Last night’s Com-Link candidates’ forum in Santa Ana turned into a comedy review as the dark horse mayoral candidate, Stanley Fiala, repreatedly cracked the audience up with a series of bizarre, unintentionally funny lines. Rather than recap everything that happened, I am going to present the highlights, and there are a lot of them!
Let’s start with the man most likely to get the least number of votes in November, Fiala:
- For starters, he showed up in a poncho! He was seated next to David “I’m running in ward 4” Benavides, who squirmed all night as Fiala popped out his crazed statements.
- In his opening statement, Fiala tried to say that we should love Santa Ana more than we hate Miguel Pulido – and the old guy moderating the event promptly misunderstood what he said and asked Fiala to stop attacking the other candidates. Fiala had no idea why the moderator was upset – and he asked to have more time put on the clock!
- Fiala several times told the audience that even though he got 10,000 votes in his last campaign, he now wanted them to vote for Pulido instead of the “dark horse candidate.” I assume he was talking about himself? He also said that he plans to run again in 2008, when he will be rich due to a business venture involving overseas stocks.
- When asked about neighborhood associations, Fiala replied “they are the KGB!” and unwittingly brought down the house.
- Fiala also cracked everyone up, including the police officers in attendance, when he was asked about the issue of mobile home residents losing their homes due to high rents. His answer? “That’s why they have tires! Fill up the tires and have them go somewhere else!”
- Fiala also called for open borders.
Miguel Pulido looked very uncomfortable sitting next to Sal Tinajero, and his comments were almost as funny as Fiala’s at times:
- In his opening statement, Pulido asked that we consider where we have been in the past. He then ripped Sacramento and D.C. for not doing the job of funding our city. Huh? What are we, Puerto Rico? Pulido repeated this theme throughout the night, and it always sounded pathetic. He also asked us to “challenge the future.” But he admitted that we have potholes, shopping carts and grafitti. Nice of you to notice the obvious Pulido!
- Pulido said, several times, that Santa Ana is #1 in affordable housing, and he does not want that to be the case. He even said that he wants Anaheim and Irvine to build more affordable housing. I am surprised he didn’t talk about building a new light rail system that could take our poor and homeless an dump them in the Irvine Great Park.
- Pulido also asked viewers, repeatedly, to vote for his endorsed candidates, Jennifer Villasenor, David Benavides, and Tino Rivera. In his closing statement, not long after Tinajero referred to them as Pulido’s “puppets,” Pulido actually asked each of them to raise their hand as he called out their names.
- Pulido also passed notes to Villasenor all night long – again showing who is in charge.
- In his closing statement, Pulido slapped down Tinajero by asking why Tinajero did not stay on the school board – after all the Santa Ana Unified School District is the worst in the state. I’m sure that Santa Ana schoolteachers who live in our city are going to love that quote!
Thomas Gordon, candidate for Mayor:
- When he was asked how he would deal with the immigration situation, and whether or not he would support what Costa Mesa is doing, with regard to their police force, Gordon immediately answered that our police should be handling crime, not federal immigration issues, and that getting involved with immigration would hurt their efforts to work with the community.
- Gordon also had a good idea with regard to code enforcement – let’s put a camera on the streetsweeper, and it can take pictures of the license plates of cars that park in the street illegally on streetsweeping day, and then the city can automatically mail them a ticket. The money saved by not paying a code enforcement officer to follow the sweeper can be used to do more actual code enforcement.
- Gordon pointed out the fact that our city has no movie theaters, and young people need more to do in downtown.
- Gordon also nailed the city for allowing Markland industries to pollute a neighborhood, and for allowing Mike Harrah to pollute our downtown with asbestos.
- In his closing statement, Gordon actually gave out his cell phone number and he asked residents to call him – prompting Benavides to copy him moments later.
George Collins, candidate for Ward 6:
- Collins had a great idea regarding code enforcement – give the folks who follow the street sweeper a Nextel phone so that they can radio in any problems they see while they are driving around.
- Collins also suggested that we make the Mayor and council positions full time jobs.
- He also said that all the city council meetings should be televised, as should the other important committee meeings, such as the Planning Commission.
- Collins also has an idea to create a Santa Ana TV station that will be broadcast on a low frequency so everyone can get it, not just those with cable TV.
Sal Tinajero, candidate for Ward 6:
- He attacked Pulido all night long. He referenced the lack of libraries, the pot holes, the grafitti, etc. time and again. In his closing statement he pointed out the fact that Pulido’s endorsed candidates are puppets, and he talked about how we need advocates for change. I can’t disagree with that.
- Tinajero also discussed his background as a schoolteacher – probably his greatest strength.
Michele Martinez, candidate for Ward 2; David Benavides, candidate for Ward 4; Jennifer Villasenor, candidate for Ward 6; Tino Rivera, candidate for Ward 2; Evangeline Gawronski, candidate for Ward 6; Nelida Yanez, candidate for Ward 4; Tish Leon, candidate for Ward 2:
I took a lot of notes last night, but I could not find a lot of great quotes from the above-referenced candidates. In terms of their overall performance, Gawronski was very polished and she answered every question thoroughly – she also capably defended the neighborhood associations after Fiala said they were communists. Villasenor speaks like the cheerleader instructor that she is. I found her to be too “rah-rah.” Rivera kept talking about how many folks have endorsed him, but he had no new thoughts to add to the mix. Benavides and Martinez were passionate, in different ways, but I was annoyed at the fact that Benavides is tied so closely to Pulido. That does not bode well. Yanez spoke from the heart, but she rambled and was not coherent on many of the issues. Leon reminded us not to forget the older residents in our city – and she was right about that.
Overall it was a fun night and I learned a lot about the candidates. I was disappointed by the questions that were posed to them – many important issues were left out. I do wish we had more forums coming up, but I think this was it for council and mayoral candidates. Now it is up to the voters…
Thanks for the recap. What are the dates and times for the rebroadcast of the forum?
.
Last night was hilarious. Jennifer didn’t offer any solutions to any of the questions asked. Also, she quoted, word for word, the Chamber of Commerce TP’s on what Downtown Santa Ana should look like. Tino was the same way. David seemed very nice, but I did feel sorry for him sitting next to Fiala.
But, way to go Thomas! Please vote for Mayor Gordon!
It was a good show.
The questions were lacking, but how do you take the dozens of questions that were turned in and turn them into just 5?
The city of Santa Ana is lucky to have those fine Americans standing up to the plate and offering their time and efforts on our behalfs.
I see a strong bias towards Art’s favorites, who in all honesty did not do super. I’m really not suprised. Anyone who watched the forum knows that Jennifer, Tino, and David did quite well compared to their competition in each candidates ward(specifically Tino Rivera). In fact, ALL candidates did well, and even managed to agree on certain plans of action, specifically each candidates future general plans for downtown Santa Ana. Other than Fiala, most candidates spoke well and seemed to honestly care about the city. I believe many of these candidates would do well.
11:54,
Were we at the same forum? Tino was laughable! He had nothing new to say. His only mantra was that he has been endorsed by the entire City Council. Sure enough, I saw him having dinner tonight with Claudia Alvarez and Lisa Bist. Good luck ladies – he is Pulido’s man.
Jennifer seems nice, but her earnest “rah-rah” style is annoying. I don’t see her winning.
As for my favorites, truth be told I like most of the candidates – but I do not trust the ones endorsed by Pulido. We need real change, not Pulido disciples.
Art:
I should ask you the same question. Thomas Gordon showed he is a hack and that he has absolutely no plan for making Santa Ana better.
I do agree that Tino was laughable.
7:20,
I looked up the definition of hack in an online dictionary:
Hack: a professional who renounces or surrenders individual independence, integrity, belief, etc., in return for money or other reward in the performance of a task normally thought of as involving a strong personal commitment: a political hack.
Does that really sound like Thomas Gordon? It actually sounds like a perfect description of Pulido and his endorsed candidates.
Thomas is not in this for the money or the power. He wants to help our city and our people. It is really that simple. He does not believe the B.S, coming out of city hall about the lack of money in our city treasury – and neither do I. We need to get out of the box and come up with new solutions. Pulido has had 12 years to do that – and he wants 10 more. No way! Time for a new vision in Santa Ana…
Some of the questions were weak. A lot of time was wasted answering questions on immigration and rent control for mobile homes, items over which the city council has no jurisdiction.
Thiomas Gordon is considered by Fiala to be the dark horse. In the last race, it was just Fiala and Pulido. The votes Fiala got were anti-Pulido votes, not Fiala support. The idea that he somehow “owns” 10,000 votes he would give to Miguel is laughable. The anti-Pulido vote this time will likely be cast for Gordon, a more serious candidate.
I thought Gordon presented well, and he should end up being a formidable candidate for the entrenched mayor, who brought the same old “vision” fluff and nothing new to the table.
Villasenor, Tinajero, and Yanez made the weakest showing, not knowing all the issues and answering in ways that did not actually address the questions. It was painfully obvious that Villasenor knows little about this city (or even the neighborhood she grew up in) except for what Miguel coached her on. Tinajero was blustery, with no answers on how he would implement his ideas, especially after he was so rude to Pulido. Does he not understand that he would end up having to work together with the mayor and his council allies if they both are elected? Yanez just wasn’t on point. Not surprising when you consider that she is Claudia Alvarez’s puppet candidate.
Some of the other candidates showed they were out of touch. When they discussed the downtown, it seemed they had no idea what was already there. (It’s interesting to see that bars are considered by several to be the future of downtown. Isn’t that what we spent years cleaning up on Main Street?) Martinez babbles about youth, and SA being the youngest city, although apparently nobody told her the median age in this city just went up to 26.4. Rivera relied heavily on his endorsements, and Villasenor knew nothing about the city’s neighborhood associations. Sal didn’t have a clue about the relationship between the school district and our neighborhoods. How could he be that far off? Benevides was well versed in all the issues, as was Leon, although she seems a bit shy. Collins had some interesting ideas.
Overall, it was a pretty good forum. I would have liked a few more questions on real issues, but after seeing several of these, I know better than to expect that. It certainly clarified for me who the buffoons were, and which candidates were unsupportable.
Reruns of the forum can be seen on KCTY, cable channel 3 on 9/15 at 6:00pm, 9/16 at 4:00pm, and 9/17 at 1:00pm.
A DVD copy may be available soon through the Community Development Agency at the city.
I hate to feel like Biff putting Art in a headlock and rapping my knuckles on his pate while shouting HELLO but…. obviously Art you have no idea that Rivera and Bist used to live next door to each other! She babysat his kids, he watched her cat, the families went up to Bist’s Big Bear cabin together. They’ve been great friends for over 20 years! If Rivera wants advice he’s going to Bist NOT Pulido in spite of his endorsement.
Tijanero has done very little (if any) good on the School Board. He never decented from Nativo Lopez and John Palacio and is largely responsible for the continuing decline of SAUSD.
The guy teaches a debate class for crying out loud. Of course he’s going to come across better than most. But remember: You might be able to twist words; but you can’t twist a voting record.
Sal Tijanero would be lousy for the city council. He should stay put and show us some verified improvement in his voting first, then maybe try for council in four years.
Sal Tijanero debates like the Junior High students he teaches. He is not ready for prime time. Praise for his debate skills is a great example of exceeding peoples VERY low expectations of Latino candidates. Pulido ran circles around him.
I would rather have Villasenor on the City Council than doomsday sounding Tinajero. All he does is whine. Will somebody get him some cheese? He lacks accountability, as it shows in regards to his pathetic record at SAUSD. And now he thinks he has done a good enough job to be promoted to the City Council? No way!
Villasenor will be a solid councilmember. Her experience in working in city government is much more applicable than Tinajero’s bungling at SAUSD. If Tinajero is such a great teacher, as he tirelessly reminds people about his Teacher of the Year award every time he talks, then he should stay at SAUSD and proove his worth. So far, he has not!
“Villasenor…… Her experience in working in city government”
Can anyone tell us what city government she works for?
Those who continue to point out Sal Tinajero record at SAUSD, do me a favor, explain to me specifically what items he voted for or against in which you would then state he has a poor record?
Otherwise, it just seems you are trying to blow smoke.
And if Sal is held responsible for what has happened at SAUSD, who should be held responsible for what has happened at Santa Ana?
Miguel Pulido’s candidate statement from two years ago stated “We’re implementing creative solutions to improve education” yet he himself stated that SAUSD was the worst.
First of all, I’d like to say I was not able to attend the forum. Now on to the comments.
I agree w/ 11:54PM that this post is a definite bias towards the author’s choices. Unfortunately, when it becomes a debate between the author and a commentator these blogs begin to lose appeal. Why don’t the two people just IM eachother and save us from their tedious thoughts to one another.
I found 8:15AM’s comments very interesting about tinajero’s rudeness towards pilido. If tinajero should get elected, you will see a quick turnaround on his part towards pulido. Why, you say? Because that is just the type of person he is. From republican to democrat, from nativo buddy to nativo enemy on a dime, expect to see him buddy-up towards pulido within a month, oh, and yes, “they both speak so well” (blah!). Unfortunately, neither of them have any substance behind their words. These two people are just in politics for themselves. (Note: from auto shop manager to multi-millionaire, gained mostly from backroom insider information and a teacher who ran for higher office within two years of his election to SAUSD board. Where was the committment towards the position not to mention to his students had he been elected to assembly and marched up to Sacramento?)
Like I said before, the city of SA is rolling backwards fast. How can we roll forward? Joe Dunn for mayor anyone?
I have an idea. After Sal gets elected John Palacio should run for city governemnt.After getting elected there probably will be no Hispanic left on the Board (maybe Cecilia) to blame for the apparent conditions guaranting a path for SAUSD children to fail.The majority of the board is/was City supported.Votes require a majority,so then how can one or two individuals be held accountable for SAUSD shortcomings and city government dodge responsubility? Everyone understands the conditons are problematic not the students, for the most part.That is why families that can ,place their children in another school district.To add injury to insult ,then the Hispanic community is blamed for the poor showing of SAUSD.The Board needs to adapt to what it has and afford the community the tools to succeed. Art Lomeli
cqt96,
“this post is a definite bias towards the author’s choices.”
Welcome to the blogsphere.
Orange Juice has a great collection of conservative, moderate, and liberal bloggers who offer their opinions towards candidates and elected officials.
Everyone of us has a different opinion on who we are biased towards as far as who we are supporting for council, mayor, school board, and legislative races… but quite honestly, that’s the joy of this blog.
I actually think it’d be pretty sweet if collectively as a blog, we did a panel-type of commentary on the Santa Ana Candidates Forum – for those of us who attended – that way we could offer our own opinions.
I know I could spew quite a few intelligent thoughts on what each candidate has to offer the city, Fiala notwithstanding.
Ryan Gene, that would be all just fine if you would give an equal opportunity to respond.
It is somewhat cowardly to gang on an individual who you baned from the blog.
So if you baned Fiala do not post about him.
Or do you think that bloging is to hit below the belt.
I just stop by every now and then and can tell you why Fiala was banned.
He uses profanity, post off topic,
post personal attacks after being asked to stop, makes up stories not only about himself but others, and resorts to lies and rumors to make his point.
I’ll admit, he is funny to read, but why should he dominate this or any other blog(he is banned from others)or citizens forum.
Everyone has the right to free speech on this blog I hope, but not the right to toss threats of violence or obscene name calling.
I’ve seen post attacking Fiala get removed as well, so it appears they treat all equally on here.
“this post is a definite bias towards the author’s choices.”
“Welcome to the blogsphere.”
You got it right there, Ryan Gene!
Almost anywhere you go in BlogWorld will be slanted in one way or another.
At least you guys are honest about it.
What irks me are folks like Bill Bradley and Jubal/Matt Cunningham who pretend to “report” on their close buddies/clients.
Oh, and tell Art scored again on a fun Santa Ana piece… But of course, when isn’t Santa Ana politics fun?!
Back to comments on the candidates forum.
Fortino Rivera: I found it fascinating that Tino expressed concerns about the downtown infrastructure. Dude, why did you
support One Broadway Plaza? Tino was nowhere to be heard when residents expressed concerns about this project and the burden on infrastructure.
Jennifer Villasenor: We know you’re a city planner for an OC city, but your comments about your vision for downtown are skewed. Too bad you did not participate in the Renaissance Charette; you would have learned first hand, from world-reknown urban planners – what vision is suitable for downtown. Oh yeah, the television audience could see Miguel pulling your strings.
Evageline – she should have attended the Charette and learned what the professionals had to say about our vibrant 4th Street business district. Mr. Gibson’s presentation regarding economic development was excellent and his proposal/plan to enlarge and enhance the 4th Street business district is solid. Apparently Evageline was too busy snooping on her neighbors. By the way, your comment about Santa Ana doors not being slammed in your face — have you ever walked the Delhi, Santa Anita or Logan neighborhoods encouraging residents to participate in Comlink? I bet she’s selective about which parts of town are approachable.
Miguel Pulido – WOW. What a slam you leveled against Robby Richardson. Your proclamation that SAUSD has the worst school board in the county was utterly shocking!
Do you believe slamming Richardson will help your machine defeat Tinajero? Dude, you are part of the SAUSD problem. Your personal political vendetta against Nativo extended the Miserable Mijares years. That battle was never about the kids learning English or the alleged mismanagment of construction funds – it was about you getting rid of a former ally and satisfying your neighbors north of 17th St. and not builing a school on the former Farmers site.
All I need to know is that Santa Ana’s 17 political gadfly’s are against a candidate to know that they are probably pretty good people and on top of that they will probably win. Jennifer, Tino, David, and Miguel will get my vote not because they are perfect but rather because the town kooks oppose them!
Great job anonymous poster.
Your willing to vote for Jennifer who does not even live in Santa Ana, let alone is unable to answer a question without Pulido handing her a written answer.I hope she’s elected too so it can be shown that Pulido knowingly supported a candidate the does not reside in Santa Ana. I hear Ted’s old cell is vacant.
I’ve seen dead cats on Bristol with better fur than the stuff Tino tapes to his bald dome and he know zip about Santa Ana other than he played football here in the 40’s.
Vote how you want.
I’ll join the 17.
I’m with Anonymous 9/16/2006 6:59 PM, my votes are going to Tino Rivera, David Benavides and possibly Jennifer Villasenor. Just because a person is not living in the city of Santa Ana does not mean that they are not capable of being the best person for the job. That type of thinking is simply ignorant.
Audrey Noji couldn’t get out of her seat fast enough after Miguel blasted her school board presidency by saying SAUSD has the worst school board in the county!
Noji sidekicks claim she ran out of Council Chambers seething while dialing Rob Richardson.
Meanwhile Nelida Yanez’s announcement that Bist, Alvarez and Noji support her is the kiss of death.
Tino’s candidate flyer shows a photo of him with Lisa, Mayor Mike and Rob Richardson apparently celebrating the recall of Nativo (Larry Lopez). Although this was indeed a joyous occassion, I never saw Tino at any signature gathering events (neighborhood or outside a business)nor did I see him helping Rob get elected — he was on the election committee, but never saw him do anything. He talks about many things, but what has he done to make our city better? He is bought and paid and for and will do what Mayor Mike says.
#27 —
Tino’s extent of helping with the recall was showing up at the celebration party.
It appears the only thing accurate about Tino are his football playing days at SAHS.
“Just because a person is not living in the city of Santa Ana does not mean that they are not capable of being the best person for the job. That type of thinking is simply ignorant.”
How sweet of Jennifers Mom & Dad to post a reply from Huntington Beach.You really think its ok to live in one city and attempt to solve problems in another?How will she even know what the problems are?Thats right.Mayor Mike will tell her how to vote.She was not even Mayor Mikes first choice.Wake up sweety.Your being used.
Post #29 – This government is managed by a city manager and staff.The manager and heads of staff run the city.City council as it is do not really run the city.Look up the definition of Santa Ana’s type of government in their website.The city manager and most of the department heads don’t live in Santa Ana. This is probably true for most cities.Address the question across the board in oder to sound consistant , if not it comes across as hypocritical.I am not sure what the answer is.Art Lomeli
Mr Lomeli.
You may or may not be aware of a little thing called election law that requires that you actually live at the address you list when you sign your papers.Failure to do so is perjury.There is no such requirement that a city employee such as David Ream live in the city.
Post #31. I understand that. I was commenting on the statement by Post#29, where the question is asked”Do you really think it is O.K. to live in one city and attempt to solve the problems in another?How would that person know evevn know what those problems are”.I am just posting an observation for consideration.Understanding how cities really function ,is the law relevant.A thought for debate. Art Lomeli
Is it just me or does Jennifer Villasenor look like lonlygirl15? Maybe she is lonlygirl15?????
Mr Lomeli.
There is a hugh difference between an elected representative and a paid employee.Paid city employess are paid to do a job, be it city manager,street sweeper,police office or pot hole filler.They represent the city.The elected serve to represent the interest of the residents of the city.If an elected official does not live, work or play in the city, how can they represent the residents?
Post #34 . Outside of local politics decisions are made every day by elected officials in regards to your city.They may or may not reside in your city.City manger and depertment heads make most decisions and actually advice and recommend governance to the City Council.The council relies heavely on their assistance since the council’s position is part time and temporary.At the end of the day your problems are dealt by staff(fact finding,recommendations and political concerns),with some imput from community activist that is acted on by council-guided by top level staff.My comments are intended to be objective.Art Lomeli
The City of Anaheim has a policy that the department heads (those high paid people) live in the city of Anaheim. (Policy is not enforceable law) (Santa Ana may have the same policy too)
For the purpose of being a candidate for office, your residence is determined by where you are registered to vote. Not necessarily where you sleep or spend most of your time.
It is crappy law, but it is the law the legislator
I hold in my hand a copy of Jennifer’s voter registration and candidate registration forms.
In them she signed her name next to this text:I swear/affirm that…the information I have provided is true to the best of my knowledge under penalty or perjury. If I have provided false information, I may be fined, imprisoned, or (if not a U.S. citizen) be deported from or refused entry to the United States.
#37 Anonymous 9/19/2006 12:02 PM
What is your point?
Today’s mail brought an invitation to a David Benevides fundraiser.
This is my gripe… several neighborhood leaders have taken the liberty of using their elected homeowners titles as part of their endorsement for Benevides.
Example: Tim Rush, President, Wilshire Square NA, Debbie McEwen, President, French Park Neghborhood, Fred Bella, President, Central City NA and Lynette Verino, President, Washingto Square NA. Did members of these associations VOTE to allow their NA presidents to use their title?
These citizens should have been more responsible and submitted their endorsements as:
Tim Rush, Wilshire Square Neighborhood etc.
Giving the illusion that these neigbhorhoods support Benevides is wrong and Mr. Benevides should have been more mindful of what his host committee members were doing.