Santa Ana Assembly candidate merits further scrutiny
We have already revealed the hypocrisy of Claudia Alvarez, the Santa Ana Council Member who is running for the 69th Assembly District, but her peer on the council, Jose Solorio, also has a few questions to answer.
An eagle-eyed observer emailed me today and asked “why did Solorio give his wife $1,170.50 in campaign funds, for travel?” Here is the link you can follow to read that campaign finance report: http://cal-access.ss.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1279122&session=2005&view=expenditures
We know that Solorio voted for the BMW sweetheard redevelopment deal, but my source also noticed that he accepted $2,000 from Crevier BMW after voting to give them that deal last year. Talk about a smoking gun… On top of that, he accepted $249 from Honda of Santa Ana. I wonder if he received the latter before or after he voted to drastically overpay for the lot that was handed over to that dealership?
And there’s more: why has he taken $99 twice from Santa Ana resident Desi Reyes, whom he put on the Environmental and Transportation Advisory Committee? Furthermore, why did Solorio accept $100 and then $99 from Michelle Martinez, who sits on the Parks and Recreation Committee? Those contributions may not be illegal, but they don’t look good. This kind of thing got Gray Davis recalled, and cost Jimmy Hahn the L.A. Mayor’s office.
Solorio also works for the OCTA, and now their Measure M is being touted on the City of Santa Ana’s website. Inside sources also have hinted that Solorio engages in a lot of city business while he is on the OCTA time clock.
The more we find out about Solorio and Alvarez, the better their Democrat competitor, Armando de la Libertad, looks. A political consultant tells me that Libertad’s campaign is up and running. His volunteers are making phone calls every day and getting his name out. You can find out more about his campaign at http://www.votelibertad.net/.
I think the de la libertad team is the only visting this site.
Anonymous,
I had forgotten about Loretta’s name and party change. She also dumped her husband, I think about two years ago, so the Brixey name is at this point completely history.
Also, re questions for Armando, I second what Prada Girl had to say – give him a call or email him. Go to
Prada girl-
Just because you don’t think an issue is relevant doesn’t mean that the voters aren’t entitled to hear a candidate’s position on the issues. Glad you’re up on Prop. 73. Do you know how Armando voted? What was his position? I know Solorio was against it—you could see him on TV at the Planned parenthood election night rally. I heard Claudia was for it. Where was Armando? No matter what you think of abortion rights to think that its not on the front burner right now is shocking.
I know BMW is on your relevance list now because you’ve got it in for Claudia. And she sure has some explaining to do about the BMW deal. I would like for all the candidates to put on their web sites whether they will support efforts to eliminate eminent domain for situations where the city turns the condemned land over to a private entity.
As for Armando, we’ll see if he’s his own man….you look at his web site and ask ” Where’s the beef?”
Jose and Claudia have voting records on local issues. Armando has……he’s a nice guy and he’s not Claudia and he has some nice puff phrases on his web site. Maybe that’s enough. I don’t want to talk to Armando or Jose or Claudia(according to you, I better not talk to her since she’s so mean and vindictive). I don’t call up every candidate to find out their positions—I look for their web sites, Smart Voter, and their voting records. I want them to put in writing howthey would accomplish their lofty goals and what their positions are on the statewide issues that are facing us. None of them have done so. In the 34th, we know how Van Tran and Lyn Daucher have voted, Umberg and Correa as well. But the 69th AD folks need to step up.
Garza,
if you are going to quote me, make sure it is on the premis as to what I was writing. Indeed, it seeems Loretta changed her name to get elected, since she had a non-hispanic last name, what would you believe is the excuse for Armando? He already had a spanish surname. That was the point to my quote.
Also, you ask the tough questions to those who post here, but as was suggested visit the website, research, call the campaign office. Stop trying to blow smoke when you yourself have not found the answers to those questions from any candidate.
Garzastrip,
You are right. Alvarez and Solorio both have records we can examine.
For example, I believe they both supported the infamous “Ream assessment,” which would have raised our taxes to pay for Santa Ana City Manager Dave Ream’s dumb ideas, including the excessive palm trees and traffic medians.
Ironically, after we killed the measure, and after Ream wasted a half-million of taxpayer’s city money on it, he found a way to meet his expenditures by outsourcing services including tree trimmers.
Remind me again why tree trimmers were not outsourced in the first place?
At any rate, I know Alvarez supported the Ream Assessment, but I don’t know for sure that Solorio did. I think only one person opposed the measure (Brett Franklin).
Shame on Alvarez and Solorio for trying to raise our taxes instead of cutting back on wasteful expenditures…
garzatrip –
Eminent domain concerns me;Claudia will be termed out in two years and will merely be a footnote in Santa Ana politics. I do believe she will be defeated in June.
The current craze to built up and dense is taking shape throughout Santa Ana. If One Broadway Plaza moves forward and plans for the anticipated tower at 10th & Sycamore materializes, the streets surrounding these projects will have to be widened. Homes, businesses and three schools will be impacted and since they are located in a redevelopment zone, eminent domain will be used to seize private property for these projects.
Lest you forget, Rosie Avila endorsed the One Broadway Plaza project. Rosie told voters that if this office tower was not built, at that site, an abortion clinic would be placed in the heart of our city. Once again, Rosie used scare tactics and lies to justify her support of this project.
Yes, it’s my opinion, and many others, that Ms. Alvarez is a mean and vindictive individual. However I did warn you to not talk with her. You’re capable of making that decision on your own, aren’t you?
Seeing Solorio at the Planned Parenthood victory party for Prop 73 means nothing to me since he’s flipped from pro-life to pro-choice to garner the support of Planned Parenthood.
Alvarez and Solorio have a record to review; Armando does not. So what’s the harm with picking up the telephone and calling him?
Prada girl—
You seem more concerned with local issues—state legislators don’t vote on 1 Broadway Plaza. I told you I’d like to know what allthe candidates believe on the ballot measure coming their way to get around the kelo decision. But the implementation of all that and the abuses are at city council and school board level.
How do you know Jose switched from pro-life to pro-choice? If true, its a great hit, although Al Gore did the same thing. Has Armando ever written anything down on paper as to how he stands on abortion? Eminent domain for that matter?
State issues are what assemblymembers vote on. You keep wanting me to call Armando.I keep thinking its because Armando is afraid to take a public position on these issues and you’re close to him or his campaign.
Prada Girl,
Jose Solorio did not flip flop to get anyone’s endorsement. He simply looked at both sides of the issue, and although he despises abortion, he realized it needs to be an option for women. Solorio also supports prevention methods such as access to birth control, EC and comprehensive sex education that help stop unplanned pregnancies. Good for Jose for seeing the light.
If you are so obsessed with people “flip flopping” on a right to choose, I have a question for you. Did you support Kerry/Edwards? Did you know Edwards was once pro-life? In fact he met his wife at a meeting of Democrats for Life in Law School. So are you going to forever hold it against John Edwards for having a change of heart on the issue?
I voted for Bush/Cheney.
What does it matter how Armando stands on abortion. Its a federal issue not a state issue.
abortion is a state as well as a federal issue. The US Supreme Court has ruled that states can restrict abortions to a limited extent..so whether its Prop 73 or voting in the legislature for abortion restrictions, its fair game. For some, not me, its the only issue. And now some states are directly going after Roe v. Wade, like South Dakota.
elfaba-
garzastrip just want to stir the pot, he’s not interested in a genuine dialog.
Just for the record. I just got off the telephone with Armando and he was gracious enough to answer a few questions for me.
(1) Armando
This is hilarious.
His response to the name changes sounds like it’s right of the movie “Bob Roberts”. Remember the movie about the over the top conserviative played by Tim Robbins? Too funny.
And, when candidates can’t raise money the canned response is always the same: this is not a campaign about money, it’s about ideas and people.
Well, here on earth, it is sad to say, it’s all about the money. Money allows you to get out your message to voters who only remotely follow campaigns.
This looks like it’s going to be a coronation for Solorio.
Gosh, what a cynical response. Money versus ideals. Some people run in order to be a public servant (like Armando) others run to be a politican (like Alvarez and Solorio). My money’s on Armando – I like his ideals and I like what he stands for. Call me old fashioned – but I’ll vote for ideals over special interests any day!
Why don’t we call your candidate the loser. How is the average Joe on the street going to know about Armando when he doesn’t even have money to do a mailer introducing himself to the voters.
Also, Armando should have changed his name to Benjamin Franklin.
Thank the gods we live in America where differences of opinion are the norm. I honor your right to have your opinions and also honor your opinions even though they differ from mine. Isn’t America great!
One thing you keep in mind is yes, elections are won by money, but money can be countered by a good field program. I suspect you will see armando’s walkers in your neighborhood soon. This makes your issue a wash. Money or walkers is the ticket.
Re: elfalba’s call to Armando—
Nothing on any issues he would be different then Jose or Claudia while in Sacramento. So let’s look at the $$ issue Armando wants to talk about.
–$$ from special interests can be made an effective issue, but its usually done by people who can’t raise the money from those special interests. How would Armando have voted on AB 583 by Assemblywoman Loni Hancock? Anyone know Jose’s or Claudia’s position on this campaign reform bill?
I disagree with anonymous. I think the name change explanation is fine and Jose and Claudia aren’t going to waste their money attacking a name change. Most people will say, so what?
As for $$$, anonymous is right that money talks and walks, but I don’t see alot of daylight between Jose, Claudia and Armando. While underfunded candidates do play the “its a people’s campaign” card, if Armando can stay reasonably close to the other two, his field operation could make the difference. The field operation of course will only work if they have a message and issues to sell to voters and recruit workers…people don’t want to buy a pig in a poke. Jose might get some field work done going with the help of labor.so Armando would be smart to not pout if he loses labor endorsements to Jose, stay solid on labor issues and it may become a low priority for them. Labor is in the hunt for Umberg anyway, thats their priority. I don’t see a field operation for Claudia unless 1) The State business PACS really kick in for a field operation and 2)the pro-life people decide to get involved. Watch for Republicans changing their voter registration in order to vote for Correa and Alvarez now that Van Tran bailed out on conservatives.
Ah, to dialogue.
Great analysis. I don’t think the name change hurts him, but I do think it makes people who follow this stuff laugh about the change and Armando’s alleged response.
I’d also say that with money you can pay people to walk for you. I don’t think Armando has a lot of people willing to do that for him for free.
And, with re to the Clean Money Camapign, I suspect none would voice their opposition or support. They would all leave their options open.
Finally, I think the smart money is on Jose. He has elected experience, he’s showing he can raise money and I think he garner most of the institutional support.
Undecided Voter
Interesting analysis from both of you.
Some of the mistakes you make is the assumption first of all that many people even know Armando changed his last name. Only the politically savvy and the chismosos like myself would know things like that, so the name change is irrelevent.
Armando, as eveidence from his campaign contributions will have a lot of walkers available when they start walking precincts.
I attended a few years back a meeting which Armando organized to have someone come out and speak in regards to the clean money act, which allowed for candidates to receive public funds for their campaigns, but could not receive from any private citizen, company or pack. So Armando, does seem to support campaign finance reform.
If this does not convince, then call him and ask him specifically.
Response to Garzastrip:
I would prefer to sit down one-on-one with Armando to discuss issues and as such did not ask him questions of that nature.
I encourage you to pick up the phone, too, and give Armando a call.
It wasn’t that “Armando want[ed] to talk about money”, Paul, those were only the two questions I asked him!
I’m not sure when you are Armando had a falling out, or if in fact, you’ve had a falling out, but please, don’t read into more than what I posted.
Art,
This HAS to be the longest thread your blog has had. 74 posts!
Back to Armando–never had a falling in or out with him. He may be the nest assemblyman. I like to know what a candidate stands for and against and the only way to make a candidate really stick to a position is to have them put it in writing. Otherwise they’ll tell people what they want to hear. And I keep telling you folks, I don’t want to talk to any of the 4 candidates. The reluctance of Armando, Jose and Claudia to set forth their positions on issues is distressing. I apologize to Elfaba for turning the question around on who was interested in talking about money. My bad.
I think this proves that Armando team is hard at work blogging….it’s free after all.
FROM SOLORIO CAMPAIGN
We have great news to report. Over the past few weeks, our campaign for State Assembly has realized significant achievements:
And where does Mr. Solorio stand on the County ballot measure that will prohibit using eminenet domain to turn over property to private entities? (You too Armando & Claudia)?
only a few days ago garstrip was whining that eminent domain is only city related. hope you had a good sleep.
truthmistress…
Go back and read the posts. I wrote that I would be interested to see how the candidates would stand on the eminent domain ballot measure coming their way. The legislature can deal with the macro issues of limiting the ability of local governments to use eminent domain for the benefit of private developers. Since it hasn’t been done, we’ll see a state ballot measure and also it turns out a county ballot measure. The candidates stands on that are important. The abuses of eminent domain are on the local level but because there are state and county efforts to curb these abuses a state legislative candidate should respond where he or she stands. I posted this not once but twice. Has your candidate Armando posted his position on the Norby or McClintock measures? Do you know where he stands on these? Or do you just like going off on Claudia?
Looks like you’re the one who needs the sleep.
garzastrip –
I’ve never commented about your gal pal Alvarez on this thread. Seems you can’t keep up the endurance of 80 posts.
Truth Mistress–” I’ve never commented about your gal pal Alvarez on this thread.”
Truth Mistress(earlier on this thread):” Alvarez is notorious for locking up developer dollars.”
Truth Challenged is a more accurate monkier.
I think you guys are wasting your breath talking about Armando. I hear he is going to pull out of the race again (you all remember he pulled out last time as well once Umberg got in).
I think that is a wise move. He is having a hard time raising money and he doesn’t want to lose the $35K of his own money he already put in.
Ryan Gene Williams for Assembly