Blurred Lines

We often like to see people whom are removed from life of politics fill a void, ironically in politics. This could be the reason Donald Trump and Dr Ben Carson do so well in their races for the GOP nomination for president, since neither have ever held an elected office. Of course one must consider that perhaps having served in office some amount of necessary experience could have been gained. Recently, Meg Whitman stated that Carly Fiorina didn’t have the experience necessary to serve as president. 

It becomes really strange when you come to decide, not on someone who has served in office, but rather someone behind the curtain pulling the strings. Marcie Bayne is running for Stockton City Council and has been a string puller for quite some time. This could either give her some insight into how things actually get done, or make her completely blind with a set of intrinsic values that would see no movement at all while sitting on the deis. 

Of course Bayne has massive issues with a ton of people in Stockton politics already. One could assume that these issues are actually grudges that would certainly blind her from doing what is best for the city. Already earlier this year she was accused of being biased while sitting on the charter review commission , and she was also let go by the Central Labor Council. Not to mention that the Stockton Police Officers Association has already endorsed her opponent.

She seems to surround herself with the most controversial people in Stockton as well, Having her inner circle consisting of Neat Allen Sawyer, Mayor Anthony Silva, and Motec Sanchez.  In fact, she has admitted that the super controversial N. Allen Sawyer is working on her race. I guess we will see how a political professional does on the other side of the line soon.

Lee Neves

You are obviously a boaster for UOP. What sport do you think the have the best chance at excelling at this coming year? 

I'm looking for a big year from men's and women's basketball.  It's year three of the West Coast Conference for both.  For the men, there is a good mix of experience and some exciting new recruits, including Freshman Anthony Townes, who earned all-state honors in high school last year.  

For the women, as great a player Kendall Kenyon was, sometimes the team relied upon her too much.  I'm looking forward to a more balanced team which will be harder to defend for opposing teams.  As a side note, the Women's basketball team has produced great teams the last few years, unfortunatley the crowds haven't been there.  This is a team our community could really appreciate and rally around, and I'd love to see more members of our Stockton community take in a few games this year....let's see some people in those stands!

You graduated from law school, however you decided not be an attorney and rather to be a political consultant instead. What guided you in that choice? 

Have you ever sat thru a first year contracts class?! lol  Seriously, I went to law school with the intent of getting into politics, which is why I attended McGeorge in Sacramento.  Mission accomplished.  I just could never see myself in the law firm grind.

You are a self-declared Republican, yet you will not refrain from taking on the campaign management of a democrat. Why is that?

That's only the case for non-partisan offices.  To me, in races of that nature, it's less about ideology, and more about getting things done on the nuts and bolts level.  Take James Mousalimas, our new County Superintendent of Schools for example.  Although a registered Democrat, right off the bat he said he was an educator. period.  He also had a ton of Republican support, because they realized when it comes to our schools in the area, it's not about partisan ideology, but more about reading, science, math, and getting our kids graduated.

What happened when you were younger that let you know you were going to work in politics. 

I was always a political nerd in school.  When all my friends would come home to watch MTV, i'd turn on Crossfire on CNN.  Not sure there is a specific instance that let me know this is what I wanted to do, it's just something I was drawn too.

You are a more of a “behind the scenes” power in Stockton. Have you considered running for office yourself or do you like the influence you have now? 

I ran for office once, Merced County Supervisor in 2004.  To this day it's still the most expensive supervisors race in Merced County history.  Obviously that turned out well for me LOL. I told my parents when I ran that the only other election I'd run for was re-election or higher office.  I like the position I'm in now, and the ability to shape how our government looks at a wide variety of levels.

What impact do you think social media has had, not on politics in general, but specifically in local politics? 

It's a double edged sword.  On one hand, if done well, it can help level the playing field against better funded more traditional opponents. On the other hand, it gives a platform for perma-victims, wannabes and those who have no clue, and unfortnatley in today's society, there is a segment of people that thing if you shout it loud enough, you must be right.  

What is your biggest regret as a political move in your career.  

Back in 2002 I went to work as District Director for a State Assemblyman out of Fresno.  I had a bad feeling about it but felt it was a positon I couldnt pass up.  Turned out to be the worst few months of work I'd ever experienced (including the part time school gigs).  Myself, along with most of the staff that had any sense about them, left in quick order.  He was a one term legislator....no way he was getting re-elected LOL

Hands down, best burger in Stockton?

I'll have to go with Habit Burger. I love the interaction between the sauce, lettuce and patty....can't put my finger on it, I just know it's fantastic!

Nance for Congress 2016

Interview For Nance for Congress

If someone like Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmerman were going to do an episode on Stockton and the 9t Congressional district and you were their guide where would you take them?

Well obviously a day of wine tasting at all of the favorites.   Riaza, Jeremy, Lange Twins, St Jorge, Klinger Brick.   We have some amazing locally owned restaurants like Mile Wine, Rosewood, Velvet Grill for breakfast and ice cream, and Raw ask for Dante and let him make you the best off the menu sushi there is!

Certainly crime is, and has been, the number one issue in our area for a while. Do you think your profession as a police officer gives you some ability or insight to tackle this problem?

- it most certainly does.  As an officer for now 19 years, I have the insight to know what actually works.  From what departments actually need, to how to better get community involvement, to what laws work and don't work.  To often on the federal and state level we have people who come up with police and criminal justice policy that works in "theory", but the real world isn't based upon "theory' but in a fluid, moving, environment.  and what works in one city doesn't necessarily work in another.

We often talk about local issues but if you were to be elected you might vote on issues such as whether or not American should go to war. What do you think is the greatest international threat to the US?

- Iran and Islamic extremisim/terrorisim are our greatest international threat right now.  It's unfortunate that we have a current incumbent who has led from behind.  Who was in favor of the Iran nuclear deal before it was even completed and we knew what was it in, and is still in favor of the Iran deal, as weak and non-effective as it is.  I look at it this way, as a police officer, the Iran deal is akin to our PD going to any local gang and saying "hey, we're going to come make an inspection in two days, just letting you know"....what do you think they are going to do?  Any illegal contraband or items they have will for sure be shifted somewhere else by the time we were to inspect.  It's the same with the Iran nuclear deal, anyone who thinks that Iran won't sift any illegal nuclear activities they are participating in, to some other safe haven, is either incredibly naive, or clearly has no idea who persons involved in illegal activities operate.

I also find it sad that our current incumbent also gave our strongest ally in the middle east, Isreal, the proverbial middle finger when he boycotted the Benjamin Netenyahu speech to the joint session of congress.  He was one of only FIVE members of the California congressional delegation to turn it's back on Prime Minister  Netanyahu.  Even Nancy Pelosi attended the speech.  When our congressman is to the left of even Nancy Pelosi on an issue, clearly he's out of touch with his district and it's voters.

Water is a major issue in our area, if elected what steps would you take to secure our areas largest industry?

- We need to look at it from a couple different points of view.  Currently everyone is in a crisis mode, and when in crisis mode, instead of talking, people point fingers and appoint blame.  We need to work on those issues in regards to water, that we agree with and work from there.  We also need to realize that there is not one silver bullet to solve this issue, its going to take several fixes: more surface water storage, more ground water recharge, more recycling of water, making it easier and more cost efficent for southern california to build desalination plants, and balancing the needs of man with the needs of the environment, so that environmental extremisim doesn't get in the way of a water supply for ag and our towns and cities, while still being good stewards of the earth.  

That being said, I am totally opposed to the twin tunnels, and in congress will throw up every roadblock I can to ensuring they wont' happen. The tunnels will not create one new inch of new water storage.  It is just a legacy project for Governor Brown to to able to add to his biography when he terms out of office.  Plain and simple.

In the small amount of free time that you have, how do you relax? What are some of your favorite movies, TV shows, hobbies ect.

Whats free time? LOL I like reading, its an ecclectic mix, anywhere from non-fiction to Harry Potter.  I stay away from the "police procedural" and crime novels, I always find myself wanting to tell the author "no, thats not how it's done!" LOL. Sewing, especially some of my own clothes, quilts, bags hunting / fishing items for the hubby. For exercise  Hiking, cycling, kayaking, bowling and CrossFit.

Stockton Mayor Silva and the Hillary Clinton email connection.

Over the last couple years we have consistently been bombarded with a seemingly made up right wing conspiracy against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The scandal lies in the handling of her emails, which are supposed to be part of a public record. Clinton maintains that she didn't feel like using two devices to send and receive emails that were part of official State Department business, and those which were of a personal nature.

For people who are not that familiar with the topic, Clinton placed a server in her home and used her personal email for both private and official business. At first this sounds odd, unprecedented because it is. It wasn't until quite recently that rules governing email existed because it wasn't until quite recently that email existed. For instance, in his entire term in office Bill Clinton sent only one email.

The specifics of the Clinton case are irrelevant to the topic of how the Mayor of Stockton fits into this story. Essentially he faced the exact same accusations a few years ago. News10 reported that;

"Emails from Mayor Anthony Silva about city business could shed important light on efforts to solve Stockton's problems. But getting those emails – which an expert said are public records – can be difficult.
Citing California's public records laws, News10 requested emails sent to and from Silva's work email account since he took office last January.

According to the records the city sent News10, Silva did not send a single message from his city email account for the entire months of May and June.It's clear now that he did send messages dealing with city business, but when he did, he used his personal AOL account or texted from his cell phone."

So where is the difference? Hillary admitted to wrong doing and is slowly dumping all her emails, many of which are very embarrassing.  Could you imagine if every email Mayor Silva sent was made public?

A Local perspective on the Presidential Election

It is sad to see how little attention is paid to California in presidential elections, despite our sheer economic size and number of electoral votes. While a young man in college I joined the group Sacramento for Kerry while attending Sac State. At the group’s first meeting it was admitted that Kerry would be campaigning very little to none in our state because it was solid blue and Presidential contenders see us as an ATM for campaign donations. 

This is all still going to remain true but Marco Rubio at least mentioned the drought during the second GOP debate tonight. There is still virtually no way a conservative is going to win California but we should at least hold the democratic nominees to higher standard in regards to our problems. 

The drought in California is not just a local issue if you consider we are the 7^th largest economy and bread basket of the world. If the issue of the twin tunnel project made into a Democratic debate it could divide the state.

                              Interview with Christina Fugazi

If someone like Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmerman were going to do an episode on Stockton and you were their guide where would you take them?

I would take them to several places including Bogg’s Tract community garden and Central Valley Neighborhood Community Harvest.  I would also probably take them to The Breadfruit Tree and/or Garlic Brothers, Manny’s and maybe Mile Wine, The Ave, Taps Bar 'N Grill, and Nena’s.  Oh, to The Fruit Stand on Waterloo for pie and seasonal fruit and to the Saturday Farmer’s Market under the Crosstown Freeway!  I would want them to see how some of our restaurants do “farm to fork” as well as see how amazing our area is agriculturally and the Delta is with eating opportunities right at the water’s edge.  

You stated before that one of the reasons you got into Stockton politics was that Assemblywoman Susan Eggman canvassed your neighborhood and encouraged you to get involved. Have you had any contact with her or her office since then?

Susan appointed me as her planning commissioner after she was elected to city council.  I happily served on the commission for 8 years being a part of some substantial decisions and policy changes.  I was one of 2 “no” votes on the 2035 general plan.  I also part of the “Big Box” ordinance, worked on the recycling ordinance, which I think still needs some stricter rules, and the medical marijuana ordinance.

Susan encouraged me to throw my name into the hat for city council when she was running for the State Assembly.  At first, I declined.  However after repeated discussions with her, I did apply for the appointment, losing in the final vote.  While running to be elected, I spoke to Susan a couple of times and a few times with her and her staff members after winning.

You seem to have a lot of grassroots support, certainly more than others on the Deis, why do you think that is?

I am not exactly sure why I have such strong grassroots support other than I am real.  I walked during the primary, but not to the degree I did in the general election.  I started in July and continued up until the week before the election.  Every day after school, I would try to go to at least 50 homes and talk with the people of Stockton.  I even did my own phone banking.  When someone asked me a question, I gave them my heartfelt opinion and that resonated with so many people.  My answers were never scripted.  

My upbringing is solid and I have strong morals and values.  People appreciate that.  Also, being in my 21^st year as a teacher, I have been involved in many children’s’ lives.  With that comes involvement with their families and my enthusiasm for the wellbeing of our children has not lessened one bit since my first year of teaching.  In fact, I would say that I am even more enthusiastic and determined to provide a city for our youth to thrive and prosper with unlimited opportunities for not only them, but their parents as well.

Recently in a Facebook post you wrote “Sometimes it seems as if Fitzgerald is the unapologetic columnist for the establishment that patted themselves on the back as they drove over us and then drove us off a cliff.” Do you feel that Michael Fitzgerald is being unfair or biased or that the entire Stockton Record is biased against Mayor Silva?

We all have people that for one reason or another seem to rub us the wrong way.  While I have spoken to Michael on several occasions, and even had him as a guest speaker in my class, I feel like no matter what the mayor does, it will never be good enough.  It is not my opinion that The Record is biased against the mayor, but controversy does sell papers and gets people to read online.  So when the mayor does, or is involved in, anything that might be controversial, you will find it on page 1.

I subscribe to The Record and often wish that there were more local pieces.  My students do current events, and I share my copy with them.  I want my kids to know what is going on in the world around them both locally and globally.  Michael does a great job of bringing local issues to light and has a strong grasp on some of the historical beginnings of Stockton.  However, I think that sometimes it seems as if Michael has his blinders on and is a bit detached from the majority of the people who live here and what is important to them.  Fortunately or unfortunately, most of those people don’t read the paper or even know who he is.

Being a full time school teacher have you had any issues balancing your day and night job? For instance have you had issue where a student or parent have been upset with something you did in your role as vice-mayor?

The balance is not as difficult as some might seem.  I am embarrassed to say that the toughest part for me is getting my papers graded in a timely manner and being able to attend the kids’ afterschool events such as soccer and volleyball games, Mock Trial events, and simply not being able to coach.  The other thing is my annual Yosemite backpacking trip with about a dozen of my students.  I have been doing that trip since 2000, and last year I couldn’t go.  This year, I made sure we did not have a single meeting, council or committee.  I have yet to miss a closed session or council meeting.  I think that I might be the only one on council since being elected.  It is important to me that I show up to listen to the people and cast my vote on all issues.

As far as a student or parent being upset, it is quite the opposite.  Many parents and students, past and present, came to my swearing in.  They are HUGE supporters.  After the election, they wanted to throw a party for me at school and start calling me Councilwoman.  I told them that I was their teacher first and that I did not want them addressing me as an elected official.  I will be now and forever their teacher. 

Now that you have served for couple years as vice-mayor do you have any regrets?

Actually, I have only served as Vice Mayor for the last 8 months and I do not have any regrets.  I am comfortable managing meetings in the absence of the mayor and I try to show support throughout Stockton for as many programs/organizations as possible.  I have attended events in every district as well as meetings of the various boards and commissions.  It is important that we work together and I am trying to lead by example.  During the summer, when I was off from school, I attended two Board of Supervisors’ meetings trying to address the issue of homelessness.  We have to build bridges and form collaborative teams, public and private, if we want to really turn things around in this city.  I believe that we can do it!  

What do you feel is Stockton’s biggest strength?

For me, I think one of our biggest strengths is our diversity (culturally, economically, spiritually, etc.).  While I also appreciate our tremendous history, not everyone knows about it, however we can definitely appreciate and embrace our rich diversity.  A very dear friend of mine who grew up in LA was confused when they came to Stockton.  They saw people from all backgrounds engaging in conversations, playing basketball, and just co-mingling, which was strange to them.  I didn’t notice it until I traveled to other parts of the country.  When I was in Washington DC preparing to ride the Metro, I asked a man for assistance.  He looked at me confused and then said, “You’re not from around here, are you?”  I proudly told him I was from California and he replied, “Figures”.  He told me that I just couldn’t walk up to anyone and ask questions.  I should find someone that looked like me and ask them.  I was shocked.  To be at our nation’s capital and get that kind of response disturbed me.  Then when I finally got to my train stop, I proceeded to walk several city blocks to get to my destination.  It was pointed out to me that I was the only white person on the street since I left the station and I was oblivious.  Does that make me naïve?  I don’t think so.  In my classes, I am the minority.  I have visited every neighborhood in this city.  I have students who have lived in Conway, Sierra Vista, Brookside, Morada, over by Franklin, off of Main Street, in Fox Creek, and Spanos Park.  I live 3 blocks west of Madison where there can be quite a bit of activity and walk through Weber Park all of the time.  This is my home, and I am proud to be a resident in my neighborhood and have the ability to travel throughout this city.  

In the small amount of free time that you have, how do you relax? What are some of your favorite movies, TV shows, hobbies etc.

I am almost embarrassed to answer this question, but with my spare time, if I am not with my family (nephews and niece especially), I love to watch TV and veg out.  My shows are Mr. Robot, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Suits, Vikings, Ballers, True Detectives, and I love reality TV such as Million Dollar Listing, and HGTV.  I love sports live (my kids’ games) and televised (Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco Giants, World Cup Soccer). 

If I have even more free time, I travel to Mexico twice a year and a big trip every other year.  I have been to Thailand, Vietnam, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Belize, China, Japan, and several other places.  When I travel, I like warm weather locations because I am not good in the cold.  When I went to Maine one October, it was in the 80’s here and in the 20’s there.  I was so cold that I sat on a radiator to warm up and burned my backside.

Renison Measure A

In Dave Renison's report, which read more like a journal, he made some odd observations that show his contempt for the Measure A project in its entirety. Of course this is no surprise and was actually planned. Resnison was appointed to the board by Kathy Miller (who was then a City Councilwoman) for the specific reason that he would make a perfect watchdog. Because, Renison is the head of the San Joaquin Tax Payers association he would make quite sure that the revenue from Measure A would be spent as it was intended.

One issue I noticed about his report/journal of the Measure A committee is his reference to how it was passed in the first place. In a prologue he points out that Measure A passed with a little over 51% or the vote in an election where only 11% of Stocktonians voted. This might seem to indicate that it wasn't something the people really wanted but it is quite to the contrary.

The special election was held in an off year after the re-election of Barrack Obama in 2012. The next election in 2014 was also an extremely low turnout election even thought the Governor and Congressional Districts were on the ballot. What this means is that in the 2013 Special election for Measure A and B more conservatives voted and thus more people who would be against any form of a tax increase voted.

It's likely that if Measure A was on the Ballot in November during a presidential election it would have done much better. In fact its quite impressive that we as Stocktonians supported a tax upon ourselves in an act of fiscal responsibility and attempt to increase the police presence.

All in all it would seem that hiring of police officers is a little behind but no one could argue that Measure A was a complete disaster.  We need better recruitment if we are to meet the goals set.