Bull in a china shop?

Posted by Ann | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 9:40 pm

DeMaio is the worst thing that could possible happen to this city.

Posted by Brian | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 10:14 pm

I am so glad Carl won. Carl is going to clean house, and clean it good. When Mike wins re election as CA, these two will be a force to reckon with downtown.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 10:31 pm

It will be the latter with DeMaio. He is self-absorbed.....ev more so than Aguirre.

Posted by RealityCheck | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 11:06 pm

This is all very interesting, but what I'd like to know is: Where in the world is Billy Bob Henry?!! What a hoot. Come on BBH, give it to us. Tell us how this is a victory for you, Mike and Francis.

Posted by Algernon Sidney | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 11:22 pm

Oh, there's BBH, apparently unaware of the election results. How cute. In any even, Carl can be as obstructionist as he wants, but as a council member it won't do much for him. He'll fight for four years and get voted out as a failure. But I know Carl enough to know that he is smart, and pragmatic, and will work with the Mayor, who has a clear mandate now. Goodbye, BBH and Aguirre. We hardly knew ya'. Oh, wait, we knew you quite well. We just didn't care for you much.

Posted by Algernon Sidney | reply to this comment
June 3, 2008 11:24 pm

Cmon Scott. You usually are better than this. One similarity: Both take on the unions and speak their mind. But there are big differences. DeMaio has a record of getting things done. Mike hasn't gotten things done. DeMaio has support at the ballot box (props B/C in 2006; Council landslide in 2008). Mike barely won his race in 2004 and seems to be losing his seat now.

Posted by Big Differences | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 12:33 am

Congrats, Carl. You ran a great campaign, and I think everyone knows you're the right guy for the job. Give 'em hell!

Posted by Congrats | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 1:10 am

My faith is restored. The citizens spoke last night when they resoundingly reelecting the Mayor to continue on for another four years. Even as importantly, over 71% of the votes cast a ballot against Mike Aguirre. Our elected leaders will pull the city out from under the black cloud that shrouds us.

Posted by Downtown Resident | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 6:02 am

Hmmm, we'll see. I have hopes and fears: Hopes that Carl will back away from his campaign rhetoric and budget reports that are full of half-truths, inaccuracies and out and out falsehoods, but fear that he believes what he's shoveling; hope that he will be independent and fair-minded, but fear that he's a shill for those who benefited most from the pension underfunding and will continue their reign; hope that he'll act ethically and responsibly, but fear that he'll be the one who takes Aguirre's place as a quixotic crusader, denouncing all who oppose him and getting little done; hope that he has the citizen's interests in mind, but fear that he's in it for Carl.

Posted by Captain T | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 6:18 am

The image of Carl “hold” DeMayo creeping across private property and posting his campaign sign directly in front of his opponent’s sign is seared into my mind. I wonder why that never got widespread play in the media.

Posted by Rhino | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 6:41 am

Carl will work hard and focus on his job. Hopefully the rest of the new council members can keep up with him.

Posted by Scott | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 6:47 am

Yeehaw! As you can tell by the vote, he has the FULL support of his district behind him. District 5 is ready and thankful to be represented by a smart, creative, and strong leader. Now if only April and Phil can win their runoffs, there will be an opportunity to finally clean up city hall. Some people don't like Carl and that's fine - the unions threw money to try to defeat him but it didn't matter. Mr. DeMaio stuck to his guns because he knew the lies and falsehoods disseminated by the unions. He didn't come out grandstanding, calling George or the unions on it - he let the people decide what they believed. Well, the people have spoken.

Posted by District 5 Voter | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 7:04 am

Well, the gadflys of the world now have a champion. We will see if a brick thrower can become a productive force. Frankly, I think Carl is using our district as his lab test for his theories and really has no interest in the needs of district 5. I have no fear, we have had no problem recalling our council member. (see Linda Barnhart)

Posted by Ian C | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 9:23 am

I agree with District 5 Voter--If April and Phil are elected in November then there is hope to clean up the City. I would like to know if the Planning Groups in District 5 supported Carl. Apparently the majority of the voters did but knowing that Planning Group members really know the neighborhood issues I'd be interested in that information. One other thing, thank goodness that PETERS lost! I was really wondering if the people of San Diego were asleep during the Kroll Report and am happy that the majority were not fooled by his rhethoric. That is a public mandate!

Posted by nelson | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 10:01 am

Typical responses from sore losers: "He'll fight for four years and get voted out as a failure" (Algernon Sindey); "I have no fear, we have had no problem recalling our council member" (Ian C). Ho, ho, ho. What a hoot! Did you two even notice that DeMaio WON, George LOST? It doesn't seem to have sunk in. Well, denial is one of the first stages of reaction, after all. After eight years in office, he will probably run for -- and win! -- mayor, that is unless he decides to make a run for Congress. Back to your little pitty party now, you two. You still have to contend with the Boling and Thalheimer wins this November. You'll need your strength.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 10:10 am

Edgar-not only did Carl win, but it was a LANDLSIDE, a huge margin of victory, over 70%. As for April Boling, I am still hopeful Marti can take her out in November-it was a very close race between the two, with less than a 10% of the vote difference. I am also bankng on Marti being a leader and doing the right thing, despite her very heavy FD and PD support. I am going out on a limb for Marti-I hope she does not let me down.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 10:50 am

Billy Bob: I really do not understand your logic at all! If Marti Emerald wins, she will be yet another shill for the union folks, whom you constantly deride as receiving "Cadillac" or "gold plated" benefits, pensions, and more. She is very much a liberal Democrat. Carl, on the other hand, is a very conservative, limited government kind of guy, who will tell the unions where to get off, so to speak. I think you're a little confused there, hombre! If you want fiscal restraint, then you want April Boling in D7, *NOT* Marti Emerald, believe me...

Posted by Robert | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 11:55 am

Robert, I'm pretty sure that's someone else posting under BBH's handle. I think the real BBH is for Boling.

Posted by Captain T | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 3:15 pm

Sorry, BBH, but I have to go along with Robert -- 100% on this one -- go April go! And Phil, too! It's time for that new leaf to be turned over in City Hall and give the public unions the kick in the keester they so richly deserve. Quaking in your boots, you drones of City Hall? You'll have plenty of time to mull over this (for you) nasty turn of events -- seeing as you're not doing any of the people's work, anyway. If I were you, I'd use up some of that bountiful free time you call public employment to polish those resumes. One sheet of paper with one paragraph consisting of a sentence and a half, won't get you a very good job -- unless, of course, you are a nephew of Judie Italiano or another Mafia boss.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 3:21 pm

I think Ian in Post# 14 is correct. I've known Carl and listened to his ideas for three years now. His "think tank" is just that, a think tank. Practical application of his ultra conservative ideals will reek havoc and do nothing to solve the problems we face. IF and that is a very big IF Carl finds it in him to listen to others, especially those who disagree with him, and can find it within his realm to admit he or one of his ideas are wrong, his energy will serve his district well. My prediction is Carl will never be wrong, won't listen to anyone who disagrees with him and will feign listening to appease and then do as he pleases. Get the re-call papers read folks. You are in for a ride!!! Foil is on sale as Ralph's.

Posted by Steve McMillan | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 4:55 pm

Edgar, I may have overstated my case. I actually support Carl, and my point was that he won't simply be obstructionist because he knows that won't serve him or the city well. So, no, I am not a loser this election. Virtually everyone I supported won or is in a runoff.

Posted by Algernon Sidney | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 7:33 pm

Marti is a leader-and in the long run I am HOPING she understands the problems with the gold plated pesnions and her leadership will do what is right (cancel the pension scams). That I why I said I am going out on a limb in giving her my endorsement. She is the opposite of DeMaio-I know that. She is getting heavy support from PD and FD-I know that. But I think Marti has leadership-and in the long run I will take a chance on her and her leadership, than on Boling, who I have some serious problems with on her previous positions.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
June 4, 2008 8:11 pm

Algernon Sydney: okay, I get it now. You have to admit, though, that your point was easily misunderstood. Now comes the Hon. Steve McMillan to take your place at the pity party. It must be particularly hard for a union shill to accept reality when it turns out to be so devastating to the cause of the "progressive" movement. "Get the re-call [sic] papers read[y]," indeed! None is so blind as he who will not see. The real party has yet to even start, but it won't be held at the headquarters of the public unions. At those various headquarters the mood will be a little more somber, as Judie, Steve and others wait around in funereal silence for the recall that will never happen.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
June 5, 2008 7:10 am

The fact is the PD and the FD make up about 1/3 of San Diego Ciy employees, and they are grossly overpaid for their qualifications. So if the City can tame their/FD/PD compensation ($200K in full compensation for average PD/FD) then the City could be on the way to recovery. I don't sweat the $40K-$50K City worker, I sweat the ones who are getting $100K-$200K in pay and then the same in pensions when they retire at 50-60 years old. I do expect Carl DeMaio to try, as I expect Sanders to (although he has been a major disappointment the last 3 years). Maybe between those two-and if Mike is re elected and we get a couple more on the City Council to form a coalition (Marti?), then we can recover. But there has been no pension reform yet-and without it we will be in BK sooner or later

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
June 5, 2008 8:50 am

FYI Edgar; I am no longer involved with the Union. I am a member only, not involved in any way shape or form with decisions, direction or actions. I know Carl DeMaio; I stand by my perceptions and knowledge through first hand experiences. I don't live in District 5, thankfully. His effects on my life will be limited to policies he attempts to float from his "think tank". Few will pass the smell test, those that do will fail the make it to the table because they won't work. Reading a book or two and giving speeches to the masses paid to listen does not make a politician nor a leader. Inflating ones self worth to engender acceptance is pitiful. Those who bought Carl's line will in the end feel as those who supported Aguirre the first time around. Sorry, just my opinion.

Posted by Steve McMillan | reply to this comment
June 5, 2008 10:25 am

I think Carl is just a wolf in sheep's clothing, for the development industry, so let's let those who voted for him eat crow after he gives away the City's treasures to the likes of Sunroad and McMillan. Union members and City residents will pay a steep price for Carl's insider deals (e.g. Sanders) .

Posted by Point Loma Resident | reply to this comment
June 5, 2008 4:18 pm

Opinion, Steve McMillan, is something to which everyone is rightfully entitled. We start at the same point, yet come to dramatically different conclusions. I also know Carl and although I don't live in his district either, I welcome his arrival at city hall with open arms. I've had the unfortunate experience to have to admit that my councilman for the past eight years has been Peters. It's been a sad experience. I'll be looking forward to the dawning of a new day when Thalheimer joins the council as well. I'll no longer have to whisper under my breath when someone asks me who my councilman is.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
June 5, 2008 5:22 pm

Speaking of the Queen Bee, Judie Italiano, everyone, what do you think is going to be the effect of this sudden change of fortunes on her pension of doubtful validity? Or, as the Church Lady would say of that pension, "isn't that special?"

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
June 5, 2008 5:33 pm

If DeMaio works his City Council staff of 8 to 10 people (?) to the brink of caffeine overload, that will be the best use ever of huge and questionable City Council staff allowances. Think tax dollars with wings on every single bill. By contrast, the San Diego Unified Board of Education subsists with NO STAFF at all since the draconian budget cuts -- just two secretaries.

Posted by Fed Up | reply to this comment
June 5, 2008 7:14 pm

Okay, now we have to add Point Loma Resident to the membership of the Sore Losers ("Just you wait and see; yessiree, Bob; you're gonna be sorry") Club. The ballots aren't even cold yet, and they're crying in their beer and issuing promises of revenge. I actually find it hilarious. Hey, you Sore Losers, take two aspirin and see your doctor (viz., psychiatrist) first thing in the morning. PLEEZE!!

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
June 5, 2008 7:27 pm

What is the latest news on Judie Italiano's revoked/reduced pesnion, have not heard much recently. As for Peters, lets hope he stays in the background from here on out.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
June 5, 2008 8:43 pm

My concern with CDM is that he is an expert at finding fault, not solving problems. He seems to be a young good ol' boy, but he's going to advocate for the GLT comunity (I'll bet you $), so I'm totally confused by him. It seems to me that no one really knows anything about him except what he's promulgated through his 503c and regular corp. He may be a sheep if wolf's clothing.

Posted by Jeese | reply to this comment
June 6, 2008 7:54 am

Maybe, Jeese, you never know, but in any event your first sentence is wrong. DeMaio has offered PLENTY of suggestions as to how to handle the mess in city government. That and we know a heck of a lot more about him (through his fault-finding AND suggestions) than we know about 99% of other new candidates for any given office. How much do we know about Wonder Boy Obama's ability to manage a staff of a dozen or so, let alone a nation of 300 million plus? A couple of years as an Illinois state legislator, a couple of years as a senator and boom, people want to make him the leader of the free world. Lemmings.

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
June 6, 2008 10:11 am

Edgar; We agree on one thing; I fully support Phil Thalheimer and also live in District 1. Jesse's perception in post #33 is very accurate. Carl is GREAT at finding fault and offering "text-book" type solutions; yet when completely vetted and discussed seldom make it past his oration. Carl is the classic classroom learned person with little practical experience in application of his learned and "think tank" theories. Phil Thalheimer is a person who can show practical experience and a person of character. Sorry Edgar; Carl is nothing more than a far right Aguirre who will in the end cause more problems than he will ultimately solve.

Posted by Steve McMillan | reply to this comment
June 6, 2008 12:37 pm

The only reason DeMaio won is that he's been campaigning for well over a year and has developed name recognition.George campaigned for a whole three months.The absentee ballots (about 50%) were available for about 1/3 that time.Here's why I don't like DeMaio.He's proposed cutting the staffing on SDFD engines from 4 to 3.This will save money, but alas, it's shortsighted.The one person he will cut is the least paid, so the savings will only be about 15%.However, several studies have shown that cutting staffing from 4 to 3 reduces effectiveness by 50%.Genius.

Posted by JF | reply to this comment
June 6, 2008 3:40 pm

Okay, all you anti-DeMaio people. Got all the boo-hooing and stamping of the feet out of your systems? Feel better? Now we can settle down to eight years of DeMaio on the City Council -- unless, of course, he decides to run for mayor in four years. And JF, the only reason George Squared lost is because he is a nobody with no substantive qualifications. Had the fire union thought differently, they would have poured much more money into the effort. Instead, they realized it was money out the window. Go April!! Go Phil!!

Posted by Edgar | reply to this comment
June 9, 2008 6:54 am

I don't disagree with Edgar about the 8 year thing. At least he's doing something and not sitting on his beind like I am. [This part is sarcasm] I'm kind of proud to be part of his little civic experiment, and hopefully we'll soon send him off to Washington.

Posted by Jesse | reply to this comment
June 11, 2008 9:29 pm

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