Airport groups wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:02 PM:Police and firefighters work in Oceanside and serve the needs of Oceanside residents. The airport groups are out-of-town people who should stay out of Oceanside politics and let the residents decide who to elect. Shame on Chavez, Feller and Gibson who seek money and support from this groups.

So many lies wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:20 PM:I lost all respect for Feller, Gibson and Chavez for being supported by the airport groups than run a campaign based on lies and more lies. The last flyer I received, splattered by fake blood, casting a negative light on Lowery and the Tariq Khamisa Foundation really incensed me. Mr. Khamisa forgave his son's killer and works to help students reject violence. How dare you to smear these men and their work for the young people of the community.

Shame on you wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:27 PM:Two years ago, the airport WAS an issue; this year it is NOT. Council member Sanchez made the motion, choosing the airport operator, so it's a done deal. The airport has simply been used as a shell for outside Developers who want to be able to OWN city council members. They already have 3 -- and Feller and Chavez have been quoted that they want a super majority developer-driven council. Well, you guys have done more damage to Oceanside neighborhoods in the last two years than any other council. My neighborhood is backing Wood, Sanchez and Lowery. Oceanside deserves the best.

Shell Game wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:34 PM:The airport has allowed itself to be used! They've lost alot of support, because of it. And more and more stuff is coming out about Feller --and his hit pieces on our brave first responders has made him lose alot of respect. Mr. Feller has alluded to his drug and alcohol addictions in the past, and we all know he lost his sandwich business. Living off campaign contributions is NOT honorable. Mr. Feller needs to move on, and the pilots needs to stick to flying.

Union hacks wrote on Nov 3, 2008 7:40 PM:I see no mention was made of the over $200,000 spent by the fire and police unions for Woods, Lowery and Sanchez. By the way, most of them do not reside in Oceanside. When I spoke to several of them at the candidate forums, they admitted that they live in San Diego, San Marcos and Carlsbad. Who should be ashamed? These guys, who STILL have their hand out for more money!

to Airport groups wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:04 PM:The Police and Fire union members do not live in town either. They are an out-of-town group too! I agree that both of these special interest groups should have stayed out of the election, but if the unions were left unchecked we would have turn Oceanside into Vallejo and be bankrupt just like them in a few years. At least the Airport members pay taxes in Oceanside, whereas the unions just take the money and run back to their cities of residence.

Ay Caramba wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:11 PM:Oceanside's police and firefighter unions have shelled out about $150,000 to support Sanchez, Lowery and Mayor Jim Wood?!?!?

Wow.

That's A LOT of money. The pilots are pikers compared to the public employee unions.

Ridiculous wrote on Nov 3, 2008 8:45 PM:Well, I know who my votes are going to. I'll support those who support our police and fire department. It's so obvious that outside money is trying to buy our election...again....I am disgusted by Kern, Feller, Chavez, Gibson, and their hobby airport friends. This is just awful. Why are we allowing out of town big bucks to buy our town!? Please people don't do this to our town!

THAT AINT RIGHT wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:05 PM:This outside BIG BUCKS spending says weare going to take over your city. We know whats best for your neighborhoods.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Well I say get off your duff VOTE!!!!VOTE FOR SANCHEZ, LOWERY and WOOD !!!!!!!!
They care about All of OCEANSIDE !!!!!
Vote***********VOTE*******VOTE********
SANCHEZ LOWERY WOOD

Bennidect KFC wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:21 PM:I had to go to the hospital awhile ago and thoes firefighters got me their in record time.
They work so hard doing such a fine job serving our city.
I am so glad Sanchez, Lowery and Wood care so much about our wellfare too.

SHAME ON CHAVEZ, FELLER AND GIBSON ...

Pirate wrote on Nov 3, 2008 9:55 PM:Before all the bloggers write their usual negative tripe, there is a larger issue here. Whether it is the airport group or the public employee unions, political campaigns are being taken over by independent committees. The candidates and their campaigns are becoming window dressing. This is not just a problem in Oceanside, but throughout the state. I know the Supreme Court has equated money with free speech, but we need to get a handle on this. These expenditures make a mockery of any effort for campaign reform. Independent committees are on the verge of corrupting the political process. A labor union or other organization should not be able to hold over the head of a politician the threat of controlling an election.

Sylvia wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:13 PM:After having moved here about half a year ago, I have watched the council meetings. It's obvious that the right wing Republicans have a strangle hold on the council's work. They vote for every project no matter what it does to our community. This massive amount of outside money trying to buy seats in this election is not only a shock but tells me we must vote for those who grew up here and respect the citizens and our beautiful coastal city. I vote for Lowery, Wood and Sanchez because they care and can't be bought by out of town big bucks and developers.

Coast Watcher wrote on Nov 3, 2008 11:15 PM:I will stake my life on our firefighters and police. Wonder if the Los Angeles real estate developers and Maryland pilots will come and fight fires and save lives for us here? I doubt it. Choice is easy folks- don't vote for Chavez, Feller or Gibson. ...

kit wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:52 AM:It is time for campaign finance reform.

Oceanside Airport wrote on Nov 4, 2008 2:00 AM:This airport is so small, I doubt it has much economical impact on Oceanside. What is really behind the campaign $$$$$ spent by airport groups to support Feller, Chavez and Gibson? Why is the Realtors political committee from LA spending money in Oceanside electoral campaign? It sounds very fishy to me. The North County Times should investigate. Police and Firefignters may live out of town (like many other employees in Oceanside payroll)but they are the ones to protect me and my home when the need arises. My vote goes to Wood, Sanchez and Lowery.

jvc wrote on Nov 4, 2008 3:05 AM:Does our vote count? Or is elections about special interest power?
Who is speaking for the electorate?

Common Ground in Oceanside Is Hard to Find wrote on Nov 4, 2008 3:39 AM:Reasonable minds can certainly disagree as to the relative merits of the Oceanside City Council candidates. Don't hate me, but I happen to like Jim Gibson and Jack Feller. However, I also like to identify areas of common ground and build consensus where possible. Hopefully, all of Oceanside can come together to elect George McNeil to the MiraCosta Board of Trustees.

In a nutshell wrote on Nov 4, 2008 5:56 AM:There it is folks in a nutshell who controls the Oceanside elections. We no longer have free elections but elections dictated by the special interest money of the unions, building industry association, pilots groups and LA Real estate companies. So when you vote today don't forget not only was your candidate most likely bought by one of these special interests but they paid for your vote too. Keep up the good work in Oceanside. You will continue to be ruled by the special interests outside money until you take a stand and demand campaign finance reform from your newly elected council. But the special interests know the electorate is too lazy they would rather have someone else think for them.

Used to support wrote on Nov 4, 2008 6:08 AM:the airport. The airport people do not care about the residents of this town. The pilots refuse to stop flying over the homes near Capistrano park. The airport cannot (financially) stay open on its own. Now its rying to buy its way into the local pool of money. The airport people should get out of politics and focus on creating a plan that works with the surrounding neighborhoods and is economically feasible. If that is not possible, close it down. We do not need any more subsidized follies.

Its the Unions wrote on Nov 4, 2008 6:27 AM:NOT the police/firefighters. Stop lying.

For What wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:07 AM:Why is this Airport Group willing to make a nasty name for the little Oceanside membership. If I were a pilot with a plane at this airport, I would not make it known in this City. Many of them do not live here anyway. What is in it for them to shell out this kind of money. This is going to be a sorry two years in this City.

To Common Ground wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:18 AM:You sound reasonable, intelligent and willing to consider all sides of an argument, unbound by political allegiances and vested interests.

You therefore have no place in Oceanside politics. This town is a "for 'em or agin' 'em" kind of place, and your petty display of rationality isn't welcome here.

the truth wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:50 AM:The truth is the Realtor and pilot donations are NOT out of town money. The Realtors are local business people in Oside who sold homes in your neighborhood and donate part of their earings to a PAC. The pilots are community residents who have made contributions and paid membership dues for years to their membership organization precisely for situations like this. Now the Realtors and pilots are having their dues and contributions invested back in their own community. And think about this. The pilots and Realtors will not receive one dollar of direct benefit from their actions. Not one. In contrast, the Oside public employee unions and their members have a direct and clear financial benefit from the council actions. It is the classic Quid Pro Quo......If you're voting for any candidate based on support from a public safety union, you don't understand the process. All those unions care about are more money and benefits for their members. It has nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with a pay raise. Google the city of Vallejo and bankruptcy and then you'll see what happens to unchecked unions. If you want our city to financially circle the drain, vote union. Think about it people, it ain't that hard to figure out...

Interesting wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:51 AM:The hobby pilots have forced the City to spend millions out of the general fund to keep their play toy open. They refused to clean up the airport or do any kind of improvements on their own. Yet here they are sucking up dirty political money for a dastardly purpose=- to ruin our free elections in Oceanside. This City must close this airport before any further filthy politics absolutely steals our home town away from us.

OCEANSIDIAN wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:17 AM:All of this yap yap about police and fire unions! Wild exaggerations of the money they have raised in support of candidates who believe in public safety! Look folks, I have more faith in the average voter than many do. No matter the mud slinging and the dirty tactics, I think they can see through it all and will do the right thing and vote for WOOD, SANCHEZ AND LOWERYd for a safer and better Oceanside!

PACs wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:28 AM:My Police and Fire Political Action Committee (PAC) is better than your PAC!

Realtors contribution wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:29 AM:Local Realtors have no control over LA Realtors Political Committe spending but they can stop donating to it as I will do from now on.

Waste of time wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:29 AM:It is a waste of time bantering between the two sides now. Just go out and vote and be over with the darn special interests election. I am doing a write in for the Fire Union as Mayor, and the Building Industry Association and LA Real Estate PAC as council members. In fact why don't we just recall Kern and Chavez because they are only figure heads. When we recall those two we can elect the Airport PAC and the Police Union. Now that will truly be a council representing the Oceanside citizens. Don't you think. Then lets change the name of our city to Oceangone.

Circus Time wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:57 AM:Remember the next time the Police Officers Association calls you up to ask for a donation to the childrens circus that 90 percent of the money goes to the telephone solicitor and 10 percent of the money goes to support Police and Fire Union elected hacks.

Circus times two wrote on Nov 4, 2008 11:26 AM:Also don't forget when you go to a city council meeting expecting independent thinking council members you are just talking to the puppets for the Building Industry Association, big business lobbyists, and the LA Real Estate PACs. So you can pit one side against the other all day folks but plain and simple until you have camapign finance reform you will have this control over our local elections.

TRUTH GUY wrote on Nov 4, 2008 11:59 AM:Comments about fire and police people living out of town don't make sense when used to compare the pilots group. Two-thirds of THEM don't live in Oceanside!

Finance reform wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:05 PM:Reform? That's so funny. We can limit each campaign contribution any way we want. How do we control LA money that goes straight into the bank account of the television stations? Answser: WE CANNOT! So just give it up, Connie. It will only make matters worse because you'll still see the commercials and hit pieces, and you'll still think that they mean something. It appears that you are not only naive, but that you can't tell the difference between an owner's manual and an attack on a candidate.

Sore Winners wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:20 PM:A couple of years ago they decided to fix up the airport.

The pilots WON and they are still complaining about it 2 years later?!?

Pilots you have lost my support.

Vote your pocket book wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:44 PM:I understand the airport lobby efforts, it is straight forward, they do not want the airport shut down and they want the airport improved. The pilot association can not count on Council Member Sanchez because of her flip flops on the airport. What I can not understand is the Fire and Police Union putting $200,000 into this campaign, and we are to believe it is about public safety concern for the local resident. Well I do not think people are that naive, they understand the fire and police objectives are not only about money and benefits but who runs the Departments and the City. You don't li9ke what you got, simply change the people in charge. I do not for a minute believe the Pilot Association is anything but for the welfare of the airport and I do not believe the Fire and Police Unions are anything but for the welfare of their members, but I darn sure know which one is going to cost me the most tax dollars over time.

call me Johnson wrote on Nov 4, 2008 12:45 PM:I have to agree with Circus Time. One observation I’d like to add is the timing from the Oceanside Police Officers’ Association mailer asking for contributions. Don’t they know I throw that thing right in the trash when it comes with several of their propaganda flyers in the mail, especially when I don’t see eye to eye on some of their endorsements. They also lead people to believe they are affiliated with the Oceanside Police Department when it’s a union. What rocket scientist do they have working on that timing? At least wait until the election is behind us before you ask me for money……

sixities chick wrote on Nov 4, 2008 1:02 PM:I always supported having an airport in Oceanside. But after receiving the hate mailer about Chuck Lowery, I can never again support the pilot's association! Jack Feller should be ashamed of himself for supporting this group instead of concentrating on the issues. It reminds me of the dirty politics of Richard Nixon. I guess unfounded personal smear tactics are still part of the Republican Party scare-strategy!!!

Circus Time Again wrote on Nov 4, 2008 2:52 PM:I know it won't matter a hoot when the polls close, but if you want to see a three ring circus check out the City Council Meetings on Wednesday evenings. Mayor Wood role as the Ring Master is likely assured, and Esther Sanchez will likely keep up the wild animal tricks. Come watch them throw money at the Union Clowns and watch the City Managers high wire act as he attempts to balance the revenues to the ever increasing cost. No there is no safety net; it was sold to pay the admission price for seniors. But best of all the show is free, unless you count wasted taxpayer funds as part of the admission price.

Contributors REFORM NOW wrote on Nov 4, 2008 3:13 PM:Oceanside needs to get a grip and stop playing politics games with the residents home life and vitality here.

Bottome Line: Reform that reads Any Candidate taking Contributions will not be allowed to vote in Council Meetings.

This should detour the Greed that detours the City of Oceanside to be the one of the best Coastal Cities in CA.

To me its just like having special interest and council members who get such contributions should Abstain from voting (its too tried and true that such council will vote for such contributions)

REFORM NOW.... Anyone else in Oceanside Agree? Lets start a drafts!

Rocky Feller Kern wrote on Nov 4, 2008 3:18 PM:Fellow Residents if you support Rocky, Feller & Kern, or if you don't just realize this please...

For the last couple years Rocky, Feller & Kern have had Majority in Council.

They have done NOTHING to help residents to live, work & play in the city of our homes.

They have Failed, and should be voted out. They have Not Served ANY NEIGHBORHOOD or Community Group!

They are only concerned about OUT SIDE BUSIENSS and Developers.....

Please for the love of God think about this before casting your vote.

Thank You

Reform Now wrote on Nov 4, 2008 3:26 PM:Lets get together and Do it my local residents, I am a local whomoved her about 1 year ago and can see Dirty Politics and its NOT RIGHT!!!

REFORM NOW! Anyone else..We need to start now and be well organized for the next time then there should be no worries.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not Right when council recieves monies and votes in favor...- That is just not right !!

I agree wrote on Nov 4, 2008 3:31 PM:I have lived here for a long time now,

Rocky, Feller & Kern have had Majority and have done nothing to our city for the residents who live here and for the tourists who would like to enjoy thier visit.

There are Not Enough Jobs that keep most of us residents from communiting.

There are Not Enough "Safe-Good" Neighborhoods to Offer any Leisures...Night Life, Reasturants, Arts...Nothing, we still go to Carlsbad or Inland...

There are still "Gang- Issues".

There are still illegal Immigrants allowed in our city.

There are still developers who think they rule over Residential Neighborhoods and hope to Build over them.

I am sorry Rocky, Feller & Kern have LOST A LONG TIME BACK!

Reform Now Response wrote on Nov 4, 2008 4:56 PM:Kratcoski the candidate who dropped out because he knew you could not beat the entrenched system of political money laundering by way of campaign contributions. He has all the information about the cities that already have campaign finance reform. Did you know that Oceanside is only one of 5 San Diego County cities that does not have campaign finance reform laws on the book. Even all of Orange County has campaign finance limits for their county elections. There are various limits from $100-$1,000 per person and per PAC. That sure would have come in handy when the LA Real Estate PAC gave the Airport PAC $20,000 for hit peices. If there are people interested in drafting campaign finance reform for Oceanside elections, contact Kratcoski he will steer you in the right direction. The city council could do it on their own so it doesn't have to go to an election but they won't. That is thier bread and butter and how they get themselves elected.

Restore respect for the community and each other. wrote on Nov 4, 2008 5:02 PM:It is difficult to balance business interest and the quality of life issues we now desire as a coastal community. The business environment provides for jobs and tax revenues to pay for city services and infrastructure. On the extreme we have liberal based union supported environmentalist and on the opposing side pro-business at any cost capitalist conservatives. The truth for most of us lies somewhere in between but the labels conveniently identify us. Many years ago the power struggle at City Hall turned nasty, and the evil that lurked there was defined by the beholder. Nothing has changed, if anything we are now more creative in our negative campaigning. Too bad for our community as our image is as big a political joke, and for the same reasons we can not get enough respect to attract City Manager candidates. We have gone through many notable and some notorious City Council Members over the years and yet it does not stop the electorate who just seems to like the wallowing of a few who claim to represent the many. When does it all stop? Getting rid of Sanchez would be a great start toward civility on the Council and the restoration of respect from the dais.

Restore respect wrote on Nov 4, 2008 5:17 PM:You sound sincere and realize there should be a middle ground. Unfortunately for your hypothesis Esther is one of the few council persons who actually help the citizens and neighborhoods. She helps you whether she is up for reelection or not. Perhaps you should add Feller, Kern and Chavez to your list because they are definitely the pro- business at any costs conservatives who don't listen to the citizens but to their campaign donors.

Restore respect again wrote on Nov 4, 2008 6:49 PM:Sorry, but it takes 50 good deeds to undo one negative one. While Esther Sanchez has done much good for neighborhoods and other individuals, I can not understand her need to put down, belittle and crush those with whom she disagrees. Unfortunately this nastiness does define our community and overshadows all that she does that is beneficial. Our Cities reputation is synonymous with Esther Sanchez negative politics.

Wake Up Restore Respect ...against Esther wrote on Nov 4, 2008 7:55 PM:So you didn't have your coffee before listening to all that Esther does to preserve sanity for the residents.

Why does every flippen developer, business owner who feels that neighborhoods does not matter think they can walk all over the city and the citizens with NO CONCERN..but warn you your in our turf and we won't forget and will remeber.

Our Council Can't figure out why most of us do business in Carlsbad..because most ugly business practices of expanding destroy Citizens American Dreams of Life at Home and Developers are crying because thier dreams aren't met, WAKE UP...

It is not all about you and your Dirty Business tactics.
Being in business is not to forget the responsibility of doing business in a neighborhood amoung residents.

Esther is the only HIGHLY Educated member who stands with the citizens and uses FACTS, TRUTH & LAWs.

You all opposing Sanchez are mad because you all know she is too smart to let your bulldozing tactics RUN OVER US CITIZENs.

I am sorry to hear the reason Rick Dropped Out- I will be contacting him - he is a good guy, full of Truth--- Time For REFORM and REAL PEOPLE IN CITY HALL....FOR REAL LIFE, then Rick can Run Again along with Esther, & Lowery...

Peace

Reform Now Response wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:01 PM:Thank You...I will Contact Rick...yes..I think everyone could breath a little better

If the hit pieces were saving trees Instead they FLOOD our mailboxes and honestly if those make a person switch ???? You shouldn't be voting...
it is all a bunch of hog wash!
And its time to clean house, for the next round for Cleaning up Oceanside Politics.

Reform What wrote on Nov 4, 2008 8:55 PM:Campaign reform without limiting PAC's ability to campaign independently is a wate of time. Not only the Airport Pilots Association,but look at the nmonet trown into this election by the police and fire unions. By the way, I agree with the comments on Esther Sanchez, for such an educated person why does she need to treat others so disrepectfully?