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Time is now for Lodi to embrace redevelopment


Friday, July 20, 2007 11:24 PM PDT

Comments (73 comment(s))

Last April, the City Manager Blair King and I met with the San Joaquin Board of Supervisors to discuss using county funds for refurbishing the Grape Bowl.

During the meeting, Board Chairman Victor Mow quickly recognized the opportunity a redevelopment project presented to the city of Lodi.

"This is a classic case of where redevelopment money might be the answer to this problem," Mow said, referring to a potential Grape Bowl project. It was obvious to the chairman, and it should also be obvious to the residents of Lodi that the time has come for us to take a serious look at the benefits of redevelopment.

Thursday evening's joint meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission at the Lodi Boys and Girl's Club was the first step in what will be a two-year process in revitalizing a large part of our community. I don't yet know what area may be designated as a redevelopment project area. I don't know how much money will be raised or what projects this capital might fund.

But I am firmly convinced that a redevelopment area is right for Lodi.

By having an active redevelopment area, we keep a greater share of newly generated property tax revenue in Lodi. Despite commentary from critics, funding for the county and school districts isn't reduced in a redevelopment area.

During the meeting, we heard encouraging testimony from a school district representative. In fact, revenues to counties and school districts continue to climb as property values increase.

The cities of Stockton, Manteca, Tracy and Ripon have active redevelopment agencies that have funded millions of dollars in public improvements — projects which may not have been possible without the revenue stream provided through the state's redevelopment laws.

Manteca, similar in size to Lodi, generated $12.8 million in revenue during fiscal 2005-2006 through its redevelopment agency. In the same year, Tracy generated $5.9 million in redevelopment income. Galt's redevelopment agency received nearly $2.5 million in the same time frame.

In Lodi, a redevelopment project will provide more money for affordable housing programs. It will also be a funding source for projects the city can't currently afford. It might provide money for the installation of water meters, help rehabilitate the Grape Bowl, replace an aging HVAC unit at the library, fund needed street improvements, etc. — all without imposing a sales or parcel tax. Using redevelopment money for such worthy projects will free the city to spend more money on such essential services as public safety.

The Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Business Committee, and the Lodi Conference and Visitors Center recognize the benefit of a redevelopment agency and are supporting this exciting method of providing additional funding for our city.

Redevelopment Agencies have their critics who continually ignore the benefits of these funding mechanisms. They would rather focus on their favorite red herring: "eminent domain." This argument fell out of bed last year when the Lodi City Council passed an ordinance banning the use of eminent domain for the benefit of a private interest. Those who may be skeptical of council motives should note that the California Legislature is working toward placing an amendment to the State Constitution on the November 2008 ballot. If passed, this amendment would prohibit the use of eminent domain for anything other than a "public" benefit.

Curt Pringle, former Assembly Speaker and now Mayor of Anaheim, touts his city's successful use of redevelopment without the use of eminent domain. Anaheim received nearly $35 million in redevelopment funds in fiscal 2005-2006, and some property values more than quadrupled 18 months after the plan was adopted.

There is absolutely no reason why redevelopment can't work for the city of Lodi! The time has come to embrace this concept!

Bob Johnson is the mayor of Lodi.

Reader Feedback

FLY ON THE WALL wrote on Jul 30, 2007 1:23 AM:

" To LONGTIME REALTOR; I hope you realize that if you attempt to sell a house in a designated RDA project area- you have to FULLY DISCLOSE that fact to your buyer. You are going to have an interesting time selling houses in EAST Lodi. "

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FLY ON THE WALL wrote on Jul 30, 2007 1:11 AM:

" The taxes generated the Mayor mentions comes from the citizens. Every citizen of Stockton has had their taxes RAISED by $140 / year due to their RDA and Stockton is still incurring HEAVY DEBT. "

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FLY ON THE WALL wrote on Jul 30, 2007 1:02 AM:

" DO THE MATH Mayor. The City of Fairfield is 14k per person in debit due to the TAX REVENUE NOT EQUALLING the BOND's Interest. Merced is over 30 million in debit. You are wanting to take MORE money out in Loans than you can generate in Tax Revenue. TELL THE TRUTH and CALCULATE the Debit. "

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Longtime Realtor wrote on Jul 29, 2007 3:36 PM:

" Like any other profession, seek out the most qualified individuals. There are plenty of them in the Lodi market. I wish the State would make it more difficult to obtain a license. The Calif. Assn. of Realtors has worked towards this goal only to be turned away by the legislature. Also, know the difference between a "Realtor" and a real estate licensee. Don't paint my profession with a broad brush because of a few (very few) bad apples. "

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Longtime Realtor wrote on Jul 29, 2007 3:32 PM:

" Are there bad real estate agents in my business....yes. They are the ones who get their licenses during the good times and bail out when the market bottoms out. I've seen it time and time again. Greedy Seller's list their homes with these "newbies" because they will go along with the Seller's overinflated value of their home. I have lost several listings because of this factor and the home ultimately sells for the price I originally recommended. "

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To: Outsider wrote on Jul 29, 2007 3:09 PM:

" I feel very sorry for you. Is life so bad that all you can do is sit around and figure someone is out to get you? Seriously, you need some professional help. Get involved in the community and find out how many good people we have here in Lodi. Individuals that will give you the shirt off your back. We have a wonderful community and it saddens me to see how jaded you are. "

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To To Observer wrote on Jul 29, 2007 11:50 AM:

" Look up "salesman" in a thesaurus. Add the words "deception" and "lying" and tell me if you see a pattern? My favorite Realtor words "virtually", "almost", "cozy", "estate", the word "home" instead of "house", "home site" (lot), "modest", "efficient", "intimate","privacy","abundant open space","decorator","custom","cottage", "mature garden", "manageable yard", "secluded", "ideal" If you are honest why do you need words that have nebulous definitions. Because they are salesman first, and honest if they want to. "

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To To Outsider wrote on Jul 29, 2007 11:37 AM:

" I'll tell you what I have done. I have paid and paid taxes with very few city services. Why does the east side look like it does? No code enforcement and no law enforcement. I knew when the old police building needed "new air conditioning" that there would be a boondoggle. No we have a nice new building filled with desk cops. If each office spent about an hour in the field eadch day they would see crime. What happens? "... not my job." "

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To To outsider contd wrote on Jul 29, 2007 11:31 AM:

" Most of the closing documents are written by attorneys for the CAR and are there to protect the interests of the Realtor. I like the closing statement on the very last sheet that says in relevant part..."You may not rely on oral statements or written information by the Realtor "...."It is your responsiblity to check out ALL facts". OH Yes I trust them as far as I can throw my car! Very honest indeed. This implies there is a possibility of "truth stretching". "

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To To Outsider more wrote on Jul 29, 2007 11:30 AM:

" The only reason to hire a Realtor is the MLS or if you have no education and can't read or write. I enjoy the "photoshopped" images of houses in the MLS where power lines disappear, and junk cars are erased and houses grow larger. Who does all this chicanery? Real estate salesmen! Call up the MLS they will tell you. What happens to the cheater? Nothing. His broker? Nothing. Look at any contract package. "

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To to the Outsider II wrote on Jul 29, 2007 11:17 AM:

" There are more real estate salesmen in California then there are people who work for radio shack. My next question has to do with the "code of ethics". Who enforces this? Do we have enough real estate police? NO! What has the CAR done to stop the illegal kickbacks to and from other partners in the game? Realtors also package mortgages, to home inspections to anything for a buck. The old scam of a 6% realtor tax is now being questioned. "

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To To Outsider wrote on Jul 29, 2007 11:16 AM:

" Real estate licensees are not required to have a high school diploma and as a result -- "everyone is a real estate salesman". There are over 495,000 real estate salesmen licensed in California. That is one in 52 adults in this state. If we assume Lodi has 52,000 adults (it has less) that our share would be (per capita) about 1,000 real estate sales licensees in Lodi. "

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To: To Outsider wrote on Jul 28, 2007 10:31 AM:

" You're post is poppycock! I am not associated with real estate but I know plenty of people who are. They're no different than you and I. They are involved in the community, coach youth teams, serve on boards for good organizations and volunteer for a multitude of other organizations. Your sweeping statement is irresponsible and inaccurate. What have you done for our community lately? "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 28, 2007 9:20 AM:

" Outsider: Don't trust the CC. Trust is what they want. "

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To Outsider II wrote on Jul 27, 2007 12:00 PM:

" Lots of our politicians are real estate sales people or are involved with them. Realtors specialize in coloring the truth because they sell. The main job of a realtor is to SELL and that is a euphemism for deception. Deception is a euphemism for lying. Our politicians can't have it both ways (money for their friends and no accountability). When these politicians start talking someone must hold them accountable so they will fear perjury. "

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Caveman wrote on Jul 27, 2007 11:59 AM:

" Mr. Mayor, Can you also tell us about what debt these RDA's have generated? Do you know, or do you choose not to tell? What is it Bob, the whole truth or just what you want us to hear. "

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To Outsider wrote on Jul 27, 2007 11:58 AM:

" Did you read "Truth is imnportant"? What do you think? its time to stop all the background shilly shally stuff. If you say it you swear it under oath, this way you have to think first befiore you start stretching the truth like the rotten deal we got on electricity, the water meters, and the ground water contamination. Next time the city gets ripped off we'll have something in writing that means something because its under penalties of perjury. "

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Outsider wrote on Jul 27, 2007 10:26 AM:

" Redevelopment can work if you trust the City Council. And over time it will not be the same City Council. That is where it all goes wrong. This CC can promise anything and the next one can do just the opposite once you have redevelopment. "

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Truth is important wrote on Jul 27, 2007 7:11 AM:

" Redevelopment is a complex issue. Don't you agree that all testimony by experts including the city manager and all commissioned studies to the CC/RDA committee be protected from fraud by having the witness placed under oath under the penalty of perjury? This way we know there is no "game playing" by anyone. What do you think? Congress does this, why not Lodi? Look at the millions of dollars wasted on the ground contamination fiasco. We would have saved a lot of money if we required the truth via sworn testimony instead of legal doubletalk "

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Caspian wrote on Jul 27, 2007 6:26 AM:

" ordinance banning the use of eminent domain -- which can be changed with a majority vote by the city council. I would rather see the decission a citizen-vote at election time (it can be done with a closing sentence of the RDA doc.). "

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To Bob wrote on Jul 26, 2007 3:28 PM:

" Please I beg of you. What does "dry bean management" have to do with urban planning or city government. Please aren't there people educated in city governemnt? WHY DRY BEANS? Why didn't you watermelon harvester or someone like that? "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 26, 2007 10:42 AM:

" Oh! The mayor has a column. "

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T & C wrote on Jul 26, 2007 10:10 AM:

" The GOB's are using you, Jeff. BEWARE! "

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T & C wrote on Jul 26, 2007 7:44 AM:

" Caspian, so true. He's going to be like Tony Snow, duh...bya's spokesman. That was the idea of the whole thing. I've heard he was going to be trampled on a little at the Record and maybe passed over for better job considerations, and after a couple of weeks, says he really didn't realize how bad and deep the corruption is on the "dark side" in our council and management team, and even lapdog staff. I can't believe you turned into one of them, Jeff. "

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Caspian wrote on Jul 26, 2007 6:39 AM:

" Nice article Jeff Hood; Johnson had some imput, but the article was crafted/edited by you(Hood). Now you will have to earn your money Jeff--this project is why you were hired away from the RECORD. "

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To T&C wrote on Jul 25, 2007 9:41 AM:

" National City has big problems fighting the redevelopment boys. This link goes to their city council redevelopment site. It shows a before and after photos of a building on which they spent $12.5 million. The only difference I see, is that they painted or color coated the building. That must be very expensive paint. Maybe $10,000 per gallon. I wonder what they did with the rest of the $12.5 million, but here are lots of words like "...planned to do this, and going to do that". http://tinyurl.com/3dhvpy "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 25, 2007 7:27 AM:

" They write "...critics who continually ignore the benefits of these funding mechanisms." Correct. If there is any kind of benefit, it would attract private investment, so I'm going to ignore any benefit a politician claims there is. Didn't they mention "replace an aging HVAC unit at the library, fund needed street improvements"? These items can be paid out of the general fund. A redev project would come out of the general fund anyway. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 25, 2007 7:23 AM:

" I finally read the article. They make it sounds like Lodi is going to get some free money by having a redev project. That money is skimmed off the top of the general fund. "

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daniel wrote on Jul 25, 2007 2:30 AM:

" Deputy Dawg: Since I've noticed the city is stepping-up its redev activities, I think I'll be doing a little reserach on the situation so that I can have something more specific to say about it. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 25, 2007 2:28 AM:

" Deputy Dawg: These special interest investments: If there is a profitable need for them, they would naturally attract investors. With the city administrating the property, drawing a redev boundary around the property, no investor in their right mind is going to put a dime into the property, unless they have a relationship with the CC. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 25, 2007 2:27 AM:

" Deputy Dawg: One issue out of hundreds is the philosophy of doing eminent domain and then providing for a special interest at taxpayer expense. If it were general interest - OK. So they want to refurbish the stadium, and build a few facilities. This is special interest. Everybody in Lodi would have to pay for it, whether they are interested in using it or not. That goes for single pregnant women who cannot afford to pay for it, and elderly on a SS income. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 25, 2007 2:24 AM:

" Deputy Dawg: What you wrote sounds good on the front: Give CC a chance to talk about it, and maybe redev can be a good thing. Unfortunately, The MORR website has already researched the history of redev in California, and the trend does not look good. I have a feeling that I'm going to be reading the report again, more-carefully, and making a few telephone calls. My immediate impression is that noone wins, except CC members and their associate developer - lawyer partners. "

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Dawes wrote on Jul 24, 2007 11:31 PM:

" TO Daniel: Oops!!! my freedom of speech is violating some policy. Oh NO! Well I know some history of Anahiem because My grandparents lived in Fullerton until my grandfather passed away from Cancer. They used to live around the block from Tommy LaSorda, if you remember him. Anaheim is right next door. My grandmother used to work at the Warner-Lambert Plant on La Palma (you know it from Trident Gum, etc.) Plus research. "

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To Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 5:15 PM:

" Unfortunately or fortunately, I am kind of neutral on the matter. I am of the belief that, if handled properly, an RDA can be very beneficial. I think we need to give the folks at the city more time to explain this process. As for the Planning Commission, I think Johnson replaced one Realtor with a better one. Again, no upside for me one way or the other. Deputy Dawg. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 4:34 PM:

" Deputy Dawg: very funny. Good humor. I'm still waiting for you to declare your campaign position. "

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To Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 2:54 PM:

" Deputy Dawg here. Great news! Just got back from a secret meeting with the Sac Bee. They will eliminate the Archie and JugHead comic strip and put you and T&C in there place. Just think of the audience you will have. Fianlly, we will have people who can read about the seriousness of this RDA calamity. Deputy Dawg to your rescue. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 2:30 PM:

" Dawes: How in the world did you find any information on Anaheim, of all places in the state? You're blowing the LNS policy of referencing cities that can't be investigated. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 2:28 PM:

" When I first heard Supervisor Dickerson on the radio, he cited San Diego as a successful redev project. That fits the pattern of making reference to cities that are far away. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:19 PM:

" Observer: You wrote: "Bob, thanks for being straight-forward and telling it just like it is." Who are you? What's your relationship with Bob? "

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Dawes wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:16 PM:

" Use money for English classes and teaching immigrants how to live in America, so they quit trying to force us to live as though we are in their country. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:15 PM:

" Oscar: Calm down. We need a little comedy every now and then. Deputy Dawg started the thing with the Sac Bee, but his decoder ring was probably made in China. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:14 PM:

" Deputy Dawg: What's your story? You can start with who's side you're on. What you want? Who are you talking to? Why should we believe anything that you have to say? "

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Dawes wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:14 PM:

" I was just in Anaheim and Buena Park (Knott's Berry Farm) 2 weeks ago. Anaheim is still an illegal alien sanctuary city. Population 334,435; Largest race group is Latino at 46.8%; 123,970 residents are foreign born (25.4% Latin America, 10.0% Asia That's 37.8% of Anaheim's popualtion. 262 sex offenders. Other stats for 25 years or older: High school or higher: 69.3% Bachelor's degree or higher: 19.6% Graduate or professional degree: 5.9% Unemployed: 6.2% "

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Dawes wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:12 PM:

" Anahiem property increased in 2005-2006 and he attributes that to redevelopment?? Earth to Pringle...What property in Calfornia didn't go up in value due to those zero down subprime loans? "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:09 PM:

" T&C: OK. It was not the Sac Bee. Deputy Dawg needs to get his decoder ring tuned up, or buy a new box of Cheerios. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 12:04 PM:

" T&C: I wouldn't place very much faith in the Sac Bee. Deputy Dawg is right. It might make the comics. "

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To T&C wrote on Jul 24, 2007 11:13 AM:

" I think Oscar ran to cash his GOB paycheck at the bank. Apparently some of the GOB paychecks are NSF. If it bounces, you won't see him back for awhile. "

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T & C wrote on Jul 24, 2007 9:47 AM:

" Speaking of reporters, we lost ours from the Stockton Record. He's now working for the city of Lodi as the blairbot's spokesman. Hope you GOB's are happy to see another $100,000 a year in salary and benefits go to a mouthpiece for your city manager when the city's so broke it can't fix the pollution and force those who created to pay from their own pockets. "

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T & C wrote on Jul 24, 2007 9:43 AM:

" Not I nor Daniel, deputy dawg. You got the wrong people on this one. Are you so naive or aGOB yourself to not know that many in Lodi are very upset about what's happening with this entire town? Believe me, it's many more tham one or two people. Just watch what you say, the spies are watching and listening to your every word and movement! LOL It's called paranoaia. You too, Oscar. "

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Oscar wrote on Jul 24, 2007 9:09 AM:

" A Sac Bee reporter????? Now that's a reliable source of information regarding Lodi. Can you imagine how slanted the facts were that he/she heard? I suppose if you want even better information you should speak with a reporter from the LA Times. How about the Merced Sun Star? This is really becoming comical. "

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To OTH wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:46 PM:

" We were shopping in San Franciso last weekend and we paused to imbibe an adult beverage in a local pub. We kept hearing the words "bar buddy" and now we understand what this "castro district" tavern argo implies. Were either of them wearing a "partner ring"? "

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To Deputy Dawg wrote on Jul 23, 2007 5:32 PM:

" Question: Why is it that the businesses of development, building and Real estate attracts so many cheats? "

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To Deputy Dawg wrote on Jul 23, 2007 5:30 PM:

" The news van was not from the Sacbee it was from Reuters. They were borrowing a Sacbee truck. We want this rats nest to be exposed nationally so we can really make a point. You remind me of "Captain Sticky". Look him up. He was a caped crusader who handed out polaroid cameras to people to collect good info on the "good ol boyz". He is responsible for a lot of GOODGUYS going to Federal prison. "

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I already have Argus watching wrote on Jul 23, 2007 5:19 PM:

" The "eyes of argus" is already watching and on the job. Whats weird is that if you look at Joannes COI and here campaign supporters it includes the "good ol boyz" and for some reason a link to "Eyes of argus" on her web site. She will learn through the exercise of civic duty to the voters of Lodi not the GOB tipplers and doubleshots and their ilk. "

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Deputy Dawg wrote on Jul 23, 2007 12:46 PM:

" O.K. folks, here they come. Straight from their super secret meeting, in the shadows of Pine and School Streets, our secret agents Danny and T&C. Holy Batman, I can't believe this, but they are talking to a Sac Bee reporter about the dastardly KINGPIN and Lodi's RDA plans. If that doesn't make your armpits leak nothing will. Must be the comic section. "

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OTH wrote on Jul 23, 2007 12:20 PM:

" Observer is bar buddy to Sponge Bob. "

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T & C wrote on Jul 23, 2007 11:49 AM:

" Observor is a rat, possibly even a mayor in some city. Patton disappears and his alter ego, observor shows up. Or it could be his sidekick. I know patton by his poor spelling and grammar, typical BozzHawg. And to DanielT&C blogger, thanks for the info and hope you can give more depth and phone #'s we can check out. The reporter we'll pick up from here and maybe we can talk eyesorargus to help us out a little. He has many connections to the "dark side" who're unhappy with their bosses and are willing to snitch. Cash incentives would work. "

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To Observer wrote on Jul 22, 2007 10:31 PM:

" What planet are you from? I live in Lodi and have seen first hand the idiocy that masquerades as the city council. Do you really believe the things you write? I smell a rat. You seem to have an unswerving allegiance to someone - You aren't willing to listen to anything. It could be stubborness or it could be YOU Bob? "

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To Daniel T&C etc. wrote on Jul 22, 2007 10:25 PM:

" Okay people, I got some good news. I called the FPPC and AG about filing requirements of our politicians. I have other people watching so we can detect any violations of law. I also contacted an investigaive reproter in Sacramento who laughed himself silly when I told him about the antics of our Mayor, City council and Blairbot on thre RDA attempt. They will start covering this topic not like the LNS cheeleaders but thoughtful reporters wo have seen all this before. He really guffawed when he read King Bob's comments in the LNS. "

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Concerning Hitchcock wrote on Jul 22, 2007 10:02 PM:

" Susan Hitchcock advocates for limiting growth. Economists will tell you when you limit growth you increase land value. According to her COI filings, as well as County tax records Hitchock and/or her husband realtor Jerry Glenn (was he the old Lodi city manager?)own several properties described as "rentals". When you reduce the availablilty of real estate it increases in value even for an old dilapidated east side house. However, with our real estate housing crash just starting to blossom, hundreds of Lodi houses are listed for sale or sit vacant owned by banks. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 21, 2007 6:32 PM:

" LNS: Your portrayal of Stockton as a successful redev project shows heavy bias. Stockton abounds with controversy, which should be mentioned in order to make a fair judgement about Lodi. It would be helpful to see some of the controversy, and try to show its critical elements, and if you want to make Lodi look good, show that those elements are not in place in Lodi. Ha! Stockton had a grand jury, and I had the pleasure of hearing just one item about the fiscal bleeding. Unbelievable! "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 21, 2007 6:26 PM:

" LNS: You referenced Anaheim. That's 400 miles away. How are we going to investigate the authenticity of anything you write about Anaheim? Why didn't you just pick San Diego? "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 21, 2007 6:23 PM:

" Misleading: "funding for the county and school districts isn't reduced in a redevelopment area." General budget does not adjust for inflation. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 21, 2007 6:22 PM:

" and at least 2 lawsuits. Right now, it has been found that money was being siphoned out of a telephone tax that people usually don't read. "

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daniel wrote on Jul 21, 2007 6:20 PM:

" Bad choice of words that Stockton has had "improvement" by redev. Stockton sets the standards in redevelopment madness. The city of Stockton's fiscal budget is bleeding profusely, and the madness hasn't stopped. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 21, 2007 6:17 PM:

" We've gotten at least 4 redev articles in 2 weeks. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 21, 2007 3:57 PM:

" In the website www.redevelopment.com: the unknown government, one of the key ingredients of the establishment of Generic Redevelopment Agency, Incorporated, is newspaper support. "

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to bob wrote on Jul 21, 2007 2:06 PM:

" you are not very good at your job,,hopefully you and your buddies don't destroy Lodi before we can get you out of there "

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Jeez! wrote on Jul 21, 2007 11:52 AM:

" You want to "embrace it" before we even study it! Why don't we just save Blairbots $300,000 "study" and stop pretending that we care about the truth? You are not consistent. If you really cared about Lodi and since you already "embrace redevelopment" you should complain about the waste of the $300,000 to study whether we need it. Not a consistent perspective. When you study something, it means you want to collect data to determine the best decision. "

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Jeez II wrote on Jul 21, 2007 11:50 AM:

" You have already made up your minds. Since we have plenty of time until Blair selects his "consultant", why doesnt' the Sentinel take a chance on the truth by re-printing the study by MORR, "Redevelopment- the unknown government---what it is, what can be done"? That would be a start at showing some open-mindedness on the issue. The copyright holder gives permission to reprint and copy it as long as the source is identified. Lets see if this newspaper wants to share all sides of the debate. "

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Observer wrote on Jul 21, 2007 9:58 AM:

" Bob, thanks for being straight-forward and telling it just like it is. Tired of hearing about eminent domain and taking money from schools. This is a great way to keep more of our own tax dollars and use them to improve our community. Of course, there will be those "hand-wringers" that swear you want to destroy the homeless and down-trodden, just to improve the city. "

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klm wrote on Jul 21, 2007 8:26 AM:

" There is one very good reason that redevelopment won't work in Lodi. The City council is involved, nuff said.... "

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To Herr Johnson wrote on Jul 21, 2007 7:37 AM:

" Did you even bother to read the publications given to all attendeesat the redevelopment meeting Thursday night? Orare you one of those that "denies" they were passed out? You give us all the pros, but how about giving us the three times more cons against redevelopment. You're like a two-headed snake, one easthead and one westhead. You listen to King and his fantasies that haven't worked for him in the past yet. If so, give us an example, patton, observor,to to, or whichever name you'll use next time. At least JoAnne acknowledges her own name, unlike you other CC cowards. "

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