Mary Souza’s Newsletter
We have so much to be thankful for on this auspicious date of 11-11-11! The Chinese believe eleven is the number of enlightenment and, in this crazy world, we could all use some wisdom.
First, on this Veteran’s Day, let’s honor the service of all the military men and women who have devoted themselves to safeguarding our freedom. They are the foundation of this country and greatly deserve our thanks.
Secondly, on a personal note, my honor and thanks go to my wonderful husband as we celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary today. He is a treasure and saying “I do” was our best decision ever.
Now let’s give a big “Woo Hoo” for the great election win last Tuesday! What a tremendous outpouring of support for Dan, Steve and Ron. The numbers were staggering; the margins were huge; not one race was even close…ever.
Talking with the candidates and supporters who walked the neighborhoods and knocked on doors, asking real people about the issues in CdA, it is clear that there were three big, hot button topics in this election:
1. Public vote on McEuen Field
2. High salaries and raises at the city
3. Arrogance and disrespect from Mayor & Council
These are not partisan issues, they are community concerns, crossing all political boundaries. People voted overwhelmingly for Democrat incumbent Ron Edinger as well as Republican challengers Steve Adams and Dan Gookin.
So why did Mayor Bloem come out publicly the next day and claim that the voters were not sending a message about McEuen; that the election was partisan and the wins were only because of the Reagan Republican group? She said those things out of arrogance and hubris, the very attitude citizens are sick of hearing from government.
Sandi Bloem had the nerve to say, on a local blog and again in the Press, that “I have not changed my mind that a public vote is good for planning a park,” she said. “I don’t think it is.” Councilwoman Deanna Goodlander agrees. Councilman Mike Kennedy is calculating his political future, as usual, and now says he’s thinking about it. And Councilman Woody says he’s open to new ideas but he’s always thought the council should decide.
Did they get the message the voters were sending? Doesn’t seem so. They’re giving us more of the same: “We know what’s best for you. Just be quiet while we spend your money.”
Well, the good news is there will be two new voices on city council now. I know their votes may not carry the issues but they can speak out in public, televised meetings and ask questions. They can make a motion on a topic and get a second, so the whole council is forced to discuss the issue in public. Wow, that’s big. Even if the final vote does not go the way many of us want, at least the council members have to give some sort of rationale for their decision. It’s a great step in the right direction.
And McEuen? We have to keep up the pressure. Talk to Woody. Show up at the meetings. The new council members, Dan Gookin and Steve Adams, will be sworn in on Jan. 3rd. Should be interesting.
Have a very happy 11-11-11 Enlightenment Day, dear Readers. and a great weekend. I know we will. –Mary
Happy Anniversary Mary!
Comment by rochereau — November 11, 2011 @ 1:22 pm
Certainly didn’t wish to taint anniversary wishes by mentioning Bloem on the same post. 🙂
Arrogance and hubris don’t half cover it. But I also believe that she is trying to spin the election. She is of the “say it often enough” school. Goodlander is redundant. Addled and muddled. Mikey will do as he is told. Woody may develop a backbone. For now in his shambling way, he is straddling the line. I think the biggest problem is the possibility of binding contracts being signed before Jan. Bloem knows what has happened and she just may pull a stunt like that to “show ” her power. Que sera!
Comment by rochereau — November 11, 2011 @ 1:30 pm
Thanks, Rochereau, you are thoughtful to give us some space!
Woody…backbone? I’m not holding my breath.
Comment by mary — November 11, 2011 @ 1:55 pm
I doubt that the penalty of any of those contracts would amount to $39,000,000, in total.
Comment by Ancientemplar — November 11, 2011 @ 4:52 pm
Happy 33rd to you and Rick on 11-11-11.
May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness.
From this day forward.
Comment by Bill — November 11, 2011 @ 7:19 pm
Thanks Bill, that’s a lovely sentiment!
Your poem reminds me of the Irish saying I shared with the late-remaining crowd at Fedora’s on election night. (you were at home asleep, Bill) I thought Dan and Steve might need some help recognizing their supporters and detractors when they arrive at city hall. The Irish have a clever idea for this problem. Here’s their saying:
“May those who love you love you,
For those who don’t love you,
May God turn their hearts.
If He cannot turn their hearts,
May he turn their ankles,
So you will know them by their limping.”
Only the Irish! They get right down to it.
Comment by mary — November 11, 2011 @ 11:09 pm
Happy Anniversary Mary and Rick, may you enjoy many, many more!
Comment by justinian — November 12, 2011 @ 8:41 am
I’ve always loved that Irish prayer! Never ceases to make me laugh. No, I never thought that contracts for 39 mil. would be signed. That is just silly! But almost a million $ has already been spent and contracts for destruction of the boat launch and other portions of the park could well be signed. I read Goodlanders absurd rational this morning that clearly lays out the current plan of attack. Her comparisons were so patently idiotic that one doesn’t know where to start.
Woody developing backbone, I’m not holding my breath either. But Bloem and Goodlander have dug in. They remind me of that old saying, ” don’t confuse me with facts, I’ve made up my mind”. Kennedy will do as he is told. So who is left? Having an even number of council members is nuts. Stacks the deck. There should only be five. Oh well…..
Comment by rochereau — November 12, 2011 @ 8:49 am
Goodlander claims the local election results were about partisanship with the Reagan Republicans and tea partiers leading the way. To substantiate her claims she says that the numbers and margins of victory around the county were around the same. To a certain degree she’s right; with local elections following Nat’l political trends etc.
But, how do you explain the Edinger vote? He votes with the majority on the council almost everytime, yet he wins re-election by a whopping 72%. Brunning garners only 33%, and Sayler
39% roughly. The only red hot button issue was McEuen and the Ad.vote. Even Brunning acknowledges that saying:’it was the only issue that came up during the campaign’.
In 2007, Edinger only garnered 52% of the vote in CDA city council elections, against a political newcomer and relative unknown in Dan G. Yet, in 2011 he runs a against another political newcomer and relative unknown in Adam G.Yet, garners 72% of the vote and having voted with the majority on the council almost every time. To conclude, the Edinger numbers tell us the no.1 reason for his and others winning in CDA had to have been the McEuen Field, Advisory vote issues.
Comment by kageman — November 12, 2011 @ 10:26 am
Thanks, Justinian, we are very blessed.
Kageman, your analysis is right on. Edinger is not only a Democrat but a long time incumbent as well. This was an “anti-incumbent” year (next time will be too) but Ron got great support because he’s on the people’s side of the McEuen fiasco. The same number of people voted this year as in 2009. That means one of two things, in my estimation: 1. Either the people voting were overwhelmingly Republican but inexplicably voted for pro-union, pro-spending Ron while most of the Dems stayed home, or 2. It was all about McEuen!
Comment by mary — November 12, 2011 @ 2:20 pm