What are we running a zoo? wrote on Aug 19, 2006 12:56 AM:Council persons should not be fraternizing with staff but they should go through the city manager. Generous makin rewards the staff for helping her run political meetings in the guise of forums. What about the booze on the charges? This whole expense thing stinks. Thanks, NC times for bringing it up. See where melba is still the queen of spin.

Also generous wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:02 AM:Don't they get a vehicle allowance also? She gets caught and then, tries to blame the airport. When that doesn't fly she INSTRUCTS the staff to create a policy. Ha bs. By the way, milktoast martin should be instructing the staff. Oh to be in Oceanside now that November is near!

Getting fat on my money ! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:54 AM:Shari Mackin has violated the trust of the voters. What a disgrace! Another crooked politician.

She just needs a trip. wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:07 AM:A ticket to Japan for a visit. What! Give me a break. Got caught with your hand in the cookie jar. Goodbye...

Totally Out of Control wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:28 AM:Isn't this excessive spending a mirror image of Tri-City Healthcare District's Kathleen Sterling, who ran up over 10 grand of "education, training and conferences" within six months after her 1998 election? These are not public servants; these are pigs in the public feeding trough. Enough is enough!

Public Pig wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:45 AM:It is plain old-fashioned common sense that a steward does not use a city credit card as a feeding trough. If this council person lacks plain old-fashioned common sense, training won't help. When the polls open November 7, you know what must be done.

Oink Oink Oink wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:48 AM:Oceanside is bone-weary of excuses from elected officials for their personal irresponsibility and misbehavior. Forget about the poor example they set for our children. These so-called representatives do not represent us; they misrepresent us while representing only themselves. Throw the bums out!

Out Of Town wrote on Aug 19, 2006 3:17 AM:Typical Government Budgeting. Pay Mackin's excessive bill with the left over allowance the other Council Members did'nt spend. The tax payers lose again. And do you think those other Council Members feel "Short Changed"? I bet next year every one of those Council Members spends $5,209.99..

Over Budget wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:28 AM:If Councilwoman Shari Mackin spent more than twice her own budget, how can she be entrusted with watchdogging the budget for an entire city?

Generous to a Fault? wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:29 AM:Councilwoman Shari Mackin should be generous with her own personal money. She should be frugal with taxpayer's hard-earned tax dollars.

Felony wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:31 AM:Mackin's claim that she now needs "instruction" is the exact same claim that Tri-City Healthcare District board member Kathleen Sterling made after her spending spree 8 years ago!

Send Mackin Packin wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:34 AM:One cannot whine about the abuses of power under Mayor Terry Johnson, yet turn a blind eye to the abuse of power by Councilwoman Shari Mackin. Mackin's head is so big that she cannot fit through City Hall doorways. This November, let's send Mackin packin!

The Moral High Ground wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:39 AM:Wasn't this the same Shari Mackin who lectured us about the "backroom deals" during the Marina Towers debacle? Miss "High and Mighty" seems to have lost a little of her luster. All that glitters is not gold, Shari. You are making a fool of not only yourself, but also all of the thousands and thousands of Oceansiders who put their faith in you. Your own abysmal failure to take the moral high ground have sealed your defeat this November.

Fly Away wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:44 AM:Shari claims that she is the victim of election year politics. However, Shari is the victim of her own personal choices. Shari chose to abuse the system. Shari got caught. Shari steadfastly refuses to take any responsibility for her actions. Shari blames everyone from the Airport Association to her excessive generousity. It's time for Shari to take off and fly away. We don't need her on City Council any longer. She has done enough damage.

Flying Bridge wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:46 AM:Isn't Mackin's City Hall aide the manager of the Flying Bridge restaurant?

S.D. Malkin wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:54 AM:With Shari's budget overruns, it is no wonder that we are making a $27 million gift of public funds to S.D. Malkin!

NCTD wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:55 AM:Shari seems awfully chummy with NCTD. Is she representing her own personal ambitions or the citizens of Oceanside?

She's unreachable! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:55 AM:Isn't this the same Councilwoman Mackin who is unreachable to the ordinary Oceanside resident?

Above the law wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:57 AM:Councilwoman Mackin is above state law regarding taking people to lunch on her city credit card. Didn't she swear to uphold the laws of the State of California when she took her oath of office last year?

Tip of the Iceberg wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:01 AM:What else has Shari been abusing during her year-long party at our expense? Concerned citizens want to know! And they don't want to have to resort to the Freedom of Information Act to find out!

Taking the Position wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:05 AM:Right now, I don't care a whit about Shari's positions on RDO, Airport, Resort, etc. Right now, I feel like Oceanside residents have been ordered by Shari: "Assume the position." Right now, it doesn't feel good at all!

Give Credit Where Credit is Due wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:08 AM:Give Shari credit where credit is due. She has managed to blame everyone but herself for her abuse of credit! Soon she will admit that she has an illness- an addiction to credit-and will voluntarity check herself in to a clinic. She will then declare that she is completely rehabilitated and that it is our civic duty to return her to office!

Timing is Everything wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:10 AM:This story clearly merited the front page of the Sunday newspaper. What is it doing in the sleepy Saturday edition?

Cynical wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:12 AM:It's no wonder why so many people have become jaded towards Oceanside politics. You elect new blood, hoping to bring about positive change. But all you get is the same old abuses. Where have all the cowboys gone?

Two bit Politicians wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:19 AM:Oceanside continues to be a two-bit city because we continue to elect self-serving politicians. We need to select self-effacing individuals with good character qualities. We always seem to end up with a bunch of characters!

Recall wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:21 AM:What's the point of threatening Esther Sanchez with a recall when you have such a crystal-clear self-serving abuser as Shari Mackin up for re-election in November?

Enough is Enough wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:25 AM:We have patiently tolerate Shari's nonsensical tirades during her first year in office. We thought it was just part of the learning curve. Little did we know that Shari was such a quick study in how to abuse the system. The joke is on us. Fool me once, ... .

Give me a break wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:42 AM:What a joke. Anyone can use the exuse, "I didn't know I was doing anything wrong". Did she ever think of asking, it's her job to know.Why anyone should get lunches paid for by the City is beyond me. Here is a thought, do business during business time, take a lunch break, then go back to work like the rest of us that have to buy our own lunch. Now lets use the city staff to create a comprehensive policy on reimbursement and provide more training, Maybe Mackin can take the staff to lunch to discuss it, Keep spending Sherri.

Cut Mackin's Credit Card wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:52 AM:Mackin has spent two year's of her budget in her first year. The Council needs to cut her credit card so that she won't spend anything during her second year. Then she will be "Even Stephen."

Felony stupidity? wrote on Aug 19, 2006 6:02 AM:Mackin pleads guilty to felony stupidity. She had no idea that her credit card budget was $5,200. She had no idea that she was not supposed to use city money to pay for lunches within the city. If Mackin is so felony stupid, I must have been felony stupid to vote for her a year ago! I would be doubly felony stupid to squander another vote on her in November!

Common Sense wrote on Aug 19, 2006 6:09 AM:As a teacher' aide, how does Mackin respond when her student hits her and says, "I didn't know I wasn't supposed to hit you."? Does she provide instruction in, "Please don't hit the teacher."? Some things, like spending within your budget, should be common sense for a council member, requiring no continuing education. Overspending your budget by 100% indicates a lack of common sense.

Get over it wrote on Aug 19, 2006 6:17 AM:What is all the fuss over. It looks like Mackin is the only councilmember that seems to be working for the city. Business trips for the city should be paid for by the city and should not come out of ones personal pocket. Mackin has done a superb job her first year on the job. Dirty politics is already starting and she must be a frontrunner or they would not be attacking her. The city benefits so get over it.

Private Playground wrote on Aug 19, 2006 6:34 AM:Apparently teacher's aide Shari Mackin now needs to be instructed that the City of Oceanside is not her private playground!

tc wrote on Aug 19, 2006 6:42 AM:A shocking example of bad judgment. The real issue is, "why is it that other elected officials did not have a problem exercising good judgment, but she did." I am opposed to a training session at taxpayer expense. Ethics can't be legislated.

kit wrote on Aug 19, 2006 6:47 AM:Take the credit cards away, the children can't handle it. All expenses should have to be cleared through Manager. I don't think the City benefits from all of these travel meetings. They should stay home and answer their phone messages. Just try to get a response from Mackin. She must be out to lunch.

Matt K. wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:02 AM:Could Mackin fit in one more excuse? She didn't know how to use the credit card, it was for our own good to overspend, they told me to do it, she blames some who is no longer with the city. How do we expect her to understand a $27 million hotel deal when she can not even understand her own credit card? Well at least she will be gone after November.

Mad as Hell wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:15 AM:It's no secret that I despise the Troika, and while I think some of Shari Mackin's spending actions are questionable at best, I think that there may be some merit to her claim that she just didn't know some of these rules. After she got elected, she pretty much had to start being a councilmember immediately. I doubt that she really went through much in the way of an orientation. Even though I hate the political stances of the "troika," I do like and respect Shari Mackin as a person. While her promises to be "independent" have pretty much been broken, she is definitely the only member of the troika who is actually a good and decent person.

The city council is paid nothing! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:21 AM:She used it for work. She and the other council members get paid like $30,000 a year. Who can live on that in So. Cal. I am not a fan of hers, but this could be anyone of the members. Further, if we don't pay people we will only get under qualified people. You make more at Sears as a clerk.

Fly Boy wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:28 AM:What??? OK,it's all my fault. I get it now...let blame those pilots for Princess Shari's indiscretions.

Geez wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:36 AM:And Mackin calls the airport a "money pit!"

Barbara wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:37 AM: Who is Melba Bishop? She doesn’t know the same Shari I know. I know Shari Mackin—I worked with her for years. Shari is always the first to send a card of thanks or appreciation to co-workers for a job well done. I’ve never known her do anything for ‘personal’ reasons, or for personal gain. In fact, if you know her, she’s quite humble and works her tail off at whatever she does.

Unbelievable wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:39 AM:This woman is unqualified for public office. She can't even figure out her expense account. No wonder Oceanside is such a mess. This November is time to begin cleaning house of all the "Melbites."

Observer wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:42 AM:This is the same woman who gave away the city's surplus to the police union.

RJC wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:47 AM:This woman has no business in public office. She's a part time teacher's aid with no understanding of financial responsibility. Witness her positions on the huge public employee union wage increases and the airport. Her "I didn't know" mea culpa is not acceptable.

You want to talk waste! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:49 AM:Why does Oceanside have two Police Chiefs. One for the harbor and another for the rest of the city. This is crazy and a waste of tax payer money!

Airport Supporter wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:55 AM:I find it ironic that Shari Mackin now blames her overcharging problems on the airport supporters. I can tell you this much, she's never been "generous" with any of the airport supporters I know. I guess she's only generous with city money when partying with her special friends.

Japan? wrote on Aug 19, 2006 7:57 AM:What business does this first term public servant have even thinking about a boondoggle to Japan of all places? Like the secret to solving Oceanside’s problems is in Japan! What a job.

Who's Watching the Store? wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:00 AM:Why did it take a Freedom of Information Act request from a newspaper to bring this matter to the attention of the City Attorney and the City Council? Who’s minding the store?

Great... wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:04 AM:How can someone who can't manage 5k be responsible for approving an annual budget in the millions!

Not Surprised wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:05 AM:I'm not surprised this self-righteous and condescending politician got caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Her arrogance is exceeded only by that of her “advisor” Melba Bishop and her cronies Wood and Sanchez.

Employer wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:07 AM:What private industry employer would pay for this irresponsible spending? Not me.

What a hypocrite!!! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:12 AM:Mackin claims to be in favor of good government, but then has meals on the taxpayers' dime -- and claims that she didn't know that it was wrong?!?. Unbelievable. IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE. And doesn't her aide own the Flying Bridge restaurant? Talk about political back-scratching. This whole town is rotten to the core. Fire them all!!!

Dave wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:13 AM:Just another reason to get out and vote!

What about the others wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:15 AM:OK, so they spent less. We get that. But what did they spend theirs on?

employee wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:25 AM:The city always holds luncheons for employees and volunteers-they are normally charged off to various department budgets. Sounds like these were charged to the wrong account. Thanks councilmember Mackin, it is a pleasure to have you working for the city. You are honest,and all of us appreciate what you do. Glad Jepsen is gone...good job Barry.

NCT spins it again... wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:25 AM:You guys are incredible!...Your biases are clear....You start off with a zinger about her charging $10,200 and then only half way down the page do you tell of refunds and adjustments. The two trips she took to enhance her knowledge of serious and important issues are necessities and justifies the charges. You guys will do anything for a story or to blast Wood, Sanchez, and Mackin.

Leon wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:28 AM:I want to go to Japan!!! How cool is that! Get a part time job as a city council member and get free taxpayer junkets to travel around the world. Is it too late to file my nomination papers? I want to get in the action.

Leon wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:29 AM:I want to go to Japan!!! How cool is that! Get a part time job as a city council member and get free taxpayer junkets to travel around the world. Is it too late to file my nomination papers? I want to get in on the action.

To DAVID STERRETT wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:29 AM:This is black and white evidence that some journalists will do anything for a story. The headline reads: Oceanside councilwoman takes too much credit. In fact, in your own story you essentially minimize the fact that Councilman Feller also went over. Why the misleading/deceptive headline?

You pay for what you get wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:30 AM: If there is any truth to the saying, “You pay for what you get” it is certainly true here. She’s worth every penny of what was spent. Mackin has done more for the citizens of this city in the short year she’s been here than any other council member has in one of their four year terms. Keep up the good work Shari! Don’t let the naysayers get you down!

TO DAVID STERRETT wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:32 AM:This is black and white evidence that some journalists will do anything for a story. The headline reads: Oceanside councilwoman takes too much credit. In fact, in your own story you essentially minimize the fact that Councilman Feller also went over. Why the misleading/deceptive headline?

Does evryone in Oceanside feel like this about the police union? wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:32 AM:Teh police union is the one to support. They bust their butt everyday and deserve more than we pay them. This observer guy hides behind his blog name and won't say that he was pulled over by the police for something an arrested. Now he hates the police! What a piece of work!

money laundering? wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:32 AM:If Shari Mackin's aid owns one of the restaurants on this credit card, perhaps she is just taking the cash. Someone should get the receipts.

You want to talk wasted spending! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:34 AM:Can anyone tell me why we in Oceanside have two Police Chiefs. One for the harbor and another for the rest of the city. This is a waste of tax payer money and what does Hadley do all day? Show me results! Who does he answer to?

The other charges wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:35 AM:So Rocky's Wall Street Journal charge is OK? And his holiday cards? And his charitable event charges? I wonder if he then takes a deduction for those charitable contributions on his personal taxes? How much of that school is funded by his use of his expense account? Seems Wood likes billing the taxpayers for his holiday cards as well. Let's get the whole story from NCT.

Linda wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:36 AM:I could not believe that the citizen's voted in this teacher's aid in the first place, but hopefully now we can vote her out and get someone who might actually be able to manage the city's budget. Shari can't even manage her credit card budget. And the excuse "I didn't know" is utterly ridiculous. It was in the overall city budget for which she voted.

Pirate wrote on Aug 19, 2006 8:59 AM:Ths story is troubling on many levels. First, there is no excuse for what Mackin has done, even though she has several. It is either arrogance or supreme ignorance that has allowed Mackin to assume that she can spend the taxpayer's money for her personal benefit, including activities that are meant to help her be re-elected. Second, Mackin is unable to simply say she made a mistake. She must lash out and blame others. Third, a pattern of deceit seems to exist. The pattern has been present since Mackin first campaign as a business person when in reality she is a teacher's aide. The positive is that even her colleagues, especially her supporter Sanchez, recognize the wrongfulness of Mackin's actions and have not come to her defense. It is almost that funny that Mackin wants to hold a workshop for the council when everyone else understands what is proper.

Grandma B wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:06 AM:my 11 year old grandaughter is showing me how to blog as I am so hopping mad. Since when is "I didn't know" a self defense - when you were handed the card you should have asked. Wining and dining on my hard-earned money makes me heartsick. And Councilmember Mackin probably thinks it ok to pay a fire chief $215,000 a year for four days a week as they gave so much to her campaign. Shameful!

Tracey wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:10 AM:It is time for the voters in Oceanside to oust Mackin. How dare this bubblehead use tax dollars to pay off her pals. If Mackin wants to pay back her buddies, she should use her campaign funds, NOT tax payers dollars. This is so outrageous, especially in view of the fact that Mackin's relatives run the Flying Bridge. This woman is definitely not fit for public office. She is guilty of misuse of public funds and should PAY BACK TO THE CITY EVERY DIME SHE GAVE TO HER BUDDIES ASAP. And, she should be referred to the DA and FPPC for this behavior. Kick Mackin out of office in November!

allen wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:15 AM:$1600 for a cell phone? That figures out to $133 a month. Aren't there plans with unlimited calling for a whole lot less? I wonder where she was calling on "city business"?

Kim wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:15 AM:Oceanside's mealy-mouthed city attorney, who could not voice anything but pablum, should immediately pursue all cases of misuse of public monies by Mackin, and others, including Wood, and Sanchez, if necessary. The city attorney needs to act like one. He is supposed to be the voters bulldog about public law. Isn't about time he growled? Boy, this is exhibit A for making the city attorney as elected office, not hired by the very people he should monitor! Mackin's behavior has to be cited, if not punished NOW! Get rid of Mackin in November.

Disgusted in Oceanside wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:23 AM:When one of Mackin's supporters came to my door I asked what type of business does she run, since all her campaign brochures stated that she ran a small business. The person I asked had no idea what type of business she runs. I am still wondering. Why wouldn't her supporters know? Was it a lie? I did not vote for her and am glad I didn't. Don't vote for any imcumbents!!!

PMO wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:25 AM:Yikes...! I am fairly new to Oceanside...and it appears our local govenment is run much like a country bumpkin town. No agenda, training, no superiors watching over new councilmen/persons?? I read recently, the council meetings minutes are years behind being transcribed. How are we holding these people accountable?? Oceanside is growing leaps and bounds...lets all get our act together and hold these politic figures accountable. At least Mackin addressed the lack of training and proposed training for new onboard councilpersons. However, I already know what my vote is for Mackin...Her thinking is just not rational. If she thinks going to Japan to research issues for our local challenges is the in the best interest of Osede residents...I cannot imagine what else is jumbling around in her head.

VOX POPULI...... wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:40 AM:Shari Mackin should resign immediately! Her misuse of tax payers dollars should be investigated by the city attorney and referred for prosecution NOW! Maybe the recall effort for Sanchez's misdeeds should be amended to get rid of Mackin, too. How can the taxpayers and voters of Oceanside stand still for this? Let's bring back good government to the city and stop this criminal behavior.

Cookie Jar wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:42 AM:Mackin gets caught with both hands in the city cookie jar and then claims "I didn't know I was doing anything wrong". I didn't know is not an acceptable excuse. Then when all else fails she points a finger at the Oceanside Pilots Assoc. and blames them. How are they respondsible for her credit card abuse? Did they somehow force Mackin to take groups of people out to lunch? Whats wrong with this woman?

copper wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:44 AM:It's always about the money received for raises. It doesn't matter who is in office the police will always get raises. You see the PD can shut down a city. How we respond, when we respond, not writing tickets, letting drug dealers sell dope anywhere they want. Grow up and get over it. We are not like the fire dept who sit in there chairs and wait for a call. We are always out there.

Taxpayer wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:06 AM:What Shari is missing is that this $10,000 belongs to the taypayers - not hers to overspend eating. Now she claims that she needs education - maybe a reading class. If the taypayers only give you $5200 - spend less of our $$ - not more.

Freddy wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:13 AM:Hey!, It's Ocieanside!

100% voting track record wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:14 AM:This is a laugh. Echos of Esther. We need a policy. You have 4 other constituents on the Council. It's comon sense, you don't spend city dollars on meals well within, muchless nearby cities. Get with it. Maybe she was right, "I am an independent thinker". Yup, thats it. .. and blame the pilots. What a low pass. You're outta there. Recall them All. Every single one of them. Out. I'm sick of the Romper Room City Council. Who spent the loot? "that flight will be paid back" if you had to cancel it should have been paid back RIGHT THEN, not when it was brought to the publics attention. Sneaky sneaky..

Good Grief! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:15 AM:Anyone with any sense would have asked questions before racking up ten grand on an expense account. Even more so when public business is involved. She really doesn't have a clue.

Dude! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:17 AM:I want to party with this chick!

RJC wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:20 AM:Where are the cash register reciepts? What was ordered at the expensive outings to the Flying Bridge? Shari, will you produce them? Been boozing on the City's nickle? Lets see the actual detailed receipts before we even consider your lame excuses. Details, honey, details.

VOX POPULI...... wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:21 AM:Enron's founder,Ken Lay,will never learn that stealing is wrong because he died, but some people learn that valuable lesson in prison!We taxpayer are stockholders and customers of our government,and we owe it to ourselves to remember this when we go to the polls....for now we should ask, Shari Mackin should resign immediately!

RJC wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:23 AM:Shari - Isn't it true you employ as your aide the owner of the Flying Bridge? How much did you spend there? How much did you get free?

American-Irish Resident wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:23 AM:Why don't the local governments work like private industry with regards to credit cards and expense accounts? Don't these people have to submit expense account documents complete with receipts and reasons for the expense? Doesn't a designated person have to sign the expense authorizations prior to being compensated for the expenses by the local government? The elected person's answer must circle around raising taxes if the expenses become to much of a burden for the city coffers.

Giggles wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:24 AM:I smell a good Leon Page piece for next week.

Incredible wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:27 AM:You gotta flunk a whole battery of tests to on the Oceanside Council.

Vote her out! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:29 AM:At the end of her bio on the city council page, here's what it says: "Shari comes to the City Council as an advocate for open and honest government, an independent voice with a willing ear and common-sense approaches to the challenges facing the city she loves." Open and honest? Common sense? Yeah, right! Anyone with so-called 'common sense' knows you don't rack up 10 grand on taxpayer money. Maybe it's time she goes to work FULL TIME at the school district so she can afford to pay her own way.

Here we go again... wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:36 AM:Amazeing she wants to drag Steve Jepson into this and he isn't even here anymore! Is she grabbing at straws or WHAT???

Ted wrote on Aug 19, 2006 10:41 AM:So now Mackin wants training on using a credit card. Whatever happened to common sense and ethics? Feller's spending stinks a little too.

This is FRAUD wrote on Aug 19, 2006 11:13 AM:If it's true she charged the Japan trip but never gave the money back after she cancelled, she's guilty of FRAUD or at the very least, CONVERSION. Way to go Shari!

Paul W wrote on Aug 19, 2006 11:15 AM:Shari has has more respect for truth and for ethics than any council member in memory. If you would have given as much space to her response and you did to the allegations, the account would have been "fair and balanced." It wasn't. It sounded more like a reflection of the newspaper's editorial stand.

sea sick cecil wrote on Aug 19, 2006 11:31 AM:Burp, I think I'm going to be sick again. Spending a small fortune at her aide's restaurant,is just plain wrong, and given the low quality food they serve there, there must have been liquor involved. Someone needs to look into her exhorbitant phones bills as well. Mackin goes on a spending spree, has no sense of shame and then blames her personal problems on someone else. Dumb, greedy, and dishonest is a deadly combination.

No Surprise wrote on Aug 19, 2006 11:35 AM:LOL! This bimbo can't even manage a credit card, let alone the city business. Time to take out the trash in November.

My tax dollars eaten up! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 11:57 AM:A real spend thrift with the peoples money. Shari Mackin voted for a $27 million dollar taxpayer subsidy for the Weston hotel. Now we find out she is going out eating up the rest of our tax payers money with a city credit card. Shame on Shari Mackin.

LAWSON............ wrote on Aug 19, 2006 12:02 PM:It's deja vu all over again!Oceanside citycouncil members are stewards of the tax dollars and city assets and some have failed to fill that role.There should be no confidentiality issues,those who are responsible for any part should not be able to hide from public scrutiny!The entire affair is a civic fiasco,let's at least use it as a lesson for the future, like November 07,2006!!

MAD AND SAD wrote on Aug 19, 2006 12:04 PM:Mackin goes on a $10,000 spending spree with the city credit card and then says she didn't know there was a limit. Thank God someone exposed her before she charged even more. What a pig we have in Mackin. She's rotten to the core. Oceanside deserves better than Melba Bishop's minions

Melba wrote on Aug 19, 2006 12:12 PM:I cannot believe that Mrs. Makin thinks that she can spend city money to entertain other city employees and heads of other agencies. This is not done for the good of the city. This should never be done period and certainly not at her employee's restaurant. This is wrong and there is no excuse.

Mike wrote on Aug 19, 2006 12:22 PM:Prison.

William wrote on Aug 19, 2006 12:41 PM:Shari is full of excuses. Lets put some professionals in these positions and not those that all of a sudden become dump and say I didn't realize I can't do that! Come on. She tried to milk the system for her benefit under the premise that it is good for the city.

Thank you NCT! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 12:46 PM:Thank you North County Times and Dave Sterrett. If not for your hard work, the voters of Oceanside would never have known about these misdeeds and Shari would have never offered to pay back the money she took, including a ticket to Japan she never used.

Observer wrote on Aug 19, 2006 12:52 PM:To "Does Evryone." Let me make this very clear, ok? SHARI VOTED TO GIVE YOU ALL THE CITY'S AVAILABLE MONEY BECAUSE YOU CAMPAIGNED FOR HER AND SHE DOESN'T KNOW THE MEANING OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Get it? Also, for your information, I have never had any run ins with the Oceanside police. As far as I know, they do a fine job. But when you grease yourselves a whopping raise by activly campaigning for a "friendly" candidate and you get your big payoff, that, my friend, is political payback and corruption.

Huh? wrote on Aug 19, 2006 12:56 PM:Mackin's been jackin in O'side...

Smoky wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:10 PM:Copper's all wet. Oceanside fire fighters are the greatist and we don't act like crime bosses deciding who sells and doesn't sell dope on the beach. What a crock. Thanks to "copper" and his buddies we now have this knucklehead council woman running amok until November. There are some things I won't do for a raise.

Mike wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:16 PM:I am not buying this "I didn't know there was a budget excuse" she was told and just like the council meetings that are on KOCT, she was not paying attention. As for the trip to Japan being refunded...I'd like to know what airline gives refunds. I am sure as election time nears she will have a completly different spin to the story she is giving now. Who ever said there is no such thing as a free lunch never met Shari Mackin.

O'side taxpayer wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:23 PM:I have been a fly in the wrong bar I need to start frequenting the Flying Bridge. I will now that I know Shari's got a credit card and she knows the manager. You know Shari and friends are well taken care of. VOTE FOR SHARI.

RJC wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:25 PM:Here's a UT article in which Shari was very careful to report a $200+ meal "gift." Note that she and her aide, Jan des Rosiers (owner of Flying Bridge) were careful to investigate the proper reporting procedures. "Mackin said she had her aide, Jan des Rosiers, check on the cost of the dinner so she could report it accurately." The more we see, the more it looks like Mackin intentionally padded her expense account and that she really did know better. http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060408/news_1mi8finance.html

Another view wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:46 PM:Who gets a credit card and does not check its limit or rules? What staff member can't see the account going over and report or stop it? Why doesn't or didn't the city attorney who quotes state law enforce the law? I understand a staff member and a COUNCILPERSON must sign the vouchers. Who signed makin and fellers vouchers? Is anyone, elected or staff, accountable for guarding taxpayer's money? How much does staff make that they need free lunches? Seems like all we have is excuse makers.

RJC wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:46 PM:This is from a May 26, 2005 NCTimes article: "Mackin reported receiving $6,580 worth of in-kind donations from April 24 to May 21 (2005), including $1,285 in free rent for her campaign office, and $2,550 worth of food from Jan Des Rosiers." Des Rosiers is now Mackin's aide and they apparently like to dine on taxpayer money at Flying Bridge that Des Rosiers owns. Very cozy.

LAWSON.............. wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:49 PM:This is said to be an age of increased TRANSPARENCY into institutions that have such powerful influences in our lives,such as the Oceanside City Coincil.The old opague way of doing business is no longer acceptable.The public has a right to know, and SHARI SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HIDE FROM SCRUTINY!!Good piece,I thought it was a good primer of what not to do and thanks NCTimes and David Sterrett...............

JA wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:55 PM:Good work NCT, except this should be a front page Sunday story. For the people who say stop griping, five grand over is no big deal how about donating some money to pay it back to the city.

NO EXCUSE wrote on Aug 19, 2006 1:59 PM:She syas that she was unaware? How long has she been on the council and she doesn't know about a budget. Then I wonder what is wrong with this city.

PRETTY FUNNY! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:05 PM:doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the first 30 + comments are from the same BITTER person! What a life to be sitting on your computer from 1 am to 7am bad mouthing Shari on the NCT Blog!!! What'd she do, steal your job, boyfriend, run over your dog???? Get over it and get a life!!

SHARI, HERE'S YOUR TRAINING: wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:20 PM:$5,210. That's your limit. Don't spend more. Class dismissed.

Conflict of Interest? wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:38 PM:I think it is time we see how much the city spent on Port of Sub sandwiches Jack Feller supplied for city events (um...you'll get hearburn)...dollars that directly benefited his starving business. I would think that would be a violation of the law.

Crystal K. wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:41 PM:From what I remember hearing, Mackin was asked to attend our Sister City, Fuji Japan on behalf of the Mayor. Why did Jack Feller go? Isn't this the second trip for Jack? Once with Terry Johnson and his girlfriend and now this time? I remember someone saying that Terry and Jack embarassed the city so that they wanted anyone to attend other than Jack.

Marriane wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:43 PM:Wall Street Jounal and New Year Cards? Get real...I send my own cards and pay for my own paper subscription so should Chavez. Some 'conservative' --

Annie D. wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:45 PM:Wow, I can see the cadidates for council are working hard on the blog these days! Nice try, but people that know Shari or meet her, see right through this stuff.

Parents Needed wrote on Aug 19, 2006 2:57 PM:When children use their credit cards improperly, their parents cut them up. Shari Mackin needs some good parents to cut up her city card. What she lacks in judgement, she lacks in good behavior. I am not even an Oceanside resident and know this is bad for the community. Another example of bad leadership. Too bad she doesn't have someone else on the Council to turn to for encouragment and leadership. Oceanside shines as a city with children running the place. Take notice North County, Oceanside is a becon for "what not to do" when running a city.

Nikole wrote on Aug 19, 2006 3:50 PM:This is where the rubber hits the road folks. If our it council had as part of their monthly reporting from staff a ledger sheet type of report where our council could just look a the running tally of expenses and projections in the budget, including their own. Alot of the overspending could of been avoided. But this is not surprising in that normally the budget comes before the council but once a year, now its a two year budget cycle, so errors and misconceptions can take place if one is not paying close attention and one line item is council members budgetary allocations. As to the periodicals our library recieves those and it's only a few steps across the plaza to it from the Council members offices, maybe the council members could either recieve the paper first and pass it along to te public or visit the library and read it there. And why is it that many of these expenses are not covered by the salaries of the city council members already as almost all our Commissions and committees in the city are not paid and they do not have personal budgets for their needs and necessities for the duties they perform for and donate to the city? What's good for the goose is good for the gander! "

NO free internet! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 3:52 PM:"Jack Feller give me a break. You did not have a computer until you joined the Council? What did you do, leech off other peoples like you do my tax dollars now? If that internet connection is used for anything but connecting to City Hall you are ripping off the tax payers. No one else is charging for their internet. What next, charging for the gas to go to City Hall? Other employers don't pay for people to get to work. Your Internet should be no difference. No free lunches for Mackin and no free Internet for you!"

Pirate wrote on Aug 19, 2006 3:55 PM:I'm sick and tired of the snotty pilots attacking council members that don't want to give them what they want: FREE LUNCH! I listened to the council meeting where they whinned about paying fair market rate for the hanger rentals and now they are going after Sanchez and it appears Mackin now too in an effort to disguise what they are really up to. Electing friends of Chavez and Feller. I hope Chavez goes down in a big way and Feller, his stuff will catch up to him soon enough.

Michelle wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:11 PM:I think we can all see through this latest trick by the pilots and the Oceanside Airport Association and their AOPA buddies. This is yet another way for them to try and take control of our council so the pilots can have their little hobby airport. Quit your whining, you bunch of old, rich men, and stay out of our city council. Shari is concerned about this city and its residents - unlike Chavez and Feller, who only care about how much money the pilots put in each of their pockets. Don't let these whining, crybabies take control of our council and our city.

Cookie Jar wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:13 PM:To Annie D. What Mackin did was wrong. I do not care who writes it or how many times. If she wants to have lunch with her pals then do it on her own dime. Why can't she take them to her own house and cook for them. Maybe she could get that guitar player that made up all those silly anti-manchester songs to entertain.

Meatball wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:22 PM:Are we talking crooked here, or just plain stupid? If you were given a position of trust and then handed a credit card, wouldn't you ask, "what am I allowed to use this for?" I'd like to think she is crooked, but I really just feel she is stupid. Stupid people should not be on a city council.

Mad as Hell wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:32 PM:As much as everyone is screaming and yelling about Shari on this website, none of it will matter once November comes around. All the zombies in this town who do everything Melba Bishop tells them to do will vote for Shari Mackin and George McNeil (who I think would be much worse for Oceanside than Shari Mackin). It's scary to think that in a fairly large American city in the 21st century there are still tens of thousands of people who will blindly follow the direction of a disgraced former local politician as if she were a prophet. What a shame.

To Observer wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:46 PM:It isn't about having a run in with us. It is about who keep the streets safe. You stop taking care of the polcie and they will leave in droves. Count on it! I don't know how long you have been living here in wonderland, but it wasn't this calm and quiet. We were a tough town, crime and homicides have gone down. At the cost of a lot of officers, who could get paid alot more for there skills you apparently don't think they have. If that attitude takes off in this city, we will see who is still here! Makin and others who take care of the police, understand that if the town is a ghetto crime ridden city, no business or residents will come here. We have been underpaid the whole time under the Poehlman admin and we lost a lot of good officers. This raise or greasing my skid as you call it was back pay owed. Keep it up Oceanside! You will get the city you want or maybe the one you don't want! Take care of your police and they will take care of you. How dare you talk about what I do for a job and don't have a clue!

So this is what a hate campaign is all about! wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:48 PM:Clearly all the people who were too cowardly to do anything like run for office hang out on this blog and $#@ about her. Walk a mile and vote. Political lobbyist! Also I disagree with the comments about the police. They deserve more pay and if Shari Mackin took care of them, then I suport her!

RJC wrote on Aug 19, 2006 4:59 PM:To "Annie D." Let's see, I’m NOT a candidate, I HAVE met Shari Mackin and these comments are spot on. Mackin couldn’t care less about me or my interests because I didn’t campaign for her or her cronies. She is condescending, combative and just plain rude. If you sense that these responses go beyond this current scandal, you’re right. During the short time she has been in office, Shari Mackin has offended and upset many honest citizens of Oceanside and neighboring communities and now, thanks to these comment pages, they have a chance to express their indignation. It is sad to see anyone go through this, but she brought it all onto herself. Maybe a little time for reflection and thought about the responsibilities of public office are in order for Ms. Mackin and her fellow Troika members Jim Wood and Esther Sanchez.

Tax payer wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:16 PM:Why do I get the feeling Shari's using my tax money to finance her re-election efforts. This money was spent on political friends and "networking" not on the city's business.

To City Attorney Mullen wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:17 PM:Welcome to Oceanside!

Not an Oceansider wrote on Aug 19, 2006 5:19 PM:To Oceanside, Please go away. You are embarrassing the rest of North County.

mt wrote on Aug 19, 2006 6:25 PM:Those of us that reluctantly voted for Shari feel betrayed. Hind sight would indicate that if anyone other than Terry Johnson had run, Mackin would not have been elected. Shame on all of us....

Hey Mackin Apologists wrote on Aug 19, 2006 6:33 PM:You seem to want to point the blame to someone except Shari Mackin..Point fingers at other council members and the NCT. I've got a newsflash for you because I can see quite well and read the entire article. Blame it on the NCT "blog" if you want to but the same information, reported by a different reporter, was in The San Diego Union Tribune this morning. Point your finger at other councilmembers if you like but it makes no sense in this case. Feller was $90 over his budgeted authorization..Mackin was $5,000 over hers!! Mackin spent $10,200...the other 4 members combined spent only $14,075! JUSTIFY THAT !!!!!!!

Oceanside Resident wrote on Aug 19, 2006 6:45 PM:Shari - The City should have travel expense reimbursement forms for these expenses. Where are the forms. If I were you, I would pay the whole expense account back and write it off my own income tax. None of these writing cute remarks has any business sense at all, most can not spell so I know they can not balance their own check books.

Jolly Hedonism in Oceanside wrote on Aug 19, 2006 9:15 PM:The hangover won't kick in until November.

`RE-EXAMIN wrote on Aug 20, 2006 8:52 AM:THANK GOODNESS A PORTION THE GOOD FOLKS OF OCEANSIDE DON'T READ THIS NEWS PAPER. ALSO MOST OF THE VOTERS DON'T HAVE ON LINE ACCESS. THERE IS A WAR GOING ON AND ALL YOU CAN DO IS BLOG .TRY TO FOCUS ON THINGS THAT WILL MAKE THE WORLD BETTER. SPEND YOUR TIME HELPING OTHERS. PRAY FOR PEACE. ARE YOU WITHOUT SPOT,TO BE CASTING SO MANY STONES?

mt wrote on Aug 20, 2006 10:18 AM:My answer to "Hey Mackin Apologists" Some of us are responsible people and we are not apologizing but rather condemning Mackin's ethical choices. Many of us supported her reluctantly and now regret it. Please don't paint us with a broad brush of labels. I am willing to step up and say we were duped, now let's fix it.

Keep it real wrote on Aug 20, 2006 11:38 AM:Training, classes, committe's, more education. What happened to good ol common sense and decency. Maybe it would have looked a little more professional if Ms. Mackin wouldn't have taken her guests to a restaurant owned by her aide on the tax payers buck.

Clean up wrote on Aug 20, 2006 12:40 PM:The council needs to do the following: 1. abolish the credit cards, 2. move office supplies and furniture expenses to the general budget, 3.the council votes on all travel and seminar classes prior to spending a dime, 4. no reimbursement for food unless out of town with approval from the council.

Carte Blanche wrote on Aug 20, 2006 1:13 PM:Yes, it was wrong for Shari to abuse her city credit card. But Shari Mackin has a good reason. It was the first time she ever had a credit card. It like learning to drive for the first time. Anyways this will never happen again. All City credits cards limits will be raised to 13,000 a year. Personal spending will be a