 'thank you for applying' acknowledgment is at best a lack of good civic manners.— January 4, 2015 10:41 a.m.
Everyone need not apply
I am pleased to see so many individuals interested in serving a limited term to fill the current vacancy. I am also pleased to see that Mayor Salas has developed a clear and transparent process for the Council to use in evaluating the candidates and selecting the interim member of the Council. I hope the City Clerk has been diligent and professional in acknowledging the applications and informing the applicants of the process. Recall that when the last vacancy arose (I think it was in the early 2000's when Patty Davis resigned due to ill health) that things were not so transparent. In fact, once the applications were received by the City Clerk's Office by the deadline, which was a Monday, there was no public information about the process. No one knew what would happen next. Surprise.!!!....on the following Friday a few were invited to be interviewed by the Council, with little public notice. The City Clerk's Office sent NO 'thank you for applying' letter or any acknowledgment to the candidates, and individuals were not were advised of the outcome once it was decided to appoint neophyte Patty Chavez to the remainder of the term. It was one of the shadier things to happen on then Mayor Padilla's watch. I am glad Mayor Salas and the City Clerk seem to be handling this vacancy much more professionally. I will be interested to see how it all turns out.— January 3, 2015 2:26 p.m.
It would have been prudent...
It is evident to me that the people of South County were underserved by the very court of justice that is supposed to protect our rights along with everyone else. Others who would be tempted to the same larceny as our 15 so-called public servants will not be dissuaded from future larceny by the soft outcomes of the indictments that were so hard to come by and the absurd trials that followed. The chief judge of the San Diego Court who assigned the cases to Judge Espana in the South County clerk should be embarrassed by her pitiful performance, but probably does not give a damn.— December 16, 2014 10:46 a.m.
It would have been prudent...
With more than two years to plan, there is time to recruit someone qualified to run against Judge Espana!— December 10, 2014 3:45 p.m.
It would have been prudent...
Even if she skipped the part about the Ed Code in law school, she should have read up on it when she got the Sweetwater perp cases. Who may and who may NOT sit on the dais is pretty well spelled out, in both Ed Code and the District's own Bylaws. Clearly, she is short on the homework gene!— December 9, 2014 5:10 p.m.