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Calming the fears regarding Measure W and redevelopment


Tuesday, February 10, 2009 6:46 AM PST

Comments (65 comment(s))

I wish to add my voice to those of the many supporters of Measure W.

The positive effects of having a redevelopment program have been identified in many columns and letters already and I would like to address potential negatives cited by opponents.

Those opposed to Measure W fear a number of things.

One fear is that the Redevelopment Agency — the RDA — (which is essentially the City Council and staff) will take on huge amounts of debt. Opponents cite state redevelopment law that requires the RDA to have "debt" in order to collect a larger share of the property tax that comes with redeveloped property (the "tax increment"). This "debt" starts with the costs for the city to prepare the redevelopment plan, for designing and building infrastructure projects or conducting a specific study for a proposed project.

Simply put, the city pays the planners, engineers and contractors, then "bills" the RDA; the RDA "owes" the city the money — that is the "debt." Also, paying some of the existing staff with RDA funds reduces cost to the general fund.

"Debt" under redevelopment law does not have to mean issuing bonds for millions of dollars to build a project. The types of projects already approved by the council include residential paint up/fix up grants to low-income homeowners and financial assistance to larger rehabilitation or new construction in the project area (auto dealers and "big box" projects are specifically excluded). These types of projects are well-suited to a "pay-as-you-go" program.

Another fear is that state, county and school governments will lose money at a time when they cannot afford it. One could respond that in the statewide scheme of things, with nearly all cities having a redevelopment agency, the amount of money at stake is relatively small. And, certainly Lodi has not received any favors from those other governmental agencies for not having a redevelopment program.

But the telling response is that these other agencies do not oppose formation of Lodi's RDA. I believe they recognize the long-term benefit in having an active agency that stimulates reinvestment in property that actually increases values — hence property tax revenue — over the status quo or even worse, a decline.

They are also well aware that under the state's rules, Lodi's RDA would not get all the tax increment.

The last fear I'll address is that future City Councils can change the rules, such as the current rule of not using eminent domain; or could vote for a bond to do a large project that turns out to be unsuccessful; or somehow abuse the redevelopment program.

Therein is fundamental blessing or curse of having a representative government depending on your point of view. There is much redevelopment history elsewhere in the state — both good and bad — from which Lodi has learned.

The state has, over the years, changed redevelopment law to curb abuses, but still supports the ability of a city to help guide local reinvestment. Might the city be tempted to bond for a large that is popular with the citizenry; perhaps a sports facility that won't even pay its operating expenses, let alone generate a tax increment? Yes, that could happen. That is why thoughtful citizen involvement in local government — including the opponents of Measure W — is so important.

Ultimately, Lodi City Councils will continue to make decisions that affect Lodi's future. Those councils will be no better than those individuals elected by Lodi voters. But they live in Lodi and their decisions are made at Carnegie Forum on Pine Street, with plenty of opportunity for public comment, support and dissent. Having a Redevelopment Agency gives them a tool — one that comes with some money — to help improve Lodi. It would be up to Lodi decision-makers to use that tool wisely.

Lodi's voters have a fundamental choice in Measure W. If you support local governance, then vote "yes" on W.

Richard Prima retired last year as Lodi's director of public works.

Reader Feedback

danielh wrote on Feb 17, 2009 1:08 PM:

" loadeye: It is a crime to spend public money on a political campaign.

It is also a crime to post a campaign sign on public land.

I wonder if it is a requirement to disclose the source of funding, on each sign. I won't be in Lodi for a few days, but now I'm curious. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 14, 2009 1:43 PM:

" Who's responsible for the signs proclaiming "keep our taxes in Lodi"? What taxes are you talking about? Are you deliberately misleading everyone? Why don't you tell the truth and say PROPERTY taxes generated by the redevelopment only? And how do you expect to generate taxes when you have to first borrow that same money and generate income on debt to see a benefit? How do you generate income on debt? "

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Observer wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:57 PM:

" Load....are you still making those "under the table" payments for the information you are receiving. You'd better demand a refund. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:45 PM:

" Why don't these corrupt people respond? Probably because they don't want to make the headlines and be exposed for the bamboozlers they really are. Their wives children, relatives and friends know what bullies they are. We know they all read these blogs. Gillespie always invites you to call him so he can record your conversation or have you to his office. How about Mr. Gillespie meet us citizens he's ripping off in a public forum with our attorneys for an open question and answer session? Maybe he could tell us who he wined and dined to delete the school and parks at Reynolds Ranch. It's time for the crooks to stand up and take their turn iin that special Baxter Dunn padded cell. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:39 PM:

" Nelli, breathe deeply and relax! You'll be OK. I respect your opinion, although there are no weeds or clouds in my life, just assumptions, most of which are the real facts, no matter how you feel. You respond as if you're one of the "dark side" yourself. "

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Whoa Nellie wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:23 PM:

" loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 4:39 PM:

" nellie, I really get a kick out of you. Why do you sometimes kinda agree with me and in the next sentence, I'm such a bad guy?"

Because all of your constant, negative, GOB, whatever conspiracy theory du-jour makes it impossible to take you seriously.

Do I agree with you? Less than 20% of the time. Do I trust KING KING? No. Is there a ton of fat to be cut at the LUSD ESC? Yes. Is Hanson or Hitchcock the root of all things evil with the City? No. Is everything in town a GOB conspiracy to get Diede Construction more jobs? No.

I choose to see life as HALF FULL. I look at the garden to see flowers, you choose to see the weeds. You choose to live under a dark cloud, see everything as half empty, and spread unproved gossip and innuendos.

And, if I was not on these blogs to remind the readers that you constantly use the same tired old unproven allegations no matter who or what the subject is. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:10 PM:

" Have any of you YES on W proponents connected with the Pakistani, Hispanic, Caucasian, African-American and other minorities on the eastside itself? Why are you trying to keep those MORR doocuments so well hidden? At last years' meeting I was under the impression that you withheld those MORR documents from being distributed to the citizenry, yet you made sure they got you propaganda? It is purely propaganda, isn't it?

http://www.coalitionforredevelopmentreform.org/references/links.php "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:02 PM:

" Redevelopment lies:

http://www.coalitionforredevelopmentreform.org/references/sni.php "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 4:59 PM:

" Eminent Domain:



http://www.coalitionforredevelopmentreform.org/references/castle.php "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 4:53 PM:

" Redevelopment: city owned and operated farm labor centers built by RDA:

http://www.coalitionforredevelopmentreform.org/legal/99.php "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 4:48 PM:

" http://www.coalitionforredevelopmentreform.org/references/morrreport.php "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 4:39 PM:

" nellie, I really get a kick out of you. Why do you sometimes kinda agree with me and in the next sentence, I'm such a bad guy? You call them conspiracy theories because you're too stubborn and bullheaded, like I am, but you're too afraid to do any real research because you know you'll find out I may just be right. As far as commonsense1 goes, he hasn't decided which personality he wants to be from day to day. He is asked by edu whether he might have used mind altering substances and not too successful at anything he's done and he comes back with an answer about not owning a motorcycle and having a three-car attached garage. HUH!ROFLMAO
Denial is a terrible mind dementing illness. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 4:33 PM:

" and, common, you're still avoiding the other 3 questions? Again? Wow, a 3 car attached garage, you must be rich. Do you have renters in it? And I'll bet you and mama nellie didn't even bother to read all of the MORR documentation that negates every one of your claims that RDA is good. And nellie, I spent plenty of time in the office doing some minor drawing, bidding-estimating, and running mainly high-rise and large warehouse complexes. I can tell you plenty of old "indian tricks". I also do some handbilling, picketing and organizing. I was part of the informational picket at General Mills here against the use of an unfair contractor. You'll probably see us again soon at one of your local contractors' gate(s) again in the near future. Doesn't it seem funny that the same two non-union contractors get all of the Lodi city,school district and some county projects? Why would that be?Now that they're out of work, the RDA specialists want to sneak this by so they can keep these good ol' boys rolling in the dough again. Read those MORR documents nellie and common and tell me again why RDA is just a scam. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 13, 2009 4:19 PM:

" Nellie, the company I retired from was transferred to my owners' wife in order to become a minority company way back in the early 90's. I retired for this company and learned how to play the game first-hand. In order to get a 17-story high rise job from the city of LA, we had to become a minority company and that's how we did it. So every gravy government job we bid on(if we weren't low bidder, we were invited to dinner and offered to make one more secret bid that'd always end up lowest) we got. We used this Lodi-Diede system of bidding 20 years ago. All I was required to do is hire a minority as my first crew member. Just one of the few games played by all, union and non-union. The only difference is the non-union doesn't pay their employees half of the real wage earned by union members.And many of the non-union contractors cheat their own employees to line their own pockets or in order to adjust their bids to beat reputable contractors like F&H from Stockton.You see them on large, complicated projects that unskilled contractors like Diede isn't qualified to do. "

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wtf wrote on Feb 13, 2009 12:44 PM:

" loadeye thank you for the last two links you've provided and for keeping the focus front and center on how the CC tried to sneak this through without input from those of us who live here.

All the huffing and puffing by the "yes" folks about your "alleged" conspiracy theories tells me you're hitting a nerve; otherwise they'd just ignore....but they don't, they go out of their way to try to make you look bad. LOL!

Keep up the GREAT work! "

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Whoa Nellie wrote on Feb 13, 2009 12:21 PM:

" Boy, I see LOADEYE has once again been on another rant for a few days.

T & C, welcome to my world. I agree with what you said, Mr. Load is an angry lil man, full of conspiracy theories, saying anything to make people look bad. ie: Hitchcock & Glen own multiple properties on the east side but shows no proof. oh ya, he cant find them since they're listed in a shell company.

But Load, your rant on your own sister was precious. She and her hubby list her as CEO so they can get more govt jobs because she's a woman. So what? Do you have any f'n idea how many family owned firms do this? I guess what hurts is that it takes away from your "skill craftsmen" buddies down at the Union Hall, huh?

Load(of BS)- maybe just once you can provide some concrete proof to some innuendo or theory you throw up against the wall. maybe, maybe, just maybe then you might be taken halfway seriously. UNTIL THEN, you are looked at like the angry, bitter, negative, pessimistic, guy you are. "

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commonsense1 wrote on Feb 13, 2009 7:53 AM:

" loadeye....I've been having fun just flicking your ear. Honestly, I really have no idea what questions you're talking about. I do own a 3 car garage attached to my house, but no motorcycle. If this helps, I've never met Hansen or Johnson, but believe they are 100% correct on the RDA issue. I find all of these wild accusations about salary raises, lining of pockets, GOB's, aymeegos, etc. halarious. I just couldn't pass up tweaking your nose a bit. Same with your alter ego "eddie". "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:26 PM:

" common, here's an even newer version showing the latest debt, failure figures, corrupted practices of your RDA scam:

http://www.coalitionforredevelopmentreform.org/references/morrreport.php

Then go to the links on the left hand margin and tell your corrupt little country yes bumpkins to read them, too. Good night! "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:02 PM:

" Hmmmm! Only one answer and four questions? Now you sound like a city manager. ROFLMAO "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:01 PM:

" commonsense1, here's a must read for you and all of your yes ayemeegos:

http://www.redevelopment.com/norby/index.html

got the guts to read it all? "

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commonsense1 wrote on Feb 12, 2009 5:19 PM:

" wtf...I asked the question weeks ago. I haven't turned anything around. Just thouht rational thinking might prevail on the issue. I have not read a single story noting any city was suffering due to the implementation of an RDA. As for a list of the successes, pick just about any of the 168 cities using an RDA. Suggesting Stockton was better off before the waterfront improvements is laughable. Regarding questions from "eddie", I'm still not sure what loadeye is talking about. Motorcycle??? I've never even been on one, let alone own one. "

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wtf wrote on Feb 12, 2009 2:33 PM:

" Thanks for the link, Observer. Looks interesting. Thought it was interesting, too, that Stockton was one of their successes.

Looking further, I noted it was a brownfield site; this is all good unfortunately RDA hasn't helped a lot of other things in Stockton as advertised. LOL! "

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Observer wrote on Feb 12, 2009 1:30 PM:

" Here's the link to the California Redevelopment Agency.

http://www.calredevelop.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/Templates/TemplateHomepage/CRA_1503_20060614T113557_LayoutHomePage.cfm

Some have been requesting information about other city's that have had successful redevelopment stories. You can also read about the lawsuit that has been filed by the RDA to keep the state from "raiding" the funds. Lots of other information and links to other cities RDA's. "

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JustTheFacts wrote on Feb 12, 2009 1:05 PM:

" Let's not cut off our nose to spite our face. Redevelopment can and will be a benefit to this community, as long as we all keep a very close eye on how it is managed. While a Project Area Committee is not required, I believe that those in opposition to RDA, including Ms. Mounce, should demand to have a Committee created and see that each Councilmember has an appointment to that committee. "

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JustTheFacts wrote on Feb 12, 2009 12:58 PM:

" Regarding the post from Loadeye that, "The city council will also be the RDA board and those members will be paid members and employees of RDA and will set their own slaaries and perks and choose who they'll appoint for other positions.", that is completely false. The City Council, sitting as the RDA Board, will not receive additional salaries or perks beyond what they already receive as Councilmembers. Whether they're even worthy of what they get as Councilmembers is another issue, but let me qualify my statements by saying that I'm no big fan of any of Lodi's current Council, but they're who we all have to deal with. "

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wtf wrote on Feb 12, 2009 11:38 AM:

" If you can't answer a few simple questions, commonsense1, I have to agree with loadeye....you have absolutely NO credibility and have only shown up as a shill to muddy the waters with pointless BS. "

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wtf wrote on Feb 12, 2009 11:35 AM:

" commonsense1 wrote: "I asked some time ago for names of cities whose current financial woes can be attributed to implementing an RDA."

Nice try attempting to turn my question to **you** around; however, I have posted several articles relating to Vallejo, Stockton and San Bruno...can't help it that you don't bother reading them.

Now....about that list **you** owe me of cities that have benefited from RDA - with links that I can follow up with. And how about answering the question of whether or not you live on the East Side. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:51 AM:

" commonsense1, I doubt there are any $250,000 homes left in Lodi. Oh, except maybe a few of those eastside "estates" you and your buds are seeing being sold for $100K as foreclosures. You guys sure made bundles on those scam sales and home loans, huh? I heard there was a retired real estate appraiser, part-time, by the way, who gave some great highball appraisals without even inspecting those homes. Were you part of that scheme? "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:47 AM:

" commonsense1, please answer the question posed to you by edumacation? Do You have a motorcycle? How about the mind altering? You hold no credibility at all, because if you're hiding the questionable background of your real personality, you need to answer these questions before anyone will give you a shred of credibility. Why did you hide from edumacation's questions for two days and now you're just simply acting like nothing happened? By the way, The city council will also be the RDA board and those members will be paid members and employees of RDA and will set their own slaaries and perks and choose who they'll appoint for other positions. That, in itself, is very, very scary. "

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commonsense1 wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:34 AM:

" loadeye...you must be loaded. There isn't one question from "eddie" on this blog. What are you talking about? When said your answer would be fun, I didn't realize it would be laugh out loud fun. Munson going to hire them at the hotel? Geweke going to hire a new sales person. Katzakian need someone at the print shop? Who is Browman? You think I'm going to share my retirement income with someone? I'm sure not selling my house for $350K. Finally, what salaried positions are they going to appoint themselves to? You and "eddie" are quite a pair. "

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commonsense1 wrote on Feb 12, 2009 9:16 AM:

" wtf....You're right. I misread your post and should have realized it was a quote from loadeye. I apologize. You're also right about my support for measure W. I asked some time ago for names of cities whose current financial woes can be attributed to implementing an RDA. Have not learned of a single one. "

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wtf wrote on Feb 12, 2009 6:50 AM:

" commensense1 wrote: "I know this has got to create mind numbing pain for you, but try and give us an example of how the council members will "line their pockets" from RDA funds."

If you would actually **read** the article and blogs, commonsense1, and not just jump in willy nilly, you wouldn't be getting me confused with other posters.

I can see by your appearance that the YES crowd must be getting desperate.

Tell me, commonsense1, do you live on the East Side? And could you give me some examples of cities, with links that I can follow up your statements with, where RDA was successful? "

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Observer wrote on Feb 12, 2009 5:57 AM:

" I would certainly hope local contractors/builders would be the low bidders in these jobs. I hate it when those projects go to non-Lodi companies from Sacramento or the Bay Area. It's my personal opinion the Council should give some sort of preference to locally owned companies with local employees. It's good for the Lodi economy. "

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danielh wrote on Feb 11, 2009 11:05 PM:

" Loadeye: I know one of the Diede's, and I doubt they'll be involved. In fact, I think one of them supported the petition. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 11, 2009 10:47 PM:

" Try Diede construction and the corrupt council members who'll appoint themselves nicely salaried RDA positions and dump or resign from city council as soon as possible. Others lined up: Munson, Geweke, Gillespie, you, Browman, the construction doing the abandoned boat dock at Lodi lake, Hitchcock-Glenn- eastside property owner, Katzakian family realtors, Johnson realestate retired part-time appraiser, Any dry bean salesman with connections and those who they secretely owe favors to will show up if there's any leftover. Just my opinion, sir. Sold anymore eastside estates for $350K lately? "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 11, 2009 10:42 PM:

" commonsnese1, this is going to be fun. When are you going to answer edumacation's questions? Are you? Until you fess up you hold no credibility whatsoever. You're only a shadow from the "dark side". ROFLMAO!OMG "

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commonsense1 wrote on Feb 11, 2009 10:19 PM:

" Loadeye....OK, this is fun. Tell us which companies are going to line the council members pockets and pay them "huge salaries". Wait, let me sit down for this earth shaking information. Your answer should make tomorrow mornings headlines. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:32 PM:

" commonsense, how many properties does Glenn have on the eastside or RDA? Do either Hitchcock-Glenn or Glenn have properties listed in any estates other than their own names? They apparently don't use the same last names for some reason? I know another couple in Stockton who use the same ploy to keep properties, cash and investments seperate to avoid certain tax liabilities and to make their business look like a minority company with all holdings and businesses that deal with any government service by making the wife the majority owner, qualifying them for work requiring minority employers and businesses only. They're my sister and brother-in-law in Stockton. I can guarantee you, no one will ever know who really owns what or how much. That's why my distrust of Hitchcock-Glenn and the three ayemeegos. I figure if they can get to Baxter Dunn so easily, these little town chumps must be very careful, the spyglass is on them already. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:20 PM:

" commonsense1, is that really you or is that your mind altered ego? Why don't you answer some of your own questions with a little research?Who'd want to tell you anything? You're like the teacher's per and class snitch all rolled into one.
And commonsense1, they'll line their own pockets by creating job titles and huge salaries for themselves, companies like Geweke, Gillespie, Munson, Snider and Katzakian realtors and developers and their flunkie contractors to get the first grubstake in the RDA pot. You've forgotten Blair King is the 25 year redevelopment specialist and if RDA doesn't pass, they'll fire him. His only purpose is to play the RDA game he knows so well. See how far he got Milpitas into debt with his RDA scheme there? Common, your four heroes are as corrupt and greedy as they come. I'll say it right now: I TOLD YOU SO! I don't care what you vote, I and those council jokesters will all be dead in 10 years and you'll be paying their debts from RDA, $500 million worth.
And, common, please address edumacation's questions to you before you shoot off your big mouth about anyone else. Is it true? "

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Neo wrote on Feb 11, 2009 7:42 PM:

" But I`m sure they are all just GOB`s, even J.Johnson, Prima and Roberts. "

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Neo wrote on Feb 11, 2009 7:39 PM:

" And get ready for a HUGE amount of local dignitaries to be included in the soon to be coming roll call of individuals who will be coming out in favor of Measure W. It will be in the Sentinel, and I`m sure all you conspiracy theorists will have fun connecting the dots!!! "

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commonsense1 wrote on Feb 11, 2009 6:23 PM:

" wtf....I know this has got to create mind numbing pain for you, but try and give us an example of how the council members will "line their pockets" from RDA funds. "

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commonsense1 wrote on Feb 11, 2009 6:18 PM:

" loadeye.....We must be missing something. Please give us specific information on how Hansen, Kazakian, Hitchcock or our mayor will benefit financially from Measure W. Please don't use Hitchcock's 2 little properties, which amount to a pimple on a fly's ass. Where's the upside? "

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wtf wrote on Feb 11, 2009 3:58 PM:

" loadeye wrote: "Now, all of a sudden these four corrupt, well-connected council persons want to fix up the eastside and line their own pockets, as well as those they owe favors to and those who tell them what to do and when to do it. Very strange, indeed, that now that this pig trough RDA program is available, they want to do what they should've been doing all along, maintaining all of Lodi, not just their wealthy interests new housing and retail developments."

WELL SAID!!!! I remember all of the stories a few years back **trying** to clean up the East Side and nothing being done. You nailed it, loadeye! "

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Scrutiny wrote on Feb 11, 2009 1:23 PM:

" And don`t forget JustTheFacts that a teacher in Stockton just got arrested for having sex with a student. I guess we better shut down all the schools now cause of the potential for abuse. Right LoadofEye? "

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JustTheFacts wrote on Feb 11, 2009 12:47 PM:

" There is opportunity for abuse everywhere you look. Law enforcement can abuse their power/authority. Does that mean we should do away with police departments? Building Departments in other jurisdictions have been suspected or accused of corruption. Does this mean that we should abolish Building Depts? And yes, other city governments have abused Redevelopment. Be diligent with your review and oversight of how RDA funds are used. You've got a City Council representative in Ms. Mounce who is in a position to watch very closely how funds and projects are appropriated. For the record, I live in Stockton but have a significant investment of my time and money in Lodi and Lodi's Eastside. Yes of W. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 11, 2009 11:39 AM:

" T & C, you're an angry little man today? Did you get your medications? And who wants another old goat like me in city politics? The four old goats you have there now have already done the damage and now want an RDA to put Lodi $500 million into debt. Listen to ex-mayor Mounce, who actually lives on the eastside and many eastsiders are her neighbors and friends. These last 20 years, she's tried to improve eastside Lodi, and those other four council members, their families and wealthy friends, shot her every move down. Even set her up for that DUI to ruin her reputation. That's why the eastside has been let go. Now, all of a sudden these four corrupt, well-connected council persons want to fix up the eastside and line their own pockets, as well as those they owe favors to and those who tell them what to do and when to do it. Very strange, indeed, that now that this pig trough RDA program is available, they want to do what they should've been doing all along, maintaining all of Lodi, not just their wealthy interests new housing and retail developments. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 11, 2009 11:28 AM:

" Wtf, I see on the channel 10 news at 11 last night that Lodi-Stockton has had a new honor bestowed upon them. The #1 city in the United States as the worst place to live. Foreclosures, crime, old goats running their little towns and bonds that no one will even touch. So how does that shoot that batch of lies by the Yes on W that say that RDA will work when everyone runs out to buy those worthless bonds to pay for these "projects"? What a bunch of hogwash. The news also reported that Stockton is belly up on their redevelopment because nobody will invest in anything that has to do with California, more or less Stockton-Lodi with their high foreclosure rates and uncontrolled crime. "

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wtf wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:48 AM:

" Yeah, vote YES on W!

After all, look where it got Stockton. Stockton made NUMBER 1 on Forbes!

Wow!

Ooops! Looks like the list that has Stockton as NUMBER 1 is the MOST MISERABLE PLACE TO LIVE list. LOL!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29130521/

But looking at Forbes today, it looks like they've revised their list and Stockton has dropped to the SECOND most miserable place to live. LOL!

http://www.forbes.com/2008/01/29/detroit-stockton-flint-biz-cz_kb_0130miserable.html

Yeah! Vote YES on W!

NOT! "

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danielH wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:24 AM:

" Again, if Lodi votes approve Measure W, I'm not going to feel sorry for them when they feel the consequences. "

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danielH wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:23 AM:

" CC puts up Richard Prima to write the letter, and since he is retired, noone can ask for his resignation. "

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danielH wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:22 AM:

" Richard Prima: Might a director of public works have any benefit from a Redevelopment project? "

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T & C wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:10 AM:

" loadeye, before the last City Council ELECTION... I asked you to "Run For Office"! I volunteered to Print Yard Signs for you for FREE! I believed in all of your "Having all the answers to Lodi's problems..."The savior for the less fortunate"! Did you RUN for office? Did you try to "Make a difference instead of being an armchair Complainer, full of conspiracy theories, but short on POSITIVE ACTION'? No! You just rant and rave. Complaining without solution is worse then not complaining at all. At this time in Lodi, with so many hurting from the Stock Market, Job Loss, Morgtage failures, it seems the least you can do loadeye, is "Try to be PRODUCTIVE"! If you think everyone is in the dark, "Be the "LIGHT" and START a citizens advocate WATCHDOG group who can gather facts and records and hold out City Council and your friend MOUNCE Accountable for their ACTIONS or INACTIONS! Now that would bring you some respect and sense of accomplishment. "

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T & C wrote on Feb 11, 2009 9:03 AM:

" I think the biggest issue of most in Lodi who care about Re-development on the East side is HOW the money will be spent (EXACTLY), who will get the contracts, and what ultimately will be accomplished?

I would love to see a LPD/County Sheriff substation built near Burger King to keep an eye on the Gang Bangers, but it ain't gonna happen!

IF the money is misspent, or there is evidence of FRAUD, Lodi Citizens have the Open Door to SUE in Court! Tell me there isn't a Lawyer in Lodi who wouldn't take the case? "

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T & C wrote on Feb 11, 2009 8:59 AM:

" Transparency and OVERSIGHT by County or State Observors would SOLVE THIS issue of how this money is spent, for what project, and how the contract was awarded. I Vote for loadeye to be appointed as that "For the people" Oversight person in Lodi and I URGE Mounce to Appoint loadeye as soon as possible so he can have his new office digs NEXT to the "Good ole Boys"! We in Lodi need TRANSPARENCY. Wat say ya loadeye.... are ya up to the task...or just a complainer? Please make an appointment with Mounce to IRON out the small details! "

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T & C wrote on Feb 11, 2009 8:53 AM:

" loadeye wrote on Feb 10, 2009 10:55 AM:

" I believe Council rep Hitchcock-Akin-Glenn owns several properties and investments in several areas of the RDA, mostly eastside".

You seem to BELIEVE many things loadeye and are very QUICK to toss out "INNUENDO and PERSONAL ATTACKS against almost everyone, but you always fall short of "Supplying Proof to back up that INNUENDO and LNS seems to overlook their own basic RULES for all posters:

Do not post:

(Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo).
Profane, explicit, or racist language.
(Personal attacks, insults or threats.)

You must be a very unhappy person. That has always been my observation of your posts! "

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T & C wrote on Feb 11, 2009 8:48 AM:

" Scrutiny: In loadeye's Opinion.... Everyone is Corrupt and part of a "Conspiracy! You've now been added to his list, and he will be watching your every word!

A message to loadeye: "All of the Conspiracy theories you allege are similar to a "Blackberry sticker" in the palm of your hand"! Either do something to "REMOVE the Thorn"....or you QUIT complaining because for some reason it gives you comfort.

Bottom Line? It's simple loadeye: "Either jump into the Political Area, get Lodi voters to see how "You have all the answers, EXPOSE all this corruption, clean up Lodi, return Financial stability to Lodi, make all crime, homelessness, and Gangs and drug "Instantly" Vanish or quit complaining. COMPLAINING without a SOLUTION Impresses no one! I say this not in anger loadeye, but to try to "Re-Direct your energies"! As for me.... on a much smaller not, I saw some of those "Dog Walkers" at the Animal Shelter for some time and am going there to be a volunteer! Not a huge step I agree, but when 1,000 citizens in Lodi Volunteer in different ways, it truly does make Lodi a great place to live! Volunteer loadeye, that's my advice! "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 10, 2009 10:21 PM:

" observer and scrutiny, are you speaking for commonsense1? I see he's conspicuously absent since edumacation asked him a crucial question and you two pop up instead. Cat got your tongue(s). ROFLMAO "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 10, 2009 10:15 PM:

" Scrutiny, each and everyone of those good ol' boys endorsing W will profit personally, either moneywise or favorwise. You know that as well as I do. Do any of those endorsing W live on the eastside? And some of them don't even live in Lodi? And Patrick doesn't speak for all the chamber, Williams doesn't speak for all of Loel center. That's just their personal opinion and a damn lie when they use their positions to endorse yes on W. Let me see their survey results from all their members if they say the chamber or Loel center seniors all endorse W. It's more questionable mailing lies by Hitchcock-Glenn, her buddy Patrick, Diede, Gillespie, and the rest of the good ol' boys that always do one another favors in exchange for returned favors, paid weekends and dinners at Wine&Roses and even a little cash here and there. Isn't Munson one of the big time contributors? "

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Scrutiny wrote on Feb 10, 2009 4:01 PM:

" For crying out loud Load of Eye! How many distinguished and upstanding members of this city have to come out in favor of redevelopment before you become convinced that it is in the best interest of Lodians to pass Measure W! Is there ANYBODY you think is not corrupt? Is EVERYBODY in your eyes just out to line their pockets!!?? Give it a rest for Pete`s sake!! "

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Observer wrote on Feb 10, 2009 2:30 PM:

" You don't have to "believe" anything. It's right on her conflict of interest statement that I'm certain you've gone over with a fine tooth comb. She has listed two properties on East Vine Street that would be within the district. That's why she has abstained on the matter. "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 10, 2009 10:55 AM:

" I believe Council rep Hitchcock-Akin-Glenn owns several properties and investments in several areas of the RDA, mostly eastside. "

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SA mom wrote on Feb 10, 2009 8:23 AM:

" My problem with it is how the Council will spend the money. They will have a pot of $ with less controls then on our budget now. Like when they spent the $500K on a consultant for the green belt when at the same meeting the $1.8 million City deficit was discussed. What the heck? Also most of the east side is rental properties owned by people that have the $ to fix up but why should they? "

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loadeye wrote on Feb 10, 2009 8:23 AM:

" Mr. Prima, that's the whole problem with redevelopment - local governance. Do you really trust these four council representaives with your money after the scalp job they've already done to Lodi? And if redevelopment doesn't incur debt, why did those same councilteers vote to raise Lodi's debt limit to $400 million, with a great possibility of yet raising it to $500 million if need be? And why isn't the only council rep on the council that actually lives on the eastside, ex-mayor Mounce not being taken seriously. What do the other four good ol' boys know about what the eastside residents want? No cities have benefitted, just the council and their wealthy friends and local contractors that can't get contracts anywhere else with their scabby reputations. Now I see why the city of Lodi dumped you Mr. Prima. Are you trying to make amends with manager King? "

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wtf wrote on Feb 10, 2009 8:00 AM:

" Interesting title to this letter:

Calming the Fears....

From what I've read by those who oppose W, it is not a question of "fears" - their arguments against W are based on facts, case histories of other cities with RDA, reports, etc.

While those in favor keep citing the pie in the sky, magical panacea called the RDA for all of the woes Lodi faces; backing their "argument" up with such concrete terms as "could" "may" "might" and basically ending with, "Trust us with your money"

Yeah, right, like the contamination lawsuit, right?

I'm curious. Aside from JoAnne Mounce, who actually lives on the East Side, how many of the heavy hitters in favor of W live on the East Side?

Several examples, with links, have been given against W showing where cities have been harmed by an RDA. Where are the links and the names of the cities who have benefitted? "

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