Re-Elect Azusa Mayor Chagnon - Vote March 6, 2007

[Bill]

Dear Fellow Mountain Cove & Azusa Residents,

I am writing you today to both voice my support for Mayor Diane Chagnon as well as my concern over the potential lack of experience facing the Azusa City Council pending the outcome of the March 6th elections. If Mayor Diane Chagnon is not re-elected then we will be left with a City Council in which 80% of the council members will have 2 years of experience or less. Returning Mayor Chagnon to her seat, ensures that the key pair of Chagnon and Rocha, who have worked together for 10+ years on the Azusa City Council, stay together. If Mayor Chagnon is re-elected, Councilman Rocha will still have two years left in his tenure on the council.

Mayor Diane Chagnon has that key experience and strong voice that represents citizens' concerns when dealing with hard-hitting developers who now see the potential we've seen all along in our city. Mayor Chagnon has delivered in her first term as Mayor in many ways including raising money for youth programs, working to enhance our parks, establishing the $2.5M Canyon City Foundation, signing a 25 year lease with El Proyecto del Barrio health center, pushing for approval of a new Fire Station, Elementary School and nine new parks in the Rosedale development, and leading responsible economic re-development that culminated in over a dozen ribbon cutting ceremonies for new businesses in downtown Azusa (www.diane4mayor.com).

Although Eminent Domain is a tool this council has available, during Mayor Chagnon's term, the City of Azusa has never acquired a property through the use of Eminent Domain. For example, the City of Azusa's purchase of Ranch Market and the five nearby properties, and Wimpey's Pawn Shop purchase and relocation were both successfully negotiated without the use of Eminent Domain.

Mayor Chagnon, along with Councilman Hanks have done excellent work representing Azusa as a Member of the Joint Powers Authority for the Gold Line Construction Authority. She has earned respect from citizens and endorsements for her re-election from the Mayors of Monrovia (Rob Hammond) and La Verne (John Blickenstaff) who are both part of the Gold Line project as well.

Having either lived, worked or pursued my higher education in Azusa since 1988 I've seen a lot of positive changes and we're not even close to being done. The work Mayor Diane Chagnon, along with Joe Rocha and other key council members have done over the past 10+ years has set the foundation for the downtown renaissance we see today and what we'll see in the future, including hillside preservation and bringing a grocery store to the City of Azusa. Let's keep this momentum going by not breaking up our council's experience base. Please vote March 6th, 2007.

Bill Coats
Boulder Ridge Ct.

[greylion]

I attended the candidates forum in the Lodge and felt it was excellent. I came away with concerns that Mayor Chagonon is not as strong as I would have liked to have heard regarding Vulcan, regarding closing them down. I felt the position stated by her opponent was closer to what I would like to see. I have not made a final decision on who will get my vote but this is a key issue when my decision is made.

[mtncvr5]

I wasn't sure at first of Mayor Chagnon. Looking back at the way Azusa was when I first moved here 7 years ago, to how it has developed-I am somewhat pleased. I believe Diane has the best interest of our city and what will become of it in the future. I still think we need some kind of a "theme" or "meaning" of our downtown. Whether it be little shops, a row of small restaurants, (cafes, bakery, etc.) with maybe a rustic, old world spanish, feel and look. We really do have a neat little town. It just has so much going on in the way of "decor!" All awnings should be the same color, or at least in the same earth tones, if any one has ever been to Santa Fe, NM-it is really a neat town. We have college kids that could bring the "youth" out of our town. Make it "young" and "fun." I think the Mayor is doing a good job for now. She got the ball rolling pretty fast her first year! We always want "instant gratification!" Vulcan, I agree-needs to be stopped. The mountains look terrible! My concern is the "village" of homeless people that have made literally a block of tents, etc. at the turn by the forestry info. booth (down from the pkg. lot on right side) this is a scarey thing! This is an issue we really should still be concerned about and also should be addressing regularly! Talk about a "dog attack!!" My friend was soooo maulled and attacked by a pitbull, along with his dog -they both had to be treated. My friend will never be able to use his right hand properly. The homeless lady was given a citation, the dog quarantined for 5 days and given back to her! YES.........that is correct! She and her dog are "back there" YIKES!!!! Also, I would love to see some improvement done around the Post Office! Make that empty lot across the street a parking lot, and do something about all the trash that's always in the parking lot! The landscaping needs something! At least it is cleaner inside then it was about 5 years ago! And we can listen to soft music, that helps past the time in the line! We still have a lot to work on to make Azusa the Mountain and Canyon City it has the potential to be. I think the Mayor will see to that!

[Bill]

greylion said:

I came away with concerns that Mayor Chagonon is not as strong as I would have liked to have heard regarding Vulcan, regarding closing them down.

In short, Mayor Chagnon does not want Vulcan to expand their operations any more than the City has already allowed them to. Unfortunately, the City of Azusa many years ago, allowed Vulcan to legally mine that property until the year 2038 (somewhere in that range plus or minus a few years). In order for Vulcan to be granted an expansion they would need a majority approval by the City Council (3 of 5 council members approving) and other layers of approval including our Planning Commission -- all of this requires public input and you can be sure that the overwhelming majority will say, "NO" to additional mining.

If we are going to stop Vulcan from mining the mountains completely, it's going to be much more than a one-election-issue. To stop this multi-billion dollar company, we are going to need a ground swell of popular support not only from the people of Azusa, but from Glendora, Duarte, Covina, Monrovia, West Covina, and others. Additionally, we will need support from local government officials and our regional congressmen and women.

To make the "Vulcan expansion issue" into a "Diane vs. Joe issue" is really missing the bigger issue of whether or not Vulcan should be there at all. I personally know of no person in Azusa, including Mayor Chagnon, who actually supports giving Vulcan the rights to mine 80 additional acres of our precious hillsides.

[greylion]

This has been a great discussion regarding both candidates for mayor which has been very helpful for me, so thanks to everyone that has posted. Based on what I have heard, read and from listening to both candidates at the recent forum, I have decided to support Joe Rocha for Mayor. After the forum I came away with the perception that Joe will provide the leadership I would like to see. Prior to the forum I didn't know anything about him but was impressed with his command of the issues. I know how each of us votes is a very personal decision, but for myself I am confident in my decision to support Joe Rocha.

[athena]

I, along with many others, was present at the MC lodge on two separate occasions when, then, councilwoman Chagnon, came to Mountain Cove with Vulcan. Together they presented their plans for the proposed mining expansion of an additional 80 acres. I remember the both meetings well.

The lodge was full and most, if not all, of the residents where strongly opposed to the expansion. Both Vulcan and Mayor Chagnon seemed caught off guard and rather put off by the negative reaction they received from the residents. In the course of the meeting, residents came to understand that the city would not fight Vulcan. We were asked by Mrs Chagnon what kind of concessions we (the residents) would like in exchange for the additional mining of the the 80 acres. There seemed to be no choice. I personally was not content with what seemed like a sell out of our residents by the city and approached Mrs Chagnon directly after the meeting. I was essentially told "They (Vulcan) are a Fortune 500 company, the city can not fight them. All we need to know from the residents are what types of concessions they would like in return".

I must tell you that I was very dissappointed.

However, being the type of person who likes to look at both sides before making a decision, I researched both options.

I attended a tour of the Vulcan facilities. Our then city manager, Robert Person, organized a private meeting at the city offices with many of the more vocal Mountain Cove residents. The resulting conversation was essentially the same. Permitting the additional mining would be cost effective for the city (no potential lawsuit) and give the city many monetary benefits IE: new library, more tax dollars, etc.

Bill, as I recall you were in attendance at the same meetings I attended.

My research of the additional mining left me with the undeniable potential of great health risks to everyone in Azusa and surrounding cities. Children, seniors, asthmatics, and those with any illness would be most affected. Aesthetically, the "reclamation" they propose would take many, many years if at all possible (they have not been successful in other mining operations) and we would be left with a bigger "sore". Our beautiful mountains would never be the same.

Also, Vulcan has a conditional use permit that comes up for renewal in the year 2013. At that point the city council can review the permit and deny the re-issuance of the permit. This, rather important fact, was conveniently omitted at all the meetings with the city.

Make no mistake, I am pro business and pro Azusa having a prosperous future, however, I can NOT, in good conscience, reconcile selling out the health of my family or any others for any dollar amount.

Also as a result of my research I discovered many of the same unsatisfactory situations with Mayor Chagnon that a previous poster, RReyes, has mentioned in a earlier post.

I have also been witness to Mayor Chagnon's Form 460 which states campaign contributions. This is public record and can be obtained by anyone through the city clerk's office. Through the period reported ending 12-31-06, Mayor Chagnon has received $29,390.91. The majority of these funds came from contractors outside the city. Whose interests do you think she represents?

There are many of us here in the Cove who have seen these things too and have found that there is only one ETHICAL choice. We must vote for Mr, Rocha and remove forever the possibility of this breech of our trust that has taken place.

Please do not let yourselves be fooled. Vote for Mayor Pro Tem Joe Rocha.

Look at the facts on your own and make a wise decision. Don't allow our city to be sold out.

[Bill]

Excellent points - however, the big picture is still the same. In order to stop Vulcan, it will take people caring about this issue all year long not just during election season. I don't see Joe Rocha voicing any particular plan to combat Vulcan - in fact, he's no dummy and realizes it a way to capture votes in this election (as you all do as well).

One thing I don't understand, is the "acidic", venemous responses from those staunchly support Mr. Rocha. "Athena" I know who you are and frankly I'm not sure why you are hiding behind a nickname, but that is your choice. It seems many of those who staunchly support Joe Rocha are getting real personal, real fast in this election.

I wouldn't ever criticize Joe in that way. In fact, he was at my house this past weekend on a walk around and we talked a little about the issues. He's a great guy. I just don't believe he is right for the job as Mayor, especially at this time in our City's development history. Additionally, we need to keep the experience on the council - anything less, and that's when the developers start taking advantage of our Council.

[athena]

Bill , Please see my reply on the "dirty campaign tactics"
Thanks

[athena]

RReyes.....yes, I think you are right on the money (no pun intended!).

Although, I am not able to attend all of the city council meetings in person, I do watch them on the public access channel. I do my best to stay informed on the issues and hear both sides whenever possible. I like speak to people who live in Azusa in all types of venues and on both sides of issues and who support a variety of candidates for their thoughts.

What I find interesting is that, generally, Chagnon's supporters are not very well versed on the issues. They seem to follow her blindly. Many are fed a script and they take it all at face value. That's very dangerous.

This is not a popularity contest. We shouldn't be afraid of voting our conscience no matter who our neighbors are voting for. We need to really look at the issues and ask ourselves who we want to be represented by..... who we trust to have our best interest in mind.

[Bill]

Rreyes SGV, your quoted comments and my response below...

"I do believe Chagnon typically takes any development that plops itself down and says yes to it. Take the current Downtown North. Chagnon and her colleagues, with the exception of Rocha, had voted to approve something like 500 condos with several of those being built ON the City Park LAWN behind City Hall! Because that's what the DEVELOPER wanted."

You are referring to the Watt Genton development in the "Downtown North" project area and guess what, Mr. Rocha, along with the other City Council members APPROVED to deal with the developer, Watt Genton - NO ONE HAS VOTED on this part of the plan you are referring to AND, before it is voted on by the council they WILL seek public input, there will be conceptual drawings, etc. Your statement is just a flat out lie.

"And by the way, the mayor owns a good chunk of the property the developer wants to build on...."

Her parents own two properties that are within the area of Downtown North - they are the same two properties that Mr. Rocha voted to include on the eminent domain list as well. YES, JOE ROCHA HAS VOTED TO USE EMINENT DOMAIN. As I said before Eminent Domain is a tool that many Cities use - Azusa has not in the last several years ever used eminent domain (I'm not aware when, if ever they have actually used it). Mayor Chagnon obviously recuses herself from any and all Council discussions related to this property due to the conflict of interest.
"Then there's Vulcan and the mining. I think we should all step back, drive somewhere to take a clear look at what's happening to the mountain.... because you can't always see it that well from inside the Cove. It's disturbing."

I don't know of ANYONE who actually likes what the mining looks like.

"At the Candidate's forum here, Chagnon dodged the question about whether she supported or opposed the mining's expansion. She said we should be concerned about the appearance. We wouldn't need to be concerned if the mining wasn't happening! She made the same comment last election, so why hasn't she voted to do anything about it and why did she accept campaign money from Vulcan? She was asked about that too, and carefully constructed her answer. She said that THIS election she HAS not accepted money from Vulcan (she did not say that she WOULD not, and did not mention that she has accepted THOUSANDS of dollars from them on several previous occasions). Joe Rocha said clearly that he had not accepted money from Vulcan, would not, and that he clearly OPPOSES the mining expansion, period."

Again, no one including Chagnon wants to see additional mining. You realize this issue is headed straight for court right? Vulcan is going to fight for this extra land tooth and nail. It's not about Joe vs. Diane. The City Council approved Vulcan essentially permanent mining rights to mine 200+ acres of land in those mountains, many, many years ago. It's going to take a whole lot to get them out.

"We as residents shouldn't be just handing over all control to developers,"

This is probably the only thing I agree with you on - and to that I ask to you back, when was the last you appeared at a City Council meeting and provided public input?