The L.A. Times, O.C. Edition, has published an article about Thomas Gordon’s removal from the EPIC/Gang Commission in Santa Ana.
Here are a few excerpts from Jennifer Delson’s article:
Gordon said he was surprised by his firing. “They didn’t even discuss this. How did they even know why they were voting?” said Gordon, a one-time mayoral candidate who was appointed to the panel in January. “What happened leads you to believe there was a backroom discussion.”
Only Councilwoman Michele Martinez voted against ousting Gordon.
In a city with few regular City Hall gadflies, Gordon has stood out. He has been critical about what he considers a lack of city response to graffiti, crime and the lack of parks and libraries. He has also complained about the conditions of city streets and the local school district.
In the fall of 2006, Gordon alerted authorities about illegal asbestos removal at One Broadway Plaza, the city’s largest commercial development.
Martinez, Gordon’s lone supporter on the council, said the vote shows “a disregard for the community.” “He has a done a good job on this commission. This is his government. He should be critical,” she said. “Why are we censuring people?”
Other council members could not be reached for comment.
Martinez, who opposed Thomas’ removal, said she reviewed a tape of the meeting where Gordon was alleged to have criticized Tinajero: “It never happened,” Martinez said. “This is a plot to get rid of the bloggers. They are going to do it one way or another.”
The more the “sh_tty” council tries to shut people up, the stronger their opposition becomes.
The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the
agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do
not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for
the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people
insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over
the instruments they have created.
NO ON MEASURE D- DUMP CLAUDIA
“Action taken” means a collective
decision made by the members of a state body, a collective commitment
or promise by the members of the state body to make a positive or
negative decision or an actual vote by the members of a state body
when sitting as a body or entity upon a motion, proposal, resolution,order or similar action.
SoundS like a Brown Act Violation to me.
NO ON MEASURE D-DUMP CLAUDIA
Meetings of public bodies must be “open and public,” actions may not be secret, and action taken in violation of open meetings laws may be voided. (
A little historical perspective
to serve the proletariant: First
off….Congratulations to Thomas
for making a difference in his
city. Secondly, it is now incumbent on Thomas to participate
in every City Council meeting
regarding Public Comments and any
relevant issues he believes should
be outed to the public. As long
as those comments remain tempered
by reason and common sense…his
influence will now grow greatly.
This is what they call a launching
board!
Tinajero is a zero
Gordon is a HERO
Thomas finely got his own medicine and he does not like taste of it.
Not only did the council silence former EPIC Commissioner Gordon, they voted to televise only ONE council meeting per month.
This council’s business should be conducted in the open and all council meetings should be televised.
What is Pulido hiding from the public?
NO ON MEASURE D – DUMP CLAUDIA ALVAREZ
IF THIS IS TRUE SAY GOOD BYE TO SEAN MILL AND ART P . THEY ARE NEXT ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
Martinez said. “This is a plot to get rid of the bloggers. They are going to do it one way or another.”
Well Michele: Did Sal appointed Gordon to the Blog or to the Commission?
Please think before you speak.
FYI, Gordon is still blogging…. where is the plot.
#10
Duh? It appears reading comprehension is not one of your strong skills.
Read, re-read, think and re-read again before you post.
#10, Martinez is still right.
The council majority feels that by getting rid of the bloggers from the commissions that they are going to silence the criticisms of the council’s actions in Santa Ana. This will certainly not be the case, as you pointed out, Thomas is still being vocal since the vote on Monday.
Perhaps you should question this: maybe the rest of the council should think before they vote?
Ok. lets call it for what it is. you all fell into the trap. by getting rid of gordon you followed suit making it easy for them. throwing rocks from the outside will not get it done. Going to the city council mtg. will not get it done you must run for office.
As for measure D, and dumping claudia, i smell a play to keep her out of running for supervisor against the blogger’s chosen one, janet nguyen.
This blog, and those who comment on it, are proof that there are more people than just the OJ bloggers who are sick of the Santa Ana City Council’s neglect of this city.
“…you must run for office.”
If any one of the bloggers here run for council or school board in the city, I WILL vote for them. I may not agree with them 100% of the time, but at least they know whats wrong with this town and aren’t ashamed to admit it unlike the current bunch we elected.
I’m truly, very sorry I ever voted for Miguel, Carlos, David, and Claudia. I won’t be making that mistake again.
“maybe the rest of the council should think before they vote”
#11, #12.
So, are you saying that once appointed a commissioner cannot be removed without a cause?
FYI, any one any were in the USA can be terminated without a cause except where contract prohibits that or a discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status and disability is involved.
The council had apple time during the public comments to figure out that non of the above is the case.
In fact it was Martinez who violated the law by denying Tinajero to form his own cabinet in his own image because Martinez is 27 years old dingaling having no legal background only a street smart.
However, should anyone in public submit a valid legal objection based on a law rather than an emotional crapola — the council would not affirm.
There is so much strange thinking at this forum for a group which is against the Measure D unbelievable.
I should point out that Tinajero is an idiot to state a reason (ridiculous one too) for his action. He was not obligated to do so. Obviously his legal background is probably not strong either.
“So, are you saying that once appointed a commissioner cannot be removed without a cause?”
The above posters make a point. Granted, we commissioners serve at the behest of those who appoint us. But, in regards to Thomas… what illegal, unethical, horrible action did he commit to warrant removal? The council did not say.
You know that the city pays us a small stipend for attending meetings. Regardless of how much said stipend is — that is still taxpayer funds we receieve for serving our community. And it is in the best interests of the people who pay those taxes to know how they’re money is being spent and on whom.
The council on Monday did not disclose what reasoning or cause they had for removing Thomas and they should’ve disclosed that information.
“in regards to Thomas… what illegal, unethical, horrible action did he commit to warrant removal?”
I am going bananas!
Can you understand that the above was not an issue?… Ryan? For what I know, based on the testimony, Thomas is best for the job!…. but it is IRRELEVANT!!!!!
Removal without a cause is just that!… without a cause! [Emphases added] Why cant you get over your emotions people?
Sal done noting wrong because he did same thing when he was appointing him as he was firing him.
Thomas is a classical whistle blower who will always get fired and then bitching on the radio or TV.
There are better ways how to take care of the problem without whistle blowing, blogging, snitching etc. etc. etc!
Obviously Thomas must learn these techniques before he can be a leader of 400K populate.
Right now he can hardly preside over a kindergarten since his crying is indistinguishable from the toddlers.
#18 continues.
I should add that Sal actually violated Thomas’ privacy rights by disclosing a reason for his removal.
This is an administrative issue subject for close session meting and should never be publicly disclosed.
Only the vote should be taken publicly. So the council actually acted within the provisions of the administrative R&Rs by not commenting.
Now all: STOP CRYING!!!
#19
Have you ever heard of the saying -dead right?
Pulido has placed Tinajero in a pigeon hole that he’ll be hard pressed to get out of. The 99 cent question worth asking Silly Sal is .. did you really intend on sacrificing your political career over giving Gordon the boot?
Stanley – stay focused. There are numerous Americanzied nuances you do not understand. But here’s the closer …
Sal was played big time.
Dump Claudia Alavarez .. VOTE NO ON MEASURE D
Well, it seems to me that firing somebody from a public position without a coherent reason is not something that intelligent, responsible people with the best interests of the City at heart, do. And I think it’s reasonable for citizens to give the thumbs-down to council members who behave that way. I would rather be represented by somebody who can and does articulate good reasons for their decisions.
Sal Tinajero –
Your closing comments citing Thomas Gordon as a “sniper” was uncalled for. But then you are the master of cheap shots.
I and many others do not want you working for the residents of this city and hopefully you will not be reelected in 2010.
Pulido’s comments were spot on when he said 2008 is gonna be a great year. And here’s why ’08
is going to be great year:
Measure D will be defeated.
Claudia Alvarez is termed out.
Voters, for the third time, will reject Alvarez when she challenges Supv. Nguyen.
Bustamante is sent home to mommy. His wife and girlfriends will help him over the rejection and Space Commander costumes will be part of his recovery.
Voters deny Sarmiento Ward 1 when they learn about the alleged shady activites that occur when one operates a dance hall business. Apparently there’s more for sale than a drink or soda. They shoot horses, don’t they?
And Sal will gain 20 lbs when he learns he pissed away his political career because he gave the boot to a commissioner.
Sal and Stanley will be become closer allies in their quest to
recruit young and nubile woman to commission positions.
Michele’s the hero in this, she’s the only one who checked the evidence: Martinez, who opposed Thomas’ removal, said she reviewed a tape of the meeting where Gordon was alleged to have criticized Tinajero: “It never happened,” Martinez said. “This is a plot to get rid of the bloggers. They are going to do it one way or another.”
As Plato once said
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in Politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”.
Ladies and Gentleman, time for action. Tell a friend, to tell a friend, NO on D.
Attend neighborhood and community meetings. Put up signs in your yards and decorate your cars.
We are at the crossroads and must choose a path. Miguel and his comrades have their boots on our throats and they like the way it feels.
Organize to defeat D and we can ride the wave to term limits for Mayor.
As Popeye said. Are you wit me or agin me.
I’m wit ‘ya.
Neighborhood leaders are mobilizing to crush Measure D, Pulido, Bustamante and Sarmiento.
Bye, bye Claudia!
“And Sal will gain 20 lbs when he learns he pissed away his political career because he gave the boot to a commissioner.”
#22, are you saying that Sal will get even bigger? Jeez, they’ll have to make the council chambers bigger just contain him AND his ego.
VOTE NO ON MEASURE D
#22
Sal won’t be sitting at the council dias much longer. He’s destined to be a one-term council member.
DUMP CLAUDIA ALVAREZ –
Vote NO on Measure D