Pirate wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:13 PM:Sanchez opposed the gang injunctions, opposed cooperation with the Border Patrol to fight illegal immigration and tried to punish the Camber of Commerce. SAY NO TO ESTHER SANCHEZ.

Matt wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:20 PM:Say No to Sanchez! She did not support the gang injunctions, she favors illegal immigration, is against the border patrol and she is anti business. I have seen the TV ad and the back up documentation it is all true.

Broken Promises wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:49 PM:I just got a leaflet left at my door by Rocky. In it he blames Sanchez and Mayor Wood for failing to build the Rancho del Oro Interchange. But the reason I voted for him and his endorsed candidate, Kern, 2 years ago was to build the interchange. I've called him and Kern several times asking about it, and they never returned my call. They never did ANYTHING to build it. I was had!!! Sanchez and Mayor Wood have said all along that it could not be built. Now I see they were telling the truth! On top of that, I've just learned that Carlsbad wants to build over 600 residential units on the other side of 78 -- all because the RDO interchange is "on the circulation element." I will NOT be voting for Rocky again!!! Fool me once ... NOT again! I'm asking all of my neighbors in Rancho del Oro to please vote for the candidates who really care about neighborhoods -- vote for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery!

Easy decision wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:52 PM:I'm glad that the reporter put it simply -- if I care about what is happening to Oceanside and my neighborhood, I should vote for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery. And if I care more for developer money, I should vote for Chavez and Feller. I've got a family, so I care more about my kids than I do about any out of town developer who seems to be adding to my time on the road. I will be voting for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery.

Jeffries Ranch wrote on Nov 1, 2008 7:58 PM:We don't need more cross traffic dumping into our neighborhood. And all Feller and the developers want is to build the Melrose bridge so they can start pressuring Morro Hills to get rid of their farms and build higher density housing -- more congestion! Feller does not have a vision of anything other than his campaign coffers. I want an Oceanside that is proud of its agri-business who is going to be a friend to all businesses -- NOT just to out of town developers who milk the city then quickly leave. Esther has helped us in the Jeffries Ranch area. She understands the need for balancing neighborhood preservation and economic development. My vote is for Esther!

The worse ever wrote on Nov 1, 2008 8:03 PM:I agree that this is the DIRTIEST campaign I have ever seen! But this trend started 2 years ago, with out of town interests using the airport association to funnel in their money. Judging on the dozen of hit pieces I've received in just the last couple of days, the airport/pilot association has now spent over $100,000 against Wood, Sanchez and Lowery -- especially Lowery. They have spent a heck of alot more than the firefighters. Plus, Feller and Chavez have spent over $100,000 each, defending their love-relationship with developers -- at the cost of us, residents and taxpayers. I pray that no one pays any attention to the big slick, expensive mailers of Chavez, Feller and the airport pilots association. For the sake of Oceanside, I ask everyone to vote YES for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery!

Flip Flop Flip Flop wrote on Nov 1, 2008 8:13 PM:I've been following Rocky Chavez, and I have to say that I am so tired of Mr. Chavez' changing positions, over and over and over again. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but his arrogance has finally convinced me that I should NEVER vote for him. I will be voting for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery. They have never flipped or flopped, and while I have not always agreed with Wood or Sanchez, their decisions have always been based on how much they care about Oceanside, and not their pockets or developer money.

Gibson who wrote on Nov 1, 2008 8:16 PM:All I can say is that everytime I see those gosh awful yellow signs, I get a big headache! And those signs seem to multiply over night! I will be very glad after November 4th comes and goes. Please make sure that ALL signs are picked up immediately -- including and especially that Gib ones!

Over the top wrote on Nov 1, 2008 8:20 PM:You guys went over the top on Sanchez. I now have much less respect and support for the airport, which has enjoyed majority support in the last couple of years (I voted for Chavez and Kern) but which has given me huge disappointments. Why did the airport go after Sanchez anyway? She led the way for that airport operator -- she made the motion for it. You just lost your credibility with me and everyone that I know. I'm voting for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery.

Litter wrote on Nov 1, 2008 8:43 PM:My neighborhood was littered today by some piece of paper put on everyone's car by Rocky Chavez. It was about the failed Rancho del Oro Interchange that Rocky promised the last time he ran. Well, Rocky, did you think I would forget your promise? You've done NOTHING to ease my traffic. As a matter of fact, you've made it worse. Your promise is like the litter you left in my neighborhood -- and worth just as much! I'm voting for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery.

I will be wrote on Nov 1, 2008 9:17 PM:so glad when this election is over. My recycle bin is filled to bursting with all the nasty mailers from all the "front runners." My vm is loaded with pre-recorded tripe that echoes the nasty mailers. I'm DONE!
Noah Nate!

WHATS UP CHAVEZ wrote on Nov 1, 2008 9:26 PM:Two years ago Rocky Chavez and Jerry Kern ran a campaign to build the RDO Interchange. They promised to join with Feller and build it! Today, on my car I got a flier saying that Wood was responsible for the Interchange not being built. That is what they said in 06 and we believed them. Two years later after they got a bullet-proof majority (affectionately called KFC) they have done nothing to build the Interchange and today I get a flier on my car saying it is Wood and Sanchez's fault. What's Up with that??? They have the votes and they have not built it. I think I was misled in 06 and now I am ready to give the other side a chance at doing something about the traffic. As I see it. KFC have done nothing but approve more and more development that has put more and more cars on our roads and have made things worse not better. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me, The folling is over and I want a change in the majority. WSL can't do any worse.
Vote Wood, Sanchez and Lowery.

Hilarious wrote on Nov 1, 2008 9:57 PM:So Lowery, Wood & Sanchez are supported by our fantastic cops and firefighters. I couldn't be happier. The neighborhoods support them too. The only way they will lose is if the sleezy outside money gets people doubting their own conscience!

A REAL Pirate wrote on Nov 2, 2008 12:56 AM:I've been working with Esther against gangs and I know for a FACT that she supported the gang injunction. The airport association is putting out alot of lies about Esther. She has already said it was not true, and you guys continue with your lies. I also heard her say very that she is against illegal immigration. If Feller and Chavez are better, then why not base this race on their record? Oops! Feller and Chavez' record is all about making it worse for us residents! I'm voting for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery!

OUTRAGEOUS LIES wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:01 AM:I am outraged by the lies that the airport association is making about Esther. First the unethical push polls, then the $30,000 lies on TV. And the airport isn't even an issue??!! Follow the money and its the REAL ESTATE PAC funding all the smear campaigns against Sanchez, Wood, and Lowery, to the tune of $200,000! Oceanside, please vote for our true representatives -- vote for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery!

YES wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:04 AM:YES to Wood, Sanchez and Lowery!

Tisk Tisk Tisk wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:08 AM:Did you really believe that you can erase history with those TV ads and verocious mailers? WHAT were you THINKING???!!! Your surrealistic tirade against Sanchez, Wood, and even Lowery have made me realize you are NOT to be trusted. Akin to the national elections, you guys are throwing out "issues" (i.e., red herrings) to try to make me forget about the real issues in Oceanside -- concrete and asphalt plants all over Oceanside in exchange for the almighty dollar! More congestion without any relief! I'm voting for those who care about Oceanside and my neighborhood -- Wood, Sanchez and Lowery!

Niet wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:14 AM:Dear "Pirate" and "Matt" -- you are both incorrect. Sanchez has worked with law enforcement long before she decided to run for Oceanside City Council. And she worked with the residents on the injunction -- completely the opposite to what has been purported. Whether someone is guilty or not of violating any law is for a judge or jury, and I hope that we all have a competent attorney in defending any and all charges -- like the ones you have made against her. So, my only question is -- since your premises are incorrect, will you be supporting her? Or is your objection to her based on hate? Inquiring minds want to know.

Eastside Resident wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:20 AM:I feel that you airport people are mocking our residents. It was a very hard decision for each one of us to decide to ask for more help from OPD and the district attorney's office. No one wants to see any family hurt, whether it be by a misguided teenager or a misguided child. Esther Sanchez did not oppose the gang injuction. She has never interfered with our police department. On the contrary, she has attended many neighborhood meetings with OPD and code enforcement to help us address problems with gangs and drugs. Things are better in our neighborhood because Esther has helped. You should have attended our meeting with Chief McCoy, when we released the results of our neighborhood survey. We celebrated the improvements to our neighborhood, and Esther was right there with us. We need more representatives like Esther, not more. We are voting for Esther for Oceanside City Council.

Voter breakdown wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:39 AM:According to the Registrar of Voters, as of 10/28/08, there are 29,443 registered Republicans; 24,458 registered Democrats; and 16,555 registered as "Declined to State." So, the difference between registered Democrats and Republicans is less than 5,000 -- with a potential 16,555 that could go either Dem or Rep. I just don't think it makes alot of sense for Feller and Chavez to continue to rant and rave about how everyone should be a Republican -- 24,458 + 16,555 = 41,013 are decidedly NOT Republicans.

Anti-business trio wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:49 AM:The people on the council who have voted "anti-business" are KFC. They turned over 75 acres of prime, commercial, job-producing land into high density condo projects, which now stand vacant. It's called GREED. Esther voted against the rezoning -- FOR businesses and jobs. NOW the terrible trio says they are about "business." The only business interest I see them pursuing is the business of self-interest. Those contributions from big corporations -- like Robertsons and Gregory Canyon Landfill and the Real Estate PAC -- is really obnoxious, outrageous, and downright anti-Oceanside! Everyone, please join me in voting for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery!

Oceanside Resident wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:57 AM:I was the unhappy recipient of an e-mail forwarded to me by the Airport Pilate Association, so-called "proofs" against Council Member Sanchez. I actually took the time to read through most of it -- and I can tell you there is absolutely no proof supporting the allegations they've made on TV. I'm puzzled as to why they would make such bold, unjustified statements about a candidate who has not taken a position against the airport. Reading about the money that they received, it appears the airport association has agreed to be a "front" for real estate interests. Now, THAT is disturbing -- are they trying to buy candidates and their votes? Feller has been saying that he has supported the firefighters 100%, so there apparently is nothing really wrong with the support given to the firefigher employees as alleged by Rocky. And Feller and the Airport Association have "taken on" our first defenders, our public safety men and women who put their lives on the line everyday -- for what? For developer intersts? Something stinks, similar to the hot asphalt plants Rocky wants on every corner. I'm voting for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery.

Lowery for Council wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:03 AM:We can use a little "peace" on the council. The "hawks" of KFC, as they go after neighborhood after neighborhood, has become seriously outrageous! I've never seen a council willing to "take on" neighborhoods, even calling members of the public names. Horrible! And Mr. Lowery is loved by veterans for standing by them. He even works with military kids on base. I believe Mr. Lowery will make a great addition to the city council. Please join me in voting for Wood, Sanchez, and Mr. Lowery!

Question wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:05 AM:Did Feller hold a press conference yesterday? One was reported by the UT!

OCEANSIDIAN wrote on Nov 2, 2008 3:25 AM:Yea....it's nasty. I can't believe some of the really dirty, false stuff the pilots association is spreading. They presume, yes presume, that Oceanside is a little military backwater hick town. Yes, Pendleton is next door and everybody likes the USMC, BUT don't confuse that with local politics. To say that Chuck Lowery has made cozy and nice with the anti-military crowd is pure fabrication and a good example of THE BIG LIE. Chuck Lowery is a SUCCESSFUL LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER who has lived in Oceanside all his life. He supports the men and women at Camp Pendleton and has ACTUALLY DONE THINGS FOR THEM. Compare that with Feller who has FAILED in running a business here and Chavez who has FAILED in operating a charter school here. Hot air is cheap folks, so don't be impressed by all of it coming from out of town interests. Interests who want to USE Oceanside for their own selfish purposes. Vote for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery for a better Oceanside. An Oceanside with a better quality of life and one with smart growth attuned to environmental concerns and sensitivity to neighborhood input.

Who to best lead wrote on Nov 2, 2008 5:45 AM:Are you better off today than two years ago, how is your 401 K doing? I know the Police Union and Fire Unions are not concerned about their future as it has been assured. However, in these trying economic times it easy to predict the election delayed announcement of the downturn in revenues; property taxes are down, sales taxes are way down and dropping fast. Are we going to ask our bargaining units for concessions, or ask for Mayor Wood’s "Public Safety Tax" so all can continue to receive the perks and benefits bestowed on them? The future is easy to see and no one, absolutely no one, running for office is talking about it. I do not like out of town money in local campaigns either, but I like the City Employee Unions running the town and reaching into my wallet even less, I will be voting my pocket book next Tuesday. My apologies to the troika in waiting; Jim, Esther and Chuck, but we can not stand to see millions more of our tax dollars given away to continue buying your City Employee Union support.

If you cant say anything nice you might as well run for office wrote on Nov 2, 2008 6:26 AM:Every other year brings local tactics aimed at making candidates look bad. And every year, the subject about negative campaigning gets dusted off but never laid to rest. The political system and the voting public would have an easier time dealing with this issue if not for ambivalence. We are used to seeing our local politicians condemn negative campaigning at the same time they or their friends scorching the earth against their opponents. Many voters call it a turn-off, but if the practice didn't have value the candidates wouldn't use it as much. Subjectivity makes it hard to reach a consensus on what exactly constitutes negative campaigning. One person's hardball is another person's dirty pool.
But we need to remember a lie is still a lie whether delivered by a push-poll or a union supported glossy flyers, and yes a “half truth” is a lie. Any candidate who goes beyond the pale has to answer to both their supporters and the voters. Reasonable people know that going negative says as much about the gunner as the target. However, I am beginning to resent candidates who attempt to capitalize on the negativity just as much or more than those who run negative campaigns. I am sick of the local calls and computer generated messages telling me I must vote for a candidate because they have been subject to dirty campaign tactics. While personally believe that no elected office is worth engage in dirty campaigning, I am particularly offended by candidates who fain offense at innuendo and perhaps slanderous statements when they have made a career out of such offensive remarks. And as such I will not be dissuaded by Esther Sanchez’s call for; "their campaign is dirtier than my campaign", especially coming from a person that has made character assassination the hallmark of their tenure in office.

Electile Dysfunction wrote on Nov 2, 2008 6:54 AM:We are the voters. Not the developers, not their unethical airport PAC, not the religious extremists, not people from VUSD, not the flag-waving troop abusers, not the lying "no new taxes" candidate. I have zero tolerance for advertising that is nothing more than influence peddling.

I will do my homework and decide who to vote for based on TRUST. I will not trust those who have promised all sorts of projects and not voted for them (even though they had a council majority voting block.) I will not vote for Feller, his lockstep buddy Gibson, waffle-man Rocky, or anyone else who makes promises they don't keep (and that includes you too, Kern).

I do want to thank them for using those pictures of our kids waving flags honoring our traditions. I am so grateful to the bogus airport PAC for exploiting children of Hispanic heritage. I am definitely voting for Charles Lowery, and will be telling my family and friends via email later today.

Dont forget wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:18 AM:that Feller, Chavez and Kern turned their backs on local neighborhoods in favor of out of town Robertson's cement. Turns out that Robertson's and their rep firm made big campaing donations. KFC also wants to build 2 asphalt plants that will have direct negative impacts on neighborhoods and traffic. Vote Wood, Lowery & Sanchez!

Umm.. wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:33 AM:Lets it put this way. I'm *SICK* of "triokas" and "majorities" and all that other crap on the city council. I don't want a bunch of candidates that work with each other, I want to see candidates that work for the PEOPLE who elected them.

Got it?

RDO supporter wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:56 AM:I know for a fact that Kern and Rocky are working on getting the RDO interchange back on the plan. Unfortunately Wood still sits on SANDAG and tells the county we don't want it. Wood neds to go.

Joan wrote on Nov 2, 2008 7:59 AM:I can't believe all of your nastiness. The real story is the Fire unions are running Jim Wood's entire campaign. They just want their big pay raises again. They have done at least 5 negative mailers to the opponents of their union bought candidates. They have spent about $150,000 and put up all of the signs for their troika.

Out of Town Money wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:38 AM:Where the heck do you suppose the police and firefighter's donations to Sanchez and Wood come from? (hint: it isn't local).

Wood and Sanchez are in the union's business of job security. There is not one logical reason why the unions oppose a private ambulance service merely providing transportation service other than that the unions fear competition and people who won't toe the union line. The unions have no real use in today's America other than to secure raises. There's other SoCal cities the unions have bankrupted all the while saying "we put our lives on the line for you." Never mind the US military, eh?

A vote for Wood and Sanchez is a vote for the unions which is a vote GUARANTEEING no competition in the city workplace and outside interests running City Council.

Ever wonder how Carlsbad has both a thriving industrial park and a beautiful city yet Oceanside remains a bedroom community?

kit wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:58 AM:Polarization for a perceived political gain, is no virtue. I hope I see the day when Oceanside is not known for its nasty local political races.

Confused wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:16 AM:If Chavez is in the pocket of the developers, why did he fight to stop Sanchez and Wood from selling off the airport for development?

OCEANSIDIAN wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:19 AM:Folks, don't pay any attention to the nasty, slanderous blogs on here backing Feller and Gibson. Can you imagine, here we have out-of-town propaganda and mud slinging attacking our own police and firefighters. So those public safety members band together, pool their campaign efforts and somehow that is wrong? Gimme a break. When Esther Sanchez and Jim Wood came on board our public safety people were being paid way under the going scale in other jurisdictions and they were leaving Oceanside in droves. It was a crisis. Fire stations were not being built and those that did exist were underfunded. Squad cars were dilapatated and old. Response time to 911 calls was slow. Poorly trained EMT's were being sent for medical emergencies. Now we have highly trained paramedics instead and response times are much better. The current contracts for public safety members are NOT exorbitant but are at last at least comparable with other cities. If you believe public safety is of the highest priority, don't listen to the corrupt out-of-towners who would exploit Oceanside. Vote for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery for a better Oceanside and a safe Oceanside!

Mary Lou wrote on Nov 2, 2008 9:32 AM:I just moved here and I don't get certain candidates dislike of your police and fire department. Everywhere else I have ever live, these folks who put their life on the line every day, were held in very high regard. The campaign mailers from those who want to get rid of our fire and police go right in the recycle bin. I am very supportive of re-electing Jim Wood and Esther Sanchez and also the new guy Charles Lowery. They care about our community and it really shows by the support they get. Remember negative guys Feller, chavez and gibson..you have lost lots of votes with your ugly ads and your association with the pilots group.

Yawn wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:09 AM:Apparently the person who "blogged" that s/he knew "for a fact" tht the RDO interchange is coming is confused. At the beginning of the campaign I asked that question over and over and over again. Nothing came up at a city council meeting -- not once -- during the last couple of years. Instead, controversial stuff like a concrete plant (after it was kicked out of San Marcos and Vista) was brought up -- and all I've heard from Chavez is how great it would be for Oceanside to have several of them in our city. My only question is -- was that before or after the campaign contributions? Oh yeah, RDO is not coming -- haven't you heard? The state is bankrupt, and we're into yet another future generation who will have to pay for the huge deficits created by big corporate greed (i.e., the "bailout").

Moved here from Vallejo wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:13 AM:I just move here also, from Vallejo California. We loved our firefighters and our police officers so much that they were the highest paid in the state with long term attractive contracts. Who knew the price we would pay for all this when the economy went south. Now Vallejo has been the first city to declared bankruptcy to cover unpaid debt and cancel the long term union contracts, they will not be the last. Sure we tried to work out a solution that would make the elected officials look good; end the end our only solution was forced bankruptcy. Fortunately I got out in time to move to Oceanside, however, it is now looking deja vu all over again.

Re Mary Lou wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:21 AM:Please show me exactly where (a link would be perfect) ANYONE has declared their dislike of the police and fire depts.

All I've seen is a justified distaste of how the unions continue to attempt to run this city. Over $150K in outside funds donated to Wood and Sanchez from the unions, all for their continued job security and guaranteed pay raises. Show me another industry where the worker is told who to vote for and controlled so utterly by their union.

So Mary Lou, put up or shut up. Show us where someone avowed their dislike of the police and fire depts specifically.

ric wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:41 AM:Got not one, but two flyers from the same source earlier this week. One was a puff piece promoting Feller as the the guy beyond "the muck and mudslinging". It was funded by the AOPA, a national lobbying/pilot organization. The other, an attack on Chuck Lowery and was funded by Oceanside Airport PAC. And who funds this PAC? My research says mostly out of town real estate interests. This sleazy attack was coordinated with the same people who sent the puff piece. Jack is above the mudslinging?

By the way, one source for their hit piece was the Tariq Khamisa Foundation. They are dedicated to Breaking the Cycle of Youth Violence by Empowering Kids, Saving Lives, and Teaching Peace. In 2006 Chuck was awarded a TKF Gandhi Nonviolence Award. I'm confused Jack. Are these not the values of our community?

OCEANSIDIAN wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:51 AM:RE: "RE MARY LOU": Now you show us the source and proof of your idiotic and false claim of : "Over $150K in outside funds donated to Wood and Sanchez from the unions..." "Outside funds???" Folks, this blogger probably doesn't even live in Oceanside, so what does he/she care about public safety in our City? " continued job security and guaranteed pay raises."???? Yeah, well I would hope that our police officers and firefighters have job security, or would you rather we just eliminate those jobs and outsource them to a security guard outfit? Or to a half-baked fire outfit? Yeah, I would say that those who want that kind of baloney dislike our police and fire departments. Absolutely. Why not? They don't live here, they only want to exploit Oceanside for their own selfish interests! Vote for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery, hometown people for our home town!

Woods donations wrote on Nov 2, 2008 11:31 AM:So much for the claim that the other side is in the pocket of the developers. Straight from the North County Times.


"Wood's biggest donors were Ben Kwak of San Diego, $5,000; RPR Oceanside Holdings of La Jolla, $2,500; Real Estaters of CA, $2,500; Ocean's Eleven Casino, $2,500; and developer Sterling Enterprises, $2,500."


http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/08/01/news/coastal/oceanside/z1e6947b3225af6a988257498005b0309.txt

OCEANSIDIAN wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:18 PM:re "Woods donations" OK, so here's the direct quote from a later North County Times, dated October 7, 2008: "Chavez's top donors included Gregory Canyon Ltd, $2,500; Herzog Contracting Corp., $2,500; businessman Joe Jubela, $5,000; attorney Chris Kleszewski, $6,000; and Robertson's Ready Mix of Corona, $5,000.

The Gregory Canyon partnership has been trying for years to build a landfill in Pala. Robertson's, which already had contributed $1,000 to Chavez's campaign, intends to build a controversial concrete plant in Oceanside, near Loma Alta Creek.

Wood reported several donations from retirees, plus $500 contributions from trash hauler Waste Management and Poseidon Resources." Judge for yourselves folks. If Chavez isn't a tool of developers, then what is he? Wood's contributors are not developers and if they were they'd be pretty dumb to fund his campaign, since Mayor Wood will only approve smart growth sensitive to the environment and community concerns!! Don't be misled folks by this kind of snake-oil. The truth is that Mayor Wood has shown his colors by leading the way to a better Oceanside with projects like El Corazon and the Senior Center to be built there and obtaining real paramedics for our Fire Department among many, many things. The troika of KernFellerChavez have had control of the Council for several years now and exactly what have they accomplished other than getting Robertson Cement approved in an area sure to impact neighborhoods and Loma Alta. Wood, Sanchez and Lowery have shown themselves to be honest and productive Oceanside leaders who only have the interest of Oceanside in focus. Not the interests of outside monied outfits who want to continue to exploit Oceanside. Vote Wood, Sanchez and Lowery for an honest and effective City Council!

Vallejo...youre funny wrote on Nov 2, 2008 1:48 PM:I highly doubt the person just moved from Vallejo. How convenient. It also if very interesting that Jack Feller was threatening the Police and Fire with, "we don't want a Vallejo here." Vallejo is not even relevant. Vallejo was a poorly run city that overpaid its employees...highest in the state is a little exorbitant. Oceanside is very financially stable and the current contracts with all employees are on par with the REGION...not the state. Neither the police or fire are the highest paid in the county.

I find it quite amusing that the police and fire unions are being called "outside special interests". Yes, maybe all the cops and firefighters don't live in Oceanside, but they work here and have a VESTED interest in the stability and success of the city. Robertson's concrete plant could care less what happens to our city. They will just keep on pumping out concrete in a very convenient location (for them).

Vote Wood, Sanchez, Lowery

Resident wrote on Nov 2, 2008 3:55 PM:Chuck Lowery had my vote until I received the flyers stating that he supports ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and groups like Border Angels. What is his stance on ILLEGALS?

SANDAG wrote on Nov 2, 2008 4:38 PM:RDO is not funded... Smart Growth and no money

to resident wrote on Nov 2, 2008 5:19 PM:You can't possibly be serious. That mailer was a slap in the face of our local community. It was an attack on legal immigrants, their friends, and their children. Those were pictures of high school kids. If Mr. Lowery had your vote before, which is doubtful, it's unfortunate that you were controlled by a cheap shot like that mailer. Border Angels provides water to people who might otherwise die in our inland deserts. Of course, if that flyer took your vote, Ben, you must be one of those people who would rather let sommeone die than give them a sip of water. You must not be a Christian. Please study the Bible and if you don't have one ask your neighbors.

ric wrote on Nov 2, 2008 5:25 PM:RE: Resident: See my post above. To cite an organization that has nothing to do with immigration is bogus. Oh, and of course O'Reilly. Now there's a credible resource. There are plenty of legitimate resources to find Lowery's positions. Or is that really not the point of you asking?

Its all sleazy wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:12 PM:I have received hostile mailers about all of the heavy hitters in this election. Might as well paint horns and little pointy tails on all of their pictures while they're at it, since they all like to play dirty, it seems. I'm voting for Beck and Martin for council--at least they're not mailing the mudslinging to my home.

Heres an idea wrote on Nov 2, 2008 8:52 PM:Vote KFC, have them lock up any future monies for fire or police, then when thier contracts go full term and it's time to resign they'll all go north to OC. I bet you didn't know that the same positions are making up to 28% more for the same jobs just 15 short minutes north.
To think the unions are driven by money is rediculous. Perhaps they are driven by the hopes of getting proper staffing, up-to-date equipment, and trying to keep up with inflation.
There are a lot of places to find money and cut corners...public safety is not one of them.

Vote Woods, Lowery, Sanchez!!!!!!

El grupo take over wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:05 PM:Rocky's El grupo has a open boarders policy. KFC plans for Oceansides future.

What is wrong wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:41 PM:What is wrong with firefighters and police officers donating a small amount of their own money to create a pool of money to support candidates that they think will support a good fire and police department? In Oceanside pooling money is the only way to compete with BIG BUCK DEVELOPERS, AND SPEICAL INTERESTS LIKE AIRPORTS FROM BACK EAST. And, it is wrong to call the police and fire associations "unions" because every group from high management down to street workers are represented by associations that bargain with the City Management (not the council, the management) on working ocnditions and salaries. The city manager determines what should be offered to employee groups and makes a recommendation to the council. This is just like every other city. And why does the paper exploit the money donated by our police and fire and treat the same organizations in Carlsbad, Vista and Escondido as not very remarkable? Especially since our police and fire are not paid as well as most cities in the county. Don't be fooled by developer owned candidates who would rather keep Oceanside marginalized so that they can live off contributions from developers who want any extra city money to be used to make their developments process easier. Why are Oceanside's developer fees some of the lowest in the county? The developers would rather give money to councilmembers than to pay fees. Please do not listen to those who want Oceanside to stay a marginal city. Vote for Wood, Sanchez and Lowery. If they mess up you can make changes in 2010. But give them a chance and see what happens.

Sleazy wrote on Nov 2, 2008 10:46 PM:Voting for Beck and Martin would be an incredible waste. Voting for other than those who you know will represent the people who live in Oceanside is irresponsible. Please don't vote. Leave the voting to those of us who actually care about the results of our actions. A symbolic waste of time and resources.

Vallejo is not even relevant wrote on Nov 3, 2008 12:29 AM:Oh sure thing, I do understand the difference between the firefighters and the police officers and their unions. Whast is funny is trying to attack special interest when you are one. Pilots, police/fire unions, it is all the same just lobbying for your position. However, while I don't care a hoot about the airport, I do care that my tax dollars are well spent and not through at some lobbying group to pay back political support. The Police and fire unions have the potiential to control the Council and cost all the taxpayers millions per year in increased salaries and benefits. Who says we will not follow the path of Vallejo, the police and fire unions?

oside voter wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:00 AM:I will not vote for anti-war chuck or his side kick Esther. The union only support these guys because they will give them more money. I will be voting for Gibson and Feller.

So what is Chucks position on Illegals wrote on Nov 3, 2008 10:33 AM:That is a HUGE issue for me. Maybe he'll win back my vote.

Taxpayer wrote on Nov 3, 2008 12:50 PM:The huge pay gift given to the police and fire unions in 2006 by Wood and Sanchez caused the city to issue $43 million in general obligation bonds. That means taxpayers get to pay for it for years to come.

This year the city has another $14 million of liability for payments to the unions it can't cover. With tax revenues declining, this amount will get larger. Check it out for yourself, its public information.

Oceanside isn't buying better public safety, it's just paying more for what it has. It's time to retire Wood and Sanchez.

Common Ground wrote on Nov 3, 2008 4:08 PM:We may disagree on the Oceanside City Council races, but hopefully we can all agree on the need to elect George McNeil to the MiraCosta Board of Trustees!!!