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Citizens group want to spin off Lodi Electric Utility

By Matt Brown
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Thursday, March 8, 2007 12:07 PM PST

Comments (98 comment(s))

A citizens group is trying to take the Lodi Electric Utility out of the city's hands and spin it off as a municipal utility district.

The group, led by former City Council candidate Jane Lea, announced plans today for a ballot initiative that would make the utility an independent publicly owned entity with an elected board of commissioners.

"Due to the mismanagement of the electric department, the citizens need some oversight," Lea said. "I want it to be its own separate entity."

She said she has talked with Sacramento Municipal Utility District about possibly taking over Lodi's utility.

Lea's group, which she described as a "loosely banded group of rebels," has had six meetings since December and is trying to have the initiative ready by the November 2008 election.

She said the group also wants to reduce the amount of money the city takes from the utility to 3 percent. The city recently reduced the utility's transfer from 12 percent to around 10 percent.

That 10 percent, or around $6.8 million, goes into the general fund, which covers to police, fire, parks and other services.

The utility has also taken other steps recently toward recovery from its financial hardships of two years ago. The utility established a reserve policy to make sure it has 45 days of operating reserves on hand, and has tried to fill its long term power needs to avoid risky open market speculation.

For more information, see Friday's News-Sentinel.

Contact reporter Matt Brown at mattb@lodinews.com.

First published: Thursday, March 8, 2007

Reader Feedback

Daniel wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:26 AM:

" DLBP is like a union with a closed shop (government-enforced obligatory dues). I'm not sure this means DLBP is a representative for Lodi-it's not like DLBP is a satellite office of the city. "

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Super Sam wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:07 AM:

" The DLBP board is divided and there will be a split. Depending on which way it goes there will likely be resignations next month. "

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more facts wrote on Mar 16, 2007 2:43 PM:

" or T & C investigating Union activity. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 15, 2007 8:13 PM:

" The DLBP has many smaller members afraid of them. They were accused at the CC meeting of coercing and threatening certain members that didn't go along with their ideas. This organization needs to be re-evaluated and the leadership needs to come up with those original papers they had at the CC meeting and explain the monetary loss, not with a set of papers they paid plenty to "fix". Just who provided the figures to the company who prepared the "report"? "

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T & C wrote on Mar 15, 2007 3:23 PM:

" You're right, Observer. The city council bringing charges against the DLBP is like dub...yah investigating Cheney and Halliburton. "

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Observer wrote on Mar 15, 2007 2:13 PM:

" Why would the City pursue criminal charges against the DLBP? Wouldn't the members of that organization be the ones leading the charge? We don't need the City doing someone else's business for them. It's difficult enough to run their own business. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 15, 2007 10:48 AM:

" As with Ms. Mounce. I had faith and confidence in her and now she's just blended in with the good ole boys and shakes her head yes, like our newest member.It's outrageous these CC members, who work for us and not themselves, aren't pursuing the likely criminal charges against the DLBP. "

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sad wrote on Mar 15, 2007 6:51 AM:

" To Tim S. I will support your bid for office because you have new ideas, but you must first have a plan to get the other people on cc to agree with you. Otherwise, your ideas will just be smoke. "

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wiley wrote on Mar 14, 2007 6:07 PM:

" To making sense, good to know there are still some of you out there. "

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just facts wrote on Mar 14, 2007 9:45 AM:

" To "Making sense",,lol,,,,that was beautiful. "

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Making Sense wrote on Mar 14, 2007 5:21 AM:

" Wiley, don't make logical remarks on this blog. If you want to blog on this site you need to make up facts, disagree with everything and be as nasty as possible. You just make too much sense and need to be banned from the site. Pay a little more attention to T&C's comments who has these characteristics down to a science. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 13, 2007 8:19 PM:

" Lodi city council and management want this issue to disappear fast. If petitions are going to be issued for a ballot measure, the CC will have to tell us the truth about their own neglect and which of the "Royal Five" had a part in bankrupting the utility. And the city along with it. Along with that information will be the money trail between the developers and the "players" amongst the planning commission and city council and management. Many familiar names will surface and they'll squeal like stuck pigs to save their own butts. Just my guess. "

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wiley wrote on Mar 13, 2007 12:52 PM:

" Didnt we just have an election? The three candidates were on record as opposing the sale of the utility and favored the city of Lodi maintaining control. The voters approved. This will be another loser at the ballot box. Nobody is happy about the higher rates, but this is not the answer. "

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Unlodian wrote on Mar 13, 2007 12:46 PM:

" By the way, who the heck uses their "real name" so to speak? I know T&C was once Taxpayer & Citizen. These are just blogging names, for goodness sakes. I'm sure CC posts on here too. They would be stupid to reveal their real names, as it would only hurt their reputations! "

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Unlodian wrote on Mar 13, 2007 12:42 PM:

" T&C, just like Walmart too, if you don't like it, don't shop there!!! I see a lot of griping from you on that issue as well. "

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Unlodian wrote on Mar 13, 2007 12:40 PM:

" T&C, wrong again!!! Ha ha ha! "

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Tim S wrote on Mar 13, 2007 11:21 AM:

" I am Tim S. (Tim Spagnola) and feel we need change. If you like some of my ideas, lets work on solving problems in a positive way. I would like everyone to be open minded, and would like all ideas to be discuss. my email flyguide@yahoo.com hm. ph. 209-368-3848 "

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to unlodian wrote on Mar 13, 2007 9:17 AM:

" If you reveal your real name, I'm sure the CC and management team would have an award for you for blog of the year. Of course you probably are just another one of them with that guilt complex and conscience. Don't like it, don't read it. T & C "

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T & C wrote on Mar 13, 2007 8:34 AM:

" It's time for LEUD to let Mr. Morrow do his job and pull the plug the plug on the NCPA. And then, perhaps, Hansen can concentrate on Lodi's real problems instead of making excuses and trying to dig his way out of this LEUD problem he himself created. Just because we owe the NCPA 60 million or so shouldn't mean we can't use other sources to bargain for our power rates, without having to give them their cut. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 13, 2007 8:29 AM:

" Tim, that's why Lodi is broke. LEUD generated incomes for this town for years that were out of sight. When Hansen stuck his nose into the NCPA and LEUD is when the income disappeared. The NCPA and Hansen stood by and watched their "fabulous" power buy in 2005 fizzle. Lodi went into debt 100 million dollars to the NCPA at that time and still owe about 2/3 of that money to them. Study the NCPA's website and see for yourself they're nothing but a power broker that make their money SELLING power for a profit. "

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OTH wrote on Mar 13, 2007 8:28 AM:

" To Unlodian......Be a hero tell us your real name. "

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Tim S wrote on Mar 13, 2007 5:41 AM:

" So we have private Electric company with record low rates. Some CC member says lets take these profits put into general fund to pay other areas that are weak! Hey>> this is great! no accountability? Lets raise rates! why not, they have been lower than other cities. What really makes me mad, is there are seniors and single parent families who are getting by on scraps, now even less scraps. I WILL FIGHT FOR YOU! THE POOR AND WEAK! "

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Tim S wrote on Mar 13, 2007 5:35 AM:

" There are ways of helping the areas that are lacking or weak here in Lodi. WE must be creative! Like take the $500,000 for art and invest it for short term profit, like a concert at the grape bowl. Have raffles. We could get a local car dealership to sell us a car at cost, and have a raffle. There are many people who would pay $5 for a chance to win a new car. New car $30,000, make $100,000> 130000/5= 26000 tickets. "

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Tim S wrote on Mar 13, 2007 5:27 AM:

" This is a small example of what I will bring to the table. I Think Counsel meetings should be held on Saturdays once a month, with coffee, tea, and finger foods for the citizens. Also once week at different times, this is not that hard and will give all citizens an opportunity to attend. We should even book spots ahead of time for major issues. As for T&C, I believe each and everyone of you is important. Your views should be allowed and expressed. "

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Tim S wrote on Mar 13, 2007 5:20 AM:

" I think a way to help educators would be through the city utility department. (Being they are paid through the county) Start by issuing tax credits and percentage adjustments to their local bills. Ex. If a teacher spends $250 dollars on school supplies (out of pocket) The city could give back, by giving them $25 off their utility bill per month until the amount they spent is met. Educator are paid by the county, so the city makes an effort to help offset costs. "

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5555555 wrote on Mar 12, 2007 9:51 PM:

" I couldn't find Mounce, Mounce and Mounce, LTD in the phone book. Does someone have the number. I need my taxes done. "

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Unlodian wrote on Mar 12, 2007 8:08 PM:

" T & C, the only coward here is you, hiding under a blog name, bashing all of the town and the people running it. I have yet to see you do a better job. You are condemning and judgemental MOST of the time. And, if you do go to church you should be ashamed of yourself! "

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T&C Attacks wrote on Mar 12, 2007 5:26 PM:

" Apparently T&C is the only person who doesn't know where it is... try Church Street, DOWNTOWN, across from the post office. Hey T&C, you finished your last blog with "Duh". Do you realize how stupid you look when you do things like that? "

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Clarification wrote on Mar 12, 2007 5:01 PM:

" I'm not going to guess or speculate. I've asked a very, very simple question. Who does Ms. Beckman work for? Why is it so difficult to get an answer. T&C, are you telling me she works for Wine & Roses? "

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T&C Attacks wrote on Mar 12, 2007 4:20 PM:

" I agree with T&C, The conference and visitors center should be downtown. Oops, it is downtown. "

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T & C to clarification wrote on Mar 12, 2007 2:35 PM:

" Gee, since the visitors center is right in front of wine & roses and next door to all those boo-tique wineries and not downtown where it belongs, just take a guess who she really works and promotes for. All that empty space at the parking structure all those years and free rent for it to be there. Do they rent from wine & roses, or what? What's the advantage otherwise to have it there, where no one knows where it's at? Duh! "

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T & C wrote on Mar 12, 2007 2:21 PM:

" I see the cowardly council bloggers (eg bulshi**ers) are ruffled again and come with a different set of blog names to try to clear themselves. What's exactly wrong with letting us voters decide the issue. Oh, it would be UNLODIAN for that to happen. I know you council are ccowards when you have to bring Dixon and Jason into this. They are the two who have the real scoop on how you broke Lodi and where the money went. Losers, you whole bunch. "

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To: Jim S wrote on Mar 12, 2007 1:20 PM:

" Maybe you are new around here Jim... Jane lee only does what Dixon Flynn and Jason Daniel tell her to do. They only use the "we want the voters to decide" banter when it is politically expedient. Dixon and Jason tell Jane they can help to get her elected if she follows their instructions. Hey Jane, Dixon can't get himself elected, why would you think he could help you? "

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Daniel wrote on Mar 12, 2007 11:57 AM:

" Tim 4 Council: Why did you disrespect the proverbial "serious chip on my shoulder"? Do you mean that T&C hit your nerves and not me? I admit that I'm not featured below, but haven't I raised flags of public education also? "

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LodiEileen wrote on Mar 12, 2007 11:50 AM:

" Please go to the library and read the history of the Lodi's Utility Department. The Lodi Utility is currently owned by each and every resident within the City of Lodi, (Stakeholders). The council is the elected Board of Directors. "

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JimS wrote on Mar 12, 2007 10:45 AM:

" Can Jane Lea say "Hypocrite"? She says "I want the citizens to decide", but only if they agree with her. When the citizens wanted a Super Wal-Mart her small group went to court to stop what they didn't like! "

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Clarification wrote on Mar 12, 2007 10:20 AM:

" Does anyone have the answer to my question. Who is paying Ms. Beckman? I keep hearing about "taxpayer" money. Who does she work for? "

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Tim 4 Council wrote on Mar 12, 2007 9:34 AM:

" I'm ignoring the fact that your numbers are wrong, but why you have identified this as your inagural issue? Please don't tell us it is because you read it on one of T&C's rants. If you want to run for council then you should do so. It is admirable when folks want to help improve our community. During the process you should be careful not to swallow the T&C hook. This blogger has a serious chip on his shoulder and he will have you chasing your own tail before long. "

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T&C Attacks wrote on Mar 12, 2007 8:17 AM:

" Tuesday morning meetings allow folks who work in the evening an opportunity to have their voice heard. If you swithch the shirtsleeve meeting to Wednesday evenings they will not have the opportunity. Why would you want to take away that opportunity form our citizens? "

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News Flash wrote on Mar 12, 2007 6:16 AM:

" According to T&C, the areas most prominent local newspaper, The Record, reports in this mornings edition that the City Council voted unanimously to begin construction on a new power plant. This also includes a vote from council member Mounce, a member of the prestigious accounting firm of Mounce, Mounce and Mounce, LTD. The Record is also endorsing the council's actions. This must be much to the relief of T&C and his two or three followers. "

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Tim S wrote on Mar 12, 2007 6:03 AM:

" Thanks for the info T&C. I am strongly thinking of running for CC. Thinking about the tourist bureau, I have nothing against Ms. Beckman and I am sure she is qualified, but lets get real. Making $10,000 a month for directing tourist? What is reasonable? I bet with the cost of living here in lodi, someone would jump at $55,000 a year for the same position, and even this is high. A waste of money that is on the backs of Lodi taxpayers. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 11, 2007 3:14 PM:

" I admire you and all you stand for Ms. Jane Lea. I notice that whenever you have a good idea or suggestion the city council comes unglued and the negative blogs come rolling in. I understand the negativity of this council and management team. We both know there are many discrepancies that haven't been brought to our attention truthfully and this council refuses to listen to anyone but themselves. The Utility district sale could save this city many dollars. Just the unneeded equipment and payroll alone would pay for that pollution cleanup. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 11, 2007 2:14 PM:

" And Tim, as well as others who read this, please read Sunday's Stockton Record, Section F, Perspective section and familiarize yourself with your rights pertaining to these dense and corrupted city governments. There are websites to report criminal and civil misbehavior and I'd hope some of you city staffers would pay attention to the money drain here in Lodi and report those who are suspicious. Must reading for every taxpayer in Lodi. They're our rights. The city council and management work for us, not vice versa. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 11, 2007 1:57 PM:

" We have Hutchins for large meetings and forums available, but they hold them at Carnegie Hall, where capacity is limited. They need to move the meetings to Hutchins and sell Carnegie. It's not used for any other purpose, anyway. And those 7 AM "shirtsleeve" meetings on Tuesday morning are meant to discourage people from coming to meetings and bitching. The meetings need to be EVERY WEDNESDAY at 7 PM on Wednesdays to afford everyone a chance to attend, not just council and management. Brown Act is violated on Tuesday meetings too often. "

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Tim S wrote on Mar 11, 2007 12:37 PM:

" When in office ask a lot of questions and use the "KISS" system. Locals need a place for public debates. A hall to meet in, use the city counsel meeting place. Talk about idea's the community would like to do for raising money. I remember when the city put on a rock concert at the grape bowl! This can bring in extra revenue to local shops as well as making money for the city budget. Let all keep an open mind in this blog and stay positive. Everybody deserves respect regardless of views. "

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HeeHeeHee wrote on Mar 10, 2007 7:47 PM:

" T&C ATTACKS, you are such a CC member. Afraid of Tim now, huh? You go Tim. Lodi needs an honest person on the CC. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 10, 2007 6:24 PM:

" Getting rid of the corruption and graft is the major issue. If we'd get t&c attacks off the council, we'd be much better off. One day soon that money trail is going to lead to the CC and the good old boys who do favors for one another and the dominoes will start falling. Once the first one is accused, they'll look like Scooter Libby snitching on dub...yah and Cheney to save their own butts. You're one pathetic person, t&cattacks, and your other blog names. "

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blogger wrote on Mar 10, 2007 3:37 PM:

" Tim S you have it right. Run for City Council. You may make a difference. Just remember the people on the council were elected by we the people. If a new buracracy is created it will be run by elected people just like those on the City Council. A new level of government is not the answer. "

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Clarification wrote on Mar 10, 2007 12:00 PM:

" Does Ms. Beckman work for the City of Lodi? If not, who pays her salary? How would the school district benefit from her salary? "

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T&C Attacks wrote on Mar 10, 2007 11:26 AM:

" Me again Tim. You say "If I have to I will run". What are the events that will trigger your decision? If you are unable to "make a difference" through reader feedback (blogging), will that result in a run for council? May I recommend you contact the Fire Department??? They have plenty of political clout and I hear they are tired of John Johnson. VOTE FOR TIM S. LODI CITY COUNCIL! I'll bet that sounds good to you. "

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T&C Attacks wrote on Mar 10, 2007 11:15 AM:

" First of all Tim, if you run you have to get elected. If anyone discovers you agree with T&C that will never happen. Let's borrow for the sake of discussion you do get elected. How much would you like to pay someone with Ms. Beckman's qualifications? We have seen what DLBP gets for $40,000. Can you describe the methodology for allocating TOT tax revenues to to education? "If I get elected you will see a difference", Where have I heard that before? "

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T & C wrote on Mar 10, 2007 10:48 AM:

" Real Person, try putting some of that hot air into your pension. At least I was smart enough to save for a pension and pay my house and cars of 13 years ago. Think about it sometime, it might even be a wise investment for you, if dub...yah doesn't spend your generation away. You can earn 30 or 40 dollars an hour all your life, but if you don't save for pension, you'll never retire. Why do you think there are so many seniors in the job market? I'll bet it's not cause they love to work. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 10, 2007 10:42 AM:

" I'll spend a dollar more at Lakewood Drugs, whose money stays here in Lodi, rather than spend that dollar on gas driving to Walmart and back to save 50 cents. Walmart sends ALL receipts and funds back to Arkansas every night and doesn't leave anything here except sales and property taxes, which our own local businesses do to. I don't condemn shopping at Walmart, that's your choice. If you like cheap chinese junk then go for it. "

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mp wrote on Mar 10, 2007 10:28 AM:

" to tim s - the city of lodi IS the citizens. i would rather have the citizens own the electric company than corporate america. when the company makes money the citizens benefit. otherwise, some investor gets the benefit. "

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Real Person wrote on Mar 10, 2007 8:59 AM:

" T&C, that's about as snooty and uppity a response one could give. Sorry I'm not up to your standards of living. And don't tell me you've paid more into your pension fund than you're receiving. By the time I'm old enough to retire your generation will have spent all of the money. Oh, but you don't worry about that. One more reason I'll need to shop at Walmart. You and your pension fund is the cancer! "

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Tim S to T&C wrote on Mar 10, 2007 6:31 AM:

" Yes I agree, $125,000 a year to Ms. Beckman to direct a tourist bureau! That could hire 2 more teachers. Lodi is too small for this. There is a problem with the city and it is time to do something about it. Every time there is a need for money, put it on the backs of the taxpayer. We need people in office who can be creative, find ways to meet the budget. Honest, positive goal oriented, If I have to I will run, and you will see a difference! "

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Tim S wrote on Mar 10, 2007 6:07 AM:

" I agree we must take the power away from the city of lodi. It is by its very nature to spend money anyway possible, and the city found an easy way for funding programs on the backs of its people. Once again I thought we voted you people in office to be creative and work on ways to meet dead lines and work on programs to balance the cities budget. A 5 yr old could do what the city did. Just like the democrats putting the Social Security Fund into the general fund to Spend Spend Spend! "

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raul rodriguez wrote on Mar 9, 2007 8:34 PM:

" important announcement: T & C wears a tin foil hat and depending on where it is pointed his missives flow, never in a unified direction. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 9, 2007 7:18 PM:

" Walmart is a cancer that refuses to go away. Maybe you need super Walmart for your second job. Or maybe your wife works there to make ends meet. There's already a walmart here. Why build a new one. Their profit margin grows constantly, so why can't they purchase existing property where they're at and add on to their existing store? If they offer such great job opportunity, why are so many of their employees on the welfare and aid payroll, too? Try being a "real" person for once. "

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Electric Reality wrote on Mar 9, 2007 5:44 PM:

" "People soon forget" why don't you read up on deregulation and the time your city bill was less than PG&E... Who is generating the electricity that the city of Lodi purchases? The more hands you have in the cookie jar, long term the more it will cost the end user. Times are changing utility companies are transforming. Put it on ballot, due a martket analysis proof is in the pudding, the numbers do not lie. PEACE "

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Whoa Nellie! wrote on Mar 9, 2007 5:41 PM:

" To Real Person - the reason T&C must be against is that he was in a union (as he has posted here many, many times) and Walmart is anti-union. Simple as that. "

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Real Person wrote on Mar 9, 2007 3:42 PM:

" T&C, if you're one of the "real" people then why do you continually oppose Walmart's opening of a new store. We "real" people need Walmart. Maybe you can afford to shop in the Stockton malls and downtown but we "real" people don't and can't. We "real" people voted for the new Walmart. Why can't you accept that? "

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j.lawrence.endicott wrote on Mar 9, 2007 2:20 PM:

" We have a representative form of government so we dont have to hold a town hall meeting and vote on every hairbrained idea that comes along. If you dont like your representatives, vote them out, but dont constitutionalize every idea that someone gets a bone for. Bad ideas by representatives changeable. Plebiscites are not. "

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tyler myers wrote on Mar 9, 2007 1:48 PM:

" why dont we just let al gore handle lodi's electrical problem, "that will work" "

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T & c wrote on Mar 9, 2007 12:43 PM:

" And look at the makeup of your own city council and management team. Ms. Mounce is the only one that's been around the real block of life. The others are wealthy, societish, ignorant and looks like the old Lodi family circle. They have no idea how us real people live. This CC is nowhere representative of the real citizens of Lodi. Tell us what we want, not what you want. Try asking us sometime and see what we say. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 9, 2007 12:38 PM:

" And extravagant spending? $1.5 million dollar loss on Hutchins year after with no regard to cutting that spending to reduce the loss. $125,000 a year to Ms. Beckman to direct a tourist bureau that's nowhere in a traffic area of town, except the wine and roses area. Isn't that the Chambers job? The DLBP with the corruption, hidden by this same CC to protect Mr. Easterling. Those are just a few. Again, the DLBP issue being completely ignored. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 9, 2007 12:34 PM:

" Whoa Nellie,I hate to differ but this city didn't go broke until after Vallow was gone. Flynn moved the money like King is doing now and nothing has changed since Lodi went broke from the current CCmembers' decision to be power brokers. Why does everyone keep avoiding the question about which CC members were involved. That's where we need to start first. Then they alone responsible can be recognized for their stupidity. It was no one else. "

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just facts wrote on Mar 9, 2007 11:47 AM:

" "i want the citizens to decide",,,I thought we already did.To "people soon forget"",,you are so right ! "

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People Soon Forget wrote on Mar 9, 2007 10:22 AM:

" People soon forget that for decades the City's electrical rates were any where from 10-20% lower than PG&E's and still put money into the general fund. No one was complaining then! Don't make a rash decision based on a few years bad results. It's like the stock market....you're in it for the long haul. I believe this will soon return and no one will remember again. "

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ra wrote on Mar 9, 2007 9:56 AM:

" I support putting the City on a diet of revenues from the utility that would result in reduced rates if the utility were profitable. My concern is that a new board of directors and the associated additional bureaucracy of a spin-off may be a net loss to citizens in the form of higher rates. What about a spin-off to PG&E? I'm sure there are many angles, but I thought I'd throw that out there as an option to consider. Keep the Fire Dept's benefits where they are and watch the City's budget stabilize. "

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CW wrote on Mar 9, 2007 9:00 AM:

" Jane Lea, go away. The voters rejected you and your ideas in the last election. Get a clue. "

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Caveman wrote on Mar 9, 2007 8:54 AM:

" Unfortunately for regular citizens, this is the only way to get heard. We don't have the luxury of the privelidge ones who can manipulate the cc to get want they want. Citizen driven initiatives never have the support of the cc and rarely get passed for that reason. The last citizen driven initiative that passed in Lodi was the 2% growth limit, I wouldn't be surprised to see that revoked soon. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2007 8:54 AM:

" T&C: Keep telling us all you know. It's interesting. You sure seem to ruffle some feathers. Love it! "

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Caveman wrote on Mar 9, 2007 8:46 AM:

" I think it would be a good thing to have this group present a cost benefit analysis on their proposal. What are the long term and short term affects on budget and rates. The LEUD is a hot button topic right now and making an informed decision is very important to us all. "

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Caveman wrote on Mar 9, 2007 8:43 AM:

" sad, Hurt the city how? If a group of people have an idea, persue it, get enough support from the community to bring it to a vote, where is the hurt? If it passes, that what the majority of the citizens want, if it doesn't, where is the hurt. Better to be a rebel than a sheep! "

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to attack t&c wrote on Mar 9, 2007 8:40 AM:

" Then why does the city council and management keep blaming it on Vallow, when indeed it was those CC members who stuck their nose in and bought the power that broke LEUD? Did no one bother to even check on the cash cow LEUD to see if there was problems? What you are telling me is that these certain CC members, and they alone, are responsible for bankrupting Lodi. You are one of those that know and could possibly be involved. You just left a pretty good hint on your last bigmac attack. "

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Whoa Nellie wrote on Mar 9, 2007 8:36 AM:

" "T&C Attacks" - Mister T&C is NOT AWARE of many things, like Vallowgate. Vallow buried the city with his mismanagement and all T&C wants to do is blame the CC. Who was Vallow's boss at the time... oh, yes, Dixon Flynn, the supposed financial man (our previous Finance Director dont forget, and thats his background). Mister T&C can you please name some "lavish spending habits" that you refer about? Specifics please! Allow you do is throw darts with NO specifics or substance. "

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sad wrote on Mar 9, 2007 8:04 AM:

" Why is this woman always trying to hurt the city? "

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T & C wrote on Mar 9, 2007 7:50 AM:

" F&M bank is guaranteeing the Fitch bond rating company that the city of Lodi has about 3.9 million available at all times for 45 days operating expenses for LEUD or our bond rating will drop further than it is. Why do you think the 5 million+ credit line for the city. That's what that's all about. If F&M says no, Lodi can't come up with the money. There's only under a million surplus at LEUD right now.This city council lies constantly through the Sentinel. They won't speak for themselves. "

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T&C Attacks wrote on Mar 9, 2007 7:43 AM:

" Hey T&C, No doubt you are aware that Mr. Vallow misrepresented himself to the CC. He claimed to have purchased power long term when indeed he hadn't. As prices increased his mismanagement was exposed ahd he was fired. The city then faced the prospect of having to purchase power in a higher market. This is all part of the record... but we don't expect you to be influenced by the facts. "

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oh wrote on Mar 8, 2007 10:22 PM:

" That is a start Jane!But guess what F&M has there Gruby fingers in LEUD and Lodi CC Till!It will be hard to do anything like this!Good ole boys Big time!! "

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Hey Jane wrote on Mar 8, 2007 9:43 PM:

" Do you remember the Clean Water Coalition? That is the group that handed you a super-minority on your last initiative. Please tell your "loosly banded group of rebels" that this initiative will be similarly drubbed. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 8, 2007 9:10 PM:

" This CC also needs to quit taking that 10% from LEUD and paying down city debt and funding their lavish spending habits while trying to make us believe that the money is going to pay for the ground pollution. They seem to have forgotten all about the cleanup with this NCPA smokescreen. Time for Blair King to be replaced with something other than the money shuffler he is. Someone that's accountable and knows how to run a city ethically. He's why we need BOTH an assistant and chief city attorney. "

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Whoa Nellie! wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:52 PM:

" Amazing! Has anybody researched SMUD? They are not the best municipality either. They tried to expand into Yolo last year and got defeated in the vote big time. Second, T&C - get off your rants! The transfer of funds from LEU to the General Fund has been around for years. If you take away this huge transfer of funds all city services will suffer. I believe the transfers got bigger & the general fund became more reliant after Prop 13. "

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Electric Reality wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:27 PM:

" Or you can move to Mexico I am sure utilities are cheaper there and you can't drink their water either "

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Electric Reality wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:23 PM:

" PG&E has been and always will be the powerhouse when it comes to delivering energy. Its time for the people who know what they are doing to step in and take care of business. PG&E ROCKS!!!! "

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T & C wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:12 PM:

" The utilities hardships of two years ago? And this CC wants us to believe it was Vallow and not them that bankrupted the electric utility? Their constant giveaway of cheap power to those large corporations whose profits rise drastically each year are keeping it broke, too. Time for those "big 6" to pay their fair share. They just gave two more low paying companies an electric discount two weeks ago. While we citizens keep getting raises. "

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sam wrote on Mar 8, 2007 6:43 PM:

" Why should the money people pay for utilities go to the police and firemen? You build a new subdivision, the developer and the added tax base from the new residents should cover the costs. Sounds like someone wants to use Lodi Electric Utility as a cash cow. Raise the utility rates so the CC can buy anything and anyone they want. "

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mp wrote on Mar 8, 2007 6:14 PM:

" T&C, I always agree with you, but not on this one. I do not and will not agree with smud or pg & e sucking us up. That would be the dumbest thing the cc could do. I sure hope they don't agree to do this. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 8, 2007 6:03 PM:

" If Hansen spent as much time solving real city problems as he does prying into Mr. Morrow's business in the NCPA, maybe Lodi wouldn't be broke. The NCPA just wants part of LEUD's profits and the 64 or so million dollars still owed to them from the debt of our CC members that wanted to be power barons. Keep him away from the NCPA and let Mr. Morrow run the LEUD and not Hansen. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 8, 2007 5:37 PM:

" reality, quit trying to cleanup for yourself and your self serving and corrupt CC. That LEUD money is free game for you CC people and Blair King to fleece as you wish. It's time for the games and corruption to stop and selling LEUD and the deep debt you've put it in will be the first gigantic step. Let the games begin. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 8, 2007 5:32 PM:

" reality, you're full of crap to attack Jane Lea. That's one hell of an attitude for Herr mayor. "

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to reality wrote on Mar 8, 2007 5:27 PM:

" That's where your developer and builder friends come in. It's their obligation to pay for the services they create for themselves and not those of us who don't want to pay for the new groewth that you and your good old boys force upon us by not demanding those developers and builders pay and not freeload any longer. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 8, 2007 5:19 PM:

" It needs to happen before this CC spends nearly $2million dollars on another "study and research" fiasco for a project that won't pass EPA regulations to begin with. This council can't make a decision for themselves without spending taxpayers money to pay a "consulting firm" to make that very decision for them. Ms. Mounce, please tell us how much money was spent on consultants in 2006? Let Mr. Morrow do his job, not two million more dollars of debt to the NCPA. "

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Oh Great! wrote on Mar 8, 2007 5:04 PM:

" Just what we need...... another layer of government. "

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reality wrote on Mar 8, 2007 2:36 PM:

" i just reread the article. does she want to run it or does she want smud to run it she better make up her mind "

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reality wrote on Mar 8, 2007 2:08 PM:

" what does she think will happen to police fire et al if the transfer from ED to general fund is reduced too much. where will she make up the difference. will she poropoes a tax increase to cover the short fall? "

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reality wrote on Mar 8, 2007 2:05 PM:

" let the games begin. jane lea has been and will continue to be an ineffective advocate for anything she touches. "

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