can_I_get_a_witness wrote on Aug 5, 2008 6:54 PM:Mr.Bond, with all due respect needs to step down. I've been to several meetings where it was obvious that his age was affecting his ability lead and communicate effectively.
I was embarrassed for him.

Ian wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:18 PM:It's time for change in Encinitas. With Bond in the race it's clear Jerome Stocks will be turned out along Mr. Bond.

Bernie wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:24 PM:No one beseeched Jim more than the city staff. The possibility of a Houlihan led troika destroying the city's fiancial structure and property values/credit rating was so horrific that the political veteran decided to take one for the team.

Both Houlihan and Barth were openly telling city staff and political opponents exactly what they were going to do when they achieved a majority. The nightmare scenario was so probable that a long line of residents and business owners begged Jim to get back in.

Oh brother wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:33 PM:This is the worst news for Encinitas! No Stocks or Bonds! You need to get rid of both of these guys!

Beth wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:38 PM:Bernie has no brainy. If Jerry and Jimmy stay in office. More of the finacial debt with no results continues. The only one who wins are developers and employee union members. If Jerry and Jim get back in the Encinitas Residents lose big time.

Ann J. wrote on Aug 5, 2008 7:42 PM:Another four years of the us against them antic on the city council will serve no one but the status quo.

It's time to turn all the incumbants out.

It's time for change.

It's time to elect Rachelle Collier and Bob Nanninga

Doug wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:04 PM:It's time for term limits in Encinitas.

John wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:16 PM:Jeezzzz Jim- We told you that you were a good councilmember and to run again to make you feel good. We didn't think you would let your ego take over and believe it. Jim really, you forget what you were thinking all the time. Take that as a sign and do not file the papers.

Betsy wrote on Aug 5, 2008 8:19 PM:Everyday Bond is in office, Encinitas takes one for the team. That man should have stepped down four years ago. Its obviously time for term limits. These ego-maniacs can not get enough of themselves.

john wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:34 PM:If you love this city PLEASE do not vote for "pro-developement", business as usual Bond and Stocks....its time for a change and people that care about this great community instead of destroying it. Vote for Collier and Nanninga for honest and caring people that will serve and hear the voices of the citizens of Encinitas!

BABY BOOMER.......... wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:42 PM:The need is great and our city is facing a
financial crisis....that is why I'm voting
for JUDGE "TONY" BRANDENBURG...TONY has the
experience and 8 years on our school board!

Judge or not wrote on Aug 5, 2008 10:04 PM:Brandenburg worked the traffic court. If you got a speeding ticket you most likely saw him. I don't believe he was ever appointed as a judge.

NO wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:05 PM:Guess What - I am a republican and a property developer and not even I am going to vote for Bonds and Stocks. I have had it with them. Encinitas does not need another drug store or housing develop. Stop the over development of our city and don't vote for Bonds or Stocks.

K... wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:30 PM:Encinitas is in great shape as a city. Lot's of money, low crime, good schools, etc. Looks like Stocks & Bond and associates have done a pretty good job. Mrs. Collier is a nice lady, and would probably do a decent job. Bobbie Nanninga is so far left, he's not a serious contender. He can't remotely accurately represent the bulk of Encinitas voters.

KenB wrote on Aug 5, 2008 11:30 PM:Encinitas is in great shape as a city. Lot's of money, low crime, good schools, etc. Looks like Stocks & Bond and associates have done a pretty good job. Mrs. Collier is a nice lady, and would probably do a decent job. Bobbie Nanninga is so far left, he's not a serious contender. He can't remotely accurately represent the bulk of Encinitas voters.

M wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:29 AM:I loved the Bond movie, Never Say Never Again. Nobody does it better. Go James Bond...

Leucadian for Bond wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:37 AM:My friends and neighbors will be voting for James Bond! He has more common sense than all the other candidates put together...

Encinitas Voter wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:41 AM:Go James Bond! My family and friends will continue to vote for Encinitas' favorite politician...

Greencinitan wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:13 AM:If voters look at what Stocks and Bond have done to Encinitas, promoting secrecy, under-the-table employment arrangements for the City Manager, tolerating or promoting incomplete and developer-slanted reviews of new developments, and more, it is clear they would not be re-elected. At my first City Council meeting 2 years ago, Mr. Bond did not even know if the Council followed Robert's Rules of Order. The "boys" have got to be held accountable.

Paul wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:15 AM:Poor Bond. For his "freinds" to stupe so low. This is not good for his condition or his families happiness. Leave the poor man alone. Jim - Honestly, Its time to step down.

Real Republican wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:22 AM:I am a Republican and I am tired of the terrible borrow and spenders claiming to be republicans. I hate George W Bush, and Jerome Stocks and Jim Bond are just like him.... borrow and spend, borrow and spend thats all they do. I will be voting for someone besides these two for sure.

Excited About New Blood wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:25 AM:Forget about the incumbents - focus on the new blood in the race. New ideas, new perspectives and no more 3-2 votes just for kicks. Betsy Aceti, Rochelle Collier - let's get some new people in there who won't be voting while looking over their shoulder.

Fortune wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:52 AM:To "judge or not" Tony Brandenburg, after retiring from the Superior Court bench, was indeed appointed as the first Chief Judge of the Intertribal Court of Southern California. Brandenburg also is endorsed by the Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego County. Support Tony Brandenburg for the city council.

Mike wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:27 AM:I don't care who runs - you better be ready to fight for undergrounding the trains.

Bury the Trains or

Bury your Political Career here in Leucadia

Lets Get Real Mr. Bond wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:29 AM:Despite what the article says, the only reason Bond is back in the race is to hold onto his seat on the County Water Authority. That's a plum job in a state where water is power and, like an addict, Bond just can't give that up. Bond loves the stipends, the travel and the status that comes with sitting on the Water Authority. C'mon, tell it like it is Mr. Bond - you really don't have any interest in being a city council member - just the one big perk that comes with it.

Dexter wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:32 AM:Doug Long (Encinitas' own Zelig) will now have to turn his metaphorical guns on Stocks; though intellectually he appears no equal to the current incumbents, he might outwork the rest of the field; but that would leave Councilman Dalager (Forrest Gump) as the next Mayor, and that is never a pretty sight, but better than letting the Bolsheviks overrun city hall.

I suppose hoping for a Nanninga, Collier and Sheffo(Chauncey Gardner) finish would be too much to ask for?

Bruce wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:35 AM:Ken B.
As of now there is only one business owner in the race. One candidate with a proven environmental record. And one candidate who teaches in Encinitas Schools. That one candidate is Bob Nanninga.

Nanninga will win one of three open seats.

Nemo wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:53 AM:When men of Honor and principled conviction like Jim Bond serve and I repeat serve to protect our rights and personal freedoms from those with socialist agendas, I am proud to be a supporter of his. The idea of change should not be unwisely thrown about when dealing with property rights, freedom and the law. There are a few vocal here that would rejoice in taking all of it away. But you have the right to spew your hatred and twisted ideas so long as no one argues against you. Encinitas is a wonderful city with much thanks to individuals like Jim.

Happy Community Member wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:25 AM:"I'm elated that Betsy Aceti has entered the race. It's like a breath of fresh air - she is smart, caring and thoughtful and she would make an excellent City Council Member. Let's do away with politics as usual in Encinitas. 3-2 votes just for spite, back-stabbing and votes based on political expediency instead of what's best for the community. Go Betsy, Go!"

to Bruce wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:29 AM:Talk about exaggeration! Nanniga is not an employee of Encinitas schools. He is a consultant with Class Act that a few schools contact with for performing arts modules.

For the Judge wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:44 AM:For the record, (currently) Chief Judge Brandenburg frequently sat as "judge" to cover for other superior court judges during his long tenure as Commissioner. Further, he heard thousands of small claims and traffic cases, and has more experience in all types of law than many judges. So much so that the Intertribal Court of So. Cal sought him out as their Chief Judge because he also is well-versed in Indian law as it relates to state laws - something that few judges understand. Commissioners do a huge bulk of the work for the courts and are greatly underestimated. The JUDGE is known for his ability to mediate, settle, and keep many cases out of the expensive trial system. He can do the same for Encinitas - mediate between the antipathies.

Nanninga wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:55 AM:..gets hysterical on certain issues. Encinitas needs to keep level headed individuals on the dais.

Charlie wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:57 AM:It would appear the status quo has to rely on name calling in challenging the challengers. Hysterical? Really? Is that all you got Mr. Stocks.

gil wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:25 PM:i have had my disagreements with all the incumbants running for re-election...but i do NOT believe they have done a bad job. au contraire, the city is still a class act and one that i am proud of as they should be also. i try to eat the same breakfast everyday because my body and spirit have shown they thrive on such faire. i feel the same way about the incumbants running for re-election, they have NOT ruined our city, rather they have made it a model for other coastal communities.

mike wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:37 PM:Old Bond promised the soccer clubs that he will provide fields for them many yrs ago by Manchester near the lagoon...Well.. do to lack of research on the propery the deal fell apart [to the tune of $500,000.00 [his words]
Now thier doing it again!!
How much do we need to spend so his friends can kick a ball??? on propery we pay for but cant use unless you join a special club that specializes in kicking balls...!!!Vote for some one that will provide a true commuity PARK ,you can use!

to mike wrote on Aug 6, 2008 12:44 PM:You won't have to kick balls to enjoy the park. Do some research before you type.

Jack wrote on Aug 6, 2008 4:35 PM:James Bond started out with some good opinions about fiscal restraint. He has "caved" and now supports continuing raises for staff and contractors, and borrowing using "Lease Revenue Bonds," so that folks don't get to vote, although through the City, taxpayers must pay off the debt, including mounting interest.

Brandenburg shouldn't be labelling himself "Chief Judge." I don't think the police association's endorsement means anything much, either. They lne up with whomever they think will give them more work, although crime has been DECREASING. Costs incurred through the County Sheriff are continually increasing.

gil wrote on Aug 6, 2008 6:47 PM:hall EIR....................8/22
Public comment..(PC)........9/3
Planning Commission discussion...9/9
these events will help determine what a sitting council is inclined to do as regards the hall park property.
be involved.

John E wrote on Aug 6, 2008 7:10 PM:If Mr. Bond is sincere about addressing our very serious water shortage, he will become less sympathetic to new development.

The city is indeed well-run, and the current council is competent. However, I do not agree that a Houlihan-led troika would be a bad thing for Encinitas, and I am strongly endorsing Houlihan and Collier.

I am not against the Walgreens project, but I am adamantly opposed to giving this new store left turn access while blocking the same to two dozen existing businesses across the street. Bond et al. need to do a much better job of taking care of existing residents and businesses, instead of treating newcomers with blatant favoritism.

Elizabeth wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:58 PM:the City is not run well. 80% the money is spend on staff salaries and benefits. 15% is spent on repaying debt which leave 5% for other capital needs. Guess what, the City is spending $20,000,000 for 3 firestation face lifts. I do not call that run well. What are you comparing it to the state or federal govenment?

raynardo wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:22 AM:Elizabeth...where did you get those outrageous statistics? Certainly not from any legal documents. So, let me throw in my own statistics - 100% of your comments are pure caca. The facts are that Encinitas has a balanced budget (and will have for the next six years), it has increased it's reserves to the highest levels it's ever had, and housing values are holding better than in most other cities. Although there's no perfection in an imperfect world, the current city council is in large part responsible for these accomplishments.

Mark wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:55 AM:I agree with John. Nanninga and Collier are the two candidates who most represent progressive change.

Elizabeth wrote on Aug 7, 2008 7:28 AM:Raynardo .....Did you finish school yet? …. I didn’t think so…You check the numbers. Mine are right on....you are delusional. Just as one example..... Council was responsible for getting us into 20 million debt borrowed against the water district income stream to build an overpriced Library and firestation.....second, Council had nothing to do with home prices in the area. The beach is the reason home prices are doing well along the coast.

Gary wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:47 AM:It's time for a fresh perspective on the Encinitas City Council.

Collier and Nanninga are getting my votes.

gil wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:59 AM:elizabeth borrowing money to finance projects be they firestations, libraries, or parks is similar to borrowing to build your home. Cities like homeowners rarely have the capital to pay for projects at the time of construction. Secondly, the beach does play into the value of homes in the area but so do schools, libraries, fire stations, access to transit, roads, parks, and the list for encicitas goes on and on. Honestly, it is more than just the beach and our councils have had a large part in holding it together. The future councils are going to have to be attuned to the about to be mandated densification in existing urban areas. It is going to happen in Encinitas whether the NIMBY's like it or not, controling the densification so that the unique character of our coastal community survives is the question that our councils and planning commissions will have to wrestle with.

Becky wrote on Aug 7, 2008 12:56 PM:I dont go it debt to make my home the Ritz... the City shouldn't either. They should reduce pay so there is some turn over at the City. There is alot of deadwood at City Hall.

gil wrote on Aug 7, 2008 7:35 PM:unlike homes, fire stations, libraries and other heavy use facilities are designed to take abuse over fifty or sixty years. their construction is usually significantly sounder and safer than the average domestic dwelling. a library in a week may have more visitors than the average home has in a year and some of the visitors are not as nice as your friends.
reducing pay seems like a sticky proposition unless your city is truely built out. is the dead wood at city hall the lower paid workers or the engineers and planners that decide just how your city is built. perhaps the governor could use you input, his solution was to knock out most of the lower level employees and im not so sure that is the area that needs trimming. i would be interested to know the deadwood city employees. if one is not careful other cities quickly gobble up excellent employees because the pay structure may be out of line for the positions. tough call.

Cathy wrote on Aug 7, 2008 10:03 PM:Gil-...Your comments prove you have spent no time at City Hall.... there is deadwood that would make the 2007 wildfires look like a flicker..... you continue to amaze me with your ignorance of real life situations. You are definatley pumping for something.

raynardo wrote on Aug 8, 2008 7:25 AM:Elizabeth...I attack your wayward facts and you attack me personally, a tactic successfully used by Hitler and Stalin. If your premise that it is only the beach that makes the homes in Encinitas as desirable as they are, then why aren't the homes in Oceanside doing as well - it's beaches dwarf those of Encinitas and they have a great harbor as well. The logic just isn't there. The reason Encinitas does so well is that it is has a progressive council mix, some of the best infrastructure anywhere. In fact a couple of years ago, a CNN/Money poll declared Encinitas in the top 20 places in the US. There are certainly many other beach towns that were eligible but they didn't make it, so the beach wasn't necessarily the deciding factor. As far a Gil goes, I happen to know that he is a frequent visitor to City Hall and has offered his voice of reason to the council, various commissions in public meetings, as well as held private meetings with city hall people.
Again, I realize that there is not such thing as a perfect world. No utopia. And for sure one can't please all of the people all of the time, but in my opinion, and it's only my opinion, what's happening in Encinitas is much, much better than any other city in the county, and it ranks right near the top in the state. And there will always be naysayers, who are too often quickly forgotten, which is sad, since I would derive some comfort from bragging, "I told you so!"

Elizabeth wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:20 AM:Raynardo-

Calling me Hitler are you? Granted Oceanside is worse off than Encinitas.... However, why don't you commpare us to a normal good City like Solana Beach and see how we stack up. Encinitas was doing well until Jerome Stocks was elected. Insurance saleman are not known for their intelligence.... they are known for selling insurance policies as much as possible.

raynardo wrote on Aug 8, 2008 7:04 PM:If you would re-read my post you'd discover that I did not call you anything, but rather, I called your tactics into question. And when I pointed out how well the beach town of Encinitas was doing as compared to the beach town of Oceanside, you immediately conceded that point and then attempted to compare Encinitas to Solana Beach - a town that has even a smaller tax base than Encinitas (and then calling it normal, implying that Oceanside isn't normal!). Here's another point you have apparently also conveniently overlooked: since Jerome Stocks has joined the Encinitas council, their reserve funds are the highest they're EVER been! And that's WITH the new library, the new fire stations, the new parks (more money has been set aside for the completion Hall property than ever before), the downtown improvements, the roundabouts, the resurfacing of Encinitas Blvd., and on and on. Your blatant statement about insurance salesman and intelligence proves that you love stereotypes and you would never let facts get in your way. You've managed to show these readers your pitiful rationale, or lack thereof, and I would now suggest that very few people will refuse to seriously consider anything you espouse from this point forward. I'd suggest you change your moniker in order to prevent further embarrassment.

Elizabeth wrote on Aug 9, 2008 5:31 PM:Raynardo- Hit a nerve did I? Truth hurts sometimes when people don't like themselves. Sorry for the pain, but its better you know the truth.

Truth wrote on Aug 9, 2008 5:32 PM:Our reserves are peanuts. Our Debt is huge. Thanks to Jerome Stocks. Vote for anyone else.

Zeus wrote on Aug 9, 2008 5:55 PM:Raynardo- You are a propaganda machine... Heee Hee Heeee. Its funny to read your stuff.... It’s even funnier if people believe you considering the City of Encinitas DEBT has never been higher.

gil wrote on Aug 10, 2008 12:37 PM:of course the city debt is high. our population has grown, and our additions to the fixed infrastructure have grown.
we have added a huge library, a new public works yard, a gigantic potential park area, projected renovation/rebuilding of fire stations, renovation of our main streets and of course regular upkeep and maintainence of existing areas, escalating salaries and retirement benefits and the list could go on and on. if one believes the budget analysis and six year forcast we will have a balanced budget over that period even with the debt service. the truth is this situation has developed over many councils and council-persons. that includes bond, stocks, maggie, danny,christie, really every council person over the last 12 years. is this a bad thing? only if we find we are unable to service all the goods on the table. is it a good thing? only if we are able to service debt and get the projects on the table completed. would we be better off with no projects, no debt, and a slowly eroding infrastructure with inadequite recreational and educational facilities? i think not. the current financial position of the city is in fact a bit frightening for the long time fixed income residents of the city. but the city is still a nice place to live. of course i regret the loss of the agricultural elements because the city is also a great place to grow crops. but times change...and people go through changes. personally, i just try to slow pace of the change so that we all have a chance to weigh in on the direction the change takes us in. so yes, i am a foot dragger. this is my last entry on this piece as the conversation seems to be bogging down into a name calling session and i am not to keen on that.

Ego Gil Ego wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:42 PM:Gil your pretty keen on upzoning on Lake aren't you?

John wrote on Aug 10, 2008 9:47 PM:I am glad its Gils last post. He rambles on and on.... and is bias considering he gains from a Lake upzone. Keep pumping up council Gil. Its easy to understand why.

gil wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:41 AM:sorry - back to clear up untruths.
1. i have no financial interest in ANY property in encinitas and only lose my growing area if the brown property is developed. anyone having factual information to the contrary should post same.
2. of course i feel the lake property should be upzoned and built green when it is developed. in a green world one house per acre in this area is unrealistic.
3. the only person running for council that i have made a committment to support is maggie houlihan. i will be very disappointed if she is not re-elected.
4. i am not a dis or mis information junky. i may ramble a bit but the only manure i spread is on my crops, always been that way. if my statements seem too rational maybe they are.
5. may not be my last post if folks keep trying to get the last mis-informed word out on me. ha-ha.

Prop A wrote on Aug 12, 2008 2:20 PM:Remember Prop A, the Ecke land rezoning, which would have allowed Ecke to go back on a promise he made to the city. Well, Stocks and Bond not only supported it but wanted to approve the rezoning without a vote. Fortunately there was a vote, and the people of Encinitas resoundingly defeated it. Say no to "develop at all costs" politicians. Say no to Stocks and Bond. Go back to retirement Jim and take Stocks with you.

CFO wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:38 PM:the true figures on City debt are in 2006 the city owed 30 million. In 2007, they jumped it up to $50 million with a total debt of $80 million dollars without ever taking it to a vote. That about $1,280 per resident. Stop the borrow and spenders. Stop Jim Bond and Jerome Stocks.

TBone wrote on Sep 11, 2008 2:29 PM:NIMBYs UNITE!! What crackpot came up with putting the rail line underground? Give me a break!! Sounds really expensive and wasteful to me. Don't like the train noise? Move back to Arizona (or L.A., or wherever you started). JUDGE Brandenburg (check your facts Jack, I SAW him get sworn in) has the CITY'S best interest in mind, and not a personal agenda. Unlike some, he has lived here for over 50 years. has children in the school system, and experience in business, education, and politics. Brandenburg is the ONLY candidate that I will vote for in this election.