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Post by alahna on Mar 11, 2005 14:22:03 GMT -8
Editor,
I do not understand why I cannot reply to the first subject thread for Macias best for Azusa, being that you as the editor should not be bias. I find it very bothering and I will complain regarding this issue. I tried numerous times to reply to that thread, and found myself having problems only on that Macias thread. Please if you want residents to use this website and to respect you as an individual let others have likes, opinions, and beliefs with out your manipulation input.
I respect the fact that my mayoral preference did not win, but I respect that she won.
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Post by LockedOut on Mar 14, 2005 10:39:50 GMT -8
Alahna,
I agree with you. I really agree that we need to keep this board as democratic as possible, where people of different ideas and lifestyles can communicate without judging each other for being and thinking differently. I also agree that we need to communicate with the city council to let them know how we feel. I understand there is something in the works to get a group of those who support the idea that the appointed seat should go to Macias to speak to the council
In my view the reasons for this is
1) He was the third highest vote recepient
2) Most qualified for the job
3) According to Chagnon's own claim at the MC forum his thinking on issues is very similar to hers and the council's own.
4) It would send a message of unity to the community who voted for him, the latino community, and the gun club who bragged of their success in defeating Macias.
5) It would prove Dianne Chagnon's claims, that she "checks her ego at the door" and that she was not part of the dirty politics of the gun club.
6) It would avoid a large number of disgruntled voters who would be suspicious of any other appointment.
7) It avoid outrage and possible recall.
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Post by LockedOut on Mar 15, 2005 8:25:14 GMT -8
It seems that the group of residents who were working on getting a meeting regarding a possible meeting at MC to discuss resident's concerns about the open council seat was not able to secure such a meeting. They were told by the Mayor elect that if they had any concerns or suggestions that they should call or e-mail the council directly or come to the city council meeting on the 21st to do so. I would strongly recommend that all of those who believe that Mr. Macias is the most qualified person to fill that seat make it known to the council via one or more of the above mentioned methods.
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Post by LockedOut on Mar 16, 2005 9:23:37 GMT -8
URGENT! Five minutes of your time can have a lasting effect on how the city progresses in the next few years! PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL the city council before the March 21st meeting to let them know how you feel.
Dianne Chagnon: dchagnon@ci.azusa.ca.us
Dave Hardison: dhardison@ci.azusa.ca.us
Joseph Rocha: Jrocha@ci.azusa.ca.us
Keith Hanks: kwhanks@earthlink.net
City Hall: (626) 812-5000 Ask for particular council member's voice mail. PLEASE BE COURTEOUS!
MACIAS IS BEST FOR THE EMPTY SEAT BECAUSE:
1) He received the third highest votes of all the candidates
(46%).
2) voters gave their confidence to Macias not only to serve on the council but also lead as mayor ( the mayor's seat is just a council seat with a few more responsibilities).
3) Served the city for 4 years as city treasurer and saved the city millions while under his watch. He's got the experience we need!
4) Openly supported the Azusa residents against the gun club
5) Works well with existing council and city staff.
6) Choosing Macias would be a gesture of unity from the city council to nearly half of Azusa voters who supported him. Mayor Chagnon's slogan is that she checks her ego at the door. This appointment would be proof positive of it.
7) The council can appoint anyone. Why not appoint the candidate best qualified, most experienced and well respected by the community? Mayor Chagnon's campaign slogan was that we should vote for her experience. Now she can show the people that she is willling to do the same for them. ;D
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Post by alahna on Mar 16, 2005 10:54:29 GMT -8
I would really like to know what your opinion is regarding Macias being appointed to the open council seat. Since, you fully endorsed Chagnon for mayor. Give us your thoughts regarding this subject. Do you support his appointment to council?
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Post by Lester on Mar 16, 2005 12:38:47 GMT -8
I cannot speak for Mark, and he is not here at the moment so I'm not able to ask him right now, but I really do not see what is wrong with the city choosing Angel Carrillo.
Is there something in particular that you do not like about him? What does Macias represent that Carrillo does not? Please clarify. Thank you.
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Post by ldlT on Mar 16, 2005 14:04:28 GMT -8
Personally, I applaud the Mountain Times Editor for having the strength of conviction to endorse the candidate that he feels will best serve our city. As reflected in the election results he was certainly in the majority in terms of having faith in Diane Chagnon's ability to lead. Let's allow the individuals we elected to decide who to appoint to council and be done with it. What purpose does it serve to keep bantering about Macias? Let Macias speak for himself and leave it alone. Surely there are other things more worthy of your time?
P.S. Mark, I respect and admire your opinions and If people are mad at you for expressing them then so be it. Perhaps these same people would like to host and fund a web site and newsletter for the community as you so graciously have. An even better idea would be for all the "nay sayers" to host their very own.. "let's be really nasty to everyone who disagrees with our opinion board". Then the positive, open and objective people can continue to engage in responsible dialogue here:-) You are wonderfully generous, insightful and gracious to continue to do all you do for our community even in the face of adversity. Keep it up-- the majority supports you and that's all you need to win baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by alahna on Mar 16, 2005 14:35:01 GMT -8
Lester,
I agree with Idit, that you are a wonderful, intelligent, and generous individual. I personally did not attack you in any way, regarding your beliefs or opinions. I was trying to answer back to you why I thought Macias was more qualified than Carrillo, when intercepted by the Idit. Please do not take it personal, I think that your message board is a great communication tool that many other communities do not offer, and I feel very privilege that we have it available to us. You are such a darling on the personal level and I know we would make great friends. However, we are just expressing opinions on what is best for the city, without judging people personally. I have not contacted Mr. Macias, nor do I know that he is aware of what is happening. Good neighbors or friends do not have to agree on everything. I do not understand why we continue to have personal attacks to candidates, candidate supporters, and MC neighbors. If you do not want us to use this message board to share our opinions, let us know. I think that having members log in now is a great idea, and I can see a great deal of difference. Thank you….
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Post by The Editor on Mar 16, 2005 16:24:01 GMT -8
Hello,
Thank you very much for the kind words LdT and alahna. I am against demanding that the city council appoint Mr. Macias to the council. Firstly, it would break with tradition where the council has, in the past, appointed the runner-up for a city council seat. I do not see a city divided where angry protestors roam the streets, and I think that this whole idea of "uniting Azusa" is an exagerated concern. Most Azusans want the same things; better education opportunities for their children, decent jobs, affordable new housing and a revitalied downtown. Personally, I have a lot of faith in Mr. Carillo. He may be young and inexperienced, but his enthusiasm is contageous and his eager willingness to move Azusa forward is his greatest strength.
Giving Mr. Macias the seat would be an unfair punishment to Mr. Carillo, who has earned his spot on the council fair-and-square. In my opinion, Mr. Macias made a serious miscalculation running for Mayor in the first place. Had he run for a city council possition instead, I have no question in my mind that he would have won a seat.
Mr. Macias has had a good run as city treasurer, but I don't think that such a possition is a more valid indicator of experience than being a long-time and dedicatd Ausa educator. Frankly, what matters most is an in-depth knowledge of the needs and wants of the local citizenry, which both Angel and Ureil posess.
I do like Mr. Macias, and if he wants, I am sure he will have a bright political future here in Azusa, or anywhere he might live. But to break with tradition and punish a candidate who won his seat as a young up-and-commer is not the kind of "uniting" this city needs.
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Post by Lester on Mar 16, 2005 19:39:32 GMT -8
Hello RreyesSGV,
I don't see anyone saying that Macias should not be considered. In fact, I would find it a little strange if the subject of Macias filling the City Council position was not discussed at all. However, I do remember a statement made at one of the last forums by Councilman Rocha where he said something to the effect that if Chagnon won as Mayor, he would choose the person with next highest number of votes that ran for city council because that is the way the city has filled such a position in the past.
Councilman Rocha will represent 25% of the vote on this issue. I don't know how the other three will determine who they will select.
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Post by LockedOut on Mar 16, 2005 23:18:50 GMT -8
Ldlt,
why did you get so defensive when Alahna simply asked what the moderator's view was on the subject? Why take a simple question so personal? Alahna did not insult the moderator at any time. Yet you came out like a mother tigress guarding her pups.
Believe it or not there are other intelligent people besides yourself who have different views than your own who count. You might actually take the time one of these days to get to Know Mr. Macias and be surprised at what an intelligent gentlemen he is. Just because he had the courage to run against your prefered candidate does not mean he has no value in another position. You might find yourself in a similar situation some day. How would you like to be treated that way?
And as far as the "tradition" myth....pleeease. Besides the fact that there is no such "tradition" ... Many traditions have been left by the wayside as we evolve. Even the tradition of heterosexual families and marriage is being challenged these days! Do we just use that phrase when it suits our needs?
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Post by ldlT on Mar 17, 2005 10:47:40 GMT -8
LockedOut,
My response was in no way directed toward alahana... Simply expressing my feelings on the ENTIRE discussion and all the rather negative comments being made about the very person who gives us all access to this board.
However, I will say that I absolutely LOVED the "mother tigress" comment... Very astute. . .
Have a wonderful day!! Meowwwwww...
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Post by Pointblank on Mar 17, 2005 12:49:51 GMT -8
First off, this forum is a great place to voice our opinions and get educated about our community's issues. I thank the editor for making it available to us.
On that note, there have been a few comments in this thread that are questionable. First, ldlT's comment that the editor was "certainly in the majority in terms of having faith in Diane Chagnon's ability to lead." I'm not questioning the editor being in the majority, I'm questioning the USE of the word majority. Legally, Chagnon won the election. However, the "majority" that your speaking of was 54% of the total vote, verses Macias 46%. That's almost a 50/50 split, hence a very SMALL majority. Enough to win, yes, but by a pinch. Let's not forget that.
In response to the second questionable comment, "In my opinion, Mr. Macias made a serious miscalculation running for Mayor in the first place." See above paragraph. That does NOT look like a serious miscalculation. It looks extremely close.
The point is - there is this sentiment floating around that Macias had the "audacity" to run against Chagnon. This is a democracy! Of course he should have run! I look forward to the next election to see more candidates bid for the mayoral position, but let's not ASSUME one should get it over the other. Although, Chagnon is capable, Macias would have made an outstanding major.
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Post by Pointblank on Mar 17, 2005 13:59:05 GMT -8
CORRECTION TO ABOVE POSTING:  Macias would have made an outstanding MAYOR. |
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Post by LockedOut on Mar 17, 2005 19:53:30 GMT -8
Pointblank,
Thank you for your intelligent and insightful comments. I really think that if it had not been for those dispicable gun club mailers ( which unfortunately many believed) Mr. Macias would have definetely won the mayor's seat. Now let's see if the city council has their hearts in the right place and realizes that the best person for the open seat is Macias. Let's hope they don't let their future political ambition decide this very important appointment. It will take a big person to put aside personal agendas and do the right thing for the city. It will tell us all alot about the real character of the people now in office. THE CITY WILL BE WATCHING!
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