2010 MUNICIPAL ELECTION: Letters to the Editor on City Council Candidate Jason Burnett (Challenger)

Opening Statement at CRA Forum - Burnett
Duration 3:19

Forum Q and A on harassment and discrimination lawsuits - Rose and Burnett
Duration: 2:16

Forum Q and A on Budget Reserves - Burnett
Duration: 1:22

Forum Q and A on CalPERS Retirement Liability– Burnett
Duration: 1:34

ABSTRACT: Highlights, specifically excerpts from Letters to the Editor, on City Council Candidate Jason Burnett (Challenger) are presented. Links to complete Letters to the Editor are provided.

• “Carmel City Council candidate Jason Burnett spoke to the need for a forum on emergency preparedness and said the city should help us to help ourselves in those times of need. Jason Burnett is in tune to my concerns about safety. No other incumbent has addressed this concern. Jason won my vote because he demonstrated he is in touch with what residents value — a village that cares about its residents.”

• “The "old boy" and "old girl" network has run Carmel for too many years. And the problems mount — government secrecy, costly and continuing lawsuits, and a failure to solve problems. We need a new perspective in solving the issues plaguing City Hall — not more continued head-in-the-sand policies…Jason Burnett has my vote for City Council. Burnett's track record demonstrates the moral courage and political independence needed to revitalize Carmel government… He knows how to listen, reason, and offer intelligent solutions. His integrity and character will be a positive addition to our City Council.”

• “Two young men with excellent credentials have thrown their hats in the ring for consideration as city councilman and as mayor. These young men bring fresh ideas and excitement to the public forum. I am speaking of Jason Burnett and Adam Moniz. They are campaigning vigorously and are willing to share their ideas and vision for Carmel’s future with you; please give them the courtesy of listening. They welcome ideas and support from the community at large. It is comforting to know that the next generation is standing ready to accept the challenges of the future.”

• “Here are the expenditure numbers for City Council: Jason Burnett — $40,866; Gerard Rose — $6,240; Paula Hazdovac — $4,681...Does this level of spending come close to buying the election? Absolutely.”

• “You can image the satisfaction to see former student Jason Burnett graduate from Stanford University, work for the federal government, and further develop his analytical, management and leadership skills. One can appreciate that he has brought his skill set back home for the benefit of our community...He seemed to have learned that lesson well because he has demonstrated that he can bring people together to work for the betterment of the community. He has a vision that is suitable for Carmel and the vision will go a long way to insure Carmel’s future for the next generation. Carmel is fortunate to have a leader like Jason Burnett running for city council.”

• “Jason Burnett has an impressive range of professional and nonprofit experience that exceeds the incumbents in a number of important respects. Think of your vote as a decision to select executive talent. Carmel city government badly needs someone with demonstrated management competence, energy, imagination, analytical skills and effective people skills...I would unequivocally select Jason Burnett. All Carmel voters should do no less.”

• “I urge Carmel voters to support integrity in government, fair employment practices and a professional workplace for Carmel employees. Vote for Adam Moniz and Jason Burnett in the April 13 election.”

• “He (Jason Burnett) might have discovered that the CRA needed him far more than he needed them. Burnett had a great opportunity to go to voters as an attractive, "independent" candidate with no political baggage or obligations. Too bad it didn't happen.”

• “You’ve decided that it’s important to hire a new manager who brings to the table demonstrated management competence, integrity, energy, imagination, analytical skills, and effective people skills. The ability to work well with teams is a critical skill, but you also want an independent thinker who is open to new ideas from a variety of sources…Carmel voters have the rare opportunity to “hire” an exceptional addition to the city council, Jason Burnett.”

• “Many of our fellow residents have reported their impression of Jason ís intelligence, vitality and commitment. I have heard his views, and I’m impressed, too. But I wonder why change is frightening? Please join me in voting for Jason Burnett!”

• "I found him to be a great listener, and he genuinely valued my contributions to the dialogue. He also demonstrated that one of his visions for Carmel is the right one—to bring openness and responsiveness back to the council…With Jason's imposing credentials and experience, I have every confidence that his commitment to fiscal responsibility will lend a steady hand to navigating the course ahead for Carmel."

• “I am thrilled to vote for Jason because he has a natural ability to connect with people of all ages and interests. I have found him to be a good listener, open-minded and respectful of all viewpoints.”

• “I feel that Jason will guide Carmel with a fresh, intelligent and level-headed approach.”

• “The candidates who have thrown their hats in the ring provide voters with superb resumes for public office, including national government experience, even if they have not been selected by the mayor for a board or commission. Adam Moniz is an energy consultant who was formerly with the prestigious national firm of Patton Boggs, which serves municipal governments across the country. Jason Burnett has served in the EPA, and owns and operates his own clean energy business. Carmel can benefit greatly from their intelligence, experience, enthusiasm and energy. It’s time for a change.”

• “I agree with Jason Burnett’s approach that putting money aside for a rainy day is a fiscally responsible way to begin addressing the looming Public Employees Retirement System obligation…It’s time to bring a fresh, intelligent, level-headed energy to city council by voting for Jason Burnett. It’s time to abandon stagnation and restore Carmel’s reputation as a model city that is admired and emulated around the world.”

• “Burnett will be an energetic city councilman. He has already demonstrated at the two candidate forums that he has realistic, fresh ideas to bring to bear on the challenges ahead. And his dogged determination and problem-solving approach will be a great asset to the other council members as they explore solutions to complex problems...Let’s move forward together by voting for Jason Burnett make all generations proud and excited once again to be a part of the Carmel community.”

• “Carmel residents have a unique opportunity to elect one of the most charismatic, articulate, energetic, intelligent and committed individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting...I also recognize the value of Burnett’s ideas and willingness to work on mending the critical relationship between the city and our chamber of commerce. He understands the synergism and economies of scale that we can achieve by working together… Burnett brings back that energy to our village by the sea. He is passionate about working with the residents, the city employees and the business people in order to move forward together.”

• “From my standpoint, it appears to be presumptuous that two inexperienced candidates without substantial background in our community want to be at its political helm steering a course for all of us. I would suggest they “earn their stripes” by becoming actively engaged, for example, as commissioners or even officers in the Carmel Residents Association,...In other words, give all of us an opportunity to know them and to better determine for ourselves the timber of their qualifications.”

• “...I can speak for his exceptional integrity, intelligence and his unique talent for problem-solving. He has gained invaluable leadership skills and experience in government, business and nonprofit sectors and is committed to giving Carmel the benefit of those skills. I have every confidence that Burnett will handle competently and prudently the fiscal responsibilities shouldered by all city council members. He has the ability to see the bigger picture while staying in tune with local issues.”

• “What sets Burnett apart are his leadership skills and experience: Leading a team of several hundred people at the Environmental Protection Agency, acting as trustee overseeing millions of dollars for a benevolent nonprofit organization, running a clean energy business, and sitting on the Overall Economic Development Commission for Monterey County. Burnett’s candidacy has brought this community together like no other candidate’s has...Burnett’s appeal reaches to a broad spectrum of residents, businesses, everyone. He has the ability to bring everybody together to work on the best solutions for us all.”

• “I recognize the value of Jason's ideas and willingness to help mend the critical relationship between City Hall and our Chamber of Commerce. Jason understands the synergism and economies of scale that we can achieve by working together.”

• “What is missing from Carmel is a spirit and vitality that once thrived. Jason brings back that energy to our village by the sea. He is passionate about working with residents, city employees and business people in order to move forward together.”

• “It’s time for a change. We CAN do better.” (“Carmel Sea Change,’’ Feb. 11-17). I support Adam Moniz for Mayor and Jason Burnett for council. They WILL do better. --

• “It’s Time For A Change. We CAN Do Better.” Vote Adam Moniz for mayor and Jason Burnett for council.

• “I would argue that what we need to meet the challenges of a stressed economy is an independent with fresh ideas and creative solutions for problem solving. I am confident that person is Jason Burnett, who will work together with all city council members to move us forward...I urge you to vote for Jason Burnett, who will be a good complement to the existing city council.”

• “..., there is an enormous discrepancy between amounts contributed by Carmel residents and individuals living outside the town. This is because of a very intense effort by Burnett’s campaign to gather contributions from outsiders...Is this what the future of Carmel elections looks like, namely more and more outside contributions? I hope not.”

• “Neither of the challengers has served on any board or commission in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Mayor Sue McCloud and council members Paula Hazdovac and Gerard Rose have experience, knowledge, understanding and deserve to be reelected.”

• “Adam Moniz, running for mayor, and Jason Burnett, running for council, have the talents to take on the unanswered problems that lurk in city hall and that loom in our future, problems that the incumbents are not fully facing and are trying to disguise behind a façade of partial success. Solutions to these problems require a serious, fresh, inventive approach, which the challengers possess without any question. This is our chance, voters, to make a positive change into the direction of a government that respects and listens to us, the people, a government that returns to Carmel’s historic values and traditions as a completely special place.”

• “Jason Burnett and Adam Moniz, your platforms seem to primarily consist of unrelenting criticism and denigration of the current Carmel City Council…I see two loose canons, both with a deleterious lack of experience. Jason and Adam could potentially take Carmel-by-the-Sea into Lawsuit Hell.”

• "It's Time For A Change. We CAN Do Better." Vote Adam Moniz for mayor and Jason Burnett for council.

• “Adam Moniz, running for mayor, and Jason Burnett, running for a vacant council seat, have the talents to take on the unanswered problems that lurk in city hall and that loom in our future, problems that the incumbents are not fully facing and are trying to disguise behind a façade of partial success. Solutions to these problems require a serious, fresh, inventive approach, which the challengers possess without any question.”

• “Both (Adam Moniz and Jason Burnett) are young, bright, well-educated and eager to be public servants (in the truest sense of the word). They each have an impressive background in government experience and have shown that they understand Carmel, its history, its traditions and its character. Both pledge a more open, participatory government in our city. For much too long, matters of serious community concern have been handled behind the scenes without adequate citizen discussion and input.”

• “The present City Council has been mostly reactive to events and situations, seemingly incapable of supplying new ideas and thinking. These two young men have shown the potential to inject much needed inventive, incisive ideas into what lurks as a mess in City Hall and what looms in our future as a series of serious challenges to the well-being of our community. Most importantly, they present an opportunity to restore dialogue between our citizens and the council – open government.”

• "The rapid groundswell of support for Carmel council candidate Jason Burnett is evidence that people quickly recognize qualities of an articulate and natural leader."

• “...Jason demonstrated analytical skills, understanding and ability to manage budgets and commitment to fiscal responsibility."

• "He outshines others whose experience cannot hold a candle to Jason's qualities and expertise."

• “Jason Burnett displayed his leadership skills in answer to the question how would you address the looming Public Employees Retirement System unfunded obligations that the city is going to have to pay. Jason’s response? Rather than wait for Sacramento leaders to solve the problem, Carmel should take control of its own situation. Get a handle on the estimated cost and start putting money aside to meet what will likely become a multi-million dollar obligation.”

• “He will provide the common sense leadership we can count on.”

• We “are very impressed with the two young men, Adam Moniz and Jason Burnett, running for city council and mayor. They seem well educated, intelligent and personable. How wonderful that two younger people are willing to step forward and take on the responsibility of helping their community.”

REFERENCES:
Senior raises concerns in case of disaster, Anne Bell, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 04/10/2010

Burnett will revitalize Carmel's government, Bonny McGowan, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 04/10/2010

Good luck to the new generation, Megan Terry, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone April 9, 2010, 36A

‘Political bombshell,’ Dale Hekhuis, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone April 9, 2010, 36A

A lesson well learned, Ethyl E. Radowicz, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone April 9, 2010, 36A

Vote Burnett for Carmel City Council, James Emery, The Monterey County Herald, 04/03/2010

BLOWING THE WHISTLE, Stephanie Pearce | Carmel Valley, MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY, April 01, 2010

Not career politicians, Dale Hekhuis, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 03/29/2010

‘The choice is obvious,’ James Emery, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone March 26, 2010, 26A

‘Change isn’t frightening,’ Louise Stuart, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone March 26, 2010, 26A

Burnett is the man to break the bloc, Cavan Hardy, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 03/24/2010

Vote Jason Burnett for mayor of Carmel, Barbara Stiles, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 03/20/2010

Vote Jason Burnett for Carmel council, Maria Sutherland, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 03/19/2010

Challengers offer ‘intelligence and energy,’ Suzanne Paboojian, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone March 19, 2010, 28 A

‘Restore Carmel’s reputation,’ Maria Sutherland, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone March 19, 2010, 29A

‘Make all generations proud,’ Barbara Stiles, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone March 19, 2010, 29A

‘We are at a crossroads,’ Richard M. Ely, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone March 19, 2010, 29A & 31A

Challengers should ‘earn their stripes,’ John Wm. Schiffeler, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone March 19, 2010, 31A

‘Exceptional integrity and intelligence,’ Samuel Melton, M.D., Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone March 19, 2010, 22 A

Double standards? Carolyn Hardy, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone March 19, 2010, 22 A

Burnett highly qualified to represent Carmel, Dick Ely, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 03/17/2010

Barbara Livingston | Carmel, MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY, March 11, 2010

Livingston’s endorsements, Barbara Livingston, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 12, 2010, 28 A

White likes Burnett, Ken White, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 12, 2010, 28A & 29A

Outside money, Dale Hekhuis, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 12, 2010, 15A

What’s right, Corky Duke, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 12, 2010, 15A

‘Optimistic direction,’ Olof Dahlstrand, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 12, 2010, 15A

Amber Archangel, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 12, 2010, 15A

Vote for Moniz, Burnett in Carmel election, Barbara Livingston, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 03/10/2010

‘Fresh, innovative approach,’ Olof Dahlstrand, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 5, 2010, 24A

CARMEL CHANGES, Olof Dahlstrand | Carmel, MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY, March 04, 2010

Burnett right for Carmel council, Francyne Laney, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 02/28/2010

‘Scary’ proposal, Cavan Hardy, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 26, 2010, 22 A

‘Impressed,’ Barbara and Don Burnett, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 19, 2010, 20 A

REGISTERED VOTER PETITION SIGNERS (partial list):
Jean Grace, Honorary Co-Chair
Charlotte Townsend, Hononary Co-Chair
Ken White, Hononary Co-Chair
Greg D’Ambrosio, Campaign Treasurer
Maggie Hardy, Campaign Coordinator
Melissa Burnett
Olaf and Lucia Dahlstrand
Carolyn Hardy
Carol and Don Hilburn
Vinz Koller
Francyne Laney
Michael LePage
Matt Little, Jr.
Roberta Miller
Tom Parks
Carrie Theis
(Source: April 13 ballot set: three incumbents, two challengers, MARY BROWNFIELD, The Carmel Pine Cone, January 22, 2010)