Christina wrote on Nov 1, 2008 8:51 AM:I think we need new blood in office, Vista seems so behind compared to other growing cities, e.g, San Marcos... I've lived here ten years and certain areas like the corner of Escondido and S. Santa Fe are looking worse and worse the day laborers all around there are bringing down the community and nothing has been done. With the city hall being just down the street you would think this problem would have been resolved a long time ago.

Larry wrote on Nov 1, 2008 10:57 AM:Christina, the problem is the mayor's priorities. He loves a new city hall, but could care less about the rest of us. And since Mayor Vance has endorsed Aguilera, you'd do best to vote for anyone BUT Aguilera. An endorsement from Morris Vance should send up red flags.

Long time Vistan wrote on Nov 1, 2008 1:10 PM:I agree with Christina. Get new blood in there. I have heard alot of very promising things about Gene Ford. He led that cement batch opposition group and kept that thing out of our neighborhoods. He seems like the kind of person that will work for US and not be bought by the old money folk to do their bidding. The half cent sales tax will generate ALOT of opportunities...who do we want making those decisions? I'll hang my hat on the guy who spent 40 years managing hundreds of millions of dollars in investments in the finance world.

Artsyrat wrote on Nov 1, 2008 4:04 PM:This is what I am looking for in a candidate for Vista City Council. A person who will;
1. Focus on the Townsite and Central areas of Vista with infrastructure improvements, new and appropriate businesses (not lowscale cheap bargain stores), vitalizing the Townsite area allowing it the ability to come alive with a safe and healthy environment for all who live there and all who visit there.
2. Begin the South Santa Fe/Mercantile redevelopment project asap.
3. Put a sidewalk and curb in on North Santa Fe between Bobier and Tyler Streets where school children and residents walk on a daily basis.
4. Build a new and better skate park for the kids of this fine community.
5. Improve communication with the citizens of Vista and the City Government when it comes to the opportunities for citizens to be involved in or spaek at hearings and all public meetings. This includes improving the communication and involvement with the Latino community here which is about 45% of the City's population.
6. Never use Eminent Domain on any property that a person does not want to sell, particularly single family dwellings that are rezoned to commercial.
7. More law enforcement which would include, Deputies, Detectives, Neighborhood Policing Teams, COPPS, throughout the city but particularly in North and Central Vista.

I must be dreaming..........

Vista Resident wrote on Nov 1, 2008 4:16 PM:This city does need a change. The Mayor would be a good place to start. He has continued to invite homeless shelters and 99 cent stores and illegals. We really need some first class leadership to improve this community.

Vista Wathdog wrote on Nov 1, 2008 4:20 PM:Didn't the City of Vista pass a law requiring permits of some sort to hire these day laborers? With our current revenew shortfalls why isn't the city enforcing this law and balancing our budget on the backs of those who continue to laugh at us? Yes, Vista is a laughing stock only because those in charge haven't the will to enforce the laws they pass.

New blood migh help, but only if they are willing to do the dirty work needed to clean up this mess!

Betsy wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:24 PM:I agree with Larry, any endorsement from the Mayor is just asking for trouble. Lopez is a good choice because he has a business right where the S Santa Fe redev project is. Also, Lopez is Latino which is really good for Vista since we are 44% Latino. Vance just ignores the townsite area and could care less about that part of town.
Aguilera is a good choice because he supports youth and is experienced with financing.

My votes go to Lopez and Aguilera.

Proud Vista Mom wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:44 AM:To Vista Resident: Vance invite homeless shelters? Are you kidding me? He has cleaned up the homeless problem in Vista BIG TIME! Go to one of our neighboring cities and just drive around those communities on a Saturday and you will see some real homeless problems. When I drive around Vista I dont see the homeless laying in our parks or panhandling even one tenth like I do in those other places. And those places that you say he invited into Vista are work centers and educational facitilies NOT shelters. They put people into jobs and back into college so they can get off the dole. Have you ever been to one of Vista's so called shelters? They arent shetlers really but more like a mini college. You should go volunteer and do something productive with your time and mind. Stay away from these blogs. :)

To Proud Vista Mom wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:09 PM:I think you are giving Vance too much credit here. I know first hand that there are a great number of folks who work and volunteer with or about homeless, addicts and prositutes in Vista and those are the people who are responsible for the change.

To Vista Resident wrote on Nov 3, 2008 12:36 PM:I agree that there are many who devote themselves to the causes you mention. Vista is blessed to have some great champions. But I also know that a local elected official can have a big influence on the level of impact that those causes carry. Vance had a choice to influence the TYPE of programs that were developed in this city of ours. He chose to get behind programs that promote work and education and accountability. These programs differ greatly from the emergency shelters, food lines and handout programs in other cities. One need not wonder long about the associated outcomes. Which would you rather live next to, Grape Day Park or Brengle Terrace Park?

I read recently that there was a documentary being done in Vista that shows the success that Vance and others have championed. I hope it demonstrates how the approaches differ.

I hope the North County Times and other publications begin to explore this contrast. What is Vista doing that works so well compared to these other cities? I know Vance is just one reason...but one cannot dismiss his influence. To do so would be a foolish attempt to discredit what is clearly a huge positive impact to us all.

Artsyrat wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:47 AM:To the 12:36pm post called 'To Vista Resident',

Clarify please. Tell us some details about Vance's true successes. How are and by whom are these so called successes determined as successes? I do not like Vance at all but am willing to hear some of what you consider 'his good' that he has done here in Vista. I remember when Vance was City Manager, he did a horrible job! I was shocked when he was voted in as Mayor x2.