38 replies to this topic

[melloguy]

I went to the debate last night and was rather impressed with several of the candidates. I think they were all very clear on their stances. Just some quick observations:

- No women, just conservative men

- Karnis did a good job on playing up his success as a council watchdog.

- Udell is one I'm having problems with and in my heart would like to support. I like the man and how he comes across, but I wonder about his record as Asst. City Manager (e.g., sewage woes).

- Giacometti right now is my favorite of the challengers. I didn't like the promise of the $1MM cut, or his use of threatened litigation, but he is definitely someone who will try to do the best for the people.

- Manfredi did a good job on presenting his views. He will not be someone who gets walked on by the crowd.

- King as always was well-prepared and well-spoken. You know his record, you either support him because of it or you don't.

- Gordon; I'm sorry, but my impression is that he is a lapdog for the developers and current council. Expect him to go with the flow, not much of his own man.

- Carter was painful to watch at times. Not prepared, not clear.

- Starsky was not present.

Did anyone prepare a scorecard on the issues from last night's responses? Whether they support or oppose major issues? I did not, but would love to see it posted here.

One last note - Bob Holderness, a developer's attorney, was passing out flyers supporting Measure W. Buyer beware.

[WhiteSpy]

I was there as well, John was handing out fliers and I got a MyFolsom.com pen! Woo!

My thoughts:

1) Where was Starsky? Did he feel he was too important to attend the debates? I never liked him, this reinforces that. I hope the fact that he is incumbent does not make him a shoe-in.

2) Carter was a train wreck. I felt sorry for him - running for elected office cannot be easy. He obviously was nervous. I thought he could have been more well prepared.

3) Karnis was well spoken - I like the thought that he is semi-retired too and can devote time to city council. He's got one of my votes.

4) Giacommetti was a very strong personality, I wouldn't mind him in city council. I liked the $1M spending cut but he has to realize that there are 4 others on the council... how does he plan on doing this?

5) Gordon/Manfredi - unfortunately I don't remember which was which. The younger guy didn't give me a favorable impression of him - definitely professional, but he for some reason screamed "politician".

6) King/Udell - I can't decide on these two, both are excellent candidates. I'll be voting for one of them. I'm leaning for Udell, though I voted for King last time. I genuinely think King and Morin are the only "good guys" on city council. It's so hard to say.

anyone know when the re-broadcast will be on tv?

[tessieca]

Missed the debate, but will try to watch Channel 14 on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

I like Eric and will vote for him. For the other seat, I'm leaning toward Giacommetti. He's willing and able to buck the mainstream council. Reminds me of the common 4-1 position while Tom Aceituno was on the council. Might not get as much done, but sometimes brings that differing viewpoint out in the open and ensures that it is addressed.

[valdossjoyce]

"Udell is one I'm having problems with and in my heart would like to support. I like the man and how he comes across, but I wonder about his record as Asst. City Manager (e.g., sewage woes). "

I think one reasons he's running for council is that as an Asst. City Manager, he saw so many opportunities for government to be more efficient, but it was up to his bosses) (several City Managers for a period of time) to do something about it and ultimtately, the City Council to whom City Manager reports. Asst. City Mgr can only do so much and can't really buck the higher ups.

"Giacometti right now is my favorite of the challengers. I didn't like the promise of the $1MM cut, or his use of threatened litigation, but he is definitely someone who will try to do the best for the people."

[/B]I don['t recall him threatening litigation, but maybe I missed that. What's wrong with cutting $1 million from administration? We have too many layers of it and with the salary and benefits our city pays, it becomes very expensive both today and in the future when these people reture. Did anyone else catch his nailing Eric King on the so-called "savings" by having employees pay a small portion of their health insurance. Giacometti rightly pointed out this was no savings, but instead a reduction in the size of the INCREASE of the cost of employee benefits. (Reminds of the old comics where a wife comes home with boxes and bags full of clothes and tells her husband how much she saved him because everything was on sale.)

"Where was Starsky? Did he feel he was too important to attend the debates? I never liked him, this reinforces that. I hope the fact that he is incumbent does not make him a shoe-in."

[B]I heard a rumor he was on vacation in Italy. I think you nailed it. "Why attend a televised forum with other candidates when I can be seen every other week at CC mtgs?". Arrogence.

"Karnis was well spoken - I like the thought that he is semi-retired too and can devote time to city council. He's got one of my votes."

Karnis has some good ideas on some fiscal matters but has totally bought into current council's bogus scare tactics that we need to develop south of 50 to generate revenue (sorry, guys, if houses are built and they will be, the net-net is a revenue drain from general fund). On just about everything else, he just too much in alignment with the status quo.

"Giacommetti was a very strong personality, I wouldn't mind him in city council. I liked the $1M spending cut but he has to realize that there are 4 others on the council... how does he plan on doing this?

"I genuinely think King and Morin are the only "good guys" on city council."

"I'm leaning toward Giacommetti. He's willing and able to buck the mainstream council. Reminds me of the common 4-1 position while Tom Aceituno was on the council. Might not get as much done, but sometimes brings that differing viewpoint out in the open and ensures that it is addressed."

[B]I combined these three posts because my response draws from them all. Giacommetti alone will have a hard time making a difference. Thaty's why I'm also supporting Udell. Together they can probably swing Morin their way on many issues. Both Udell and Giacometti have a track record of public service, have been a part of our community for many years (unlike Manfredi & Gordon) and aren't afraid to challenge the status quo. However, if only Starsky is unseated, whether it's Giacometti or Udell, they won't be able to carry the vote if the other disagree, but they can give citizens a voice and a forum to be heard. Giacometti would be better in that role, I think, than Udell. The two of them are by far the best candidates. I had hopes for Eric King once but he wants to much to be a team player, instead of a leader. Nature abhors a vacuum and voila, Miklos rushes to fill the void. Any fireworks we ever get on the CC is when Miklos, Starsky or Howell go after each other but in the end, there is little they disagree about that matters to me as a voter.

[billsfan]

I was there and got a myfolm.com pen also...

I liked Karnis the best and believe he has the correct balance between reform and cooperation. For example, his idea to contract out waste mangement is good, and he understands it requires a charter change. I like the idea of him being retired and be able to devote more time. Lastly, he is credible and a leader, who could help in the various regional activities the city is involved in.

Giacommetti was interesting but I didn't like his cut 1 Million dollar idea - which sounds more like a campaign slogan than a reality. Costs could be controlled more, but putting a dollar value on it, until more assessment is done, is a campaign tactic. Too bad, because I think he is a good candidate who has shown his devotion to the city.

My second vote will probably be between King and Starsky. They are both solid representative's with strong business/finance backgrounds. The relationships they have built both within and outside the city in their first term, are important go forward. Not sure why Starsky wasn't there last night but I assume it was a legitimate reason...

The rest of the candidates also did a pretty good job representing themselves at the debate...

[old soldier]

I enjoyed seeing all the folks that were running. Better than just looking at their signs and where they can get to put them. The best spots seem to be on developer land.

I like old Giacommetti because it seems like he is mad at the way things are and even if he get out voted you would hear him talking about why he disagreed with the other council folks. The way it is now with Karri and the boyz most times agreeing, I get the same feeling of concern like I get when I'm babysitting I can't hear my five grand kids. when they are too quiet they are usually up to something.

Udell seems like he should know how the system works and I like him but would like to see him a little madder. He has to know some secrets about how the council and developer folks really do things

King still reminds me of a puppy dog and seeing how he snaps too when the mayor says how he wants things to go, I don't think the city needs him any more. I'm looking for some leadership.

Gordon is a nice looking lad but what I read about the Mayor backing him sort of scares me. The last thing we need is another puppy on the council He needs a little seasoning anyway.

Sort of wondered where Starsky was. He has the most signs anyway so thats more important than anything as far as Folsom elections go. If he is on vacation I'll bet he is getting a tan so he will be looking good at city council. Hope he gets a real tan and doesn't look orange like Kerry. Starsky does look important and I think is is just proud as a peacock when he thinks about just how well Mrs. Starsky's son turned out. Don't trust him as far as I can throw him, he has got to go.

Karnis is a nice man and I like the fact he would have time to work on the job. But iff he got in he just might get spun up in the mayors web like what happened to Morin and King. The old mayor has a way pulling wool over the eyes of nice guys.

As for Carter, thought we weren't supposed to say bad things, but what old whitespy said about him being a trainwreck is kind of funny and sort of true. I just thought to myself as I listened, if he had the guts go go up and stumble around, there may just be a political career out there for the old soldier. If I didn't want to be disowned by my son, why I might just ask follks to vote for me as a write in candidate. You can sure bet I wouln't end up in an old web, and I am plenty mad.

I saw Holderness handing out flyers too, and that scares me about the developers wanting that measure W to pass. Got to be someting hidden in the words that will trick us regular folks and make them more money. Worder if the developer folks were paying him. I'll bet that my old Lt. if he saw him in action, would say he was quicker 'n slicker than WD 40 on a doorknob.

[tessieca]

The guy with the most signs wins!! Forget the debates -- vote Starsky!

[Cloud9]

The guy with the most signs wins!!  Forget the debates -- vote Starsky!

Always did wonder what those signs were for....

[waterbaby149]

Ya why show up for the debate when u have signs - Starsky is better than the rest of us -according to him

I arrived late for the debate but found it interesting

King loved to roll his eyes and state he had so much more experience and connections because he is an incumbant - such easy answers rolled off his tongue - not impressed

Gordon - on a teacher's salary and at age 28 I believe - how does he afford that suit - he was such a puppet it was hard to watch - he also had programed answers that exceeded the time allotment ....

Udell - impressive - but he is for the library going in the park - hard to believe for someone who is a veteran

Giamommetti - impressive answers - some not logical but still interesting - litigation is not the resolve to all problems

Karnis - loves to perform - but not impressive - he is too interested in removing peoples jobs instead of really making improvements from within - outsourcing is not always the answer

Alfredo - he was nervous

Carter - he is different enough to through a monkey wrench in the whole situation

It takes a lot of nerve to run for public office - let alone expense and to get up there and try and answer questions - they were nervous - and did some stumbling - but they are trying to make a difference for the city of folsom and trying to make us think outside the box....
we need something different on the city council and it is not the return of starsky and hutch - excuse me King - or an election of another puppet

[billsfan]

Easy position to ask for reform. But a lot of us are happy how the city has developed. I support the new library, and I support Folsom owning how South of 50 is developed. While I listen to those who think otherwise, I think they are not realistic. Our existing council has done a good job, but also have room for improvement. I'll vote for the candidates that can provide even more improvement not just some flippant reform position...

[waterbaby149]

Billsfan
Agreed reform is easier to talk about than to do
that takes effort and there are alot of people in folsom that have worked hard to attempt that reform
unfortunately not everyone is pleased w/the happenings w/the present city council - just look what has happened w/the Hwy 50 issue - and Holderness (not in my neighborhood) passing out flyers on W-
we have the freedom to disagree and the freedom to make change
and alot of us want change

as the bumpersticker says

If you enjoy your freedom, thank a Vet!

[Steve Heard]

"Gordon - on a teacher's salary and at age 28 I believe - how does he afford that suit -"

Waterbaby, that's a cheapshot. Do we want our teachers to take a vow of poverty? Maybe he put it on layaway. Maybe it's the only one he owns. Maybe it was a gift. Maybe it's his one guilty pleasure. Does he have substance and character? That's the question. If not, don't vote for him.

Giacometti - The promise to cut a million bucks is great, but without a definitive plan to do so, it's hollow. Details, please.

Karnis - I don't think privatization or outsourcing everything is the answer. We lose control, quality, and it will be hard to change back if it fails.

Udell- There are many vets who are in favor of the library in the park, particularly because there will be a much more fitting tribute to Mr. Farley than the current, obscure one.

[billsfan]

and alot of us want change

Not sure what you mean by a lot. There are always groups that oppose decisions, and they are always the most vocal. And you have a right to voice that opinion. But from what I see, the majority of people like our city and the council. While I understand the position that the veterans group took about the library, the majority of our citizens supports that decision to build it in the park. The majority also realize that Folsom should control South of 50 and establish a well thought out plan on how it is developed.

[Robert Giacometti]

Stevethedad,

I respect everyone has a right to their opinion and that their beliefs are just as important to them as mine are to me. So I respect yours

I am curious, were you at the candidates forum last Wednesday? If you did maybe you missed me saying how I was going to consolidate management positions. If you were not there, why would you ask me about details when I given the details?

I have been very consistent in my message that I will cut $1,000,000 from the Administration at City Hall. I WILL ELIMINATE MANAGEMENT POSITIONS THAT ARE NOT NEEDED. I have been saying this everywhere I go and speak

Can you name a Business in Folsom that has created more management positions than City Hall recently? I ask this question everywhere I go and no one can give me an answer.

Since I have stated this goal, many of the City employees agree with me! Some are actually supporting me and sharing information that is actually very interesting. Do you remember the story of the "Emperor has no clothes"? Some employees feel this way and now are starting to have some hope that maybe somebody on the council will listen to them!

I am surprised that you are asking for details when I have been cyrstal clear about what I am going to do.

Maybe you are opposed to elimating uneeded management positions and using these savings to build amenties for the citizens? If you are, we will just respectfully agree to disagree on this issue.

Thank you for the opportunity to remind everyone of my goals.

Best wishes to you and if you ever have a worthy need in the community and need help, call me!

Robert Giacometti
Candidate for City Council

[EDF]

Hey Bob...

Stevethedad works for the Mayor at his Mortgage Company...

He's too close to the forest to see the trees...