LAKE ELSINORE: Feeney focusing on safety, animal shelter
City Council candidate putting public safety funding first
By AARON CLAVERIE - Staff Writer | ∞
Editor's note: This is the third in a series profiling 11 candidates vying for three seats on the Lake Elsinore City Council in the Nov. 4 election.
LAKE ELSINORE ---- Carole Feeney drives around and sees evidence of an economic slowdown that has led to a huge uptick in home foreclosures and more needy families on the streets.
"I think that nearly everyone has at least six foreclosed homes on their block," said the 47-year-old City Council candidate.
But instead of using that slowdown as an excuse to slash city spending across the board, the accounting assistant sees an opportunity to redefine the city's priorities and create a new budget that is tied more closely to anticipated revenues.
The other candidates competing for the three council seats that are up for election this year are Barbara Alongi, 72, a retired veterinary technician; Amy Marie Bhutta, a 39-year-old high school English teacher; 55-year-old Planning Commissioner Jimmy Flores; Chris Hyland, 79, a former Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District director; 45-year-old incumbent City Councilman Robert Magee; Steven Manos, 32, a real estate broker; Melissa Melendez, 40, owner of a transcription company; 28-year-old Public Safety Advisory Commission Chairman Michael Norkin; 58-year-old Planning Commissioner Michael O'Neal; and Joyce Smith, 61, executive director for a custom home builder.
The top issue for Feeney, a former City Council candidate who ran in 2006, is the staffing of the Police Department, which she said needs to be kept at one officer for every 1,000 residents.
"That number is the minimal number," she said.
In recent years, the council has boosted funding for the police and fire departments, and the council members recently approved spending $7 million to build a new fire station. There are currently more than 50 officers patrolling the streets of the city of about 50,000.
The percentage of city spending going toward public safety has jumped from 30 percent a few years ago to 43 percent in the most recent budget.
Continuing to fund public safety at that level could be tough as some city officials predict the city's revenues will come up short of expectations this year.
Feeney is aware of the budget challenges on the horizon but she said the city shouldn't have to reduce public safety spending.
"There are lots of cuts in the budget before we would ever cut public safety," she said.
Specifically, she noted there needs to be greater scrutiny paid to the salaries of some of the city's administrators and the employees working at City Hall, which saw hiring boosted during the housing boom earlier this decade.
"Cuts need to occur according to demand," Feeney said, talking about how she would decide what departments to target in a budget crunch.
Also, Feeney said she wouldn't take the possibility of layoffs off the table.
"Everything needs to be looked at," she said. "People are getting laid off in the public sector and at the city government level. That's something to prepare for."
Another issue important to Feeney is the city's role in the construction of a regional animal shelter.
That project looks to be moving forward after years of delays but Feeney said she believes the city of Lake Elsinore, site of a temporary shelter that was damaged in a recent fire, needs to take on a larger role in the new shelter's construction.
The joint powers authority building the new shelter, which will be located in Wildomar, is composed of county Supervisor Bob Buster and representatives from the City Councils in Lake Elsinore, Temecula, Murrieta and Canyon Lake.
"It's been a slow process and I'd certainly like to expedite that," she said.
Feeney's interest in the shelter can be traced to her passion and work on behalf of animals.
"I've picked up animals that are lost and taken them over to the shelter. I've donated food. I do all that but I don't expect anything back. That's another reason why I want to run for City Council," she said, talking about her desire to give back to her community.
Contact staff writer Aaron Claverie at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2624, or aclaverie@californian.com.
Carole Feeney
-- Age: 47
-- Occupation: Accounting assistant
-- Civic involvement: Volunteer for the Lake Elsinore Unified School District and the group Helping our People in Elsinore.
-- Web site: www.carolefeeney.com
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james wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:21 PM:What is wrong with today’s politicians? They perform just a little bit of volunteer work but they want to be rewarded with a council seat. We haven’t heard from this candidate for three years when she last ran for city council and all of a sudden she appeared from nowhere again. Hey look at me, I’m helping HOPE and I’m putting up campaign signs for Mr. Buster. She is not alone, Norkin said the same thing on his flyer when he said that “Trauma Intervention program opened up my eyes”. When these people want to get involved to help, be very wary, they are here simply to help their own cause. They are not here for the public. Classy people never brag about their volunteer work.
kidder wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:30 PM:Are you kidding me? Does this lady haave any idea what she is talking about? This newspaer is helping me to make up my mind about who to vote for. And since when has this lady become a volunteer at the school district? Helping at a single event doesn't make you a "volunteer".
smart wrote on Sep 3, 2008 9:39 PM:Ms. Feeney you got my vote, she knows what RDA stands for-Reccomented Daily Allowance. You are the one our city needs.
to James wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:33 PM:If you only knew what you were talking about... Before slandering people, how about you take the time to meet them and talk to them... I personally know both candidates you mentioned in your blog, and you couldnt be further from the truth. Before you spew your opinions, do a fact check!
People wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:48 PM:So let's see here, first Alongi gets blasted, then Bhutta, now Feeney. Is it that there is no candidate who can ever possibly appeal to you people, or is it just because they are women? Not accusing, just curious that's all. I'll be interested to see the comments about some of the men running for office and see if this is a fair and balanced jury.
Manny wrote on Sep 3, 2008 10:59 PM:We need more people like Carole Feeney who drives around and observes what is going on in our city. I'm going to start doing that too. You are a trend setter Mrs. Feeney. You are so right about our city administrators and their salaries. Let's fire the entire city staff. Who needs them? Gosh, I wish there were more people like you and Bob Buster who care about animals so much. Listen here people, let's all vote for her, she even donates food to the animal shelter. Eat your heart out other candidates.
Rick wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:25 AM:If donating food to animals is a major portion of Ms. Feeney's qualifications to elect her to the Council then we have got a real problem. Cutting positions at City Hall sounds good but it won't be enough, we need more revenue and the last time I looked the Animal Shelter is a recipient of city revenue, it doesn't generate any revenue. So far we have someone who is from the past, an elitest who wants to build a performing arts center and a dog lover. This is getting scary we need quality candidates if ever there was one.
I Love L.E. wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:27 AM:What a bunch of mis-quotes and incorrect statements. ... The writer of the story must have experienced bad static during the telephone interview. We need to see a corrected story about this candidate.
Andy wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:28 AM:I guess Ms. Feeney would like to have the entire city staff and Council drive around the city looking for stray cats and dogs to bring to the shelter. This will help everyone who lives in our city feel better at night.
TO PEOPLE wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:36 AM:"People", I agree with you somewhat. OUR COMMON PUBLIC WILL NOT MAKE THESE INSANE COMMENTS. The fact is I did receive Norkin's mailer about 5 months ago and he did mention in it about his volunteer work and Trauma program. Not Classy at all!!!! Look at the list of candidates and figure out who is the culprit. One of my friends goes to LAS PALMAS and she knows the owner, if you call him, he will tell you who is making these comments. Don't be silly it's not him or his friend Manos.......Exactly Manos who?
Mrs. Alongi was constantly compared with her husband, that was wrong, however, they actually gave Bhutta some positive comments but her negative comments got her some cash. Funny they actually helped her! The other two seats will be decided when I see the rest of the profiles. Personally, I don't care for a lot of the other candidates but it is unfair to reveal their names. It will only be fair when I read the rest of the articles. After all, we live in a free society and I can vote for anyone I want without reading. I go with my gut feelings and 98.5% of the time I make the right decision. The Californian is doing a fair job so far!!
ex wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:42 AM:I used to live in OC and recently moved here. I have been reading all your blogs and they are very interesting. I was a mayor and a council member for 10 years and i have never seen anything like that. Elsinore's public needs to be educated. When someone talks about a library or performing arts center they are usually built from grants that shows how much you all know. So far candidate Amy is my number one choice. Good luck to you all.
Hey Ex wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:58 AM:Although you may be right about the whole grant thing, I guarantee you candidate Amy doesn't know that! She is tied in with Buckley, and because Buckley is pushing for a 77 million dollar civic center, Amy is riding on the coat tails of that idea... Good luck finding a grant for 77 million in these economic times.
Im wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:48 AM:With you Mr. Ex, we do have some people like 'hey ex' who are running for one of our council seats. Scary!!!
Yeah wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:53 AM:I'm voting for Magee, Amy and Norkin
Tired of the craziness wrote on Sep 4, 2008 8:57 AM:I don't care how often or little she, or anyone else volunteers. If you volunteer any time at all, I think that's terrific. I'm more concerned about the vision, the plan, the meat of their platforms. Isn't that the whole point of all of this? Please, please, show me a candidate who has something that even remotely resembles a vision with a plan to back it up.
nope wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:05 AM:feeney, o'Neal and hyland
nope wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:31 AM:I am voting for Feeney, O'Neal and Hyland!
three M wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:52 AM:it's going to be Flores, Melendez and Manos
three OL wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:55 AM:Hyland, Alongi and Smith will win
Voting date wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:56 AM:CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT THE DATE IS TO VOTE FOR THE COUNCIL MEMBERS???????
to tired wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:03 AM:You show us, please please. Stop making crazy comments and get back to your work please please...
yikes wrote on Sep 4, 2008 10:43 AM:To OC, it is you who needs an education my friend. Civic centers and performing arts centers are not built solely from grant funds, especially when you're talking about a city like Lake Elsinore, which is void of any culture to begin with, and not exactly a thriving metropolis that would be attractive to a funding organization. Grants are an option, yes, but the city WILL have to pay into it.
to vikes wrote on Sep 4, 2008 11:50 AM:Are you ready for some football? I don't likes the Vikes and your comment. Who is OC? Relax you silly goose, be happy it's lunch time. Go eat something! Take a deep breath! There ya go!
H. Reasoner wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:22 PM:THE DATE TO VOTE IS NOVEMBER 4TH. Remember, do your homework and make a smart decision, leave the emotion out of it guys.
homeowner wrote on Sep 4, 2008 5:25 PM:I have to say that this candidate seems more interested in the animal shelter and not much else. I agree the city needs a new shelter, but aren't there other priorities too? This city needs someone with ambition and the smarts to make things happen here. For a city with such great geography and history, it really seems to me that Lake Elsinore is not really being developed with a long term view. I don't think it will ever be a vacation or tourist attraction. The city needs to focus on improving the quality of life of its citizens. We need support for mom and pop businesses and not chains! We need a public institution of higher learning, like a community college. We need infrastructure! Public Athletic sports centers. We need Bike paths and interesting parks. We need local farmer Markets, and what happened to the famous elsinore swap meet? and A new animal shelter but we need leadership and smarts! Look what little old temecula did in 20years for its citizens! Has anyone seen their public sports facility with its pool? It is a crime that Lake Elsinore is in shambles at this day and age.
Bob wrote on Sep 4, 2008 5:40 PM:Face it, woman politicians are more honest than men and real estate agents.
Hyland, Alongi & Feeney
To homeowner wrote on Sep 4, 2008 6:19 PM:hey, it seems to me that you just went to Amy Bhutta's website.
I really do wrote on Sep 5, 2008 5:57 AM:Well, I "reccoment" that everyone really look into these people before voting.
hey I really do wrote on Sep 5, 2008 10:53 AM:spell check next time or should I say speel check...
O Please wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:32 AM:I know Carole Feeney, and for all you naysayers who have never met or talked to her you, sound pretty foolish to me. Do your homework. She is a fine human being who doesn't have special interest money for big fancy signs, but she has a great big love for Elsinore and the people in it. She drives around Elsinore when she can, to speak to the regular citizens and asks what they think would improve their city. We need new ideas and people on the city council. Feeney is one of them. Vote Feeney, Hyland, and Smith.
Josh wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:35 PM:I've known Carole Feeney for the past 10 years and the comments posted above flat out make me sick. Carole is one of the most kind and caring devoted persons I've ever met. As others have said above Carole is one of the very few candidates running for council that truely has a devotion to this city and to finally make a change for the residents needs, instead of avoiding the problems and sweeping issues under the rug as is common practice within the council. I have been a resident of Lake Elsinore for 22 years and I have not seen any changes in that time when it comes to the ... we are still stuck in, and even with 2 Council members living in the same housing track as me and to never get a wave back or smile while walking the dog around the block it really makes me feel great that a bunch of ... are still running this city. It is time for a change !!!! and the first step is to elect candidates who truely care for the city they live in and to make it a better place to live for all the current residents and ones who wish to come and enjoy what this city has to offer.
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