Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on May 10, 2012
Congressman John Campbell had another mailer that arrived at my house today. He is clearly taking this race very seriously. As of today I have yet to hear of a piece from either of his opponents John Webb or Sukhee Kang. However, Kang does have the most signs up in the district as of earlier this morning.
The mail piece was an 8.5 x 11 that folds out into an 8.5 x 22 piece. I have scanned the piece into four different files:
Posted in 45th Congressional District | Tagged: John Campbell, John Webb, Sukhee Kang | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on May 9, 2012
This election has been bizarre. Over the past few weeks we have written posts about some of the wildest things that we have witnessed, including:
Central Committee Candidate Signs
Central Committee Candidate Hit Piece
Central Committee Candidate Fundraiser
We now have a story that tops all of these in the world of the bizarre. 2 candidates for Congress in the 47th Congressional district live in the same house and neither of them is carpetbagging.
Dr. Jay Shah and his wife Usha Shah are both running for the same Congressional district. We here at OC Political found that a bit odd due to the fact that this decreases what were already slim odds on advancing to the November election. Perhaps they thought that Proposition 14 would allow voters to vote for 2 candidates to advance to the November election.
Whatever the reason they apparently also decided to split costs on signs by having a joint sign for both candidates that have started going up around Garden Grove and other parts of the district.
I think most readers would agree that the lone Democrat to advance to November will likely be Alan Lowenthal. It will be interesting to see which Shah finishes ahead of the other.
Posted in 47th Congressional District | Tagged: Jay Shah, Usha Shah | 1 Comment »
Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on May 9, 2012
In what continues to be the most absurd Central Committee election that I have ever witnessed, we now have an expensive district wide mailer that went out from the Todd Spitzer campaign hitting Deborah Pauly:
This piece is extremely crafty because even though it went out to AD 68 Republican voters the overlap between AD 68 and the 3rd Supervisorial district is huge. Other ramifications from this piece would be the fact that it may potentially knock her out of the top 6 slots for Central Committee.
I do believe that this piece went a bit far as candidates families should be off-limits. If Spitzer wanted to hit Pauly for poor judgement the evening of the DUI that would have been fine, because clearly what she did was stupid. However, do not mention her husband by name in the piece. I do want to clarify that I do not condone what he did and I am speaking strictly from the point of political etiquette.
In terms of effectiveness this piece will definitely have an impact on the election. Not that it will matter tough as most people appear to think that Spitzer winning is only a matter of time.
Posted in 3rd Supervisorial District | Tagged: Deborah Pauly, Todd Spitzer | 7 Comments »
Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on May 7, 2012
In a carefully worded letter found on the City of Stanton website it appears that scare tactics are being used to try to get voters to pass a tax increase. The letter from City Manager Carol Jacobs read as follows:
Dear Stanton Resident;
The City Council has asked me to update every concerned resident about the future of our city. Our city is faced with severe economic realities and there are important decisions facing every Stanton citizen.
What brought us to this situation?
Last spring, the City Council was forced to declare a “fiscal emergency.” That declaration was necessary because politicians in Sacramento have taken our local taxpayer money to fund the state budget. The resulting shortage of funds has put Stanton at risk in order to compensate for severe budget deficits.
The national recession has also hurt Stanton. Stanton residents lost jobs and are spending less, resulting in a decline in local tax revenues
Look at the actual numbers:
• Sales tax revenues will be lower in 2012 than revenues produced nine years ago in 2002.
• Sales tax has fallen $1.2 million (30%) since 2006-07.
• Property tax revenues for 2012 will be lower than property tax revenues produced seven years ago in 2004.
• Motor Vehicle License Fees have decreased 9.4% since 2007.
• The City of Stanton receives less than 1% of the 8.75% sales tax percentage and only 11 cents out of every property tax dollar.This reduction in revenue has created a budget deficit of $2.8 million a year, estimated to grow until the City’s reserves are depleted in 2016.
What is the City Council doing about it?
Faced with these realities the City Council has made drastic cuts to the budget that affect all of us. Since 2008, many good programs have been eliminated.
• Closed two city parks and decreased park maintenance in all remaining parks.
• Graffiti abatement and code enforcement have been reduced.
• City funding for school crossing guards and afterschool programs have been eliminated.
• City Hall is closed one day a week.
• Police services have been cut.
• Many Parks and Recreation programs no longer receive needed taxpayer money.The City Council has studied the economic realities and have concluded that the budget can not be downsized any further without risk to Stanton residents and their property.
What can you do to help?
Your City Council has placed a measure on the June ballot to improve the financial situation. I can not ask you to vote “Yes” or “No” on this Measure, but I can tell you what it will do. If the June ballot measure is passed, an additional $1.2 Million will be generated to provide public safety and other vital city services.
The choice for Stanton residents was never clearer. If we do not find an additional $1.2 million in revenues, the city faces bankruptcy and Stanton would become an unincorporated “island” of the County of Orange. This would likely result in fewer services, especially police, fire and paramedic services.
If the measure fails, local businesses that provide jobs and boost our economy may find new cities where they believe their property and personnel will be safer. Even worse, new businesses planning on locating in Stanton and improving vacant industrial and retail property, may not re-locate here if they believe our town is not safe or its future is uncertain.
I hope this information has been helpful in explaining the economic realties facing Stanton, what is being proposed to remedy some of the shortfalls, and the potential impact of continuing shortfalls. Please go to www.ci.stanton.ca.us where we have posted information about city revenues and expenses.
Thank you for your interest in our City of Stanton
Sincerely,
Carol Jacobs
City Manager
City of Stanton
In other words vote for the tax increase or Stanton will join Gilligan and the Skipper on an island. In other words, Stanton would cease to exist and become a County island. I am not surprised to see public administrators advocating for this tax increase, but this is pretty brazen on their part to try to scare voters into increasing taxes.
I will give them credit, this letter does not appear to violate any campaign laws due to careful wording. It pushes voters to vote for the increase without actually coming out and requesting a yes vote on the measure.
This measure will likely face a lot of skepticism, as voters are very uneasy about tax increases in the current economy. It may at the end of the day pass, but this scare tactic employed by the city is a bit disappointing.
Posted in Stanton | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on May 7, 2012
In the Orange County Board of Education, Trustee Area 3 race Ken Williams has had the first mailer go out to voters today (Full Disclosure:Custom Campaigns is the lead consultant on this race).
It is always tough to do mail in a race for a seat that is the size of a County Supervisors but draws far less attention. Here is the mailer which is on a 8.5 x 5.5 size piece of cardstock:
While we are on the topic of the Williams campaign. This press release just came across the wire:
District Attorney Tony Rackauckas Endorses Dr. Ken Williams for Re-Election to OC Board of Education Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Mail | Tagged: Ken Williams | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on May 4, 2012
I received this mailer earlier this week from the No on Proposition 29 campaign. It will need to be the first of many mailers and TV commercials if they want to win. Generally California voters tend to always vote yes on ta increases on cigarettes and I do believe if given the opportunity they would vote to ban smoking altogether.
The mailer shows up as an 8.5 x 11 piece and opens like a book into an 8.5 x 22 piece. It is a very well done piece that might be able to swing some undecided voters. Without further adieu see the four panels of the mailer below:
Posted in Mail | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on May 3, 2012
The details have now been found on the retirement of Orange County Department of Education Superintendent Bill Habermehl. A press release has become available on the OCDE website:
ORANGE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS WILLIAM M. HABERMEHL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, MAY 3, 2012 – At the Orange County Board of Education Meeting today, Orange County Superintendent of Schools, Bill Habermehl announced his retirement effective June 29, 2012.
“It has been a great honor and privilege to have served as superintendent of this exceptional county,” said Habermehl, who has been in public education for 45 years – the past 11 years as Orange County Superintendent of Schools. “I have had the opportunity in this position to work with outstanding staff, educators, board members, parents, and community members who are doing incredible work for the students of Orange County. I will miss everyone very much, but I know that I am leaving this office in good hands, and I am confident that our youngest citizens will continue to receive world-class educational services.”
Habermehl was appointed by the Orange County Board of Education in April 2001 and successfully stood for election in 2002, 2006, and again in 2010. Prior to serving as County Superintendent, he served in several positions at the Orange County Department of Education, including Director, Assistant Superintendent, and Associate Superintendent. He began his career as a science teacher and football coach in Garden Grove Unified School District, and he served as an administrator in Fullerton Joint Union High School District.
Under Bill’s leadership, he has supported the Orange County Department of Education to create or expand the development of many world-class educational programs, to name a few:
Alternative, Community and Correctional Education Schools and Services (ACCESS)
Community Home Education Program (CHEP)
Inside the Outdoors
Gift of History
Institute for Character Education
Interagency Autism Group (Early Intervention)
Life Threatening Events Associated with Pediatric Sports (LEAPS)
Orange County Animation Project
Outstanding Contributions to Education Awards
Spotlight on Education
In addition, Habermehl has served on various local and state boards and has been involved in numerous community organizations. He is an advocate of public education, speaking at many conferences and forums throughout the United States. Bill and his wife Holly are looking forward to spending time with their three married sons and their eight grandchildren.
Habermehl has a biography available for view on the Department of Education website that focuses on his work as a speaker, host, and moderator. It was not the easiest biography to find and it needs a bit of cleaning up, but that is a moot point now:
Bill Habermehl is the county superintendent of schools for Orange County California. With his wealth of experience at the local, state and national level he has developed an understanding of what an audience wants from an outstanding presentation.
Bill began his career as a science teacher and football coach in Orange County California and had such a positive influence on the lives of the students that years later his impact is still felt. Bill is actively involved with local business and community organizations. He serves on or is directly involved with over 35 boards. These include: the Orange County Business Council, United Way of Orange County, Discovery Science Center, the Ocean Institute, Drug Abuse is Life Abuse, Pretend City, Junior Achievement and many more. These contacts and experience have given him a wealth of stories and real life experiences that bring his public speaking to a new and exciting level.
Bill is a fantastic communicator with people of all ages and backgrounds. He engages his audience with a dynamic presentation made up of video clips, beautiful slides and sometimes infused with magic that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. Bill has been writing monthly articles for a number of educational publications and has his own television show “Spotlight on Education” which focuses on current events and issues in education. Bill recently had the distinction of filling in as the closing keynote speaker when former President Bill Clinton was unable to do so at the national conference of the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA).
Additionally, Bill is an inventor and has been honored with several prestigious awards:
- Superintendent of Distinction Award bestowed by Pepperdine Univ. 2010
- Power-Packed Philanthropist Award bestowed by the Orange County Community Foundation. 2011
- PTA Honorary Service Award for outstanding community service to children & youth in a community bestowed. 2012
New for 2011! Bill recently finished his second book entitled: “From Dropout….to Diploma: the ACCESS Code to Student Success“. This exciting book shares the story of the program he started over 20 years ago which has saved literally hundreds of thousands of students from dropping out of school and going on to be successful in community colleges, universities and career technical programs. This fantastic book comes with a DVD highlighting the actual stories of five students and their teachers and support staff. This is a must read and see book! Bill’s presentation about turning around schools and dealing with at risk kids sets the stage for everyone wanting to make a difference for the students in their school or district. For more information and how to obtain your copy of the book please go to: book.dropouttodiploma.com
Having Bill Habermehl as a keynote speaker or moderator will bring new life and excitement to your program. You will find the testimonials and video clips of a few of his presentations will show you just how exciting he can be. With a little magic thrown in, everyone will walk away saying “WOW“
Habermehl was appointed to the post of County Superintendent of Public Instruction prior to the 2002 election taking over for John F. Dean. The policies in place back then are the same as the policies in place now, which lead to the ability of the County Board of Education to appoint a replacement instead of letting the voters decide.
If more information becomes available in the coming days we will continue to update our readers.
Posted in Orange County Board of Education | Tagged: Bill Habermehl | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on May 3, 2012
We here at OC Political have just become aware of Orange County Department of Education Superintendent Bill Habermehl announcing his retirement. The word on the street is that a replacement could be chosen by as early as the beginning of June.
We will follow-up with more information as it becomes available. Stay tuned for a post later with more information as well as a look back at the career of Habermehl.
Posted in Orange County Board of Education | Tagged: Bill Habermehl | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on May 1, 2012
In what should be filed under the category “bizarre” we have some of the most high-profile campaigns taking place for Central Committee this year.
My initial reaction when hearing about Mary Young throwing a fundraiser for her Central Committee campaign was that it must be an isolated case. Usually you pretty much throw yourself on the ballot, buy some slates, and maybe even walk precincts in your neighborhood.
Noel Stone Parrish candidate for Central Committee in AD 68 has gone to the trouble of having signs placed throughout the district. You can see from the picture above that these are your standard size signs in races for Assembly, City Council, School Board, etc…
I took that picture myself in Orange at the corner of Tustin and Lincoln but I have seen these signs in other parts of the district as well. Most people believe that signs are not really all that effective, but in a crowded field of incumbents and all kinds of elected officials running in AD 68 this might be a great tactic.
Nobody will truly know what impact the different strategies used this election will have until election night, but I have to admit that Central Committee will be one of the more interesting items on the ballot this June.
Now that I have seen signs, I wonder when I see my forst 12 x 15 mailer for AD 68 Central Committee this year.
Posted in Republican Central Committee | Tagged: Noel Stone Parrish | 2 Comments »
Posted by Former Blogger Chris Emami on April 27, 2012
If ever an issue existed that I never thought that I would have to post, this is the one. Apparently a Sizzler has caused a huge controversy in the City of Lake Forest.
Lake Forest Councilmember Scott Voigts has been on the right side of a lot of issues in Lake Forest and the Sizzler debacle is another one. Apparently Sizzler wanted to use an American theme to highlight the renovations of a restaurant along with an outdoor grilling area. Based on the sign ordinance on the books in Lake Forest the Planning Commission did not allow these specific requests.
Take a look at the article in the Lake Forest Patch here.
It appears that Councilmembers Scott Voigts and Marcia Rudolph joined with Sizzler in appealing the decision by the Planning Commission. According to this article in the Orange County Register here Councilmember Marcia Rudolph joined the other 2 Councilmembers in overturning this decision by the Planning Commission.
Sadly, Republican Councilmembers Peter Herzog and Mark Tettemer did not join their colleagues in overturning the decision. The Lake Forest Patch also provided a recap of the decision that you can read here.
Two letters representing different sides of this issue were submitted to the Lake Forest Patch on different sides of this issue:
Terry Anderson Lake Forest Planning Commissioner submitted this letter.
Scott Peotter Irvine Planning Commissioner submitted this letter.
The 3-2 decision by the council was a win for business friendly principles. Kudos go out to Republican Councilmembers Scott Voigts and Marcia Rudolph as well as Democrat Kathryn McCullough.
Posted in Lake Forest | Tagged: Kathryn McCullough, Marcia Rudolph, Mark Tettemer, Peter Herzog, Scott Peotter, Scott Voigts, Terry Anderson | 2 Comments »
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