New Council Member Appointed
The Dublin City Council met for a regular meeting tonight to cover a litany of topics. The key items achieved tonight were the:
- Appointment of a Councilmember to the seat vacated by Mayor Sbranti.
- Review and approval of Toyota of Dublin’s request for signage improvements.
- Acquisition of property for a Maintenance Yard Facility.
The Council started a process two weeks ago to seek applicants for the City Council seat vacated by recently elected Mayor Sbranti. Out of the 14 applicants, 12 were present at tonight’s meeting to provide a summary of their qualifications and why they should be on the City Council. From the 12 applicants speaking tonight, the Council selected 3 finalists to be interviewed for the vacant seat. In the end, the Council voted unanimously to appoint Planning Commissioner Don Biddle for the vacant seat on the Dublin City Council.
The Council also unanimously approved Toyota of Dublin’s request to add 78′, 42′, and 24′ signs near their new site at the former Ford of Dublin site.
Another important item approved tonight by the Council was to execute an agreement to purchase the former 84 Lumber site to host a Maintenance Yard Facility. The good news is that the City of Dublin will be able to purchase the land and make the necessary improvements for less than a third of the originally estimated amount. City Staff now estimates with the 84 Lumber site purchase that the Maintenance Yard Facility will cost a total of $5M vs. the initial estimate of $16.5M! The City used their savvy and the recent slump in the commercial real estate market to save the City of Dublin $11.5M.
8:01 AM on December 17th, 2008
If we had known that interviews for the City Council seat would be taking place last night, then we would've shown up to give John our support.
I couldn't believe the circus that unfolded before my eyes. I feel that the process was humiliating because of having candidates stand before the mighty Gods and plead their case as to why oh why they should be so honored to be graced by their presence. The interviews should have been conducted behind closed doors.
I am not trying to be sarcastic, but there was no need to humiliate John like that. Kevin Hart, I am sure you are reading this. John has never used this blog to further himself or try to get himself appointed. If anything, he remains neutral and presents the information to the best of his ability. He is NOT responsible for the negative remarks that others make. Isn't this what the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is all about? Being that you were in law enforcement for many years, you should have a clear understanding of what freedom of speech is. John cannot control what everyone says and why should he? People have a right to express their true feelings.
You were extremely harsh with John while you displayed nothing but gentleness with the other two candidates. John doesn't as you said, "cut and paste," he explains in incredible detail what transpires in these meetings and encourages feedback from the people of Dublin. John does it because he cares about this city and because he wants to create awareness about what's going on in this town. His blog does "add value" (to use your words) because it gives people an opportunity to voice their opinion and tell it like it is without feeling like we have to dance around things.
You treated John unfairly. When you spoke to him, you were very condescending and acted like you were cross-examining him and you made yourself look immature and petty. There is no place for that. You should focus on the real issues that are plaguing this city and should have asked questions regarding what he brings to the table and what he can offer this great town. Kevin, it's so sad that you missed a great opportunity and you got that "tunnel vision" that cops get.
John, you did a great job. You were articulate and presented yourself well. At the end of the day, it is out of your hands. I feel that greater things are in store for you. The City Council and the Mayor were very unfair because they should have gone with who the voters wanted and that was you. I wrote all of them and told them exactly this, but apparently they are going to do whatever they want. It seems that what the people want doesn't matter. So then why have an election?
All this business about having experience only takes you so far. Kasie and Tim got their start somewhere and we can't all expect everyone to have hundreds of years of experience.
You offer so much to this great city, while it is the Mayor's and the Council's loss, unfortunately, it is our loss as we were not able to get someone with your passion and integrity appointed.
If you decide to run next time, let's all organize a massive campaign to get out the vote. Hold a Q&A at Emerald Park if that's what you have to do so everyone knows what you stand for. Don't give up and don't let this tear your spirits to a point where it prevents you from wanting to seek office again. This is a learning experience and I feel extremely proud to have supported you.
8:30 AM on December 17th, 2008
John, you handled yourself last night like a true professional. It angered me to no end to see the holier than thou attitude from the Council (except Scholz) grill you as if you were running for President, totally overlooking the fact that you came in 3rd place. The only good news is that at least the guy they picked is very qualified (in fact, far more qualified than anyone sitting on the Council).
John, if last night didn’t prove to you that Kasie and Kevin had a major axe to grind with you, I don’t know what will. Last night’s grilling was their chance at payback for what they feel has been unfair reporting on this blog, and Kevin’s chance to rub it in that “you lost.” Your hidden digs back at Kevin were priceless, and he’s lucky this appointment wasn’t done by viewers voting at home, because his condescending attitude turned the audience watching at home against him and made you the underdog that you wanted to see prevail in the end. Movie writers would’ve salivated over that scene, and this was real life.
What an absurd question for Hart to ask the value of this blog. John and Jimmy have done what the Council have failed to do: get my wife and I excited about living in Dublin and given us a forum for broadcasting our comments to the entire world. We were ecstatic when we discovered Around Dublin last year, telling all our neighbors about this fantastic new blog that told us all about the city and the exciting developments going on. Not only that, but John has reported on the local stories like an accomplished journalist, even though he has no background in journalism. It’s just his good sense that makes him be this way, and that’s why he got my vote and why he should’ve been chosen last night.
Condescending tone? Is Hart so naive to confuse visitor comments with John’s? John has not once ever interjected a condescending attitude in his writing or comments, despite times when he should have. He knows how the game has played and has always been careful about what he says, knowing he has his own political future to worry about. John has always been fair, and this blog post here just proves it. He reported on the City’s appointment as if he were a 3rd party, not giving his personal opinions and treating the story with impartial respect. Name one media outlet that can do that, including the biased NY Times.
Kasie is concerned that you’ll leak confidential info to your friends who would run the blog? What would she have done if you had won the election? How is this any different than being concerned about Kasie telling her friends about confidential info, or Sbranti telling his students, or Hart telling his old cop buddies? It’s called trust and respect, and if they are to expect it for themselves, they should expect it of others.
Sbranti did treat you with respect, so at least the right guy on the Council is in charge. Hart clearly had personal issues with you and wasn’t smart enough to even disguise it. He’ll never get my vote, and neither will Kasie. Kudos to Scholz for being the only voice of reason last night.
So now you know the truth John, which is what I’ve been telling you from day one. The Council sees you as a threat, a young guy with a brain who is from the private sector, and thus, might know how to do things efficiently. Biddle and the other gentleman are certainly qualified, but not threats. Neither has political aspirations, and thus, neither threatens anyone’s jobs. The Council members, except Scholz, are insecure about their positions and their performance, which is why they didn’t appoint you and why they fear the blog to begin with (it exposes them). Any viewer watching at home could see this.
In the end, John, you’re too good for them. Like I’ve told you in personal communications, you’re better off using your skills in the private sector, and your blog can have more influence than a spot on the Council would. You’re doing their job for them, as you have been for the past year: soliciting resident feedback and reporting on the issues in an impartial manner.
The whole argument is pointless; the Council’s job wasn’t to pick the best candidate, but the candidate the people wanted to see on the Council. Nothing against Biddle, but you’re the one who ran and got 3rd place. Even if you were incompetent and Biddle was a genius, they still should’ve picked you based on your election showing. In this case, they had a guy who was both a genius and got the popular vote for 3rd place, and they still denied him. Jealousy is an ugly thing, and last night was ugly.
And as for Kevin wondering why 4,000 votes is so impressive, that again shows you his true colors. You ran as a virtual unknown and managed to get 3rd place. That was with minimal campaigning, almost no press, and a blog that was far too young to have helped you as it should have (most people still don’t know about the blog, but they will eventually). You also have no responsibility to censor anyone’s comments, and it’s not your job to lead anyone or set anyone straight. If anyone on the Council feels people commenting here are out of line, then they can always come here and speak for themselves. That’s not their responsibility, but it’s not yours either.
Your best point to Kevin was that you said our 4,000 votes don’t matter. So true, but in the next election if/when Kevin and Kasie run again, my vote will count because it won’t be going to them. Why vote at all if the Council is going to discount the will of the people?
Great job last night, John. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you, but I believe it was for the best. Your talents are best suited elsewhere, and the wasteful, inefficient, jealousy-laden Council would’ve driven you crazy. Thanks for doing what you do.
11:05 AM on December 17th, 2008
Glad to hear that the 84 Lumber site is being bought up (as it’s an eyesore). This area is so highly visible, I worry that it’s replacement (a Maintenance Yard Facility) might be just as unsightly… Any idea of what that might look like? Ideally, it would be something that hides it’s true function well (a good example of that is the new storage facility off 580 in Livermore, it looks like a winery or something but I think it’s just like a public storage type of place– I’d LOVE for Dublin to do something similar to hide the “Maintenance Yard Facility” look…. When I think of Maintenance Yard Facility, I think of asphalt with heavy trucks parked all around, maybe some other machinery,etc..
Google :Maintenance Yard comes up with this:
http://jim-frizzell.com/Vally%20Forge%20Pennsylvania/2002/maintenance/03-05-02valley-forge-maintenance5.jpg
eew, right? I’m sure it won’t look that bad, but it might look like just some giant parking lot with trucks, etc parked all around.. I’m just hoping they realize that that’s a main “Dublin’s-Image” spot on the freeway and it’d be great to use some of that saved money to make it look great!
What does everyone else think?
11:08 AM on December 17th, 2008
As was mentioned before that it is a travesty for not being appointed to the council. It is a mockery of the will of the people of Dublin. Filling all seats at the council chambers last night with John Z supporters will not make any difference to the outright disregard to the people’s choice. Head to head election vote between Don B and John Z. will make John a clear winner. We are outraged at this selection and need to take this issue to the people of Dublin. Don’t give up as this is just the start of change that Dubliners are asking for. Lead us John in fighting for our rights to see Dublin the way majority of residents wants it to be. Not the way a few people with personal vesting interest. Same people that make up the Houston and Lockhart core group. This group control our local politics and need to be toppled for majority rule to reign. Let us have a campaign to involve all of West and Central Dublin aware of the issues. Let us now take this fight to the streets of Dublin.
12:40 PM on December 17th, 2008
It amazed me to no end to see them embrace Don because he was part of their clan. How sad that you have to be part of their “in” group to have a seat on the council.
12:41 PM on December 17th, 2008
So, with the decision made to make Don Biddle the fifth person on the council, let me offer some advice to you John. Continue this blog and your efforts to get people to state their names. Continue sharing the great information you do because it truly is a valuable asset to our town.
Join committees, ask Sbranti for appointments, show some time with the schools, etc. Don Biddle didn’t run for council because he was chairing the successful, and highly needed Measure L campaign. He has served as a school board member, chair of other bond efforts, planning commissioner, been on numerous oversight committees, and anything asked of him, and he has done it with a smiling face and reasoned thought. A good role model for us all. He is highly deserving of this honor.
It really should be obvious to folks that quality time invested over many years was the deciding factor and takes nothing away from John and who he is.
1:24 PM on December 17th, 2008
I could not have said it any better John Ledahl.
I agree Don is qualified, although he may be too close and cozy with the rest of the Council minus Scholz.
Hart dissappointed me, his true color did come out. Very very dissappointed, not in that John did not get the nod, but in how immature and unprofessional our Council was, especially Kevin and Kasie. I am embarrassed for them both, I can never look at them with any respect again, I see them as caddy as depserate housewives. I had supported Kevin third after John Z. for the Council Race. When he won I thought well Hart wasn’t a bad alternative as he stood against High Density Housing (in his words). Although I would have rathered see John as I felt he is one of us, speaks for the common man/woman of Dublin. Not a career politician with local ties like all the others. A fresh face to add to our City Government instead of yet more of the old which at times I don’t trust.
Why is Kasie so concerned about secrets being exposed? Why are there secrets in government in the first place? Is she worried about the real backroom dealings that may get exposed? Are they up to no good and afraid of an outsider exposing them? Exposing the truth of the past 8 years and what is to come the next 4?
Keep up the good work John on this blog. Believe me the common Dublin will have the last laugh on this one.
They may have their days in the sun now but things will turn around and bite them in the #ss hard when they least expect it.
1:50 PM on December 17th, 2008
From Jing Firmeza;
I agree with John Ledahl as to let people post their real names or be able to trace comments to the real person. I like your blog as to the service you provide to the community. It provides a relevant forum to exchange ideas for the betterment of our city. I know you disagree to negative comments or unfounded accusations made in this blog. To all your blog team; I appreciate all the hardwork you have put for this blog. Continue the good work. I also agree with John Ledahl that you be active in our city or serve in other commission. I hope next election you get in the council. You will always have my support for the service you have provided to our community.
Jing Firmeza
1:56 PM on December 17th, 2008
At least a bit of good news about the 84 Lumber site and that the City got if for a discount. On the otherhand it is a highly visible and blighted part of town. Hopefully the City will spend the money saved for a first class facility that don’t look like a typical Maintenance Yard.
Maybe spend some of the money saved to underground the overhead utilities in the entire Scarlett area. Someday when the ecomony and auto industry recovers, we can attract more dealers to the area to finish the redevelopment. Maybe call it Dublin Automall West to complement Dublin Automall East (GM and Toyota).
Hang in there John, better days are to come I guarrantee you.
2:04 PM on December 17th, 2008
I post both with my name and anonymously– Why? Because sometimes I want to post something that I may feel strongly about, but don’t want people to be able to trace it back to me, and ultimately the small business I run here in the Tri-Valley area.. We are private citizens and therefore we should be allowed to post anonymously when we feel the need to—It’s the same reason voting is private—
3:40 PM on December 17th, 2008
Do you know what you call the 3rd place finisher in a race where 2 people are elected?
“First Loser”
Get over it Mr. Z. Your answer to the Mayor’s question regarding why you did not apply for a commission seat was too transparent. Why didn’t you just come out and say that a commission seat was beneath your stature?
I also love Mr. Z’s comment on how he does not censure comments on this site but instead responds with kind words to mollify the venomous bloggers.
Signed,
Dublin Ranch Resident who does not drink the John Z Kool-Aid.
3:57 PM on December 17th, 2008
How can John “get over it,” when he hasn’t expressed any public opinion on it yet?
John hasn’t complained or made any statement other than his unbiased reporting of the appointment. You’re not drinking John’s Kool-Aid, because he hasn’t served any yet. It’s not even on the menu. We’re not here to blindly follow John, we’re here to say what’s right and what’s wrong. It’s wrong to appoint someone when the residents clearly chose John as their 3rd choice for Councilperson. That would still be the right thing to do even if 3rd place was won by you, Gary.
Fortunately you didn’t run, and neither did almost everyone else in that room last night. Yet John was still looked over for obvious reasons.
It’s Kevin Hart who needs to get over it, as does Kasie. They need to get over the fact that they’re actually being monitored on what they do and can’t do as they please without intervention like has been the case in years past. That’s the value of the blog (there’s your answer, Kevin).
And John didn’t say a commission seat is beneath him. It is beneath him, but he didn’t say or imply that. Frankly, a seat on the Council is below John. What he said was that he doesn’t want to focus on one specific area because he has more broad based ideas and plans for Dublin. John actually aspires to be something and goes for it. You don’t put Donald Trump in charge of the mailroom, you make him CEO. And no, I’m not comparing John to The Donald, I’m comparing him to someone who is overqualified for a commission position.
John does not censor anyone. The censoring was done by the Council, who censored every one of the 4,000 voters who voted for Mr. Zukoski. The lesson: our vote doesn’t matter, unless it’s for them and unless it’s for someone who isn’t a threat, like Biddle.
4:04 PM on December 17th, 2008
Good Lord. It’s neither Mr. Zukoski’s place to censure or to censor the commenters. Clearly we have another person who fell through the cracks in our public education system. I fail to see how whether or not Mr. Zukoski applied for a commission seat is even relevant. Mr. Zukoski owed it to his supporters to follow through with the process until the end, and he did not disappoint. He has the integrity to allow everyone to post comments, even when the venom is directed at him. Unfortunately, I don’t see that same strength of character from Tim Sbranti, Kasie Hildenbrand, Kevin Hart, and Former Mayor Janet Lockhart. All I heard was petty, immature whining from three public officials who ignored the will of 4000 voters. No wonder Dublin has an image problem. How ironic that it was Tim Sbranti who called for everyone to respect all the candidates, when he, Kevin Hart, and Kasie Hildenbrand utterly failed to do so.
4:39 PM on December 17th, 2008
Wow, I guess someone touched a nerve with some people. Do you know why anonymous posters are allowed on some sites? Because most of the comments are coming from very few people. Some may even be John Z. himself disguised as a supporter. Imagine if our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence “Anonymous” because they didn’t want to be inconvenienced with recognition. Or if they had said “Give me liberty or I just go home and be anonymous”. Come on people, grow a set and require registration on comment boards otherwise you may get the “rest of the story” from people like me who can be as anonymous as the “Kool Aid” drinkers are.
4:52 PM on December 17th, 2008
Anonymity is done to protect people who might have their careers or families harmed. It’s also a good option for people who are private in general. There were McCain supporters who had their cars vandalized because of their bumper stickers. There are wackos in the world and the internet opens up your comments for the entire world. It’s a safety issue, not an issue of cowardice.
Our founding fathers didn’t have to worry about the internet or cell phone cameras recording things they said in private. What a silly comparison.
4:55 PM on December 17th, 2008
A few is 4000 strong, the voter registrar would not allow individuals to vote multiple times, otherwise we’d have a scandal of major proportion. The 4000 who voted for John may or may not have commented on this blog in the past. Thus the assumption that only a few blogged multiple times pretending to me many is as immature and aburb as the current Council minus Scholz. Yes this is the second time I commented on this topic as I referred to Scholz once before.
So if a Commissioner or City Staff was found to be something less than a qualified/trusted public servant. Does this mean City Hall is as guilty of their doing, should we hammer on them as being unqualified too? This is what you are implying of John based on comments of the users of this blog. The only comments John and his staff has provided here the various topics and at times responding to reader’s questions.
Get off the Lockhart wagon my friend.
I myself agree that Biddle was a reasonable choice given his experience. I have no qualms about it other than I had been pulling for John. What upsets me is how immature 3 of the 4 Councils acted, like they were being vindicated in some way. I’ve lost all respect for them and have lost trust in them after watching their embarrassing act of personal vindication last night in a public forum.
4:58 PM on December 17th, 2008
To anonymous December 17, 2008 at 3:39PM. I guess you are a coward just like all of us. Lecturing the choir while hiding behind a PC yourself. Oxy Moron.
Typical of supporters of the current administration call the Lockhart yes mams
5:03 PM on December 17th, 2008
Why is this idiot attacking John when John has not even made a comment on this post? If you read the post topic, he just stated the facts of what happened last night. Did not post a comment of dissappointment or disgust that he did not get the appointment. All the comments with strong or mild opinions have been done by readers in support or against John.
6:03 PM on December 17th, 2008
Oh please, anonymous December 17, 2008 at 3:39PM, as if. Why in the world would John post anonymously, when he’s busy producing content? It’s Kasie, Tim, and many more who post anonymously. These career politicians really hate the fact that someone else has gained the trust of Dublin’s residents. Instead of attacking John, they should learn from Schol Board Member John Ledhal and participate openly on the blog.
6:05 PM on December 17th, 2008
They are just trying to shut down our blog. Whatever. The more they attack, the more I believe what John is saying. Bring it on developer cronies.
6:23 PM on December 17th, 2008
Believe it or not, there are those of us from the West who like and get what John is doing with his blog. My one gripe is that I wish there can be more focus on the West, but I know he is doing his best. I was disturbed and repulsed by the outrageous and unbecoming behaviors exhibited by our newly elected councilman and vice mayor. I must say I have found some of the reader comments to be cringe-worthy and outright deplorable, but John’s reporting and analysis are always fair and even-handed. It is unfortunate that there is an East vs. West divide, when it doesn’t have to be that way. John didn’t create that rift, but it’s clear to me that John wants what’s best for all of Dublin. I can’t say that for some of our newly elected officials.
I have known Don Biddle for many years, and I can vouch for the character of this man. I know people have very strong feelings about the people who made the decision to appoint Don, but please give Don a chance. I am confident he will serve Dublin to the best of his abilities.
John, I am proud to have voted for you. You have done me and my wife proud.
8:26 PM on December 17th, 2008
Hi Anonymous 12/17/08 5:23PM – I too can vouch for Don Biddle. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Don through various Rotary Club community service activities and can attest to his tremendous ability to build consensus and lead successful initiatives.
Don has been serving the residents in Dublin before Dublin was even a city and wants what is best for Dublin. I’m certain that he will be an asset to the Council and residents of Dublin.
9:39 PM on December 17th, 2008
John,
Please dont let these negative reviews get you down. I know you would truely never use the anonymous feature. Why would you even need to. If you wanted to be negative , you wouldnt have even posted this story!
Keep up the good work!
10:07 PM on December 17th, 2008
John, you ran a good campaign that achieved 4000 votes with very minimal exposure to the public. This says something about your character, your point of views and your support for this great City of Dublin. Don’t let this stop you from running again. I know you are a truly good candidate, qualified, dedicated, level headed and the right person for this job. “You got my vote”.
Note: I served in the military to protect this country and to have the right to Freedom of Speech.
Retired Air Force. EJA
12:28 AM on December 18th, 2008
Comments from Jing Firmeza (A Central Dubliner)
As a supporter of John Z for the City Council, I must admit I am a bit disappointed. I see Don Biddle’s appointment with optimism. Definitely very qualified and knowledgeable gentlemen will help in shaping the future of Dublin. Now that this chapter of Dublin political scene is over, all residents of Dublin must unite behind the elected and appointed officials of our city council. As residents of our great city, let our city council know what your views concerning the issues at hand. Be active in letting them know that you favor or oppose their decisions. I supported and volunteered for Mayor Tim Sbranti campaign as he took the time to discuss with me my views about current issues in our city. I truly admire and respect his initiative to sit down with me. I have heard that Don Biddle is a dedicated public servant. Someone commented that John Ledahl participation in the blog is worth noting and admirable. I would encourage that all City Council members do as well. Beforehand, as a city council member I would read all non anonymous comments and ignore the rest. The blog is a great forum for all residents to exchange their ideas as long as those are truly representative of a view from a Dublin resident. Let us forget first amendment rights. You want to be recognized as a valid opinion for consideration. Then make yourself known and stand by your comments. Before we pre-judge our elected and duly appointed council members, be active and participate in the deliberations through the blog or take the podium at the city council meetings. But make sure that you identify yourself to be counted. Otherwise, your comment is irrelevant in my point of view. I applaud the work John Z and his team done in bringing about this forum. I hope that they do continue this service to all of Dublin residents.
Jing Firmeza
8:07 AM on December 18th, 2008
Hey John – Great job Tuesday night. We could have used you over in Pleasanton where everything passed 5-Zip in the new spirit of friendliness and cooperation. Keep up the good work on your blog.
12:45 PM on December 18th, 2008
The East vs West Divide that seems to be had developed through time. Particular in the past 8 years due to policies and attitude of City Hall. It only came to light thanks to the Blog that gave the common citizens a vehicle to make their feelings public. Without this blog the resentments have been done in silence.
We had high hope that with Sbranti, Hildenbrand, Hart and either Biddle or Zukoski we will be going into a new ERA of cohesiveness and balanced prosperity as ONE Dublin. A City Hall the represents the common Citizens, not special interest and friends. The chirades that was last Tuesday’s Council meeting was an embarrassment to the City of Dublin. To watch it unfold live in front of my eyes I was ashamed and embarrassed for 3 of the 4 Council Members. To think that these people will be the faces representing a city of 43K plus is apalling and causes us to cringe. With that now infamous act on December 16, 2008, it looks like the Lockhart ERA will continue into the next Decade.
I join in the applaud for John B. Ledahl for taking time to chime in now and then with valuable insight and information. Regardless if I had not voted for him nor agreed with his views in the past I have gained respect for him. He has shown to have a thick skin and the ability to be an effective leader that we the common resident can work with. John had been my public enemy number 1 as far as the school board was concerned but now I see him as hope and optimism.
Congrats to Don Biddle for your appointment. So far I’ve only heard praises for you thus you did deserve the nod Regardless of how dissappointed I was that a non career politician like John Z. did not. John seemed to have the quality to lead and represent the common citizen, not special interest and friends. I hope you can do the same and help City Hall regain the trust and respect that it has lost through the years and completely last Tuesday. We will watch you closely with hope that you will live up to your praises and not get sucked into whatever got Hart and Hildenbrand and to a lesser extent Sbranti. Don’t embarrass us like the three mentioned.
I had voted for Zukoski and Hart in the November election. I regret voting for Hart now after Tuesday’s showing of true colors. Wow that was amazing, live in person and on Comcast. If you don’t believe it go to the City Website and watch for yourself unedited.
1:19 PM on December 18th, 2008
…and apparently now on YouTube as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-2mDGNRo80
Fell asleep, missed the live broadcast, and am glad to see what everyone is talking about. Thanks.
Where are the Tim and Kasie clips?
6:42 PM on December 21st, 2008
Jing (the John Ledahl fan…),
Why do you and John Ledahl place so high value on exposing anonymity? You two are the cowards for not answering the truth with the truth. Does it change any content of any questions because you know who the writer is? No it does not. I agree that ignoring inflamatory comments is the way to go but you should not seek to throw out valid comments and questions and complaints simply because someone does not want to be named. As someone else mentioned Obama supporters vandalized McCain cars simply because of a bumper sticker….. This is especially true for you Ledahl. Weren’t you elected to represent all Dublin? If you can’t represent the ideas and concepts presented on this Blog, even through anonymous postings then Dublin should find someone who can….
7:18 PM on December 21st, 2008
In defense of John L. he has responded many times to my anonymous posts, questions. I can’t speak for him in regards to what he chooses to respond to and what he chooses to diregard. All I can say is that he has responded to me with mutual respect.
No I did not vote for John L. nor do I agree with many of his points. Especially in regards to a 2nd H.S. I even cringed when he was voted back in. But since then at least in my eyes he has opened up a bit and has spent time trading respectful, meaningful dialog with readers here. That says a lot more about the other 9 who either dispise this site and mock it or just ignore it altogether.
Like you said, this site offers residents an opportunity to share their views privately and safely. But so far the majority of our City Leader choose to ignore it.
7:24 PM on December 21st, 2008
Hello – I’d like to second the comment by Anonymous on December 21, 2008 6:18 PM. It is great that John Ledahl has made himself available and been a thought leader on this blog. I appreciate the fact that he has been very open to dialogue.
11:17 PM on December 21st, 2008
I appreciate the mature thinking I have seen recently on the blog. What I am seeing is a more balanced dialog where we can actually talk about issues and not personalities. I think the essence of debate is sharing solid information. I will continue to do so regardless of these infrequent attacks. I am also open to meetings at your homes to discuss these issues. We had one recently that proved highly successful.
There is a more important reason for this. Over the next couple of years, due to hard economic times at the state and federal levels, we will face stinging cuts in educational funding. It will be up to all of us to fight through it. Can I ask folks to start thinking about how we as a community can find new revenue sources. Measure L will be vital but with millions of annual dollars at stake there will be larger needs. Does your company do fundraisers or donate to good causes? You will soon see school districts fighting for donations. Lets try to have Dublin businesses contributing to Dublin schools via Dublin Partners in Education. Your ideas are welcome.
John Ledahl
LedahlJohn@Dublin.k12.ca.us
7:11 PM on December 22nd, 2008
The private sector may be one of the areas we can try and tap into. Afterall, a thriving premier school system can only help these companies recruit top notch workers to their campuses. Especially out here in the valley it is even harder for them to compete against companies closer to Silicon Valley for talent. It is also good publicity for them to be a part of a successuful private/public partnership to help educate or kids.
1:14 AM on December 23rd, 2008
In response to Anonymous Dec 21 5:42 PM
As a John Ledahl fan, I greatly appreciate his participation in the blog. It is a noble feat from a public official to participate openly to the blog. I have sent emails to our California Senators, Jerry McNerney and our local officials. Senator Boxer, Senator Feinstein and Congressman McNerney send me back their vanilla/pre-drafted email replies. Former Mayor Lockhart and Mayor Tim Sbranti responds to my emails at times. Chances are that my email was marked spam, junk or deleted email by some. John Ledahl at least speaks his mind and his views in the way he sees reality, direct and no false pretenses.
As a coward, I have opposed high density development since late 2006. I have experienced being a lone opponent in a sea of developers in the council chambers many times in the past. Even with the long odds, I still stood up and spoke to the city council about my opposition. I have attended many city council meetings as Kevin Hart mentioned when we met at the recent Dublin 101 Academy “ I thought you were running for a council seat as I have seen you attending the council meeting many times.”. I have spoken and sent emails to our council in regards to high density homes, Delta Water shortage and looming home price skid due to home inventory. I can say that some measures adopted by the council in regards to units per acre were the content of my suggestion. Growing up as a youth in the 70’s in the Philippines, I was a student activist. We marched the streets of Manila opposing Marcos. It is only now that I realize that I have had concussion from being gang beat by 3 cops with their rattan made sticks in the head. ( Riot police got tired of beating us marchers in the body as we would wear thick padding in our body.) A fellow student marcher and a friend drop dead next to me with a bullet wound in the head while you see bullets breeze by you. You march forward bullets will meet you. Retreat and you will be sticked by riot police. Even with the chances of not being able to see your family after a march, I was back again marching the streets of Manila. You want to fight for a true cause, I have been there. Don’t question my integrity in fighting a cause. As the cause you are waging right now is not comparable to where I have been. I will take my enemy head on than hiding under the guise of anonymity. You want to effect change then do it face to face with facts and good arguments. Someone is now in a great opportunity to effect change because he worked within the system and worked the process. He may have been a radical leftist ideological fighter in the past. But he got his message across a large number of Americans and won the Presidency of our great country. You can participate in a meaningful productive dialogue with our leaders or continue hurl baseless accusations that will get you nothing. I attended Dublin 101 Academy to fully grasp the reason behind the past decisions made by the council members. I have since changed my view about high density housing in our city. I support high density housing in the right places of our city. I believe in sustainable growth as John Zukoski and Tim Sbranti stands for. Dublin needs to attain to be an entitlement city. I support transit communities as this is the future of dwelling patterns. I support commercial development to provide class A employment to our residents. The future of business relocation is through “Zero Commute” and “Stay at Home” concepts. If we embrace these concepts now, Dublin will be the most progressive city as far as commercial growth in Class A businesses in the next years. I support any measure that will contribute to increasing our home equities as some of us rely on those equities for our retirement or giving our kids a good college education. I see a lot of good comments and good dialogue in this blog including anonymous bloggers I encourage all to effect change by working the process. That is the only way.
12:04 PM on December 23rd, 2008
Regardless of difference of views and opinions, the only way to have productive dialog is with respect and courtesy. We are all Dubliners doing the best we can for our City and our Kids.
Open communication, leaving the emotions and frustration out of it. I know first hand how emotional and pissed of I get talking about our School system, Second H.S. etc.. I’m sure many parents are too as this is the one thing that is dearest to their heart, their kid’s education. We need to though take a step back and be rational and calm, we get much more production out it.
I respect any elected official who dares to tread these waters by engaging on this blog. Its shows that they have mental toughness, have the stomach to withstand critisisms (valid or not), have security about their job and ability, have communicational skills, have the ability to be open, understand that they are here to serve the City and not themselves.
It is unfortunate that some choose to use this blog to attack and attack without offering any solutions. Personal attacks are not necessary, you can express your frustration about any issue without having to personally attack someone. Your message would be heard louder and clearer and taken more seriously without the attacks and sarcasm.
I for one am guilty of letting my emotions take over when I first started to engage on this blog a fews months ago. I’ve learned quickly though that I’d get a better response and taken more seriously by leaving my emotions out of it and sticking to the facts at hand.
It is unfortunate though that some elected officials and appointed commissioners choose not to engage. It says a lot about them in the opposite way. Possibly they don’t know enough about Dublin to know how important this blog is? Or they just don’t have the stomach, security or communication skills to engage. Speaking to the common citizen of Dublin at their level seems to be beneath them, not worth their time.
John Z. got approximately 4000 votes, so I would guess that there are at least 4000 users of this blog at the least. By ignoring this blog you are dismissing 4000 registered voters out of approximately 23000 in Dublin. This is a high percentage of your voting constituents to ignore if you are an elected official or appointed commissioner.
I do hope that our elected and appointed officials, new and old will see the light and chime in now and then.
11:20 AM on December 27th, 2008
I too am guilty of bashing a certain someone earlier in this blog. I regret it and apoligize to the Mayor who is leaving. Ive learned after reading this blog, that constructive comments and being more personal with our community leaders is more effective and just more Mature. Im a new home owner in Dublin and just want to move to a city thats going past other cities, not sitting next to them. All my kids are grown up and out of the house. I love seeing the Local High School building Science an Math buildings.. a new high school would Im sure help. Is there enough kids for second. Im not sure.
But anyways the Money they are saving on that lot they bought (the old 84 lumber) couldnt that help with building the Elementry School over in East Dublin..
And congrats to the elected official that recieved the third seat. I wish you good luck Mr. Biddle. I did vote for John and wrote letters why they should keep John and at least Mayor Elect wrote me back in a personal letter. Ill move forward and hope Mr. Biddle does a great job.
I dont know much about these elected officials till I saw Mr. Hart.. wow.. hes angry at the blog.. comments are comments Mr. Hart.. read them for face value and move on. I really believe you can learn alot from reading what people in Dublin are passionate about. But you really dont like John for this blog and you showed a side of you that most didnt expect. The commnets on here wether with a name or not isnt the problem. Its more the fact you hate hearing negative comments. Its a big part of the job you are in.. with Good comes Bad. Read the blog and find out what we as a community are really passionate about. I feel you too Mr. Hart will learn from this also…we as a people learn everyday something new or something that might improve us individually..bottom line I want whats best for the peoople of Dublin period. Without the people, Dublin will be just another city that doesnt care, and as a group or town.. we care.. East or West.
For what its worth I just want the best we can be and not lower our standards at any level… Good luck new mayor and newly elected council member Biddle.
Keep up the good work and get to know some of us people who are in this blog.. we are passionate because we care, not because we dont. Id bet that everyone that gets on this site votes and cares.. Good Luck to US……… DUBLIN WILL BE GREAT!!!!!!!!!
11:02 AM on December 28th, 2008
Yes I agree with the last two comments above.
9:41 PM on December 29th, 2008
Jing,
Thank you for clarifying your stance. I can see from your posting that you are very passionate and experienced. I respect that. It seemed like you would not respect any anonymous posting simply because it was anonymous. Also, it seemed that you agree with things John Ledahl says just because he is willing to post his name. Neither are good reasons. You should not discount an anonymous posting the way Ledahl does and you should not believe Ledahl simply because he lists his name. I read his posts and some of it seems ok. But you should follow actions and not his words. His actions are this, tell us some info but leave out how or when to sign up for important committees or meetings. Tell us the financial crisis is upon us and to ask us to donate funds but not how to fix the overcrowding in our schools.
Blogging is ok but if it is all you do then you only get a partial picture. Watch the board meetings and see for yourself what actions speak for themselves.
2:21 AM on January 8th, 2009
Most folks know that I do respond to Anonymous comments on real issues that are stated with common respect. I ignore the attacks. The information I try to provide is to give you the basics and direction the school district is taken.
If people really want to know “how or when to sign up for important committees or meetings” there are a few routes. Most community members with children start at their neighborhood school – in the classroom, PFC, Site Council, fundraising, coaching, tutoring, and other support groups. Folks without children have it more difficult, although some of the efforts just stated could use some more experienced people too, so see the local Principal. There is need for people with technical, financial, engineering, marketing, and other skills and knowledge to get involved. Call Supt. Hanke’s office (828-2551 etc 8002) and offer your time and effort.
SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND I’LL SEE YOU ARE PUT ON THE DISTRICT INFORMATION “BLASTS”. I CHALLENGE ANONYMOUS TO D0 THAT.
There are efforts underway to address “the overcrowding in our schools” via 1) a new Boundary Committee starting up later this month; 2)the Supt. Council, made up of PFC and Site Council leaders, works on this issue as a team as well; and 3)with the state budget challenges being addressed over the next 6 months there are extensive processes and committees partially made up of parent reps from every school set up to look at all key issues.
We need people with expertise in raising money. Got an idea? Send me an email at ledahljohn@dublin.k12.ca.us and lets have coffee.
Nothing is being done in a vacuum. I will continue to try to provide timely information when I can, but as you stated the blog isn’t my only activity, and I am consumed in the districts needs. Unless there a special children’s event or key issue, the seats in the audience during school board meeting are empty. Every time you get on this blog there is a place on the right side where the District website is noted. It shows the school board meeting schedule and each board member’s contact information. Use it and come to a meeting!
2:25 AM on January 9th, 2009
Hey everyone — please check out the posting I just made on the Dublin Townhall blog about last month’s council appointment and Kevin Hart’s conduct during the interview process. To go directly to the posting, just click on the link below. The posting includes a video of me expressing my feelings on the matter at the most recent council meeting. Feel free to add your comments to the posting.
Kevin Hart’s Shameful Public Belittling
Tim Hall
Dublin, CA
tiger650@comcast.net
3:18 PM on January 9th, 2009
Thanks Tim, we’ll check it out.
3:08 PM on January 10th, 2009
Unfortunately Tim Hall’s speech was not the first time Kevin Hart received a public reprimand. A quick Google search yielded the following gem for me:
Drama at Dublin City Council Meeting
Apparently the footage is from December 2, 2008, which is barely a month old.
8:14 AM on February 20th, 2009
My name is Steve White. I made a public comment to the City Council when the newly elected members took the oath of office. Someone posted my comment to YouTube, you can find it by searching “Steve White, Kevin Hart, Dublin”.
To make this very brief, Kevin Hart violated Alameda County Judge Julie Conger’s specific instructions to allow me access to the county courthouse, when he was the head of security over there.
Hart was trying to cover up dirt in the county courts, as a favor to some people. It would take a long time to explain it all, some of it is in the YouTube clip.
The bottom line with Hart seems to be, he does what he wants, even when a judge specifically tells him it’s against the law. He does not care about the Constitution, and so it’s not surprising he attacks Zukosky for allowing free speech on his web page, or that he belittled the people who voted for Zukoski.
He came out of ACMEA, and Operating Engineers Local 3, both overly powerful secretive lobbying groups. He’s used to having the fix be in from that environment, what are voters anyway?
At least, that is my read on him. I will provide details on his misconduct on request to any who contact me at boatbrain@aol.com
2:53 PM on February 20th, 2009
Interesting. Maybe will rally and get the 4000 plus Zukosky voters/supporters and family to the Council Meeting this spring and make it very uncomfortable for him. See him sweat in his speedos.