Oceanside council election could change direction of city
By: DAVID STERRETT - Staff Writer | ∞
OCEANSIDE ---- The Nov. 7 election involving two Oceanside City Council seats could change the balance of power at City Hall and the direction of North County's largest ---- and often most politically divided ---- city, several challengers said last week.
The election may either shake up or solidify political alliances that on most, but not all, controversial issues pit Mayor Jim Wood and Councilwomen Shari Mackin and Esther Sanchez on one side and colleagues Rocky Chavez and Jack Feller on the other.
During interviews last week, Chavez and Mackin said there was not a strong 3-2 division on the council and both said the city was improving under their leadership.
Chavez and Mackin said the city needs to continue to move forward with a tentative agreement on a 336-room Westin resort downtown across from the pier and wants to update Oceanside's road plans.
In interviews last week, challengers George Barrante, Jerry Kern, Michael Lucas, George McNeil and C.C. Sanders said there are several key issues they'll focus on in the race, such as a freeway interchange at Rancho Del Oro Road, the future of the Oceanside Municipal Airport, economic development and the inability of the council members to work together.
The council is a nonpartisan office. Members serve four-year terms and earn about $37,000 a year, including car allowances.
The seven candidates vying for the two seats represent the fewest number of candidates in eight council races stretching back to 1992. There were 11 candidates in a special election in 2005, for example, and eight candidates in 2004 for two seats. There were 16 or more candidates vying for seats in 2000, 1994 and 1992.
Several challengers said last week that the rising cost of running an election in a city with 180,000 people has led to fewer candidates. The two incumbents said, on the other hand, that a reduced number of candidates suggests that residents generally are pleased with the council.
The candidates said it's too early to tell who has the best chance of winning the election, but here is a brief look at the candidates and the issues they said are important to them.
George Barrante
George Barrante, 74, served nine years on the Planning Commission and has been involved in the Rotary and Elks clubs, Republican Club of North County, Oceanside Community Television and the American Legion.
He is a retired Army lieutenant colonel who is co-owner of Lite-Cosmetics, a skin care company.
"One of the main reasons I'm running is I saw all the growth and good things that happened in Oceanside over the 9 1/2 years I served on the Planning Commission," said Barrante, who was removed by the council in August 2005. "In the last two years, everything has fallen apart."
Barrante has been an outspoken critic of the council's unanimous approval earlier this month of a tentative agreement with a developer that requires the city to invest $27 million in a $187 million beach resort across from the pier because "it's a bad deal for the city."
He said the city needs to study all of the options for the Oceanside Airport, but that as long as it's open, the council should try to make it the best facility possible.
Barrante said he has a tendency to agree with Chavez, Feller and Wood more than the others, but that the entire council needs to change its demeanor.
"I want a council that respects itself, and wants to work as a team," Barrante said. "There has always been a 3-2 split on the council and that is why there has been no stability in Oceanside."
Rocky Chavez
Rocky Chavez, 55, was elected to council in 2002 and finished third in his bid for the mayor's seat in 2004.
He is a retired Marine colonel and currently serves as the chief executive officer of the School of Business and Technology charter school in Oceanside. He is a member of the Rotary Club, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and American Legion.
"I've been true to my promise," Chavez said. "I'm very comfortable with my messages and am going to stay with it."
Chavez has said the city needs the downtown resort and he has been a supporter of keeping the airport and building a freeway interchange at Rancho Del Oro. Chavez has been aligned with Feller on both those issues, and both also opposed giving police and firefighters large pay raises earlier this year.
But Chavez said that he doesn't always vote with Feller, and cited a couple examples, such as the Marina Towers, that Chavez voted against selling.
"Everything just depends on the issue," Chavez said of alliances on the council. "But I think every election provides the opportunity to change the balance."
Jerry Kern
Jerry Kern, 54, is a past president of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and has served on the El Corazon Planning Committee and Oceanside Historic Preservation Commission.
Kern founded the Pacific View Charter School in Oceanside, spent five years in the Air Force and in between worked as a loan officer and teacher.
"I don't like the direction the council is going," Kern said. "I think I can bring it back to a more reasonable position."
Kern said he agreed with the council's decision to support the downtown hotel deal, but added that the city needs to promote the airport and build a freeway interchange at Rancho Del Oro Road, which are views contrary to the majority of the council members.
Kern served as the campaign manager for Feller in 2000 and 2004, and said he aligns himself with Feller and Chavez. He said there is clearly a 3-2 split on the council and that this election could change which side has the majority.
"There will be a big shift in the council if Rocky (Chavez) holds his seat and I get on it," Kern said. "It will be almost a 180-degree reversal, and the council would change from anti-business to pro-business."
Michael Lucas
Michael Lucas, 64, has run for the council six previous times in Oceanside and he received about 3 percent of the vote in 2004 and 2002.
He has worked as a high school and college teacher as well as the state supervisor of a regulatory program.
"I'm a tightwad and a cheapskate," Lucas said. "We have got to cut the cost of government."
Lucas said he opposes the proposed $27 million city contribution to the downtown resort because "our money should not subsidize private developers."
He said the city should do everything possible to keep the airport open because it will be a huge asset in case of an emergency or natural disaster, and that he wants to build a freeway interchange at Rancho Del Oro to improve traffic flow.
The 3-2 division on the council is not good for residents, Lucas said.
"When you have three people consistently making all the decisions, people are not being fully represented," Lucas said. "If I was elected, there wouldn't ever be a dominant 3-2 majority."
Shari Mackin
Shari Mackin, 50, was elected to council during a special election in June 2005 when she captured 49 percent of the vote in a race featuring 11 candidates, including former Mayor Terry Johnson.
Mackin helps run a family business and is a substitute teacher for the Oceanside Unified School District.
"I have been very busy this last year on the council," said Mackin, who represents the city on the North County Transit District and San Diego Association of Governments. "I've taken every opportunity to get what I can for Oceanside."
Mackin said she wants to keep the resort project on track, and update the city's road plans. She said the council needs to continue to work to create economic growth in Oceanside.
She voted against the Rancho Del Oro freeway interchange, and she has said the airport needs to be self-sufficient.
The council doesn't have any real strong alliances, and all five members represent different parts of the community, said Mackin.
"I think people are very happy with this council," Mackin said. "That is why there is a low number of people in the race."
George McNeil
George McNeil, 65, is the chairman of the city's Manufactured Home Fair Practices Commission, and a member of the city's El Corazon Oversight Committee that is working on plans for 465 acres of city-owned property in central Oceanside.
McNeil is a retired educator, who most recently served as principal of a private school in Scripps Ranch.
"Oceanside is almost at build-out and where we go in the next four years is crucial," McNeil said. "At this stage, we can't make a lot of mistakes, and we have to develop wisely."
McNeil said he wants the council to try to create more jobs in Oceanside because it will reduce commutes and bring in more revenue.
He said he opposes a freeway interchange at Rancho Del Oro Road because "we simply don't have the money to pay for it."
He said the airport needs to be able to pay for itself, and he supports the resort agreement because the city will reap many benefits from the upscale project in the downtown area.
McNeil said he doesn't see clear political alliances on the council, and he wouldn't necessarily align with either of the supposed sides. He said he felt his views were most similar to Wood.
"I feel the council is too contentious and they tend to let their personalities get in the way of what is best for Oceanside," McNeil said.
C.C. Sanders
C.C. Sanders, 61, has served on the Police and Fire Commission, the Manufactured Home Fair Practices Commission and has run three previous times for City Council, including 2004 when he finished fourth with 13 percent of the vote.
Sanders is a former Marine and sergeant with Oceanside Police Department, and he has been a longtime entertainer.
"This election is about the future of the city," Sanders said. "Without a doubt, this is a chance to break up the troika (of Mackin, Sanchez and Wood)."
Sanders said the council majority has micromanaged the city and forced many top staffers to leave. He said he agreed with Feller and Chavez that the city needs to build the Rancho Del Oro interchange and keep the airport open.
The city needs to streamline its building permit process to make it easier for developers to build in the city, and the council needs to provide more stability, Sanders said.
"The average citizen doesn't really get involved in politics," Sanders said. "They want the police and fire to come when called, they want potholes fixed, they want their garbage picked up on time and they don't want to watch their City Council members fight in public.
"You can disagree without being disagreeable."
Contact staff writer David Sterrett at (760) 901-4067 or dsterrett@nctimes.com.
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Lotsa Luck wrote on Sep 2, 2006 10:48 PM:The city can change direction all it wants, but the bad reputation is still going to follow. Lotsa luck to anyone who wants to wade into this mess.
M wrote on Sep 2, 2006 11:15 PM:Mackin states 'the airport needs to be self-sufficient'. She has voted NO on every vote to make the airport self-sufficient! What a crock! Again, she says one thing today and another thing a different day. I really think she can't remember what she says from day to day.
NCT Reader wrote on Sep 2, 2006 11:21 PM:The clear choice here is Mackin and Chavez. Both know the issues and what Oceanside's future is facing. All the negative press about the council is counter productive to the great things Oceanside has in its future. Let's keep the wheel spining in a positive way.
Jack wrote on Sep 2, 2006 11:47 PM:"Chavez and Mackin said there was not a strong 3-2 division on the council". Do they take us for fools? "and both said the city was improving under their leadership." This seems like the reporter is putting words in their mouth -- they haven't agreed on much of anything, let alone agreed on which direction the city should be led. That's why we have a 3-2 split.
Jane wrote on Sep 2, 2006 11:56 PM:The challengers have still time to come up come up with fresh ideas before my vote goes to Mackin and Chavez. So far the challengers are sooooo booooring....I do not care to which party Mackin and Chavez belong; their views are often opposite, by they both have proven to me that they are great for Oceanside right now.
Mary Lou wrote on Sep 3, 2006 1:06 AM:George Barrante is against the hotel. He got my vote.
David wrote on Sep 3, 2006 3:51 AM:Vote for George McNeil!
Mad as Hell wrote on Sep 3, 2006 6:36 AM:The ideal scenario for the O'side City Council... In November, Rocky gets re-elected and either Barrante or Kern gets Shari's seat. Then next year, whoever didn't get the Council seat in November (between Barrante or Kern) picks up Sanchez's seat in the recall. A City Council aligned 4-1 against Melba Bishop would be great.
The voters need to keep status quo! wrote on Sep 3, 2006 6:58 AM:We are finally moving forward, except for a few extremist with agneda's about the Airport, etc. Mackin and Chavez need to stay in office and keep a voting base or we will stop the great progress! Oceanside is not in a mess. it is fine and making progress! What is it with the trouble making nay sayers!
David wrote on Sep 3, 2006 7:13 AM:George McNeil is obviously the best choice on the November ballot. After McNeil, the pickin's are slim. You can hold your nose tight and keep Backin' Mackin. Or you can not even bother casting a second vote for council. I honestly don't know which alternative is better, but I am leaning towards not bothering to cast a second vote. We have finally reached the bottom of the barrel!
The correct David wrote on Sep 3, 2006 7:35 AM:A sign of Mackin and Sanchez's unpopularity is that their candidate George McNeil aligns himself with Jim Wood but doesn't even mention them. I have a question for McNeil: He opposes the RDO interchange because of costs. If CALTRANS and federal money became available, would he support the interchange?
PIrate wrote on Sep 3, 2006 7:39 AM:I think "NCT reader" who wrote at 11:30 last night is from the Mackin camp. Only the political insiders are reading this at that time of night. Why would someone choose both Mackin and Chavez to support unless they are trying to piggyback Mackin's diminishing chance for re-election on the coattails of Rocky Chavez, who is very strong right now.
mt wrote on Sep 3, 2006 7:49 AM:Rocky does not deserve to be returned, he insulted our OHS students, gave Manchester 2.2 mil. and denied seniors an affordable rental project on Dixie Street in favor of market rate row homes. If we want a different result, change the Council. I like McNeil.
David wrote on Sep 3, 2006 8:16 AM:"I think people are very happy with this council," Mackin said. "That is why there is a low number of people in the race." I think Mackin is delusional. There are few people in the race because it is futile to run for council without either Developer or Union dollars backin' you. That simple economic fact limits the number of viable candidates.
David wrote on Sep 3, 2006 8:26 AM:After Mackin's $5,000 city credit card fiasco, it is high time we send Mackin Packin'. What kind of example is this special-ed teacher's aide setting for all the children she teaches? Mackin lacks good old-fashioned common sense. I am sorry, but that is something that cannot be taught. You either have it or you don't. I am sorry for all you who were backin' Mackin last year. What a disappointment. Mackin has singlehandedly increased cynicism towards politicians and politics exponentially!
David wrote on Sep 3, 2006 8:33 AM:I have never advocated euthanasia, political or otherwise. But Mackin should put the residents of Oceanside out of their misery by immediately resigning from the City Council and withdrawing from the race. Every word she speaks is from some "spin zone." If one cannot trust anything that she says, how can any of you entrust her with the future of our city?
Diverse Opinion wrote on Sep 3, 2006 8:48 AM:My vote goes to Mackin and Chavez. At least there is a difference of opinion and brings good discussion. No other candidates have a clue about business and how to keep this city moving in a positive direction. McNeil is loved by Wood and Sanchez so that must mean that Melba Bishop is involved. Kern is loved by Jack Orr. We don't need another vote to go the way of these 2 negative people to feather their caps. Mackin and Chavez are our best bet for Oceanside's future.
Is M real??? wrote on Sep 3, 2006 9:11 AM:Apparently M equates government subsidies with self sufficiency. Mackin even voted to phase in rate hikes so that these poor little rich pilots could have some time to sell off more stock and pay fair market for their spaces.
Oceanside Voter wrote on Sep 3, 2006 9:28 AM:I never heard of the two Georges. They must be running a stealth campaign. Jerry is the only one who felt I was important enough to come to my door to talk to me and return my phone calls and emails. He has my vote!
Is Mackin Kidding? wrote on Sep 3, 2006 10:04 AM:M: How right you are. Shari Mackin has never been in favor of the airport sustaining itself. The proof is in her voting record! She wants the airport closed and has consistantly voted to diminish it's ability to be self sustaining. Bulldozing hangers, eliminating tie down spaces, letting revenue generating structures degenerate, not finishing new hangars that are 50% complete. Even from a non-airport supporter's perspective she is a liar!
The Way it Looks wrote on Sep 3, 2006 10:06 AM:If you look around town it seems that the only two people running, or least have the support of the majority of voters are Chavez and Kern. If I was handicapping this race they seem like the two favorites.
Backin' Mackin and Chavez too wrote on Sep 3, 2006 10:18 AM:I like the way the council works now. I've watched and there are differing views, not like the old days of the Terry Johnson voting bloc. Now, it seems like they have to think about the issue instead of look down the row and wink at each other so everyone knows how Jack Orr wants them to vote. Power to the people! Vote for Mackin and Chavez!
A voter wrote on Sep 3, 2006 10:24 AM:The city is generally moving in the right direction. More attention needs to be paid to traffic issues, increasing density in neighborhoods, and getting that beautiful hotel done as an anchor for tourism and the downtown area. The smear campaign against Shari by her political opponents is about the blow up on the council members who are supporting it. It would be so much better if people focused on the positives in this campaign.
Where are they?? wrote on Sep 3, 2006 11:08 AM:There are people I wish would fix this city. No I do not mean Terry Johnson. I mean the past candidates from other elections, like Bernie Delaney, McKinney, Tom Brault, and others with a vision, education and professional backgrounds. We need true leadership. Let's dump the old thinking and elect new blood.
Vote for Chavez & Mackin wrote on Sep 3, 2006 11:36 AM:Oceanside is going in the right direction! We do not want to go back to the days of Terry Johnson and company. Vote for Chavez and Mackin!
Diverse Opinion is right on! wrote on Sep 3, 2006 12:21 PM:Diverse opinion couldn't be more right on. McNeil is Wood's and Sanchez third vote they have been waiting for. I like diversity and we have that now. We get good discussion, they don't always agree, but that's ok with me. Keep the city moving forward Chavez and Mackin for us.
I can't believe it wrote on Sep 3, 2006 1:02 PM:I can't believe that people actually think this city is moving in the right direction.
MB wrote on Sep 3, 2006 1:36 PM:For a person who 'has a vision for Oceanside', Macken hasn't brought forward ANY plan to alliviate the traffic problems. Macken has consistantly voted NO on every vote for RDO, and Melrose extension, etc, etc, etc. You call that moving fwd. I think not! What will the Oceanside traffic look like in the 5 yrs from now? Not like LA traffic, I hope.
Bad council, new blood needed wrote on Sep 3, 2006 3:09 PM:How can the current council run the city? They can not even control their credit card spending. Vote for any of the new candidates you can not loose.
PIRATE wrote on Sep 3, 2006 5:29 PM:I WOULDN'T VOTE FOR ROCKY CHAVEZ IF HE WERE THE LAST PERSON ON EARTH, IN FACT EITHER WILL THE REST OF OUR 3 GENERATION OCEANSIDE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. MOVE SOMEWHERE ELSE AND RUN FOR COUNCIL. WE DON'T NEED THE LIKES OF YOU PUTTING OUR SCHOOLS, CHILDREN AND PARENTS DOWN. BYE-BYE ROCKY. GOOD RIDANCE
Amanda Arkansas wrote on Sep 3, 2006 6:26 PM:There are way too many negative comments here without any of these folks knowing the facts. My daddy used to tell me not to get in p'eein contest with a skunk or the stink will get all over ya'...the other council members and candidates had better keep that in mind, hain't they?
Feller and Wood for Mayor wrote on Sep 3, 2006 7:54 PM:With Shari Mackin sinking fast and Rocky Chavez on the way to reelection; looks like the new seat will be either Jerry Kern or George McNeil. As everyone knows, Jerry Kern is supported by Jack Feller and George McNeil is supported by Jim Wood. Jerry Kern and George McNeils race will be an indication of the strength of Jack Feller and Jim Wood for Mayor in 2008.
Yea Amanda! wrote on Sep 3, 2006 9:01 PM:Such words of wisdom. Dirty, dirty, dirty Oceanside politics. I don't like negative campaigns. Somewhere on another NCTIMES blog there was talk about an Oceanside airport association running this dirty campaign against the two women on the council. That makes me mad. Can't we all just get along?
MB wrote on Sep 3, 2006 10:30 PM:Back in 1982 Melba Bishop organized a successful Recall Petition for two Oceanside City Councile members based on misuse of their credit cards! Gee, wonder if any lessons were learned. Guess not.
Oh Lord! wrote on Sep 3, 2006 11:25 PM:What a mess Oside has on its hands - I say we start over! Who needs this mess. I am voting prgressive - that eliminates Mackin
Oceansider wrote on Sep 3, 2006 11:40 PM:I have to laugh when you all write that Chavez and Mackin are the ones to beat. It is even a bigger joke to drag Melba Bishop into it. Just because she supported Wood doesn't mean anything. Everyone who has been here any time at all knows that they have been friends for 20 years or more and friends usually support friends. This woman has been out of office for what--16 years or so? If she controls all the things you all claim she controls then she should run. Oh, I forgot, she is an old lady now and sick too but what the heck, you all need someone to fear so it might as well be her.
RUN GEORGE RUN wrote on Sep 3, 2006 11:51 PM:GEORGE MCNEIL KNOCKED ON ALL THE DOORS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND HE IS A NICE GUY. HE IS A RETIRED SCHOOL PRINICPAL AND ACCORDING TO HIS FLIER HE IS PROBABLY BETTER EDUCATED THAN ANYONE WHO HAS EVER RUN IN OCEANSIDE. BUT WHAT I LIKED THE MOST IS THAT HE REALLY SEEMS LIKE A GUY WHO WOULDN'T GET INVOLVED IN THE SCHOOL YARD GAMES PLAYED EVERY COUNCIL MEETING. HE HAS PROBABLY BROKEN UP THOSE KINDS OF SCHOOL YARD FIGHTS ENOUGH TIMES. IT IS TIME FOR A GROWN UP WHO WILL CONCENTRATE ON THE THINGS WE NEED. WE ARE VOTING FOR MCNEIL AND I HOPE THAT THE GUY WHO WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT RDO WOULD ASK MCNEIL ABOUT IT. WE DID AND WE LIKED WHAT HE SAID. I DO NOT KNOW WHO MELBA AND I DON'T CARE BECAUSE HE IS TOO SMART TO BE HANDLED AND SMART ENOUGH TO KEEP HIMSELF FOCUSED.
Grandpa wrote on Sep 4, 2006 12:01 AM:I am an ex-marine and older than I like to tell but I am not voting for Chavez because my grandkids were at Oceanside High when he hurt them with that hanbuger flippin comment. well, two of them are in college now and will do better than Chavez has. I think I am voting for Geore Mcneal. He has gray hair and rang my door bell yesterday. I talked to him about the traffic and about lots of other issues and he was on the money with answers. I hope you get the chance to meet him. I did meet the last of the big spenders at the door also. She is pretty genral and a bit evassive. I think she is stuck on herself. I did note for her last time because I would never vote for Terry Johnson so not much choice. My money and vote goes to Mcneal. Give him a try.
Super Mom wrote on Sep 4, 2006 12:11 AM:The one person I will not vote for is Mr. Jerry Kern. He ran before a long time ago and finished way back there. I have seen him speak at the meetings and he is very sour and negative. He has Fellar supporting him and that means the big developers and their money. That is how we got all this traffic and too much growth. Both of those guys (Kern and Fellar) are in the hop pocket of any developer. In fact, they never met a developer they didn't like. That is why there is such a split on the council. I do not like what Shari Mackin did and I sure wouldn't vote for Rocky. That leaves me to vote for McNeil who I think is a smart man with a lot to offer Oceanside. I had never thought about only voting for one person but I may have to consider doing just that or I might give Shari another chance.
Airport Supporter wrote on Sep 4, 2006 12:17 AM:Interesting how Mackin and her friends blame everything on the folks at the airport. If you really think we're that bad, come to the airport and meet us. You'd be surprised. We're not all white, not all rich, and not all men. But we do love to share our passion for flight and the freedom that comes with it. Why not visit the airport and make some friends and don't let the political people fool you.
Question for Granpa wrote on Sep 4, 2006 7:38 AM:Did McNeil tell you he is supported by Mackin and Sanchez; and that his solution to traffic is to oppose the Rancho Del Oro interchange and the Melrose extension, meaning horrendous traffic on College, Olive and Rancho Santa FE?
Hey Pirate, wrote on Sep 4, 2006 7:45 AM:I didn't agree with the councilmember's comments either. But I hope your not an Oceanside High School graduate. Your bad grammar and misspellings suggest that the public school system needs to do better.
M wrote on Sep 4, 2006 12:19 PM:The folks who are upset with "diry politics" kinda miss the point. Mackin says she is for 'open government.' Well, that phrase means just that - OPEN. If voters don't know what's happening, in front of us and behind closed doors, then how can the voters evaluate their performance? I doubt that any of the present, past or future office seakers don't accept money from developers! The word 'dirty' doesn't apply in many cses. Knowledge is voter power. A vote for McNeil is a vote for going nowhere! Traffic is getting worse and not going to get better. The voters have to look beyond the personalities and vote for the person who offers the best solutions to our problems of traffic, crime, and economic development. Not voting for Rocky because he used the phrase 'flipping hambergers' is plane stupid! Look at the background, quallifications of the candidate to make a informed decision come Nov. 7th. Take the election seriouly. Remember, it's your money selling Oceanside property for cheap to a councilperson's friend. Can you, no we, afford that?
Samuel wrote on Sep 4, 2006 2:27 PM:If Melrose is opened before E. Vista Way is widened to 4 lanes from the Vista City limits to 76 most of that traffic will use Melrose and negate any alleviation of the traffic problems in other parts of Oceanside. Also, there are two sections of Melrose that narrows to two lanes. Shouldn't those be completed first? And, what about the increased traffic getting off 78 at Melrose? That area is already a mess during rush hour. It is easy for candidates to promote the opening of roads but please put some thought behind it first. Remember that our traffic problems today are the results of poor decisions in the past.
Concerned O'Sider wrote on Sep 4, 2006 3:44 PM:I am just trying to get a grasp on who to vote for in Nov. I have not kept up with all City politics. Having said that, it seems odd to me that bloggers would partner Mackin and Chavez. From what I've read, Mackin tends to side with Sanchez? In any case, I don't discount the overspending of the credit card, certainly shows lack of awareness (in the best case) or lack of accountability / honesty (in the worst case).
Missing Something wrote on Sep 4, 2006 5:45 PM:Am I, because I am really confused how you can be a supporter of both Mackin and Chavez. Mackin is in favor of a tax and spend big government that micromanages everything. And Chavez is on the opposite end of the spectrum. I think these pro Mackin-Chavez comments are all from the same confused person.
Listen to the rantings on this blog!!! wrote on Sep 5, 2006 4:01 PM:Do you people hear yourself? A bunch of nuts waiting to fall of the idiot tree. Just cast your vote and stop throwing the mud. Everytime I see a derogative comment made about a candidate, I think that person is doing a good job and the competition is scared! Why else would they stoop so low, if they had something of substance? Mackin seems like she is doing a good job! So does Chavez. There needs to be opposing views on issues. They are sometimes in agreement and sometimes not! That is called government. This %$#@!&*(#$^ here on this blog is not government. I wuld guess it is the lobbyist and grumpy old men and women of Oceanside who sould take up golf or visit thier grand children! Old people have it bad enough, without being so angry!!!
Oceanside citizens are whiners and narsicist! wrote on Sep 5, 2006 4:06 PM:Show me an Oceanside resident and I'll show you someone always complaining! Cups are always half empty. There is always a conspiracy. The police get paid too much. The fire truck is too red! C'Mon people of Oceanside. It ther anything you folks like?
David wrote on Sep 5, 2006 4:09 PM:Well, I like Chavez. I've seen him all over town attending a variety of events and listing to the people. I do not agree with everything he does, but most of it. I believe he has the city's best interests at heart. As far as Mackin goes (and the other three when it is their turn), I'm ready for some new blood.
oceansider wrote on Sep 6, 2006 9:23 PM:If Oceanside isn't at the bottom of the barrel now, a vote for CC will ensure that position.
Muriel wrote on Sep 7, 2006 10:02 AM:Wow! A $37,000 annual salary, a car allowance PLUS the opportunity to spend an additional $5,000 of taxpayer money, with one of them spending twice that much? Would you say that averages $45,000 a year? That's a great salary! How many residents of your fine city make that kind of money? How many nearby cities the size of Oceanside pay their council members that kind of money? Maybe that's a place to start making changes.
Grammar wrote on Sep 7, 2006 10:53 AM:People: if you're going to post a comment and expect people to take it seriously, please spell words correctly and use proper grammar. Use your dictionary!
Summary wrote on Sep 7, 2006 11:59 PM:Barrante seems like the only non alligned candidate with experience. The rest are part of a block. He is the only candidate against the giving $27 million to the hotel.
MAKIN & McNEIL wrote on Sep 8, 2006 3:59 PM:WINNERS ALL AROUND MACKIN AND MCNEIL. IF YOU WANT THE BEST FOLKS WORKING FOR OCEANSIDE THEN YOU WILL VOTE FOR MACKIN AND MCNEIL. I CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR THE CANIDATE FORUMS.
Makin & McNEIL wrote on Sep 9, 2006 11:46 AM:Are you nuts? Mackin can't control her personal spending - why on earth would we let her have a chance with the chity budget longer than we need to. And McNeil, If there was a pulse there - it might be work a vote.
kit wrote on Sep 9, 2006 2:20 PM:In response to "Muriel" you need to know that Council members get paid extra BUCKS to attend NCTD and SANDAG meetings. Now you understand why Feller got mad when the Mayor appointed others to those spots rather than return Jack to that comfortable assignment he has had for years.
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