Thanks everyone for visiting during this fascinating and definitely contentious campaign. We will leave this blog up as an archive for the time being.
Happy Holidays to all and best of luck to Paul Krekorian, our new CD2 representative!
Welcome to the CD2 Special Election 2009 blog
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Krekorian's council victory a lesson on election spending
from the LA Times
by Maeve Reston
If there was a lesson in Tuesday's special election for the Los Angeles City Council seat previously held by City Controller Wendy Greuel, it was that money is no guarantee in a low-turnout city race.
In an outcome that stunned some at City Hall, Assemblyman Paul Krekorian sailed to a 57%-43% victory over former film executive Christine Essel even though powerful independent groups, including the union that represents Department of Water and Power workers, set a record by spending more than $900,000 on her behalf.
During the runoff campaign, Essel and her independent backers spent about $156 swaying each of the 8,304 voters who cast ballots for her. By comparison, Krekorian and the groups supporting him spent $28 per voter.
"I think people thought it was an over the top amount of spending by all the powers that be at City Hall," said Councilman Paul Koretz, who endorsed Krekorian and waged his own fierce fight for his Westside council seat earlier this year. "That communicated to them that Chris wouldn't be a reformer, wouldn't take on special interests and that Paul was the candidate that would."
Neighborhood leaders who lined up behind Krekorian zeroed in on the hefty sum spent by the DWP union, which recently negotiated a five-year package of raises at a time when other city employees received pay cuts. Some of those same activists campaigned earlier this year against Measure B, a solar energy ballot plan advanced by the DWP employees union.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
by Maeve Reston
If there was a lesson in Tuesday's special election for the Los Angeles City Council seat previously held by City Controller Wendy Greuel, it was that money is no guarantee in a low-turnout city race.
In an outcome that stunned some at City Hall, Assemblyman Paul Krekorian sailed to a 57%-43% victory over former film executive Christine Essel even though powerful independent groups, including the union that represents Department of Water and Power workers, set a record by spending more than $900,000 on her behalf.
During the runoff campaign, Essel and her independent backers spent about $156 swaying each of the 8,304 voters who cast ballots for her. By comparison, Krekorian and the groups supporting him spent $28 per voter.
"I think people thought it was an over the top amount of spending by all the powers that be at City Hall," said Councilman Paul Koretz, who endorsed Krekorian and waged his own fierce fight for his Westside council seat earlier this year. "That communicated to them that Chris wouldn't be a reformer, wouldn't take on special interests and that Paul was the candidate that would."
Neighborhood leaders who lined up behind Krekorian zeroed in on the hefty sum spent by the DWP union, which recently negotiated a five-year package of raises at a time when other city employees received pay cuts. Some of those same activists campaigned earlier this year against Measure B, a solar energy ballot plan advanced by the DWP employees union.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Why Did Shallman’s Attack Model Fail?
From Village To Village
by Paul Hatfield
The Shallman Model failed in the CD2 race.
Why? It had a pretty successful track record in recent elections.
The formula is conceptually simple:
Lots of Money + Big Endorsements + Creative Lies = Victory
It worked for Greuel’s run for Controller and Trunanich’s for City Attorney. Shallman had to feel comfortable managing the Essel-Greuel tag team against Krekorian. The sum for his candidate was at least twice that of Paul’s.
Here are a couple of points to consider:
* Both the City Attorney and Controller races were city wide affairs. The mass marketing approach of the Shallman model plays off of ignorance and apathy. Those characteristics are more commonplace when dealing with a larger population.
That’s no different than life insurance actuarial tables – the larger the base, the more reliable they are.
* There were significant qualitative factors as well. Nick Patsaouras did not enter the Controller’s race until late in the game, thus he had less time to raise money. It was virtually impossible for him to publicly challenge the gross lies leveled by Greuel.
Jack Weiss was a political cripple who was despised even by his own constituents.
Shallman, was playing with a stacked deck in those races.
What Shallman apparently did not consider in the CD2 campaign was how well informed the district’s voters were. He wasn’t up against a bunch of hicks at a local carnival in a game of three-card Monte.
It is difficult to sell lies to knowledgeable people. I guess Shallman learned marketing from the Nigerian e-mail boiler rooms.
Mr. Shallman is representing Janice Hahn in her bid for Lieutenant Governor. His model should fare better at that level.
Ms. Hahn should be ashamed at employing Shallman in the wake of the scurrilous tactics he used in the CD2 race. Something tells me she is not.
by Paul Hatfield
The Shallman Model failed in the CD2 race.
Why? It had a pretty successful track record in recent elections.
The formula is conceptually simple:
Lots of Money + Big Endorsements + Creative Lies = Victory
It worked for Greuel’s run for Controller and Trunanich’s for City Attorney. Shallman had to feel comfortable managing the Essel-Greuel tag team against Krekorian. The sum for his candidate was at least twice that of Paul’s.
Here are a couple of points to consider:
* Both the City Attorney and Controller races were city wide affairs. The mass marketing approach of the Shallman model plays off of ignorance and apathy. Those characteristics are more commonplace when dealing with a larger population.
That’s no different than life insurance actuarial tables – the larger the base, the more reliable they are.
* There were significant qualitative factors as well. Nick Patsaouras did not enter the Controller’s race until late in the game, thus he had less time to raise money. It was virtually impossible for him to publicly challenge the gross lies leveled by Greuel.
Jack Weiss was a political cripple who was despised even by his own constituents.
Shallman, was playing with a stacked deck in those races.
What Shallman apparently did not consider in the CD2 campaign was how well informed the district’s voters were. He wasn’t up against a bunch of hicks at a local carnival in a game of three-card Monte.
It is difficult to sell lies to knowledgeable people. I guess Shallman learned marketing from the Nigerian e-mail boiler rooms.
Mr. Shallman is representing Janice Hahn in her bid for Lieutenant Governor. His model should fare better at that level.
Ms. Hahn should be ashamed at employing Shallman in the wake of the scurrilous tactics he used in the CD2 race. Something tells me she is not.
Krekorian defeats Essel in L.A. City Council race
from the LA Times
by Maeve Reston
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian claimed victory tonight in the bitter and expensive race for the Los Angeles City Council seat previously held by City Controller Wendy Greuel.
Krekorian, the former head of the Burbank Board of Education who was elected to the Assembly in 2006, defeated former film executive Christine Essel by a 14% margin with all precincts reporting.
Krekorian’s win was a major rebuke to some of the city’s most powerful unions, which flooded the race with hundreds of thousands of dollars in independent expenditures to support his rival.
At his campaign headquarters Tuesday night, Krekorian said voters had united around, "a common vision about a city government that is marked by integrity and accountability, for starters — a city government that actually works for the people of the San Fernando Valley."
“We’re all going to have to continue to work together and if we do, I think this is a time that all of us will be able to look back to and say that the reform of Los Angeles began tonight,” Krekorian said.
Essel could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
by Maeve Reston
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian claimed victory tonight in the bitter and expensive race for the Los Angeles City Council seat previously held by City Controller Wendy Greuel.
Krekorian, the former head of the Burbank Board of Education who was elected to the Assembly in 2006, defeated former film executive Christine Essel by a 14% margin with all precincts reporting.
Krekorian’s win was a major rebuke to some of the city’s most powerful unions, which flooded the race with hundreds of thousands of dollars in independent expenditures to support his rival.
At his campaign headquarters Tuesday night, Krekorian said voters had united around, "a common vision about a city government that is marked by integrity and accountability, for starters — a city government that actually works for the people of the San Fernando Valley."
“We’re all going to have to continue to work together and if we do, I think this is a time that all of us will be able to look back to and say that the reform of Los Angeles began tonight,” Krekorian said.
Essel could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
PAUL WINS!
Paul Krekorian is our new City Council representative for Council District 2!
All the votes are counted. Paul Krekorian wins in landslide victory 56.5 to 43.4. Congrats to our new Councilman and especially to the team - Jeremy, Karo, Areen and the rest!
All the votes are counted. Paul Krekorian wins in landslide victory 56.5 to 43.4. Congrats to our new Councilman and especially to the team - Jeremy, Karo, Areen and the rest!
Live from Paul's HQ
Absentee votes have Paul significantly ahead. Here is a live stream from Paul's HQ.
Live Broadcasting by Ustream
Live Broadcasting by Ustream
Election Night Results
Go HERE.
Best of luck to everyone! This has been a campaign like no other.
We will see you on the other side.
Best of luck to everyone! This has been a campaign like no other.
We will see you on the other side.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wiesenthal Center Weighs In On CD2 Negative Mailers
from Village to Village
by Suzanne Lauer
With one day left to the CD2 election, those negative mailers from last week are continuing to haunt the CD2 candidates. On KPCC’s “AIRTALK” this morning, CD2 Candidate, Christine Essel was taken to task by the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the Associate Dean of the world’s leading Jewish human rights organization, demanded an apology from Essel.
As previously reported, last week the Essel campaign sent out a campaign flyer utilizing images of the Holocaust, and accusing her opponent, Paul Krekorian of sexism and anti-semitism. The images includes the word “Intolerance” over a picture of City Hall covered in barbed wire, as well as what many are referring to as “skinhead imagery.”
Rabbi Cooper said, “The flyer was disgusting and inappropriate.” He strongly added, “She should apologize.”
Essel responded on air response to the Rabbi, “There are different views on that subject from different sides of the Jewish community.”
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
by Suzanne Lauer
With one day left to the CD2 election, those negative mailers from last week are continuing to haunt the CD2 candidates. On KPCC’s “AIRTALK” this morning, CD2 Candidate, Christine Essel was taken to task by the Simon Wiesenthal Center. Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the Associate Dean of the world’s leading Jewish human rights organization, demanded an apology from Essel.
As previously reported, last week the Essel campaign sent out a campaign flyer utilizing images of the Holocaust, and accusing her opponent, Paul Krekorian of sexism and anti-semitism. The images includes the word “Intolerance” over a picture of City Hall covered in barbed wire, as well as what many are referring to as “skinhead imagery.”
Rabbi Cooper said, “The flyer was disgusting and inappropriate.” He strongly added, “She should apologize.”
Essel responded on air response to the Rabbi, “There are different views on that subject from different sides of the Jewish community.”
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Outside groups shatter spending record in L.A. City Council race
from the LA Times
by Maeve Reston
Unions and other groups inject nearly $1 million into the San Fernando Valley contest for the seat once held by Wendy Greuel. More than 90% of that amount is aimed at helping Christine Essel.
As the Los Angeles City Council race between Assemblyman Paul Krekorian and former film executive Christine Essel drew to a close, outside groups shattered the record for independent spending in a non-citywide election since ethics officials began tracking those figures two decades ago.
By Sunday evening, independent groups, including some of the city's most powerful unions, had poured nearly $1 million into the contest for the San Fernando Valley seat formerly held by Wendy Greuel. More than 90% of that money has been devoted to boosting Essel's bid. Heading into Tuesday's runoff, Essel's campaign outspent Krekorian by nearly two to one.
So-called independent expenditure committees are not subject to the same city contribution limits as individual candidates, but they cannot coordinate with the candidates they support.
Faced with a constant stream of mailings and commercials on Essel's behalf by the political committees of the Police Protective League ($403,733) and unions representing the construction trade and electric workers, Krekorian has tried to turn Essel's financial advantage into a vulnerability in the final weeks.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
by Maeve Reston
Unions and other groups inject nearly $1 million into the San Fernando Valley contest for the seat once held by Wendy Greuel. More than 90% of that amount is aimed at helping Christine Essel.
As the Los Angeles City Council race between Assemblyman Paul Krekorian and former film executive Christine Essel drew to a close, outside groups shattered the record for independent spending in a non-citywide election since ethics officials began tracking those figures two decades ago.
By Sunday evening, independent groups, including some of the city's most powerful unions, had poured nearly $1 million into the contest for the San Fernando Valley seat formerly held by Wendy Greuel. More than 90% of that money has been devoted to boosting Essel's bid. Heading into Tuesday's runoff, Essel's campaign outspent Krekorian by nearly two to one.
So-called independent expenditure committees are not subject to the same city contribution limits as individual candidates, but they cannot coordinate with the candidates they support.
Faced with a constant stream of mailings and commercials on Essel's behalf by the political committees of the Police Protective League ($403,733) and unions representing the construction trade and electric workers, Krekorian has tried to turn Essel's financial advantage into a vulnerability in the final weeks.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
L.A. council candidate Paul Krekorian assails 2 mailers by Christine Essel
from the LA Times
by Maeve Reston
Prominent supporters of Los Angeles City Council candidate and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian denounced two mailers sent last week by the campaign of his opponent, former Paramount Pictures Corp. executive Christine Essel, that accuse Krekorian of sexism and anti-Semitism, based in part on comments on a blog.
Tuesday's runoff race for former City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel's seat in the San Fernando Valley has grown increasingly caustic in the final weeks, but Krekorian condemned one of Essel's new mailers as "the most disgusting and grotesque political communication" he had ever seen.
In the first mailing, Essel's campaign said a previous Krekorian campaign mail piece had portrayed her "hog-tied with arms and hands held back by heavy rope." Krekorian's spokesman said the mailer, which depicted a smiling Essel with ropes lifting an ankle and her wrists as she stood on a DWP bill, was intended to portray the candidate as a puppet controlled by the union that represents Department of Water and Power employees. That union has independently spent more than $244,000 to boost her campaign bid.
Essel's campaign consultant, John Shallman, said Krekorian should apologize for the portrayal.
The mail from Essel's campaign also charged that Krekorian and his supporters "have unleashed a shocking barrage of nasty, sexist and anti-Semitic personal attacks" on a website. Shallman provided a list of comments that the campaign had collected from readers of Mayor Sam's Sister City blog as examples.
Krekorian's campaign stressed that it has no relationship to the independent blog, created in 2004 by Valley resident Michael Higby. In a telephone interview, Higby said he supports Krekorian but has no official role in the campaign. He and two other writers on the blog have authority to approve reader comments, he said.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
by Maeve Reston
Prominent supporters of Los Angeles City Council candidate and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian denounced two mailers sent last week by the campaign of his opponent, former Paramount Pictures Corp. executive Christine Essel, that accuse Krekorian of sexism and anti-Semitism, based in part on comments on a blog.
Tuesday's runoff race for former City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel's seat in the San Fernando Valley has grown increasingly caustic in the final weeks, but Krekorian condemned one of Essel's new mailers as "the most disgusting and grotesque political communication" he had ever seen.
In the first mailing, Essel's campaign said a previous Krekorian campaign mail piece had portrayed her "hog-tied with arms and hands held back by heavy rope." Krekorian's spokesman said the mailer, which depicted a smiling Essel with ropes lifting an ankle and her wrists as she stood on a DWP bill, was intended to portray the candidate as a puppet controlled by the union that represents Department of Water and Power employees. That union has independently spent more than $244,000 to boost her campaign bid.
Essel's campaign consultant, John Shallman, said Krekorian should apologize for the portrayal.
The mail from Essel's campaign also charged that Krekorian and his supporters "have unleashed a shocking barrage of nasty, sexist and anti-Semitic personal attacks" on a website. Shallman provided a list of comments that the campaign had collected from readers of Mayor Sam's Sister City blog as examples.
Krekorian's campaign stressed that it has no relationship to the independent blog, created in 2004 by Valley resident Michael Higby. In a telephone interview, Higby said he supports Krekorian but has no official role in the campaign. He and two other writers on the blog have authority to approve reader comments, he said.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Valley voters decide City Council seat Tuesday
from The Daily News
by Rick Orlov
On the surface, there are few differences between businesswoman Christine Essel and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, who face off Tuesday in the special election for the 2nd City Council District seat.
Both agree on the need to boost business development, deal with runaway film production and pay more attention to neighborhood needs in a district that stretches from Studio City to Sun Valley.
"This election is about an opportunity to restructure government, to put together reforms to make the city more efficient," Essel said at a recent debate.
Krekorian has tried to tap into voter anger.
"Much of what's going on in this city is not working anymore," Krekorian said. "I think I can bring about the change that is needed."
The disagreements have been more over style and resumes than policy. Essel paints Krekorian as a career politician seeking to remain in elected office while Krekorian portrays Essel as the candidate of the downtown power structure.
The election will decide who completes the 18 months left on the term of Wendy Greuel, who was elected controller earlier this year. It has been the second most expensive City Council race in history, with more than $1.3 million raised and spent, according to the most recent Ethics Commission reports.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
by Rick Orlov
On the surface, there are few differences between businesswoman Christine Essel and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, who face off Tuesday in the special election for the 2nd City Council District seat.
Both agree on the need to boost business development, deal with runaway film production and pay more attention to neighborhood needs in a district that stretches from Studio City to Sun Valley.
"This election is about an opportunity to restructure government, to put together reforms to make the city more efficient," Essel said at a recent debate.
Krekorian has tried to tap into voter anger.
"Much of what's going on in this city is not working anymore," Krekorian said. "I think I can bring about the change that is needed."
The disagreements have been more over style and resumes than policy. Essel paints Krekorian as a career politician seeking to remain in elected office while Krekorian portrays Essel as the candidate of the downtown power structure.
The election will decide who completes the 18 months left on the term of Wendy Greuel, who was elected controller earlier this year. It has been the second most expensive City Council race in history, with more than $1.3 million raised and spent, according to the most recent Ethics Commission reports.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Frank and Dave Radio Talk Show Election Special Tonight
by Paul Hatfield
Former CD2 candidate Frank Sheftel and former candidate for Mayor David Hernandez will have bloggers Joe Barrett and Mike Higby in the studio tonight to discuss the Krekorian/Essel contest. Paul and Chris have been invited to call in as well.
It promises to be a lively discussion in view of the latest controversy in the campaign.
The show will run from 8-10 PM tonight.
http://www.latalkradio.com/Livela.php
To listen live, go to this link.
http://www.latalkradio.com/index.shtml
Be sure to listen to our past shows at
http://latalkradio.com/Livela.php
City Council Special Election Run Off
December 8, 2009
Former CD2 candidate Frank Sheftel and former candidate for Mayor David Hernandez will have bloggers Joe Barrett and Mike Higby in the studio tonight to discuss the Krekorian/Essel contest. Paul and Chris have been invited to call in as well.
It promises to be a lively discussion in view of the latest controversy in the campaign.
The show will run from 8-10 PM tonight.
http://www.latalkradio.com/Livela.php
To listen live, go to this link.
http://www.latalkradio.com/index.shtml
Be sure to listen to our past shows at
http://latalkradio.com/Livela.php
City Council Special Election Run Off
December 8, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Daily News Endorses Krekorian
from the Daily News
The two candidates competing in Tuesday's runoff race for the prize of representing parts of the East Valley on the Los Angeles City Council have many things in common.
Both have been involved in local politics for many years. Both moved from outside the district in order to be eligible to run but claim historical ties to the San Fernando Valley. Both accuse the other of being the insider candidate, yet have politically powerful organizations behind them - the business-Riordan-downtown-DWP union folk in the case of Christine Essel, district neighborhood councils and several unions, including the L.A. firefighters, in the case of Paul Krekorian.
And both have big buckets of money in their corners.
As of the reporting period last month, Essel has collected more than $1.5 million in direct cash contributions and independent expenditures (mostly in the form of political attack mailers and TV ads on her behalf). Krekorian reported about a half-million in cash contributions and another hundred thousand in independent expenditures.
They have been all monied up by the special interests that virtually run City Hall.
What this means in a practical sense is that stuffed next to the circulars for holiday sales in the mailboxes of Council District 2 residents from Studio City to Sunland-Tujunga are a variety of colorful, glossy and, in some cases, particularly nasty political mailers.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
The two candidates competing in Tuesday's runoff race for the prize of representing parts of the East Valley on the Los Angeles City Council have many things in common.
Both have been involved in local politics for many years. Both moved from outside the district in order to be eligible to run but claim historical ties to the San Fernando Valley. Both accuse the other of being the insider candidate, yet have politically powerful organizations behind them - the business-Riordan-downtown-DWP union folk in the case of Christine Essel, district neighborhood councils and several unions, including the L.A. firefighters, in the case of Paul Krekorian.
And both have big buckets of money in their corners.
As of the reporting period last month, Essel has collected more than $1.5 million in direct cash contributions and independent expenditures (mostly in the form of political attack mailers and TV ads on her behalf). Krekorian reported about a half-million in cash contributions and another hundred thousand in independent expenditures.
They have been all monied up by the special interests that virtually run City Hall.
What this means in a practical sense is that stuffed next to the circulars for holiday sales in the mailboxes of Council District 2 residents from Studio City to Sunland-Tujunga are a variety of colorful, glossy and, in some cases, particularly nasty political mailers.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Jewish Leaders Condemn Chris Essel Mailer
from MS2
NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Following a string of negative pieces of mail sent out by Christine Essel - ads that alleged Krekorian is anti-semitic, misogynist and hateful - outraged community leaders responded in full force. Tamar Galatzan, former City Council candidate and former Associate Counsel for the Anti-Defamation League, issued a stirring condemnation of Essel's piece. On Saturday, Rep. Brad Sherman, Assemblyman Mike Feuer and Los Angeles City Council member Paul Koretz will appear in the campaign office to speak out against the mailer.
Their response follows Essel-approved mail that accused Krekorian of sexism and anti-semitism while displaying, in one piece, Holocaust imagery, in the form of barbed wire that surrounded a picture of City Hall and the word "Intolerance."
In her call, Galatzan said in part: "These disgusting and outlandish political stunts demonstrate that Christine Essel is even willing to demean the memory of one of the most tragic events in world history just to win a political seat." The call was sent to 2,600 homes, all completed before 5 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, Sherman, Feuer and Koretz will issue a condemnation of Essel's mail during a campaign event from noon - 4 p.m. at the campaign office, 13063 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Following a string of negative pieces of mail sent out by Christine Essel - ads that alleged Krekorian is anti-semitic, misogynist and hateful - outraged community leaders responded in full force. Tamar Galatzan, former City Council candidate and former Associate Counsel for the Anti-Defamation League, issued a stirring condemnation of Essel's piece. On Saturday, Rep. Brad Sherman, Assemblyman Mike Feuer and Los Angeles City Council member Paul Koretz will appear in the campaign office to speak out against the mailer.
Their response follows Essel-approved mail that accused Krekorian of sexism and anti-semitism while displaying, in one piece, Holocaust imagery, in the form of barbed wire that surrounded a picture of City Hall and the word "Intolerance."
In her call, Galatzan said in part: "These disgusting and outlandish political stunts demonstrate that Christine Essel is even willing to demean the memory of one of the most tragic events in world history just to win a political seat." The call was sent to 2,600 homes, all completed before 5 p.m.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, Sherman, Feuer and Koretz will issue a condemnation of Essel's mail during a campaign event from noon - 4 p.m. at the campaign office, 13063 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
“Hate & Politics” Mailer
by Paul Hatfield
A new round of negative campaigning has begun. A recent mailer from the Essel campaign claims that the Krekorian campaign stole documents (the letter to Chris from Antonio Villaraigosa that ended up on a Krekorian mailer) and accusations that the Assemblyman and his supporters are using a “hateful and sexist” website to attack Chris. Apparently she was referred to as a “whore”, “streetwalker”, “pig” and “b*&ch” on the site.
A police report was filed by Chris regarding the “stolen” letter. The LAPD has not announced any evidence that pins unauthorized access to it by Paul’s campaign.
The profane website might be referring to a blog (not this one) where vulgar references were directed at a few candidates in various comments from anonymous posters . If it is that blog, it is not connected to the Krekorian campaign to the best of my knowledge.
I will try to confirm the blog’s name with Essel’s campaign office.
Paul Krekorian issued the following press release:
Chris Essel Trivializes Violence Against Women and Antisemitism in Cheap Political Stunt
On Thursday, Christine Essel launched an over-the-top negative attack ad against Paul Krekorian that crossed all lines of decency and respect for the truth. In a clear sign of desperation, she paid for and approved a mailer that, incredibly, actually accuses Paul Krekorian of misogynistic and anti-semitic hatred. Her wild and irresponsible accusations diminish and belittle the very real struggles that women and minorities have faced against discrimination, bigotry, hatred and extremism.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
A new round of negative campaigning has begun. A recent mailer from the Essel campaign claims that the Krekorian campaign stole documents (the letter to Chris from Antonio Villaraigosa that ended up on a Krekorian mailer) and accusations that the Assemblyman and his supporters are using a “hateful and sexist” website to attack Chris. Apparently she was referred to as a “whore”, “streetwalker”, “pig” and “b*&ch” on the site.
A police report was filed by Chris regarding the “stolen” letter. The LAPD has not announced any evidence that pins unauthorized access to it by Paul’s campaign.
The profane website might be referring to a blog (not this one) where vulgar references were directed at a few candidates in various comments from anonymous posters . If it is that blog, it is not connected to the Krekorian campaign to the best of my knowledge.
I will try to confirm the blog’s name with Essel’s campaign office.
Paul Krekorian issued the following press release:
Chris Essel Trivializes Violence Against Women and Antisemitism in Cheap Political Stunt
On Thursday, Christine Essel launched an over-the-top negative attack ad against Paul Krekorian that crossed all lines of decency and respect for the truth. In a clear sign of desperation, she paid for and approved a mailer that, incredibly, actually accuses Paul Krekorian of misogynistic and anti-semitic hatred. Her wild and irresponsible accusations diminish and belittle the very real struggles that women and minorities have faced against discrimination, bigotry, hatred and extremism.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Special Election or Secret Election:The Race for L.A.’s Council District 2
from The Jewish Journal
by Adeena Bleich
by Adeena Bleich
Activist and author Gore Vidal once said: “Half of the American people never read a newspaper. Half never vote for president. One hopes it is the same half.” If you are reading this article, you are probably part of the half of people who do pay attention to world happenings and elections. But does this include local politics? Do you know who your councilmember is or when the next city election is? Do you care what goes on at City Hall?
This Tuesday, Dec. 8, Angelenos in City Council District 2 are being asked to vote in a special run-off election. District 2 is huge, encompassing Lakeview Terrace, La Tuna Canyon, North Hollywood, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Tujunga, Valley Village, Valley Glen and Van Nuys.
It’s an election so special, almost no one is talking about it. Like many off-cycle elections before, this special election is set to become a “secret” election — something no one knows about and no one cares about.
In the special primary election held for this seat on Sept. 22, only 16,000 out of a possible 125,000 registered voters cast ballots for the then-10 candidates. Now the race is winnowed down to two candidates, Paul Krekorian and Christine Essel, and if previous city elections are anything to go by, those who voted for the losing eight candidates in the first election are likely to stay home. Whoever gets elected on Dec. 8 will win with less than 7 percent of the potential vote.
Los Angeles is a city where elected officials must raise and spend millions in the course of a campaign. Yet outside of campaign years, neither they nor anyone else spend a dime, if that, to get voters engaged in local elections or to get them to pay attention to what our officials in City Hall are doing. Local TV coverage is slim, usually focusing on Election Day itself, and the once-vibrant local section of the Los Angeles Times is dwindling. In addition, large district sizes and poor outreach on the part of our elected officials means it becomes embarrassingly easy to not know what’s going on in our city, and most people are pretty sure that whatever is going on doesn’t affect them all that much.
So for the 80 percent of you out there who don’t think city elections matter, let me bring you up to speed. Los Angeles is heading for a quake, and I don’t mean an earthquake. Los Angeles faces upwards of a $400 million budget shortfall, an unemployment rate over 10 percent, a failing public school system, decrepit roads and rising homeless numbers. Last year the city raised our phone and trash taxes, and just recently the DWP doubled our water and power bills, our meter prices and parking tickets nearly doubled, and we still don’t have enough public transportation. These are a few of the critical issues our 15 City Council members and mayor need to work on. These aren’t secrets that we can pretend don’t apply to us. They will affect all of our lives and our wallets. Do we really want these decisions to be made by people who are only accountable to so few Angelenos?
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Joel Wachs Endorses Christine Essel
December 3, 2009 (Studio City) – Former Council District 2 representative Joel Wachs announced today that he is supporting Valley businesswoman Christine Essel in the race to succeed him and Wendy Greuel as City Councilmember for District 2.
“For years, I’ve known Chris Essel to be an honest, hardworking businesswoman. I trust her to protect Valley neighborhoods from rampant overdevelopment,” Wachs said, “You can trust Christine Essel – she won’t be afraid to shake up City Hall. I'm happy to be supporting her in Tuesday’s important special election.”
“I am so proud to have earned an endorsement from Joel Wachs,” Essel said, “During his tenure as a Councilman, Joel Wachs worked hard to be an independent voice for Valley residents,” Essel said, “As a Councilwoman, I will work to continue his legacy of protecting our neighborhoods and our taxpayer dollars.”
A longtime Valley resident and former Senior Vice President of Paramount Pictures, Christine Essel is a civic leader who led the California Film Commission for nine years and serves as Vice Chair of the California Workforce Investment Board. Throughout her career, Essel has championed efforts to promote economic growth, job training and empowered neighborhoods. Essel is running for Los Angeles City Council to make L.A. work again through job creation, excellent constituent service, and more efficiency in government.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Debate-A-Thon 2009!
from Village to Village
by Suzanne Lauer
After roughly 16 debates in over 5 months, it was the last for this CD2 election. Last night, a crowd of well over 200 came to hear candidates Christine Essel and Paul Krekorian answer questions compiled by 3 Neighborhood Councils, Valley College Students, and audience members.
The event held at Valley College’s Monarch Hall, was sponsored by Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council; Neighborhood Council Valley Village; Greater Valley Glen Council and Assc. Union of Valley College.
The crowd was presented with an evening of focused candidates concentrating on the issues and getting their message across. There was a plethora of detailed questions on budget, DWP, infrastructure, development, education, accomplishments, and independence. Both candidates did extremely well. Paul Krekorian was solid as ever. Christine Essel had one of her strongest performance to date.
The first three questions were related to three specific goals the candidates would have for the three communities of Sherman Oaks, Valley Glen, and Valley Village. Their answers for each were similar. Krekorian emphasized job development, small businesses, the film and television industry, public safety, speed limits, traffic, and the need to “stop rolling over for developers.” He noted Valley Village has become the “poster child of the culminative impact of bad development.”
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
L.A. City Council candidates Essel and Krekorian reflect on mayor at debate
from the LA Times
by Maeve Reston
The days may be dwindling in the runoff race for the vacant seat of former Los Angeles City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, but one thing is clear -- neither candidate is looking for a last-minute campaign boost from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
During a debate Monday night at Valley College, Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (D-Los Angeles) and his rival, Christine Essel, a former Paramount Pictures Corp. executive, both dodged a question about whether they would vote for Villaraigosa if he were running for another office.
And Essel hastened to dispel rumors that Villaraigosa is planning to endorse her before the Dec. 8 runoff for a seat representing residents of the San Fernando Valley, where the mayor had a weak showing in his March re-election campaign. “I don’t know exactly who is creating [the rumors], but it isn’t anybody in my camp,” Essel told an audience of more than 100. “The mayor is not endorsing anybody in this race and he is not helping me with my race.”
Both Krekorian and Essel said they were pleased that Villaraigosa decided to finish his second term in Los Angeles instead of beginning a gubernatorial campaign earlier this year.
“He came in with a lot of promise, I think all of us felt that, and there’s been some inaction there,” Essel said. “My preference would be to see him actually do something in this city that provides a legacy.”
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Monday, November 30, 2009
District 2 council race shifting gears
from The Daily News
by Rick Orlov
With less than two weeks remaining, the 2nd City Council District election has turned into a contest of who is the outsider.
by Rick Orlov
With less than two weeks remaining, the 2nd City Council District election has turned into a contest of who is the outsider.
In mailings, in robo-calls, in attacks on one another, businesswoman Chris Essel and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, D-Burbank, have sought to portray each other as the "insider" who cannot be trusted.
To Krekorian, Essel is the "downtown special interest" candidate who has received endorsements from a number of City Council members, city employee unions and Controller Wendy Greuel, who was the council member of the district until her election last March.
To Essel, Krekorian is the Sacramento political insider - he is Assembly assistant majority leader - who has brought the state to the brink of bankruptcy and is a "career politician" who has jumped from the Burbank school board to the Assembly and is now looking to be on the City Council.
"I'm a private citizen who has volunteered my time," Essel said. "I'm not the one who has been in office. He is the assistant majority leader, who is backed by the Assembly speaker and all the Democratic Party machine."
Krekorian, whose Assembly district includes such areas as Valley Glen, counters that Essel has been a part of city government because of her commission appointments and the backing she is getting from city leaders.
"She is the insider," Krekorian said. "I might be in elected office, but she has been appointed to powerful commissions by three mayors.
The Final Debate...
The Greater Valley Glen Council- has scheduled a Candidate Debate on Monday, November 30th at Monarch Hall at Valley College, 5800 Fulton Ave, Valley Glen. Meet & Greet at 6:30 pm. Debate 7-9pm. For further information email tanderson@velleyglencouncil.org .
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Film industry gets spotlight in L.A. City Council race
from the LA Times
byChristine Essel and Paul Krekorian each want to be seen as the one who would keep more Hollywood productions from leaving the state. The runoff election is Dec. 8.
In a campaign where jobs and unemployment have become a signature issue, the two candidates seeking to replace former Los Angeles City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel are fighting over who will do more to stem the exodus of Hollywood production.
With feature film production down 37% citywide compared to the same period last year, former Paramount Pictures Corp. executive Christine Essel and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (D-Los Angeles) agree on one thing: City officials have waited far too long to address the issue.
But the two candidates, who are competing in the Dec. 8 runoff in the eastern San Fernando Valley, have sharply criticized each other's work on film issues as they vie to serve as the voice for the industry at City Hall.
Feature production in the Los Angeles area declined in 10 of the last 12 years, according to FilmL.A. Inc., which coordinates local film permits. And as more than 40 states offered lucrative tax incentives, California's share of studio feature film production dropped from 66% in 2003 to 34% in 2008, according to the California Film Commission. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in Los Angeles stands at 14%.
Essel argues that 30 years of working her way up from a studio accounting clerk to a vice president at Paramount prepared her to champion efforts to make Los Angeles more film-friendly. But Krekorian, who authored the state's current law offering film and television tax incentives, has blamed Essel for the plunge in production during her time as chairwoman of the California Film Commission and has faulted her for encouraging other states to enhance their incentive programs while she was an executive at Paramount.
"My legislation is saving California film workers' jobs today, right now," said Krekorian, whose proposal was approved as part of an economic stimulus package in February. "She failed these workers for a decade, because it was in the corporate interests of her employer to take jobs away from California."
In a recent debate, Essel expressed amusement at Krekorian's implication that she had the power at Paramount to send films to other states. While leading the commission, she said, she spent nine years bringing film industry officials together to advocate for an incentive that Sacramento refused to pass.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Paul Krekorian for CD2: The Best Hope for Change
by Ron Kaye
They shouldn't have done it, they shouldn't have gotten Paul Krekorian mad, so mad he's started sounding like a guy who will stand up for his constituents instead of a politician running for a new office.
Their big mistake wasn't accusing him of almost single-handedly causing the state budget crisis or of being guilty by association with an unpopular state Legislature, Democrats and Republicans alike. After all, he does deserve his full share of criticism in those regards.
It wasn't calling him a liar or a thief or even raising a million dollars to defeat him or challenging the quarter-century-old law limiting how much dirty money can be poured into a local election.
No, they pushed Paul Krekorian over the edge by sneaking into the Valley Village apartment building where his family lives and snapping pictures to use in their endless stream of false and misleading mailers.
They messed with the guy's family and only fools do that.
Krekorian now has fire in his belly, the passion to tackle the corruption of City Hall and its crazed drive to elect someone who will do what they are told, not what's right.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
They shouldn't have done it, they shouldn't have gotten Paul Krekorian mad, so mad he's started sounding like a guy who will stand up for his constituents instead of a politician running for a new office.
Their big mistake wasn't accusing him of almost single-handedly causing the state budget crisis or of being guilty by association with an unpopular state Legislature, Democrats and Republicans alike. After all, he does deserve his full share of criticism in those regards.
It wasn't calling him a liar or a thief or even raising a million dollars to defeat him or challenging the quarter-century-old law limiting how much dirty money can be poured into a local election.
No, they pushed Paul Krekorian over the edge by sneaking into the Valley Village apartment building where his family lives and snapping pictures to use in their endless stream of false and misleading mailers.
They messed with the guy's family and only fools do that.
Krekorian now has fire in his belly, the passion to tackle the corruption of City Hall and its crazed drive to elect someone who will do what they are told, not what's right.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
VALLEY COUNCILMEN DENNIS ZINE AND GREIG SMITH ENDORSE CHRISTINE ESSEL
November 24, 2009 (Studio City)-Valley Councilmen Dennis Zine and Greig Smith announced today that they are supporting Valley businesswoman Christine Essel in the race to succeed Wendy Greuel as City Councilwoman for District 2.
“I enthusiastically support Chris Essel for City Council. Given the current fiscal crisis, we need people like Chris Essel on the City Council because of her proven business experience and ability to bring people together,” Councilman Smith said, “These next few years are going to be financially difficult and Chris has the ability to make sure the focus stays on vital City services.”
"Chris Essel agrees with me that ensuring the public's safety is the most important thing we do at City Hall,” Councilman Zine said, “That's why I'm proud to join nearly 10,000 rank-and-file LAPD officers in supporting her campaign for City Council." Zine and Smith join the Los Angeles Police Protective League, LAFD’s Fire Chiefs Association, City Controller Wendy Greuel and Former Mayor Richard Riordan in support of Essel.
“I am very proud to have earned these endorsements,” Essel said, “Valley residents have been well-served by Councilmen Zine and Smith for many years. I am honored to stand with these two public servants, both of whom share my commitment to protecting the public safety and getting the Valley its fair share of funding and services.”
A longtime Valley resident and former Senior Vice President of Paramount Pictures, Christine Essel is a civic leader who led the California Film Commission for nine years and serves as Vice Chair of the California Workforce Investment Board. Throughout her career, Essel has championed efforts to promote economic growth, job training and empowered neighborhoods. Essel is running for Los Angeles City Council to make L.A. work again through job creation, excellent constituent service, and more efficiency in government.
“I enthusiastically support Chris Essel for City Council. Given the current fiscal crisis, we need people like Chris Essel on the City Council because of her proven business experience and ability to bring people together,” Councilman Smith said, “These next few years are going to be financially difficult and Chris has the ability to make sure the focus stays on vital City services.”
"Chris Essel agrees with me that ensuring the public's safety is the most important thing we do at City Hall,” Councilman Zine said, “That's why I'm proud to join nearly 10,000 rank-and-file LAPD officers in supporting her campaign for City Council." Zine and Smith join the Los Angeles Police Protective League, LAFD’s Fire Chiefs Association, City Controller Wendy Greuel and Former Mayor Richard Riordan in support of Essel.
“I am very proud to have earned these endorsements,” Essel said, “Valley residents have been well-served by Councilmen Zine and Smith for many years. I am honored to stand with these two public servants, both of whom share my commitment to protecting the public safety and getting the Valley its fair share of funding and services.”
A longtime Valley resident and former Senior Vice President of Paramount Pictures, Christine Essel is a civic leader who led the California Film Commission for nine years and serves as Vice Chair of the California Workforce Investment Board. Throughout her career, Essel has championed efforts to promote economic growth, job training and empowered neighborhoods. Essel is running for Los Angeles City Council to make L.A. work again through job creation, excellent constituent service, and more efficiency in government.
Judge Rules in Krekorian’s Favor, Against Essel’s Special Interests
from EsselWatch
A federal court judge on Tuesday denied a political committee from overturning a key, 24-year-old city ethics law. The ruling, seen as a boon for Los Angeles City Council candidate Paul Krekorian, was a sharp blow to the campaign of candidate Christine Essel, whose backers filed the lawsuit.
A federal court judge on Tuesday denied a political committee from overturning a key, 24-year-old city ethics law. The ruling, seen as a boon for Los Angeles City Council candidate Paul Krekorian, was a sharp blow to the campaign of candidate Christine Essel, whose backers filed the lawsuit.
On Nov 9, Working Californians, a political committee headed by Essel support and union boss Brian D’Arcy, asked a federal judge to overturn a key ethics law, enacted by voters in 1974. The 24-year-old regulation prohibits so-called independent committees from accepting contributions larger than $500.
In his ruling, Judge Dean Pregerson said:
“[Working Californians] has not provided any evidence that enforcement of the challenged contribution restrictions will effectively thwart its ability to make independent expenditures related to the upcoming city council runoff election. Working Californians is free to solicit contributions from as many donors as it likes, and assuming that no individual contribution exceeds the city’s $500 threshold, it can spend as much as it likes.”
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Essel's 'Lettergate': Why Is Antonio's Thank You Note in 2000 a Criminal Matter?
by Ron Kaye
As we head into the final two weeks of the Battle for CD2, the campaign between Paul Krekorian and Christine Essel suddenly has escalated into one of the costliest and nastiest ever for the City Council.
The City Hall political machine has pulled out all stops to get Essel elected, which raises the question of why a pro-development corporate lobbyist is getting the nod from powerful city unions and the liberal Democrat city elected officials over a pro-union, liberal Democrat state Assemblyman.
It doesn't make sense...unless there's a lot more at stake than just one seat on a Council that votes unanimously on just about everything no matter how destructive to the public interest and leaves no room for dissenting without punishment.
One clue is the half million dollars or more being poured into Essel's campaign by unions, most of it by bully boy union boss Brian D'Arcy who has taken his effort to a higher level by suing the city over a 23-year-old law limiting individual contributions to independent expenditures.
D'Arcy, whose members at the DWP have benefited spectacularly from sweetheart contracts for years, especially those approved by good pal Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, has never had a problem skirting this ethics law provision in the past.
So why now? Could it be he is fronting for wealthy developers who want to build giant projects from Universal City to Victory Boulevard in the face of massive community resistance in CD2 don't want any hard questions asked and are willing to help D'Arcy get the huge DWP rate hikes he wants and ownership of rooftop solar projects?
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
As we head into the final two weeks of the Battle for CD2, the campaign between Paul Krekorian and Christine Essel suddenly has escalated into one of the costliest and nastiest ever for the City Council.
The City Hall political machine has pulled out all stops to get Essel elected, which raises the question of why a pro-development corporate lobbyist is getting the nod from powerful city unions and the liberal Democrat city elected officials over a pro-union, liberal Democrat state Assemblyman.
It doesn't make sense...unless there's a lot more at stake than just one seat on a Council that votes unanimously on just about everything no matter how destructive to the public interest and leaves no room for dissenting without punishment.
One clue is the half million dollars or more being poured into Essel's campaign by unions, most of it by bully boy union boss Brian D'Arcy who has taken his effort to a higher level by suing the city over a 23-year-old law limiting individual contributions to independent expenditures.
D'Arcy, whose members at the DWP have benefited spectacularly from sweetheart contracts for years, especially those approved by good pal Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, has never had a problem skirting this ethics law provision in the past.
So why now? Could it be he is fronting for wealthy developers who want to build giant projects from Universal City to Victory Boulevard in the face of massive community resistance in CD2 don't want any hard questions asked and are willing to help D'Arcy get the huge DWP rate hikes he wants and ownership of rooftop solar projects?
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Debate-A-Palooza!
by Suzanne Lauer
Nineteen days left till the CD2 Election! It’s DEBATE-A-PALOOZA! I am not sure how (or why), but Wednesday candidates were basically subjected to 3 debates in one day.
For those following in your song books, they have participated in roughly fifteen since the campaign began, and six in the last two weeks. For those who missed the fun, there is still a chance to catch your two favorite remaining candidates. November 30th – NCs Valley Glen, Valley Village and Sherman Oaks Debate – Monarch Hall at Valley College (5800 Fulton Ave).
The day started with the VICA debate at Woodbury University – 8AM. Paul covered the event in a previous post. 7 PM was set aside for brief candidate appearances at the Studio City NC. We are trying to get observations for V2V readers.
8 PM was SOHA time!! The SOHA forum was the primary’s most unique forum. Candidates gave familiar openings. Krekorian get points for fresh words describing his skills, background, and independence. Essel again noted her sadness at Los Angeles no longer being a “City of Opportunity,” her relationships, business skills, and clarifying she is “not a downtown insider.”
Special SOHA flavor came into play publicly asking candidates to affirm a list of Sherman Oaks related “commitments.” The items included: 1/ Holding regular valley office hours every 2 weeks, including a 15 minute SOHA representative meeting. 2/ To not support changes to the Sherman Oaks Specific plan. 3/ No staff decisions prior to the election, and discussing staffing and vision for the community with SOHA. 4/ Essel – To use your own car, and look at ways to cut expenses, including reducing staff cars. 4a/ Krekorian – Full disclosure of council office funds, including what could be tapped for the community, and SOHA input on fund usage. 5/ Keeping appeals fees reasonable and accessible. 6/ Opposition to unhitched trailers and super graphics.
The next series of pledges revolved around Fashion Square: Support of the Fashion Square expansion? (Both answered, “not as it is currently laid out.”); Considering downsizing an alternative? (Both would); Supporting Wendy Greuel’s traffic mitigation plan. Krekorian acknowledged he wasn’t familiar with the plan, and was “disinclined to agree” until he evaluated it. Essel gave a brief explanation, noting a desire to sit with departments to consider impact. She commented her “dream would be for it to be an open air mall again.”
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Nineteen days left till the CD2 Election! It’s DEBATE-A-PALOOZA! I am not sure how (or why), but Wednesday candidates were basically subjected to 3 debates in one day.
For those following in your song books, they have participated in roughly fifteen since the campaign began, and six in the last two weeks. For those who missed the fun, there is still a chance to catch your two favorite remaining candidates. November 30th – NCs Valley Glen, Valley Village and Sherman Oaks Debate – Monarch Hall at Valley College (5800 Fulton Ave).
The day started with the VICA debate at Woodbury University – 8AM. Paul covered the event in a previous post. 7 PM was set aside for brief candidate appearances at the Studio City NC. We are trying to get observations for V2V readers.
8 PM was SOHA time!! The SOHA forum was the primary’s most unique forum. Candidates gave familiar openings. Krekorian get points for fresh words describing his skills, background, and independence. Essel again noted her sadness at Los Angeles no longer being a “City of Opportunity,” her relationships, business skills, and clarifying she is “not a downtown insider.”
Special SOHA flavor came into play publicly asking candidates to affirm a list of Sherman Oaks related “commitments.” The items included: 1/ Holding regular valley office hours every 2 weeks, including a 15 minute SOHA representative meeting. 2/ To not support changes to the Sherman Oaks Specific plan. 3/ No staff decisions prior to the election, and discussing staffing and vision for the community with SOHA. 4/ Essel – To use your own car, and look at ways to cut expenses, including reducing staff cars. 4a/ Krekorian – Full disclosure of council office funds, including what could be tapped for the community, and SOHA input on fund usage. 5/ Keeping appeals fees reasonable and accessible. 6/ Opposition to unhitched trailers and super graphics.
The next series of pledges revolved around Fashion Square: Support of the Fashion Square expansion? (Both answered, “not as it is currently laid out.”); Considering downsizing an alternative? (Both would); Supporting Wendy Greuel’s traffic mitigation plan. Krekorian acknowledged he wasn’t familiar with the plan, and was “disinclined to agree” until he evaluated it. Essel gave a brief explanation, noting a desire to sit with departments to consider impact. She commented her “dream would be for it to be an open air mall again.”
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Video of VICA's Candidate Debate
VICA has posted footage of Wednesday's debate that was held at Woodbury University.
You can watch it HERE.
You can watch it HERE.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Ethics Lawsuit Takes on a New Dimension
By Paul Hatfield
The Krekorian campaign is calling on City Attorney Carmen Trutanich to enforce the Ethics laws of the City of Los Angeles in the wake of the controversial lawsuit filed by Working Californians. The group is allied with IBEW employees.
What is particularly notable is Paul Krekorian’s request for Carmen Trutanich to recuse himself from the case because of his public endorsement of Chris Essel, the beneficiary of significant independent expenditures from Working Californians
Recusal is a fair request in my view. For that matter, City Controller Wendy Greuel should recuse herself from any audits related to DWP because of the substantial support she received from the IBEW in her campaign for Controller.
The outcome of this case will have major ramifications for democracy in our city.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
The Krekorian campaign is calling on City Attorney Carmen Trutanich to enforce the Ethics laws of the City of Los Angeles in the wake of the controversial lawsuit filed by Working Californians. The group is allied with IBEW employees.
What is particularly notable is Paul Krekorian’s request for Carmen Trutanich to recuse himself from the case because of his public endorsement of Chris Essel, the beneficiary of significant independent expenditures from Working Californians
Recusal is a fair request in my view. For that matter, City Controller Wendy Greuel should recuse herself from any audits related to DWP because of the substantial support she received from the IBEW in her campaign for Controller.
The outcome of this case will have major ramifications for democracy in our city.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Vini, Vidi, VICA
By Paul Hatfield
Today’s VICA Forum was held at Woodbury University.
Chris Essel and Paul Krekorian focused on business issues – no surprise considering the sponsor.
Any words contained in parentheses represent my own thoughts; they are intended for clarification or reflect my observations.
Both of them objected to the unfairness of the gross receipts tax. Paul said the current structure made it inviting for businesses to move to Glendale and Burbank where there are no such taxes. Chris said pass-through entities should be exempted (my note: taxing pass-throughs for gross receipts causes double taxation much in the same way as corporate dividends).
They emphasized their business credentials: Chris’ thirty-five years at Paramount where she ran a planning and development office, Paul’s private legal career where he served as an advocate for small businesses. Paul also mentioned the legislation he created to offer tax credits as an incentive to deter runaway production and the jobs creation tax credit for small business (note: between two continuing professional education classes and two candidate forums in the course of around a week, I have now been thoroughly indoctrinated about those two bills – the state should grant me additional credit hours).
There was a little friction between the two of them on the film production credit. Chris remarked that the bill was limited in scope; Paul claimed that filming declined during Chris’ involvement with the Film Commission.
The segment on the City’s budget was encouraging because both of them agreed on the need to seek concessions from the unions, aggressive collection of fees and fines (from scofflaws I assume), and the need to create more business activity (I would like to hear more from each of them concerning their vision for the fiscal reconstruction of the city).
A unique question was thrown their way next.
What would each tell resident and homeowner organizations that they would not share with business groups?
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Today’s VICA Forum was held at Woodbury University.
Chris Essel and Paul Krekorian focused on business issues – no surprise considering the sponsor.
Any words contained in parentheses represent my own thoughts; they are intended for clarification or reflect my observations.
Both of them objected to the unfairness of the gross receipts tax. Paul said the current structure made it inviting for businesses to move to Glendale and Burbank where there are no such taxes. Chris said pass-through entities should be exempted (my note: taxing pass-throughs for gross receipts causes double taxation much in the same way as corporate dividends).
They emphasized their business credentials: Chris’ thirty-five years at Paramount where she ran a planning and development office, Paul’s private legal career where he served as an advocate for small businesses. Paul also mentioned the legislation he created to offer tax credits as an incentive to deter runaway production and the jobs creation tax credit for small business (note: between two continuing professional education classes and two candidate forums in the course of around a week, I have now been thoroughly indoctrinated about those two bills – the state should grant me additional credit hours).
There was a little friction between the two of them on the film production credit. Chris remarked that the bill was limited in scope; Paul claimed that filming declined during Chris’ involvement with the Film Commission.
The segment on the City’s budget was encouraging because both of them agreed on the need to seek concessions from the unions, aggressive collection of fees and fines (from scofflaws I assume), and the need to create more business activity (I would like to hear more from each of them concerning their vision for the fiscal reconstruction of the city).
A unique question was thrown their way next.
What would each tell resident and homeowner organizations that they would not share with business groups?
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Group tied to DWP employee union sues L.A. Ethics Commission to block fundraising limit
From the LA Times
by Maeve Reston
A nonprofit group closely tied to the Department of Water and Power employee union has filed a federal lawsuit against the City’s Ethics Commission, saying a city campaign fundraising law is unfairly limiting its ability to advocate on behalf of City Council candidate Christine Essel.
The case comes during a two-week period when outside groups have poured more than $280,000 into independent expenditures to boost Essel’s bid to replace former City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who is now city controller. Among those groups is the political arm of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18, which has spent more than $93,000 in support of Essel’s campaign. The union is headed by Brian D’Arcy.
Working Californians, the group suing the city, is co-chaired by D’Arcy and Marvin Kropke, the business manager of IBEW Local 11. The group devised the solar energy proposal known as Measure B on the March ballot, which was supported by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa but was defeated by voters. And D’Arcy showed his political clout last month when he negotiated a five-year package of raises for DWP employees at a time when the police union agreed to forgo pay increases for two years because of the city’s budget crisis.
The legal challenge is to a 1985 city law that bars political committees from accepting contributions of more than $500 if the group plans to use that money to make an independent expenditure for a city candidate.
In practice, the law prevents outside groups or individuals from contributing to each other to pay for independent expenditures that support city candidates. Contributions that are not earmarked for a specific city campaign are not subject to that $500 limit. (If violations are suspected, the City Ethics Commission’s enforcement division determines whether a contribution was for an independent expenditure).
In a court hearing Thursday, Working Californians plans to ask a judge to immediately bar the Ethics Commission from enforcing what it characterizes as an unconstitutional violation of their free speech rights. If they are successful, it could open the door for a flood of outside contributions, not only in the Dec. 8 contest between Essel and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, but in future city elections.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
by Maeve Reston
A nonprofit group closely tied to the Department of Water and Power employee union has filed a federal lawsuit against the City’s Ethics Commission, saying a city campaign fundraising law is unfairly limiting its ability to advocate on behalf of City Council candidate Christine Essel.
The case comes during a two-week period when outside groups have poured more than $280,000 into independent expenditures to boost Essel’s bid to replace former City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, who is now city controller. Among those groups is the political arm of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18, which has spent more than $93,000 in support of Essel’s campaign. The union is headed by Brian D’Arcy.
Working Californians, the group suing the city, is co-chaired by D’Arcy and Marvin Kropke, the business manager of IBEW Local 11. The group devised the solar energy proposal known as Measure B on the March ballot, which was supported by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa but was defeated by voters. And D’Arcy showed his political clout last month when he negotiated a five-year package of raises for DWP employees at a time when the police union agreed to forgo pay increases for two years because of the city’s budget crisis.
The legal challenge is to a 1985 city law that bars political committees from accepting contributions of more than $500 if the group plans to use that money to make an independent expenditure for a city candidate.
In practice, the law prevents outside groups or individuals from contributing to each other to pay for independent expenditures that support city candidates. Contributions that are not earmarked for a specific city campaign are not subject to that $500 limit. (If violations are suspected, the City Ethics Commission’s enforcement division determines whether a contribution was for an independent expenditure).
In a court hearing Thursday, Working Californians plans to ask a judge to immediately bar the Ethics Commission from enforcing what it characterizes as an unconstitutional violation of their free speech rights. If they are successful, it could open the door for a flood of outside contributions, not only in the Dec. 8 contest between Essel and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, but in future city elections.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Another Night, Another Forum
by Paul Hatfield
This is getting old.
I feel as if I can sit in for both Paul and Chris at these forums and represent them equally well. I need my life back.
Rather than regurgitate everything they said, since it was consistent with their statements in other forums, allow me to focus on what new tidbits emerged along with some personal observations.
I will start by saying I respect both of them for enduring this seemingly endless series of forums. They are good sports.
Tonight’s event was hosted by the League of Women Voters and the Valley Glen Neighborhood Association. They were gracious hosts and managed the forum well.
There were nowhere near as many negative repartees or direct attacks on each other’s records. One could sense that they are growing a little tired. For that matter both came out in favor of the instant runoff; I do not blame them.
I am pleased they are both becoming increasingly bold concerning the unfunded municipal pensions. Both are in favor of establishing a separate tier for new employees and of increased contributions by existing plan participants. Obviously, current retirees would not be impacted.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
This is getting old.
I feel as if I can sit in for both Paul and Chris at these forums and represent them equally well. I need my life back.
Rather than regurgitate everything they said, since it was consistent with their statements in other forums, allow me to focus on what new tidbits emerged along with some personal observations.
I will start by saying I respect both of them for enduring this seemingly endless series of forums. They are good sports.
Tonight’s event was hosted by the League of Women Voters and the Valley Glen Neighborhood Association. They were gracious hosts and managed the forum well.
There were nowhere near as many negative repartees or direct attacks on each other’s records. One could sense that they are growing a little tired. For that matter both came out in favor of the instant runoff; I do not blame them.
I am pleased they are both becoming increasingly bold concerning the unfunded municipal pensions. Both are in favor of establishing a separate tier for new employees and of increased contributions by existing plan participants. Obviously, current retirees would not be impacted.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Pete Sanchez Endorses Krekorian
by Paul Hatfield
Pete Sanchez announced his endorsement of Paul Krekorian today.
This is significant because it rounds out support for Krekorian from the top tier finishers in the primary. Sanchez, Galatzan and Benson accounted for just over one-fourth of the vote total in the race, almost as much as Chris Essel received.
Here is the text of Pete’s endorsement:
Dear Neighbors:
As someone who cares deeply about Valley Village and our city, I ran for City Council because I know we need profound change in City Hall. I continue to believe we deserve a better city government than the one we have, and I’ll continue to work actively to achieve it.
During my campaign I got to know both candidates and I have studied their respective philosophies and vision. On December 8th we will make an important decision about the future of our city and our community when we choose between the two candidates. I am convinced that there is only one choice for those of us who would like to see a more responsive and accountable City Hall. I am supporting Paul Krekorian to be our next City Council Member and I hope you will join me in casting your vote for him.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Pete Sanchez announced his endorsement of Paul Krekorian today.
This is significant because it rounds out support for Krekorian from the top tier finishers in the primary. Sanchez, Galatzan and Benson accounted for just over one-fourth of the vote total in the race, almost as much as Chris Essel received.
Here is the text of Pete’s endorsement:
Dear Neighbors:
As someone who cares deeply about Valley Village and our city, I ran for City Council because I know we need profound change in City Hall. I continue to believe we deserve a better city government than the one we have, and I’ll continue to work actively to achieve it.
During my campaign I got to know both candidates and I have studied their respective philosophies and vision. On December 8th we will make an important decision about the future of our city and our community when we choose between the two candidates. I am convinced that there is only one choice for those of us who would like to see a more responsive and accountable City Hall. I am supporting Paul Krekorian to be our next City Council Member and I hope you will join me in casting your vote for him.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Essel and Krekorian Debate at Valley Alliance of Neighborhood Councils
from The San Fernando Valley Daily Business Journal
The two candidates fighting for the Valley seat on the L.A. City Council District 2 were peppered with questions from Valley neighborhood council leaders on Nov. 12, who mostly wanted to know what the candidates would do to support and raise the profile of neighborhood councils in the City.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
The two candidates fighting for the Valley seat on the L.A. City Council District 2 were peppered with questions from Valley neighborhood council leaders on Nov. 12, who mostly wanted to know what the candidates would do to support and raise the profile of neighborhood councils in the City.
The debate, which also tackled city finances, marijuana dispensaries, the proliferation of billboards, development, the entertainment industry and other topics, was organized by the Valley Alliance of Neighborhood Councils and took place at Sherman Oaks Hospital.
The candidates, former Paramount Pictures executive Christine Essel, and Democratic Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, both pledged before some 30 neighborhood council representatives to become important advocates for their projects and issues.
Both said neighborhood councils should be granted appeal rights on land use issues and said they would introduce a resolution, once elected, to make that happen.
“Of course neighborhood councils should have appeal rights… it’s central to what neighborhood council’s roles are, which is to stand up and reflect the views of the community,” said Krekorian.
“It seems absurd that neighborhood councils can’t take the same action as any other person in the community- so of course I would make it a priority on my agenda,” said Essel.
Concerned with over-development and density in their neighborhoods, some Valley representatives asked where the candidates stood on a bill encouraging development of affordable housing by allowing developers a density bonus if they price a number of units in the affordable range.
Essel, who has been criticized by Krekorian and others for helping to spearhead the bill’s passage as chair of the Central City Association, said she was not in favor of increasing density and overdevelopment in the Valley.
“SB1818 doesn’t belong in the streets of the San Fernando Valley,” Essel said.
Also emphasizing his intent to curb density and overdevelopment, Krekorian said the city has to look at ways of implementing the law appropriately and look to other cities such as Santa Monica, where the law has been applied more effectively.
On the topic of medical marijuana dispensaries, both said the city has failed to curb their proliferation. With 800 dispensaries in the city, while other municipalities of similar size only have a handful, the candidates called for better enforcement of new and existing regulations.
Addressing runaway production, Krekorian touted his accomplishment in authoring recently approved legislation that created California’s first incentive to encourage film and television production in the state in more than 15 years.
Essel, who served as Chair of the California Film Commission and garnered support to get the bill approved, said Los Angeles should follow in New York’s footsteps and offer an additional bonus on top of the state’s incentives to make it even more attractive for productions to film in the city
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Krekorian and Essel Provide Lively Discussion at VANC
By Paul Hatfield
The Valley Alliance of Neighborhood Councils hosted a “Conversation with Paul and Chris” last night.
The format was intimate given that this was a regularly scheduled business meeting and the attendees were the VANC representatives from the various NCs throughout the Valley. About thirty people were in attendance representing at least twelve to fifteen NCs. I’ll confirm that with Jill Banks Barad, who is the founder and chair of VANC.
For the record, I am on the Executive Board of VANC.
Let me start by saying that Chris was the most comfortable I have seen her in this marathon election and forum process. The setting probably had much to do with that.
Paul is comfortable anywhere and would have been equally at ease if the discussion had been held in the adjacent emergency facility of Sherman Oaks Hospital.
Jill served as moderator.
The first topic concerned the role each would play as Chair of the City Council’s Education and Neighborhood Committee.
Paul Krekorian reaffirmed his support for local decision making, particularly at the NC level.
He cited his experience as a member of the Burbank School Board where he took credit for transforming the district and rescuing it from a financial morass.
Paul also criticized the City of Los Angeles for doing a poor job of working with the LAUSD on safety issues and enforcing truancy laws.
Chris emphasized that the NCs would be her eyes and ears and referenced her Six-Point Plan which included support for more NC funding and facilitating challenges to development.
She also supports breaking up the LAUSD into more manageable districts and would approach her business contacts about establishing mentoring programs.
The next question dealt with the diminution of the City Council’s reliance on the advice of NCs. Jill winked when she made a subtle reference to a particular decision by a certain former Council Member, whose seat just happens to be the object of this campaign.
Chris pledged to attend as many land use meetings as possible with NC members and pointed to her experience in confronting developers when she was active with her neighborhood association.
Paul said he wanted to emphasize what he has done; not just want he plans to do.
Both he and his staff have always been involved in the NCs that were in his Assembly District’s boundary and would continue and expand his participation.
In a council district as gerrymandered as CD2 his “Government at Your Doorstep” approach would be ideal for addressing the needs of diverse communities encompassed by its boundaries.
On the subject of appeal rights, both candidates affirmed their support for a resolution vesting the NCs with powers equal to any entity or person in the city.
They also were in general agreement on the medical marijuana fiasco created by the City Council.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Sunland-Tujunga Leaders Endorse Paul Krekorian
NORTH HOLLWOOD – Nearly a dozen neighborhood leaders and activists from Sunland-Tujuga threw their weight behind Los Angeles City Council Candidate Paul Krekorian Friday, a day before he is set to open a new campaign office on Commerce Avenue.
“We believe that Paul Krekorian is the person who should fill the seat on the City Council,” the letter said. “His successful track record in public service demonstrates his ability to identify issues, come up with creative solutions, and work hard to get them implemented. We need this fresh approach in City Hall.” The authors include leaders on the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council, La Tuna Canyon Community Association and Foothill Trails Neighborhood Council. Business leaders, parks advocates and teachers are also included.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Perspectives From Engaged And Uninitiated Observers Of The CD2 Race
November 12, 2009 by Suzanne Lauer
Courtesy of Village To Village.
Was Saturday November 7 the kick off to CD2 Runoff debate season, or was it the October 30th Kevin James show? Not sure. How many of these forums have I sat through since the start of the CD2 election? For those of you who don’t know, I was roped into all of this, when my best friend, Pete Sanchez decided to run for the CD2 seat. Since then I have gotten an education. Now I can discuss SB1818, the proliferation of Medical Marijuana clinics, crumbling infrastructure, horse zoning, and the dire city and state budget crisis with the best of them. I’m even going to NC meetings for fun?! Those loyal Valley Village residents I have grown to love sucked me in!!
Back to November 7, the Sunland Tujunga CD2 Candidate runoff debate. A friend, UCSB Ventura Campus student, Gillian Hinton, asked to come along. Impartial perspective from someone who wasn’t already wrapped up with candidate history and issues!! Someone who would be able to take it in at face value!! Yes!!
I could make you wait till the end for Gillian’s perspective, but it would make this just another debate recap. Instead, sharing it upfront – when the event was over and Gillian was asked her thoughts she answered, “Oh, Krekorian all the way.”
The observation was Essel had great statements with little detailed substance backing them up, where as Krekorian came across as knowledgeable about the issues, and often already formulating solutions, and seeming better ready to jump in.
Essel’s earnestness shined. Every issue was responded to as the most important on the table. It’s a quality we want in our elected officials. Responses such as “I am for what the community wants and needs”(regarding the defunct Home Depot project), seemed her guiding principles. On water rationing and the special needs of horse communities Essel was very sympathetic to the plight. The word “water” was used many times, but no hard suggestions on what could be done. (By the way did you know each horse requires 25 to 30 gallons of water per day!)
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Courtesy of Village To Village.
Was Saturday November 7 the kick off to CD2 Runoff debate season, or was it the October 30th Kevin James show? Not sure. How many of these forums have I sat through since the start of the CD2 election? For those of you who don’t know, I was roped into all of this, when my best friend, Pete Sanchez decided to run for the CD2 seat. Since then I have gotten an education. Now I can discuss SB1818, the proliferation of Medical Marijuana clinics, crumbling infrastructure, horse zoning, and the dire city and state budget crisis with the best of them. I’m even going to NC meetings for fun?! Those loyal Valley Village residents I have grown to love sucked me in!!
Back to November 7, the Sunland Tujunga CD2 Candidate runoff debate. A friend, UCSB Ventura Campus student, Gillian Hinton, asked to come along. Impartial perspective from someone who wasn’t already wrapped up with candidate history and issues!! Someone who would be able to take it in at face value!! Yes!!
I could make you wait till the end for Gillian’s perspective, but it would make this just another debate recap. Instead, sharing it upfront – when the event was over and Gillian was asked her thoughts she answered, “Oh, Krekorian all the way.”
The observation was Essel had great statements with little detailed substance backing them up, where as Krekorian came across as knowledgeable about the issues, and often already formulating solutions, and seeming better ready to jump in.
Essel’s earnestness shined. Every issue was responded to as the most important on the table. It’s a quality we want in our elected officials. Responses such as “I am for what the community wants and needs”(regarding the defunct Home Depot project), seemed her guiding principles. On water rationing and the special needs of horse communities Essel was very sympathetic to the plight. The word “water” was used many times, but no hard suggestions on what could be done. (By the way did you know each horse requires 25 to 30 gallons of water per day!)
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Absentee voting opens for special City Council election
By Daily News
Updated: 11/09/2009 09:34:29 AM PST
The election for the vacant City Council seat in the central-northwest Valley entered a new stage today, with the opening of the vote-by mail application period.
Voters can apply until Dec. 1 for an absentee ballot in the race between businesswoman Christine Essel and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, D-Valley Glen.
Applications are available on the back of their official sample ballot or at cityclerk.lacity.org/election.
They should be mailed to the Los Angeles City Clerk, Election Division, P.O. Box 54377, Los Angeles 90054-0377.
The applications also can be faxed to the election division at 213-978-0611 or 213-978-0612.
Updated: 11/09/2009 09:34:29 AM PST
The election for the vacant City Council seat in the central-northwest Valley entered a new stage today, with the opening of the vote-by mail application period.
Voters can apply until Dec. 1 for an absentee ballot in the race between businesswoman Christine Essel and Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, D-Valley Glen.
Applications are available on the back of their official sample ballot or at cityclerk.lacity.org/election.
They should be mailed to the Los Angeles City Clerk, Election Division, P.O. Box 54377, Los Angeles 90054-0377.
The applications also can be faxed to the election division at 213-978-0611 or 213-978-0612.
Monday, November 9, 2009
CD2 Campaign Finance: IBEW Independent Expenditure For Essel
from OurLA
by Chelsea Cody
The City Ethics Commission has posted new Independent Expenditure numbers for the CD2 Special Election.
(For an explaination of Independent Expenditures and past City Ethic's Commission filings in the CD2 race, click here.)
On Friday, November 6, the Local 18 Water & Power Defense League , better known as the IBEW made and Independent Expenditure for a mailer supporting Chris Essel for Council District 2 for a total of $16,025.
(Click on the above image to see the full list.)
The $16,025 went to researching, producing, printing, and sending out a new Essel Campaign flyer. See the finished flyer here. This latest filing brings Essel's total Independent Expenditures amount to $72,094.90.
This contribution from a downtown union strikes some critics as contradictory to Essel's claim to be an independent voice for the Valley.
Meanwhile, Paul Krekorian has yet to file a single IE with the City Ethics Commission but has, unlike Essel, reported numerous Membership Communications, all of which come from and go to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party which total $18,149.12.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
by Chelsea Cody
The City Ethics Commission has posted new Independent Expenditure numbers for the CD2 Special Election.
(For an explaination of Independent Expenditures and past City Ethic's Commission filings in the CD2 race, click here.)
On Friday, November 6, the Local 18 Water & Power Defense League , better known as the IBEW made and Independent Expenditure for a mailer supporting Chris Essel for Council District 2 for a total of $16,025.
(Click on the above image to see the full list.)
The $16,025 went to researching, producing, printing, and sending out a new Essel Campaign flyer. See the finished flyer here. This latest filing brings Essel's total Independent Expenditures amount to $72,094.90.
This contribution from a downtown union strikes some critics as contradictory to Essel's claim to be an independent voice for the Valley.
Meanwhile, Paul Krekorian has yet to file a single IE with the City Ethics Commission but has, unlike Essel, reported numerous Membership Communications, all of which come from and go to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party which total $18,149.12.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Video of S-T Candidate Debate
Courtesy of Michael Cohen
Sunland Tujunga CD2 Forum - Part 1 from Michael Cohen on Vimeo.
Sunland Tujunga CD2 Candidate Forum - Q&A - Part 2 from Michael Cohen on Vimeo.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
My Analysis of the Sunland-Tujunga Forum
by Paul Hatfield
Here are my thoughts on yesterday’s Sunland-Tujunga forum with CD2 candidates Krekorian and Essel.
As a late radio commentator once uttered: “You’ve heard the news. Now it’s time for the rest of the story.”
The first heated exchange involved the Fuentes-Krekorian connection. Chris attempted to tie Paul to Fuentes’ pro development views. It was more guilt by association rather than substance. It is very easy to connect anyone with anything in our world of six degrees of separation.
The charge was lame. However, Krekorian left himself open to the attack when he failed to distance himself from Fuentes during the primary. As you recall, Fuentes provided Paul with unsolicited support in the form of an advertisement praising him for his work in the Assembly.
I believe it was Kevin James of KRLA that questioned Paul about the support and whether it was appropriate under campaign contribution rules. Paul’s answer was lukewarm. He claimed that Fuentes was just showing appreciation for his good work, or something along those lines. Paul could have batted the question out of the ballpark by saying he was surprised by it and the timing.
It was a case of Krekorian wanting to have and eat his cake (I really hate that expression, but it is appropriate in this case).
There are times when you need to tell a colleague, “thanks, but no thanks.”
Krekorian should have done so when he got wind of Fuentes’ offer. It is doubful if the ad did much good for Paul’s campaign. If anything, it may have caused him an unnecessary headache.
Lacking even less substance was Essel’s attempt at connecting Krekorian with a bizarre plot by the insurance industry to require the installation of GPS technology in all vehicles as a means of monitoring use. Chris referenced AB2208 as the source; the bill designation was incorrect. The actual bill was AB2800 and the GPS reference was removed from the final version. GPS was never intended as a requirement for motorists. It only permitted insurers to request installation of the device. A dumb idea, but a moot point in the end.
My thanks to Joe Barrett for researching the bill. He runs the CD2 Blogspot.
Paul did not do himself a favor with his reply to the GPS Conspiracy Theory. He started off alright by looking straight at Chris and saying in so many words he had no idea what she was talking about.
Paul should have left it at that and challenged Chris to provide the source. It was apparent that she was unsure of the bill’s designation –not a good debate strategy to cite an uncertain reference. It indicated poor preparation on Chris’ part and deficient research by her staff.
Instead, he claimed to have been involved with around 6,000 bills in his three years as an Assembly Member, mentioning that it was difficult to recall the details of many of them.
Chris jumped on that with an icy but effective response: “You should read the bills you sign.”
I think Paul lost a good opportunity to score a solid knockdown by trying to be clever. It was similar to missing the PAT after a touchdown (a very relevant comparison for me today since that very thing cost my Richmond Spiders an important game on Saturday).
The carpetbagger issue came back from the grave. It was more along the lines of who carried the bigger bag.
What comes to mind was Robert Duval’s line when he played Tom Hegan in the Godfather: “The Godfather is a man who likes to hear bad news immediately.”
Politicians should chisel that saying in their memories.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Point-Counterpoint: The Sunland Tujunga Forum
It was shades of “Point, Counterpoint” from SNL, one of the classic comedy routines from the golden age of the show with Jane Curtain and Dan Aykroyd trading barbs over politics.
The routine itself was a spoof of a popular 60 Minutes segment pitting opposing, unyielding pundits against each other in a debate format.
My complements to the organizers of the Sunland/Tujunga forum for allowing a lively, unfettered format. It forced the candidates out from their protective bubbles and compelled them to bare their teeth and growl.
Both Paul Krekorian and Chris Essel exhibited passion that has been largely lacking in this campaign.
This forum changed all the rules. Up until now, salvos were exchanged via mailers; now the contest was up close and personal.
It was refreshing to see them as complete flesh and blood individuals.
Christina Gonzalez of Fox 11 News was all business and kept the candidates on track.
This article is a summary of the forum. Where I felt comfortable in using a direct quote, I did. Otherwise, the narrative is a compilation of my notes.
I recommend viewing the video when it becomes available.
Also, my own analysis and comments will be presented in a separate post sometime tomorrow.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.Essel Announces New Endorsements
by Paul Hatfield
At today’s Sunland-Tujunga candidate forum, Chris Essel announced endorsements from City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and the Police Protective League.
At today’s Sunland-Tujunga candidate forum, Chris Essel announced endorsements from City Attorney Carmen Trutanich and the Police Protective League.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Did Chris Essel's campaign circumvent campaign finance laws in Council District 2?
from Caliticsby: Dante Atkinsdisclosure: I have leadership positions or membership in multiple organizations affiliated with the Democratic Party that have endorsed Paul Krekorian for City Council.Forgive me for continuing to write about Los Angeles City politics on a statewide site, but this is too interesting to pass up. I've written previously about the race for Los Angeles City Council District 2 here because it has statewide implications: if Paul Krekorian wins, we will have a vacancy in AD-43. So it does matter, and since it is my hometown and I'm somewhat enmeshed here, I've been following the race. And there's something very interesting afoot. For any of this to be interesting or relevant, I want you to review two brief snippets of election-related ordinances from the Los Angeles Campaign Finance Ordinance: No candidate for City Council who files a statement of acceptance of matching And even more importantly: If a candidate who declines to accept matching funds makes qualified campaign expenditures in excess of the expenditure ceiling, or if an independent expenditure committee or committees in the aggregate spend more than $50,000 in the case of a City That's the applicable law. There's a $330,000 spending cap for City Council races--unless one or more IE's comes in and busts it by spending a total of at least $50,000 on the race--either for or against any candidate. So that basically means that if a candidate is up against the spending limit, all that candidate needs to do is quietly arrange for an independent expenditure of a certain amount, and then...voila! Spend away. Which is exactly what it seems Chris Essel's campaign has done. It seems intentional and coordinated, too. True, the evidence is entirely circumstantial--but when you add the evidence all up, there's only one logical conclusion. Follow me below the fold for more. |
| To read the rest of this story, go HERE. |
CD2 Candidate Debate This Saturday in Sunland-Tujunga
Christina Gonzalez of Fox 11 News
The STNC , the STA, the Foothill Trails District NC, the Los Angeles Horse Council, the Shadow Hills Property Owners Association, the Wentworth Woods Home Owners Association, ETI, and other Foothill community groups will sponsor a candidate debate between Chris Essel and Paul Krekorian on Saturday, November 7th at North Valley City Hall.
Award winning reporter and CD2 resident, Christina Gonzalez of Fox 11 News, will be the moderator for this event.
A meet & greet will occur from noon until 1pm to be followed by the debate.
North Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Will the Wendy Factor Play a Role in the CD2 Runoff?
Some people are claiming that Chris Essel’s campaign is in trouble. They point to perceived errors in judgment: appearing at an event sponsored by a Turkish-American organization allegedly associated with deniers of the Armenian Genocide, not having a booth at the immensely popular Sherman Oaks Fair and making appearances with former CD2 rival Frank Sheftel, who was affiliated with a medical marijuana cooperative (for the record, it was licensed and responsibly operated).
Personally, Chris does not strike me as a denier of the Armenian Genocide, but as a candidate she must be sensitive to the character of groups offering support to her campaign. Not taking full advantage of an event attracting eighty-thousand people in the midst of a campaign is also highly questionable. Frank Sheftel is a legitimate businessman, but his involvement in the controversial medical marijuana business could detract as many voters as it attracts.
Essel’s inability to secure endorsements from other top contenders from the primary also points to trouble. Mary Benson’s and Tamar Galatzan’s recent statements of support for Paul Krekorian exacerbated the situation.
If the voting pool for the December 8th runoff is essentially the same as the one for the primary, Essel’s vessel has struck an iceberg and is taking on water rapidly. Just like the Titanic, she is heading for the bottom of the ocean.
But wait.
Unlike the Titanic, which went down before help could arrive, there is rescue ship on the horizon –the SS Wendy Greuel.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
CD2 Campaign in Perspective to Another City
by Paul Hatfield
We sometimes lose sight of the potential relative magnitude of elections in Los Angeles.
Even a typical Neighborhood Council district is larger than many small towns, but what about an entire City Council district?
Here is a tale of two cities (I received this from Suzanne Lauer of Valley Village):
THIS JERRY MAGUIRE MOMENT:
Just think of me like kid in Jerry Maguire. (You remember cute little Jonathan Lipnicki):
“Did you know the human head weighs 8 Pounds?”
“Did you know bees and dogs can smell fear?”
“Did you know my neighbor has three rabbits?”
There are 48,531 registered voters in the City of Santa Barbara?
There are 124,955 registered voters in the City of Los Angeles Council District 2?
The estimated population of the City of Santa Barbara is 90,305.
The estimated population of Los Angeles Council District 2 is 276,962
On November 3, Santa Barbara is voting for a new Mayor.
On December 8, LA Council District 2 will be voting for a new City Council Member.
Do you realize how many people’s lives will be affected by the results of the CD2 election?
Just suggesting it might be time to take a good look at the two CD2 candidates.
Just over six weeks to go….
It will be interesting to see which race gets the higher turnout.
Mary Benson Endorses Paul Krekorian for City Council
Mary Benson has now released an official statement regarding her endorsement of Paul Krekorian. What follows is a portion of the press release from the Krekorian campaign:
NORTH HOLLWOOD – Mary Benson, one of the most respected neighborhood advocates in the region and a former candidate in the race for City Council candidate, announced her full endorsement of Paul Krekorian on Friday. The announcement of Benson’s support is a very significant development in the race for CD2 that further exemplifies Krekorian’s widespread grassroots community support.
“Paul Krekorian has the courage of conviction, the experience and the independence to make an immediate impact for us in City Hall,” Benson said. “Paul has provided extraordinary service to constituents in his Assembly District. Paul will be an advocate for our valley interests. Paul will be the most effective in preserving public assets like the Verdugo Hills Golf Course and keeping the integrity of our specific and community plans. Paul Krekorian will be an independent voice in the Council who will fight for us, instead of Downtown interests and big developers. Paul Krekorian is the kind of leader that our district and our city need during these challenging times.”
Benson was one of the top candidates in the first part of the Council race, coming in a very strong fourth place with 1,198 votes (8.29% of the electorate) on September 22. She continually garnered rave reviews at candidate forums when she displayed an impressive mastery of issues, especially with regard to development, open space and the environment.
“Mary Benson is among the most effective advocates for community empowerment in the entire city, and I am thrilled she is now a part of our grassroots movement for change,” Krekorian said. “The issues that Mary has fought for -– open space preservation, limiting overdevelopment and protecting our neighborhoods -– are important parts of my mission in running for City Council, and I am confident of succeeding in that mission with Mary Benson by my side.”
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Recap of the Krekorian/Essel Debate on the Kevin James Show
by Paul Hatfield
Just a quick recap on the Krekorian/Essel debate broadcast on KRLA’s Kevin James show.
I listened to the debate at the home of former CD2 candidate Pete Sanchez with a handful of Valley Village residents.
The radio format is more productive than the live forums in that more ground is covered. I can’t thank Kevin enough for dedicating the time to host these events.
The debate was segmented into four topics: runaway film production, the city’s infrastructure (namely DWP’s), the budget crisis and development.
There were no meaningful differences in the first two topics. Both candidates touted their own efforts at curbing runaway production and voiced their support for a DWP rate payer advicate. For what it’s worth, Chris referred to the RPA as the inspector general. I assume she was referring toCouncil Member Smith’s vision of the position.
Regardless, most people realize there is much work that needs to be done in defining the appointment process and the duties.
Krekorian and Essel both also stated they opposed Measure B on the grounds that there was no public comment and was flawed. Krekorian stated that he helped defeat an Assembly Bill that was as impractical as Measure B.
The infrastructure discussion strayed off topic when the two argued over who was more aligned with the establishment. Chris cited Krekorian’s role as Assistant Assembly Leader and Krekorian countered with some of Essel’s contributions coming from 336 of Villaraigosa’s allies.
The answers became evasive when the subject of the city’s budget came up.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Mary Benson Endorses Paul Krekorian
Tonight on KRLA 870 radio, Paul Krekorian announced that he has been endorsed by former CD2 candidate Mary Benson. We have spoken with Mary, and she confirmed this endorsement. She intends to release a formal statement soon.
Chris Essel releases statement regarding Tamar Galatzan's endorsement of Paul Krekorian
LAUSD POLITICIAN ENDORSES
SACRAMENTO LEGISLATOR
October 30th, 2009 – LAUSD politician Tamar Galatzan announced today that she will support California State Assembly Leader Paul Krekorian in the 2nd district City Council special election.
Galatzan’s endorsement comes just a few weeks after a meeting with Council candidate and Valley businesswoman Christine Essel. In the meeting, Essel asked Galatzan to consider supporting an effort to reform education in Los Angeles by breaking up the dysfunctional Los Angeles Unified School District. Galatzan was not supportive of the idea and detailed a litany of reasons as to why reform would be impossible.
“Christine Essel never asked for Tamar Galatzan’s endorsement. Instead, she asked her to think about supporting a plan to break up the largest and most dysfunctional school district in America,” Essel spokesman John Shallman said. “Unfortunately, Tamar wouldn’t even consider it. Now she’s trying to protect the bloated LAUSD bureaucracy by issuing a political endorsement of a fellow professional politician who opposes district reform.”
Essel has been on record as a supporter of tough LAUSD reform measures throughout the campaign. Essel’s detailed plan to reform L.A. government, “Big Ideas for a New L.A.,” contains recommendations to reform the failed Los Angeles Unified School District by breaking it up into smaller school districts run by parents and teachers.
Tamar Galatzan Endorses Paul Krekorian
NORTH HOLLWOOD – Tamar Galatzan, former City Council candidate and current LAUSD Board Member, today announced her endorsement of Paul Krekorian for the city's Second District Council seat. A well-respected community leader and city prosecutor, Galatzan’s endorsement provides a significant boost to the Krekorian campaign.
“Tamar Galatzan is a tremendous advocate for the people of the San Fernando Valley,” Krekorian said. “She is a reformer who continues to push for an innovative agenda of positive change and accountability for our schools, even when she has had to stand up to politically powerful interests. She has been on the front lines of fighting against crime and for a better quality of life for Valley families and has a deep understanding of our public safety needs. I am thrilled that Tamar has joined our Valley-oriented campaign for change in City Hall, and I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with her to make CD 2 streets and schools safer. .”
Galatzan, a Valley neighborhood prosecutor and School Board member, finished a very strong third place in the CD2 primary election, garnering 2,128 votes (12.99% of the total votes cast). Throughout the campaign, she consistently impressed voters with her depth of understanding of the issues facing the Valley and her innovative ideas for solving the City’s problems.
"Paul Krekorian shares my values and my concerns about Valley neighborhoods," said Galatzan. "I admire his results-oriented leadership in the State Assembly on runaway film production, as well as his vote against the release of thousands of state inmates who would end up in our communities. CD2 voters should know that Paul has been consistent in his support for neighborhood councils and his opposition to overdevelopment. Paul is a proven advocate for Valley homeowners and jobs, and he has the skills and familiarity with CD2 to be an effective councilmember for us. I look forward to voting for him on Dec. 8.”
“Tamar Galatzan is a tremendous advocate for the people of the San Fernando Valley,” Krekorian said. “She is a reformer who continues to push for an innovative agenda of positive change and accountability for our schools, even when she has had to stand up to politically powerful interests. She has been on the front lines of fighting against crime and for a better quality of life for Valley families and has a deep understanding of our public safety needs. I am thrilled that Tamar has joined our Valley-oriented campaign for change in City Hall, and I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with her to make CD 2 streets and schools safer. .”
Galatzan, a Valley neighborhood prosecutor and School Board member, finished a very strong third place in the CD2 primary election, garnering 2,128 votes (12.99% of the total votes cast). Throughout the campaign, she consistently impressed voters with her depth of understanding of the issues facing the Valley and her innovative ideas for solving the City’s problems.
"Paul Krekorian shares my values and my concerns about Valley neighborhoods," said Galatzan. "I admire his results-oriented leadership in the State Assembly on runaway film production, as well as his vote against the release of thousands of state inmates who would end up in our communities. CD2 voters should know that Paul has been consistent in his support for neighborhood councils and his opposition to overdevelopment. Paul is a proven advocate for Valley homeowners and jobs, and he has the skills and familiarity with CD2 to be an effective councilmember for us. I look forward to voting for him on Dec. 8.”
Essel and Krekorian on KRLA Tonight
KRLA 870 AM Talk Radio Host Kevin James will have both Chris Essel and Paul Krekorian in studio for a debate this evening at 9:00 PM. Callers will be able to ask questions of the respective candidates.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Chris Essel Responds to Armenian Genocide Denial Accusations
from OurLA
by Chelsea Cody
by Chelsea Cody
Last week, the LA Weekly called out CD2 candidate Christine Essel for attending a Beverly Hills fundraiser hosted by a board member of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations, a lobbying group that adamantly denies the Armenian genocide. (Read the LA Weekly article.)
Asberez, the official publication of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western United States Central Committee also wrote about Essel's interaction with the group and has closely covered the CD2 campaign efforts of Armenian-American candidate Paul Krekorian.
Today, Asberez has published a story with a letter from Essel , appealing to the Armenian community at large:
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Former D.A. Robert Philibosian Endorses Essel
Former D.A. Robert Philibosian announced today that he is supporting Valley businesswoman Christine Essel in the race to succeed Wendy Greuel as City Councilwoman for District 2.
"The L.A. City Council and the San Fernando Valley need new voices from outside the political establishment," Philibosian said. "Christine Essel is a candidate from the private sector who firmly stands for fiscal responsibility and strong law enforcement. That’s why I’m endorsing her in the special election." Philibosian is a 40-year Valley resident.
“I am very proud to have earned DA Philibosian’s endorsement,” Essel said, “Valley residents have enjoyed the benefits of Robert's public service for many years. I greatly admire his winning efforts to enforce environmental laws and protect the public’s safety.”
SOHA President Endorses Krekorian for CD2
from OurLA
by Chelsea Cody
Krekorian Wins Endorsement of Sherman Oaks Homeowners President Richard Close
Richard Close, one of the Valley's most active and respected leaders for decades and the President of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association, announced his endorsement of Paul Krekorian for City Council this week. The endorsement is the latest in a growing number of prominent Valley leaders who are coalescing around Krekorian's campaign, which has been driven largely by the broad grassroots support of homeowner leaders, neighborhood council members and other community activists.
“For three decades, Richard Close has been a tireless advocate for Sherman Oaks and a champion of the entire Valley," Krekorian said. “I am honored that he has endorsed me and joined my true grassroots movement to reform City Hall and make it work for us. With just six weeks left until Election Day, I will work closely with Richard and other Sherman Oaks leaders to bring my message of change to the Second District and the entire Valley. As my campaign continues to gain growing momentum from community-based support, the residents of this district have a real opportunity to create change in the Council and reject the status quo of Downtown politics as usual.”
Close, who has been president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association for about 30 years, said that Krekorian is the best choice for the Valley.
To read the rest of this story, go HERE.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sheftel Endorses Essel in the L.A. City Council District 2 Run-off Election
With the run off election less then 7 weeks away I have decided to
announce who I am supporting in this race. I have met with both
candidates and have attended several events since the primary and seen both Christine & Paul in action. Both have sat down and had private meetings with me and have been very candid and forthcoming in my questioning of them. Both have a lot to offer and both come with concerns. Frankly both have asked for my support & I am honored and humbled. It's been a great experience to run a campaign against such a diverse and committed group of people.
At this time and in this particular situation, with our city and state facing a crisis situation I believe that Christine Essel is the right choice for City Council and to represent CD2. She has the education the experience and the connections to hit the ground running and get the job done. She is not backed by the mayor and doesn't come with the added baggage of being from the political machine. Like myself and many of the other grassroots candidates she truly wants to make a difference in the community she grew up in and has signed a pledge not to run for any other office. A pledge I haven't seen Paul Krekorian sign. Paul is currently a state assembly member having just been re-elected, and is in a position already to effect change, He is not termed out yet and as a matter of fact can run for another term. The cost of another special election to fill his assembly seat (estimated at 2 million dollars) weighed heavy in my decision. Christine Essel will have less then a year and a half to prove herself at which time this seat is up again. If she lives up to what I believe are sincere and realistic goals then we are better as a community. If not, there are many others ready to run for that seat. I have met with all the former Cd2 candidates since the primary. We all care about this district and want to see someone in there that will best represent us. I become the fourth former candidate to support Christine Essel.( David Saltsburg, Augusto Bisani and Joe Essavi have already endorsed Essel). I hope that the remaining four will follow suit and we can all come out united behind one Candidate. I am pleased and proud to support Christine Essel for L. A. City Council and urge all my supporters and the rest of CD2 voters to do the same.
Frank Sheftel
announce who I am supporting in this race. I have met with both
candidates and have attended several events since the primary and seen both Christine & Paul in action. Both have sat down and had private meetings with me and have been very candid and forthcoming in my questioning of them. Both have a lot to offer and both come with concerns. Frankly both have asked for my support & I am honored and humbled. It's been a great experience to run a campaign against such a diverse and committed group of people.
At this time and in this particular situation, with our city and state facing a crisis situation I believe that Christine Essel is the right choice for City Council and to represent CD2. She has the education the experience and the connections to hit the ground running and get the job done. She is not backed by the mayor and doesn't come with the added baggage of being from the political machine. Like myself and many of the other grassroots candidates she truly wants to make a difference in the community she grew up in and has signed a pledge not to run for any other office. A pledge I haven't seen Paul Krekorian sign. Paul is currently a state assembly member having just been re-elected, and is in a position already to effect change, He is not termed out yet and as a matter of fact can run for another term. The cost of another special election to fill his assembly seat (estimated at 2 million dollars) weighed heavy in my decision. Christine Essel will have less then a year and a half to prove herself at which time this seat is up again. If she lives up to what I believe are sincere and realistic goals then we are better as a community. If not, there are many others ready to run for that seat. I have met with all the former Cd2 candidates since the primary. We all care about this district and want to see someone in there that will best represent us. I become the fourth former candidate to support Christine Essel.( David Saltsburg, Augusto Bisani and Joe Essavi have already endorsed Essel). I hope that the remaining four will follow suit and we can all come out united behind one Candidate. I am pleased and proud to support Christine Essel for L. A. City Council and urge all my supporters and the rest of CD2 voters to do the same.
Frank Sheftel
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