Councilman Hanks

[Lester]

I just wanted to let people know that Hanks' campaign was not financed by the gun club. I asked Hanks for a little information and he very kindly replied in detail. Hanks may have a different opinion than many of us that live near the gun club but we need to see how he deals with this issue. In addition, Hanks should not be held accountable for the actions of third parties unless he was personally involved. I see no evidence of that at this time.

Note: Save Azusa Committee is the San Gabriel Valley Gun Club

Hanks campaign, according to Councilman Hanks, consisted of the following.

Here are a list of contributors that Hanks sent me:
$200 from my friend Doug Sanders
$250 from Athens services.
(I have reported these as required, but still have the checks in my wallet. I am deciding whether to use this money to pay for a small celebratory party for supporters, or just to return the checks.)

$301 loan from my children

Personal loans and in kind contributions from myself

A box of excess mailers that I received from the Committee to Save Azusa on Sunday afternoon. I think that they hoped that I would distribute them in a walking campaign. I still have it unopened. I am required to report this as a contribution in kind, but it really wasn't very useful at all to me.

My campaign consisted of :

Two candidate forums

Two mailers that I prepared and printed myself, mailed to a non commercial list that I prepared myself from public records, using first class postage because it was not economical to buy a bulk permit.

One ¼ page advertisement that ran twice in the San Gabriel Valley Examiner

One smaller issue flier that I printed myself and distributed by hand

One platform package that I handed to select individuals who wanted more information about me

A web site

Friends calling people on my mailing list

Some precinct walking by myself and friends

Some left over yard signs from the last time that I ran for City Council



External Endorsements that I benefited from:

San Gabriel Valley Tribune Endorsement



Third Party Activities:

The Save Azusa Committee issued three mailers that endorsed any of four candidates that had expressed a position in favor of the gun club and opposed candidates that had expressed opinions unfavorable to the gun club

The Save Azusa Committee issued a public safety mailer endorsing John Dierking and Robert Gonzales (not much of an endorsement for me was it?)

I believe that the Save Azusa Committee mobilized telephone calls and precinct walking that endorsed any of four candidates that had expressed a position in favor of the gun club and opposed candidates that had expressed opinions unfavorable to the gun club

I have heard of an automated telephone message from a former assistant Chief of Police in favor of the gun club, I have no knowledge of what was said.

[Pointblank]

Thanks for posting this information on Councilman Hanks. His willingness to share this information is refreshing.

Although I did not vote for Hanks, I want to give him a fair chance. I attended several campaign forums and was impressed by his openness and balance. He seems to have a good grasp of the needs of the city as well as business/clubs incorporating Azusa.

Again, I did not vote for Hanks (or Chagnon for that matter), but I am completely willing to work with who we - the people - have elected.

On that note, is Chagnon willing to reveal who her campaign contributors were??

[LockedOut]

I too would like to give Mr. Hanks a fair chance to prove himself even though I did not vote for him. He must remember however, that he represents the people first and foremost and everything and everyone else second. As far as Chagnon's campaign contributions, I believe that there was an article in the paper regarding this not too long ago
(just before the election), I remember just two who stuck out in my mind, Vulcan and Athen's trash service ( that's who the city contracts with for our trash service). I also think there was a tow service company who contracts with the city for tows, however, I can not remember their name. I started out thinking I would vote for her but then changed my mind after some of the forums. Mr. Macias impressed me much more.
I hope the city council will give him a chance to fill the open seat, he would be a great asset for the city.

[Bill]

Remember "Save Azusa Committee" was/is a hastily erected group comprised 100% of gun club people who most, if not all, live outside the City of Azusa -- people that have become only involved in our city once their existence was threatened. Please remember Hanks' victory was partly due to his service on the planning commission, but nearly 100% because of the campaigning by the gun club. He spells out the details clearly in his email above. He warmly welcomed every bit of help from the gun club - phone banks, neighborhood walks, mailers, etc. No one should be deceived on that point.

Hanks will only prove himself if he is open to both sides of the discussion on the various issues we face as a city. However on one issue, they have him in shackles now - His voice was bought and paid for by the gun club.

[Pointblank]

I absolutely agree that Hanks' victory was mainly because of the campaigning by the gun club. I was pretty stunned by the onslaught (mailers, phone calls, etc.) of propaganda by the gun club. They were very aggresive - and made their mark. What's so dissapointing about that is the majority DON'T even live here. Their influence was strong...which is very frustrating (and sleazy in my opinon).

On that note, I spoke to Hanks during one of the forums. He was the only "pro" gun club candidate that seemed halfway interested in both sides. Beyond total eradication of the gun club, he spoke of sound control and other environmentally beneficial options. At least he seemed to be interested in those things, where the other candidates weren't.

We definitely need to keep on him. Represent our views and keep him honest. And, hope that either Macias or Carillo will be appointed to the empty council seat. Either would strike a good balance.