After Deadline: Impressions from El Concilio forum for MoCouncil candidates
I just got back from today's forum for Modesto City Council candidates hosted by El Concilio.
I'm sure you know, but it was new to me, to see Robert Stanford urging people to vote for him in District 4, Joe Cataline in District 5 and Al Nava in District 2. That alliance appears to be one based on the idea of doing things differently in City Hall.
I agree that they have different perspectives, but I haven't heard them pledge a tangible change in any city policies that they could effect. In that case, shuffling the deck with new voices on the council has its own merit as a campaign pledge.
Here's a rundown of what I saw:
Kristin Olsen is the only incumbent, and she says she's the right person to make tough decisions in tough times. I think that's a way of acknowledging two year's worth of budget cutting votes. She's well spoken and composed as always. She presented herself as someone who would respond to constituents and focus on public safety. Her challenge is being the only incumbent up for re-election after passing a harsh budget that laid off police officers and reduced parks services. The obvious counter is, well, what would you do with a $15 million deficit?
Cataline, her opponent in District 5, seemingly tried to hold Olsen accountable for every act of violence in their neighborhood. He incorrectly said that crime rates had risen over the past four years. Murders are on the rise, but they're still below 2005. He discussed his work mentoring young people, and like Olsen, he's a good communicator. He stressed cooperation between law enforcement, youth groups and afterschool programs.
Joe Muratore had the broadest message for District 4, which covers La Loma, Creekside and the airport neighborhood. He stressed economic development and community partnerships. Those arguments were compelling based on his work with the La Loma Neighborhood Association, which actually is an example of residents doing something different to improve the city. Questions about public safety tended to return to jobs for him.
Jeff Perine, also running for District 4, emphasized public safety throughout the forum. He teaches in a youth correctional facility and has family in the Modesto Police Department. He clearly had a nuanced perspective on crime and enthusiasm to tackle gangs and drugs. It was also interesting to hear him discuss the blight of vacant homes and how they drag down neighborhoods.
Robert Stanford, the third candidate in District 4, staked out a position to the left of everyone at the forum. He dropped the ball when he was asked why someone should vote for him. “Because I’m doing the work,” he said. It fell flat because it was a presumptuous response and he missed an opportunity to describe his record as a community advocate on public safety and health issues. He has a better case to make than the one he offered.
Nava, a candidate for District 2, likewise stumbled at the start of several of his questions. That was a missed opportunity for him to discuss his biography and his strong opinions about how to improve the city. He stressed curbing urban sprawl, sensitivity to environmental issues and creating a comprehensive approach to gangs.
Dave Geer, his opponent in District 2, said something interesting when he pledged to fight to keep 1/6 of the city budget in south and west Modesto. That’s an argument some opponents to district elections feared they’d hear from candidates. It will be interesting to see how those ambitions shake out when the winner of these district seats takes office this winter. Otherwise, Geer hewed to a pro-law enforcement line and he said he’d try to focus the city’s development within its current boundaries instead of reaching ever northward.
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Im sure Stanford said
More than that, I thought each candidate had a few minutes to get their message out. If thats true then there would have been several minutes of silence.
How about a transcript of the meeting.
No transcript
What else did Robert say?
He favors a resolution barring Modesto police from enforcing federal immigration laws.
He opposes gang injunctions and fears that they are a means to racially profile minorities.
He supports collaboration between community groups and law enforcement.
He says health and education are the airport neighborhood's greatest challenge.
He and Kristin Olsen had a sidetrack discussion on abstinence only education, which is obviously a red herring in a council debate. Olsen favors that tack; Stanford supports a more comprehensive approach to sex education to fight teen pregnancy.
after deadline :barring police
I would be surprised if they even enforce it, as short handed they are. You said Stanford did not represent change is that also saying that the Bee is not going to endorse Stanford.
ok
The resolution on police and immigration laws would be a change, but you're right, they don't enforce those laws, anyway. That's pretty much what candidates said when they described why they wouldn't support the kind of resolution Stanford endorsed. Nava also said he'd back a resolution prohibiting local police from enforcing federal immigration laws.
After Deadline....
Were there any questions directed to the Candidates that focused specifically on the financial situation facing the City (i.e. budget cuts, layoffs, etc.), and the decisions they will have to make come next June and July?
I am curious if there were any ideas presented by the Candidates as it relates to how the City will move ahead in the next budget talks.
Any insight is appreciated.
$ didn't come up
Good question MTBER, and no, money didn't come up. It was the elephant in the room. I should've submitted a question on that one. Next time.
Thanks for clearing that up after deadline
Also one last comment, Last year the city council voted in a tax break for the rich oil companies and it has been just about a year since then.
Are there any updates if these oil companies paid any taxes which were to be paid only if they made a certain profit. Just curious about that and how much is that tax break for the rich effecting this years election....is it an issue?
Endorsements by The Bee
The Bee's editorial board issues endorsements for candidates through our editorials. The only people involved those decisions are the editorial board members. They are the publisher, the editor, the opinions editor and three visiting editors.
Adam's not involved. Nor are any other reporters. I'm not involved.
Dan
I don't think they've even opened
The deal with the tax break was that it was a net drain on California but a boost to Modesto. It hasn't come up, and last I checked, that company hadn't even opened shop yet. We'll have to check again.
Robert started by speaking in Spanish saying...
My name is Robert Stanford. When I wake up in the morning I don't need to be afraid of anything or anyone, because the Lord is in my heart.
And he speaks only one word to me, he speaks it every moment, its in my dreams, and its everything I do. And that word is equality for eveybody in the whole world.
And that's why I'm running for Modesto City Council.
This was Robert's opening statement.
Okay thanks
The Modesto Police officers association has endorsed Perrine for district 4, did they give the endorsement based on Perrine's family connections to the police department?
And what has Perrine done before this election campaign for the district 4 community?
Thanks After Deadline...
I am surprised it wasn't asked, maybe next time.
I agree though, it seems to be the elephant in the room. Next year's budget talks will be worse than this year's. I personally think it is VERY important to hear these Candidates explain to the voters what ideas, or even business experience, they bring to the table necessary to handle to the tough decisions they will be making.
I am all for change, and maybe the three Candidates your referenced can bring change, but I agree with your above assessment that it is still unclear what that "change" actually means in terms of policy and making tough decisions.
That was his opening statement???!!!!!
Really? That was his opening statement?
Thats quite an opening statement
I think that shows his heart felt commitment at putting God first for the citizens of district 4.
Only good things can happen.
Well then....
Well then I guess it's safe to say Robert Stanford represents Christians, and Christians only.
What if you are not of the Christian faith? Does he NOT represent you? That doesn't seem right to me.
after deadline
Did you ask Joe Muratore as to what he meant by development and community partnership as if that has anything to do with real estate developement?
Kristin Olsen also spoke in spanish in her opening statement.
She said that she thought that Spanish was a more elegant language than English. That's roughly translated since she was one of the very few in the room that speaks formal Spanish (Castilian).
Remember that the audience for the day was El Concilio.
mtber...?
He spoke from his heart. he didn't exclude anyone. I don't know how you can suggest what you said.
mtber
Stanford has already stated he represented all the citizens, and it does not matter what their religious beliefs or faiths.
Of course your looking to pick at his words.
after deadline
When Nava for district 2 had suggested compromising did he give any more details as to what he meant by that.........did he mean he will compromise with the streetgangs?
Mtber. How do you conclude Robert Stanford only represents
Christians? Any Facts? I don't even know if Robert is a Christian. How do you know?
Well then....
new
Well then I guess it's safe to say Robert Stanford represents Christians, and Christians only.
What if you are not of the Christian faith? Does he NOT represent you? That doesn't seem right to me.
SO I have a question
Ive seen numerous users on here ranting and raving on political issues about County Districts, City Districts, the Sheriff, etc. If you live in the City you cant vote in the Sheriff's Race, if you live in the County you dont vote in the City Council elections...are you all community activists or do you just put your noses in where they dont belong?
your question
everyone in the county votes for sheriff-perhaps you need civics 101
your question
everyone in the county votes for sheriff-perhaps you need civics 101
Maybe TheyShouldn't
Maybe everyone shouldn't vote for sheriff and he wouldn't win so much
TS/BikeRack/Wayne.....
This is what I meant by my statement. Wayne stated.....
I think that shows his heart felt commitment at putting God first for the citizens of district 4.
The way I read that statement, Wayne is implying Robert, if elected, will put God first for the citizens of District 4. That's all well and good, but what about the folks who aren't Christian? That is what I meant by exclusionary. Maybe I should have written it in the form of a question....
you are partt of
the old boys network. u can't understand what is best for relgular people.
Drake said
"Robert started by speaking in Spanish saying...
Submitted by truthseekers on Thu, 2009-09-24 16:36.
My name is Robert Stanford. When I wake up in the morning I don't need to be afraid of anything or anyone, because the Lord is in my heart. And he speaks only one word to me, he speaks it every moment, its in my dreams, and its everything I do. And that word is equality for eveybody in the whole world. And that's why I'm running for Modesto City Council.This was Robert's opening statement."
What Stanford said is not true.
He does not believe in "equality" for everyone. That is more then evidenced in blog after blog on this site. He supports and encourages attack dogs, who's goal is to silence any opposing view. Drake himself is one of them. I find what Stanford said, rather odd.
__________________________________
Denial ain't just a river in Egypt
Thanks EDrake.....
Thanks Truthseekers.
Well empty beer..
I've never posted under anyother name than truthseekers.
linda has her usual compliment of sock puppets.
Another lie
trying to set a record Drake?
On Al Nava, that guy is another train wreck.
__________________________________
Denial ain't just a river in Egypt
You have no credibility armchair...none..
go bang your pan and spoon because it's the only action you're going to get.
confusion
this is Ed Rake. Not Drake if that is what you are saying. I don't knjow Al Nava.
Well....there goes a good topic and blog...
Thanks After Deadline for the summary of today's debate/discussion. Unfortunately, this seems to be another blog thread gone to sh**.
Looking forward to the Bee's coverage of this year's Council race, as well as other local elections.
Mtber. This is what I would see as the meaning of the
statement. I will only assume Robert means God, the God that is the father of Jesus the Christ. Putting it simply, I believe he worships Jesus the Christ through his own personal relationship and through that relationship would be kind, considerate and compassionate to all people, regardless of others personal belief in a different God or a different religion as Christianity. The greatest commandment from God (the God I believe Robert has) is love for another,.. meaning everyone.
___________________________________________________________
Not trying to argue, just stating what I believe Robert meant when he said that.
Peace Out.
This is what I meant by my statement. Wayne stated.....
I think that shows his heart felt commitment at putting God first for the citizens of district 4.
The way I read that statement, Wayne is implying Robert, if elected, will put God first for the citizens of District 4. That's all well and good, but what about the folks who aren't Christian? That is what I meant by exclusionary. Maybe I should have written it in the form of a question....
Good article in The Bee today, mtber...
on this very same topic, mtber. I felt like Bee reporter Leslie Albrecht did a fair job contrasting Joe Cataline and Kristen Olsen. To her credit, Kristen did not attack Joe whatsoever in the article. She seems to be really composed. On the flip side, Joe's a good guy. I've had good correspondence with both candidates so this is a toss-up in my book.
What are your thoughts on this race, mtber? I lack objectivity herein because I already know who I'm voting for.
Yes. You did a good job, Adam.
This has been quite informative. Though I don't vote in Modesto, if do watch the politics very closely. What happens in the valley doesn't stay in the valley. The health of the valley has a strong impact on us socially and economically.
P.S. Referring to a different thread, I am very happy to hear that park restrooms are open again! I hope this means I can enjoy my favorite pit stop and shade tree again. I do plenty of shopping in Modesto so I am confident that some of the sales tax I pay covers the flush and the TP. And no, the shade tree and the pit stop are not the same thing, just to clarify. =D
District 5 Race...EricJ
You know, I am not quite sure yet what I think about the District 5 race between Joe and Kristen. I like Kristen, but think she could have spent her energy on bigger issues than shopping carts and dumpster diving. However, she did make a good point in that she promoted those two issues based on what she was hearing from her constituents. I do like the fact that she was the ONLY Council Member that spoke in heavy favor for the landscaping along Pelandale. People joke about it on here, and even disregard it, but I think people under-estimate the value of landscaping as it relates to the urban form. In that category, Kristen gets it.
As far as Joe, I really don't know anything about him beyond what I have read in the Bee. Adam's assessment above is pretty good, and I like the fact Joe sees the value between law enforcement and youth programs.
So, at this point, I am not leaning either way. But damn, Kristen sure is killing Joe in terms of fundraising. But who knows if that really matters much now that we have Districts. Maybe it won't?
She promoted the dumpster diving ordinence because
of her husband's ordeal.
Either way, TS....
Either way, TS. Whatever the reason, is irrelevant.
I can see the purpose in banning dumpster diving (if we had the resources to actually monitor it). Especially with identify theft. Not sure if it's ever happened to you but it is noooooooooooooooooooooo walk in the park.
Hell, my wife and I have to shred EVERYTHING with our names on it so the homeless won't find anything as they search through our garbage cans looking for recyclables.
I was just pointing out that it wasn't because of her
constituents, it was personal. and I think that's a big difference.
Especially like I've said all along it doesn't make a difference, they should have required all businesses to shred documents before they are throw away. That would have had a real effect on the issue.
Maybe it's the year of the upset, mtber...
Maybe it's the year of the upset in District 5... the rookie could unseat the fundraising champion of the year, mtber.
We can only hope.
Olsen won against Jackman. Nobody expected that.
And if the Bee will allow people to learn about how
special interest money is effecting the way Modesto does business....well...
Require Business?
How do you require EVERY business in Modesto to shred their documents? That seems like a tough one to me.
But if that were the case I'd start a shredding business.
Whether it was personal, or from her Constituents, she did get the rest of the Council to pass it. I see the value in the Ordinance, ONLY if the resources were there to actually monitor it.
She did play a pretty big role in getting the Tour of California. I give her MAJOR props for that.
EricJ
Yeah, it could very well be an upset. Based on the Bee article, Joe has been hitting the pavement HARD. That says a lot.
Yes REQUIRE businesses to shred clients records
they can do what they want with their own...What's wrong with that?
I didn't say there was anything wrong...
I didn't say there was anything wrong with the idea, I just asked how you go about doing that. There are quite a few business in town, how do you justify that added cost of shredding documents, etc.?
It's a valid idea, but how do you implement it and get agreement from the businesses in this town?
If Cataline loses, it won't be for lack of effort...
Here's what I know or have gathered about Joe Cataline:
* Graduated from Calvary Temple around 2003.
* Part-time field rep for Cogdill (I believe)
* Registered Democrat.
* Youth football advocate, coach and volunteer.
* Spirited 25-year-old business owner.
* Not afraid to take on a huge challenge.
* He disagreed in part with Kristen O, but he did so fairly, I believe. His disagreement with Kristen wasn't testy in today's Bee article; it had more to do with Kristen's record. Some of the points he raised resonated with me.
Well
I watched Cataline for an hour tonight and I didn't hear him answer a single question except to knock the incumbents. You can certainly build some momentum with that, but it doesn't tell me what he'd do in office.