LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
ON MAYORAL CANDIDATES:
ON JASON BURNETT, Burnett EcoEnergy LLC owner, City Council Member:
“It is far more logical for Jason Burnett to be mayor and
Richard Pepe to gain some experience by serving on the Carmel City Council.”
“I believe he is the only candidate capable of uniting us all — the residents, business people and property owners of our village. Jason has demonstrated he can find common ground needed to help solve our town's most daunting problems.”
Burnett is best choice, Ruth Rachel, Carmel,The Monterey County Herald, 04/07/2012
“Councilman and mayoral candidate Jason Burnett is well
versed on water issues and has an incredible capacity and boundless energy for
handling multiple complex projects. He is the only mayoral candidate who is up
to this job.”
“…I urge my fellow residents to elect Jason Burnett as
mayor. I believe he is the only candidate capable of uniting us all — the
residents, business people, and property owners of our village. Burnett has demonstrated
he can find the common ground needed to help solve our town’s most daunting
problems.”
Burnett is the‘very best,’ Ruth Rachel, Carmel , The Carmel Pine Cone, April 6, 2012,
29A & 21A
“Considering there is already an alliance among Jason
Burnett, Victoria Beach and Ken Talmage (they each contributed to each others campaign, according
to recent Pine Cone articles) it would seem to me that the much coveted concept
of checks and balances will be sorely missing from our governing body. In my
view, Jason Burnett should have resigned his seat. However, by not doing so and
assuming he is the next mayor, we are exposed to a heavily biased political
machine governing our city for the next two years. This concerns me greatly.”
Vote for three? Jim Herlihy, Carmel ,
The Carmel PineCone, April 6, 2012, 22A
"Councilman and mayoral candidate Jason Burnett is well versed
on water issues and has an incredible capacity and boundless energy for
handling multiple complex projects. He is the only mayoral candidate who is up
to this job and would not have to hand it off to others.”
“The whole peninsula stands to benefit from Jason’s Burnett’s
leadership through this water crisis.”
The ‘most pressing issue,’ Carolyn Hardy, Carmel, The CarmelPine Cone, April 6, 2012, 22A
"Jason and Melissa Burnett have been loyal supporters,
knowing that green, sustainable products are safe for their baby son. But my
point is — I don't expect elected officials to buy anything from me — it is
just so refreshing that in a tiny village, they care enough to become familiar
with our unique shops. We need a mayor and City Council who support local
business!"
“With a combined 16 years of experience in serving the Carmel
“Jason Burnett has been key in elucidating the most
important issues for the community, and in bringing them to the table for
discussion (“Burnett for Mayor,” March 15-21). He has probed and scraped, to
make everyone aware, and to consider what we need to do now, in light of the
current economy, and how we can prepare for the future.”
“He is the only candidate who will work hard for the benefit
of the whole community and the only candidate who will not hand off the job to
others once in office.”
THE PUBLIC VOICE
Jason Yes x 2-Coastalvillager | via Web, Letters To TheEditor, 3.22.12
“He’s devoted to transparency, in the water agreement
and in government as a whole, and transparency is something Carmel Carmel
"Really?"
“This election, we don’t see Jason touting his role in
the public-private partnership at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
Last election, it was his major achievement.” “This circling-of-the-wagons attitude toward the public has resulted in a complicated and peculiar relationship with the city that has devolved from a secretive public-private partnership into a contractor-employer relationship that allows only the city manager to have access to the museum’s management and board.”
THE PUBLIC VOICE
“He listens and cares what people think. His monthly town
hall meetings bring an openness to local government, something long missing in Carmel
“He is, we believe, a man to united Carmel
“We have been impressed with Burnett’s visionary leadership,
his knowledge of all issues and his ability to return openness to city
government through his monthly town hall meetings. He has shown both courage and
leadership, being out in front on difficult and challenging issues.”
Past mayors endorse Burnett, Charlotte Townsend, Mayor,
1982-1986, Jean Grace, Mayor, 1988-1992, Ken White, Mayor, 1992-2000, The Carmel Pine Cone, March 16, 2012, 25A
“At his town hall meetings, he brings the community together
to share opinions and information. He cares what people think. He responds to
suggestions about community problems, and this is why he deserves to be our
next mayor.”
‘Hardest-working and most accessible,’ Angie and Bob Irvine,
Carmel
“Carmel
“Jason Burnett's impeccable leadership skills,
qualifications and deep local roots make him the only mayoral candidate ready
for the challenge.”
Burnett ready to lead Carmel, Lucinda Lloyd, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 03/08/2012
Burnett ready to lead Carmel, Lucinda Lloyd, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 03/08/2012
“In his two years, Councilman Jason Burnett demonstrated the
skills and an impressive mastery of city issues. He analyzes problems, develops
viable solutions and seeks a path to consensus. He does this with openness and
transparency, such that even skeptics can feel a decision was reached through
an honest and rational process.”
“…Jason Burnett as our next mayor. I believe he is fair and
thoughtful and has the best interest of the business community and the
residents.”
“During his city council term (Jason Burnett), he has demonstrated
a high level of competence in dealing with complex financial and technical
issues, bringing about effective changes in Carmel
‘Pepe is no Burnett,’ James Emery, Carmel
“Burnett does his homework so he understands the city’s
finance, budget staffing and infrastructure problems plus the transportation
and water needs of the Monterey Peninsula
as well or better than anyone...As mayor Jason Burnett will preserve what
remains of what made Carmel unique and where practical seek to restore the
character and heritage that has been lost under previous city councils.”
Making Carmel the ‘best
possible place,’ Richard Dalsemer, Carmel
“During
budget negotiations, Burnett and Talmage also worked closely together on ensuring
that our city’s financial position would remain strong and a long-term solution for
reducing retirement costs could be implemented. They both demonstrated a deep
understanding of the detail involved in this process.”
“No
candidate running for office in the next election has deeper roots in the Monterey Peninsula Monterey Peninsula
“We
have benefited from Jason Burnett’s outstanding leadership during the past two years
that he has served on Carmel
“Many
who have been interested in local government for a long time were delighted two
years ago to discover how much difference the energy and fresh ideas of a
younger generation,
in the form of Jason Burnett, could make in the openness and creativity of our
city council.”
“Burnett is a proven leader who has already demonstrated he will protect and preserve our precious resources and maintain the character and heritage that make Carmel so precious.”
‘Electing someone we can support,’ Dick Ely, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 17, 2012, 21A
“We salute Jason, and his family, for offering to serve.”
‘If we were still residents,’ Don and Barbara Burnett, Santa Fe, N.M., The Carmel Pine Cone, February 17, 2012, 23A
“Unlike Burnett, I agree with Pepe that Carmel’s parkland should not be sold. Burnett should stop taking such extreme viewpoints on issues he does not understand, since he only moved to town in 2008."
Beth Reimers | Carmel, The Public Voice, MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY, 2.16.12
“We all benefit when businesses compete on a level playing field and Burnett has shown that he will treat everyone fairly, making sure everyone plays by the same rules. It says a lot to me as a resident about trustworthiness that these businesses are endorsing him.”
Businesses for Burnett, Roberta Miller, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 10, 2012, 29A
“Of all the events I’ve been to, I was particularly struck with Jason Burnett’s Kick-Off for Mayor. Strong turnout, upwards of 200 people. But most of all, I was impressed with the broad cross section of Carmel that turned out. People of many persuasions and backgrounds.”
“Jason didn’t disappoint. He carried it off well with his trademark informal, low key style. All in all, a very satisfying evening that bodes well for the campaign."
Burnett’s wonderful kick-off, Dale Hekhuis, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 10, 2012, 29A & 31A
“...I came to know his real passion—pension reform...What has emerged is this: an annual set aside for the existing pension liability could be up to a million dollars per year. This means that a two-tier pension system is needed with a second, less expensive tier for new hires.”
“Jason would make an excellent mayor. His council experience has been invaluable. He has the intellect for the job and the demeanor and motivation that make for a strong and effective leader.”
Burnett well-qualified, Dale Hekhuis, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 02/06/2012
“He has repeatedly demonstrated knowledge of water issues, and without breaking stride, he can grab this baton and run with it.”
“Carmelites have been wowed by Burnett's ability to understand all possible alternatives, his proactive approach, and his astounding willingness to engage the public. We all would be better off with him as Carmel's next mayor.”
Jason Burnett for Carmel mayor, Allison Pratt Shelling, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 02/05/2012
“So the Sam Farr machine has anointed Councilman Jason Burnett to be Carmel's next mayor in the April 10 election. With Sam's support, one would conclude it would be an easy win for Burnett, but not necessarily a fait accompli because his rival is a successful businessman with positive ideas for Carmel to thrive in a difficult economy.”
Poster figure for term limits, Burt Bailey, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 01/25/2012
"I submit that we should be thankful that a public servant has higher public service aspirations — and, in this case, an excellent record of effectively serving the Carmel community in an open and process-driven manner."
Aspirations should be praised, Jerry J. Gleason, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 11/16/2011
"If Jason Burnett promises Carmel in the 2012 election that he will serve out a full two-year term as mayor, history has taught us that he will actually only serve half that time before seeking a more prestigious office."
Won't get fooled again, Donna Newburgh, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 11/07/2011
ON RICHARD PEPE, Restaurateur and Business Owner (Carmel Bakery, Little Napoli, Vesuvio):
“…I saw almost as many “For Rent” signs as there were “Open”
for business.”
“Somebody better start paying attention to revitalizing the business
community in this city. Somebody better have a plan for increasing city revenue
and reducing expenses.
Somebody better understand that the way city leaders ran
city government 10 or 20 years ago isn’t going to work in today’s economic
environment.”
“Somebody better understand that this will take business leadership
for more than 1 or 2 terms to make it all happen.”
“Maybe, at this moment in time… Somebody needs to stray from
political tradition and select someone with business experience and acumen like
Rich Pepe.”
Choosing A Mayor, Phil Bradbury, Carmel ,
The Carmel Pine Cone, April 6, 2012, 21A
“A couple of weeks ago, I realized that we Carmelites could profit most by having both mayoral candidates, Richard Pepe and Jason Burnett, working for us at the same time on the City Council.”
“I have spoken about this simple solution for Carmel with a number of
fellow residents. None of them — with one exception — realized it was a
possibility. All of them, however, believed that the idea was a good one.”
"Somebody needs to stray from political tradition and elect
someone with business experience and leadership such as Rich Pepe".
“The time has come for Carmel
An ‘entirely new direction,’ Jack Pappadeas,
“It is that entrepreneurial spirit that inspires me most and
I know Rich Pepe will put his heart and soul into restoring our once vibrant
town.”
“I have concerns that unless change is brought about, we
will see a greater exodus of small businesses, making it even harder for Carmel
“Richard Pepe has the knowledge, expertise and dedication to
usher in a new era of fiscal vitality to Carmel
“I had
the pleasure of meeting Rich Pepe who was, at the time, 20 years old. He was a
great baker with a lot of charisma and a terrific left-handed tennis player.”
“I can
personally assure you that I’ve known Rich Pepe for 40 years, not only as a great
businessman but mostly as a wonderful husband and loving father.”
Our Jersey Boy, Kristy Downing | Carmel, The Public Voice, MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY, 2.16.12
“Unlike Burnett, I agree with Pepe that Carmel’s parkland should not be sold. Burnett should stop taking such extreme viewpoints on issues he does not understand, since he only moved to town in 2008."
Beth Reimers | Carmel, The Public Voice, MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY, 2.16.12
“I have known and done business with Rich Pepe for a number of years. I find him entertaining and engaging, but I will be supporting his opponent for the position of mayor.”
Word to the wise? Paul Laub, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 10, 2012, 31A
“Now that he has found that apartment in Carmel, he is saying he has lived in Carmel since 1974. His website claims the same...So, I was wondering: Are we supposed to believe Pepe’s ever-changing story?”
Does Pepe’s story add up? Cavan Hardy, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 10, 2012, 29A
“So the Sam Farr machine has anointed Councilman Jason Burnett to be Carmel's next mayor in the April 10 election. With Sam's support, one would conclude it would be an easy win for Burnett, but not necessarily a fait accompli because his rival is a successful businessman with positive ideas for Carmel to thrive in a difficult economy.”
Poster figure for term limits, Burt Bailey, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 01/25/2012
ON CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES:
ON VICTORIA BEACH, Architect, Planning Commissioner:
”Victoria Beach has been a great asset to the commission. As
an architect, she has demonstrated initiative in making major contributions.
Her leadership skills are highlighted by a willingness to listen, clearly
articulating her views, and working everyone toward consensus. She has
effectively inspired and contributed to significant refinements and
improvements to our codes and design guidelines.”
“Very, very few have come along who, in my opinion, are as ideal
for the job as Victoria Beach.”
“…she is supremely competent — a quick study, who will be
able to quickly digest the large amount of complex information necessary to
understand the diverse issues facing the council.”
“…the knowledge and experience Beach brings from her service
on the Carmel Planning Commission is invaluable.
“Finally, she has a well deserved reputation for being a
consensus builder.”
D’Ambrosia endorses Beach, Greg D’Ambrosio, Carmel , The Carmel Pine Cone, April 6, 2012, 29A
“When she speaks, her intelligence shines through.”
“Her competence has been demonstrated in the responsible professional
and management positions she has held in the past and in her service on the
Carmel Planning Commission. A hard worker, always prepared, with an impressive
understanding of the facts, she has the support and endorsement of all of her
fellow commissioners.”
“Beach has been a great asset to the commission. She is the only
architect and has demonstrated initiative in making major contributions. Her
leadership skills are highlighted by a willingness to listen, clearly
articulate her views, compromise, roll up her sleeves, get down to business and do the work.
She has sparked and attended many special meetings, where our code and design
guidelines were refined and improved.”
‘A breath of fresh air,’ Roberta Miller, Carmel , The Carmel Pine Cone, April 6, 2012,
22A
“We just finished the remodel of our sweater storefront,
which required several revisions and approvals by the Carmel Building
Department and the Carmel Planning Commission.”
“It was not easy, but the process worked, with an excellent
final result.”
“One of the commissioners, Victoria Beach, is running for
election, she would be a great City Council member!”
“What is not generally known is that many architects,
including Victoria Beach, are trained and have experience on how a community
works and what is required to have it work well.”
“For a village that at times has been divided, Victoria
"We are also very fortunate to have
running for the city council a current planning commissioner, Victoria Beach,
who has professional training in planning and architecture.”
Maintaining council ‘balance,’ Elizabeth Winchester, Carmel
“She is dedicated to working with applicants before the
commission, to allow and encourage them to develop their properties in a manner
in keeping with our community ordinances and guidelines. Further, she has a keen interest in improving
those ordinances and guidelines to do a better job of integrating protective measures
with easier ways to allow reasonable design and development of projects.”
‘Insight and sensitivity,’ Brian T. Congleton AIA, Carmel
"From the beginning of Carmel
"We are fortunate to have running for the City Council a current planning commissioner, Victoria Beach, who has professional training in planning and architecture."
Beach offers Carmelleadership skills, Eva Villagrana, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 03/11/2012
“Her ability to motivate others and her leadership skills were very evident when she headed up the school fundraising committee and in her work as an elected member of the School Site Council.”
“Full of enthusiasm and creative ideas, Victoria Beach has worked very hard to make River School
Beach’s ‘enthusiasm and creative ideas,’ Eva Villagrana, Carmel
“Beach works extremely hard. She is always well prepared for meetings; and her architectural background helps us all see the issues more clearly. She has a nice way of listening carefully to people who speak to the commission and encourages productive discussions, almost always ending in consensus.”
Planning commissioner supports colleague, Steve Dallas, Carmel
“I am also very excited that Victoria Beach is running for city council. I think she possesses a love of Carmel-by-the-Sea and an understanding that we need a thriving business community; and, as an architect, she understands how to keep the character and warmth of our beautiful village.”
Businessman supports Burnett and Beach, David B. Fink, Carmel
“Carmel City Council candidate Victoria Beach has been working hard on the Carmel Planning Commission to maintain the character of our village.”
“She understands that today's Carmel
“…Victoria Beach is running for City Council. She possesses a love of Carmel
“…the fact that she is an architect. This, through her education, training and actual work, equips her with a more than normal understanding of how a community and its government, through planning, is better able to function to the advantage of its citizens. Her thoughtful, intelligent responses to various applications that have come before the planning commission while she has been a member, reassure us that she does indeed deserve to be elected to the city council.”
Beach will be a ‘significant addition,’ Olof Dahlstrand, Carmel
Impressed with Beach, Ju Dan Fiala, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 24, 2012, 25A & 26A
“With her hard work on the planning commission and her incredible background and depth of experience, it would truly be a gift for all of us to have her be a member of our city council…Beach will contribute this same sense of freshness and vitality to council meetings and to our community at large.”
‘With great optimism,’ Tara Twomey, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 17, 2012, 21A & 23A
“Carmel City Council candidate Victoria Beach has a splendid professional résumé and deep appreciation of the culture of our village.”
“Victoria, a former planning commissioner in Oceanside, also received the prestigious American Institute of Architects Young Architects Award.”
“She chairs the AIA National Ethics Council and maintains her own architectural practice.”
Beach just what council needs, Joyce Stevens, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 02/15/2012
“Currently serving with distinction on the Carmel Planning Commission, Beach has the support of all her fellow commissioners. With a degree from Yale, an architectural degree from Harvard and ten years teaching architectural design and ethics at Harvard, she has the background and brains, which prepare her for dealing with complex city issues.”
Victoria Beach has ‘rolled up her sleeves,’ Bob Condry, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, February 10, 2012, 31A
“...I am very disappointed in your editorial of Jan. 13 criticizing Victoria Beach; in the same issue as her announcement to run for the city council. You might as well have entitled the editorial, “Don’t Vote for This Blowhard.””
Mean-spirited’ editorial on Beach, Lindsay Hanna, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, January 20, 2012, 25A
“The same editorial acknowledges Victoria’s extraordinary credentials in the fields of architecture, design and municipal planning...In more agenda items than not, the applicant has acknowledged that her views have improved their project.”
‘Extraordinary credentials,’ Steve Hillyard, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, January 20, 2012, 25A
“I am writing in praise of Victoria Beach’s contributions to the planning commission. As a licensed architect, her insights and expertise have improved numerous projects.”
In praise of Beach, Janet Reimers, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, January 20, 2012, 25A
ON TOM LEVERONE, Physician, Forest & Beach Commission Chairman:
“…for the first time since that “High Plains Drifter” rode into “the village” 30 years ago, we have a candidate who is truly independent. Tom Leverone is neither pro-resident nor pro-business. He is clearly “pro-Carmel.”
"And he posses two characteristics that allow for successful governance, namely sense and sensibility!”
“Leverone takes a common-sense and direct approach in his communication, without rhetoric, and is interested in practical solutions to problems. He is a consensus builder able to see both sides of issues and come up with solutions with sensitivity to all.”
Leverone ‘strongly recommended,’ Gary and Kathy Bang, Carmel, The Carmel Pine Cone, March2, 2012, 22A & 23A
“Profeta has also enunciated specific ideas on how to attack
Carmel ’s
financial problems. He’s announced them at each public forum, and listed them
on his website. Profeta lets you know his positions, and tells you exactly
where he stands, in plain language…Real, substantial ideas to tackle Carmel ’s problems,
financial and otherwise, should be what earns our votes.”
“I urge you to vote for solutions, answers, and a candidate willing
to take stands.”
Profeta is a ‘straight talker,’ Harry Finkle, Carmel , The Carmel PineCone, April 6, 2012, 22A
“The multimillion-dollar homeowners will fight it. You'll be
tangling with the Coastal Commission. The views and beautiful character of the
neighborhood would be damaged.”
“We need to have the debate on possible solutions to our
deficit and revenue problems. And Carmel
“During the forum, Bob Profeta held up a document,
urging everyone to take a copy at the end of the evening. I got one,
entitled “Let’s At Least Have The Debate, Look Past The Slogans For
Solutions, And Resolve To Move Carmel Forward.” It’s also on his website...In
it, Profeta reviews our city’s financial issues, but more importantly, he
offers solutions, and tells us where he stands.”
“It’s time to get past the campaign slogans. He points out
that he is the only candidate for the council not already a part of the city
government, either trying to stay on the council or move up to it from a city commission. It would be refreshing to have at least one person, one voice from
outside the inner circle of
‘Independent voice’ needed, Stephanie Ager Kirz, Carmel
“In fact, Talmage understands all of the issues facing Carmel , water and
retirement debt being the most complicated among them. The founder and chairman
of the Monterey Water Company, he has been involved with water for twenty
years. Talmage will be extremely helpful to Carmel ’s new mayor, who will immediately step
in as a member of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Water Authority board.”
Talmage and town’s ‘intangible essence,’ Francyne Laney, Carmel,
The Carmel Pine Cone, April 6, 2012, 21A
"Coincidentally, the two elected officials who have been
interested in and visited my store in the past two years are both candidates in
the April 10 election — Jason Burnett and Ken Talmage. Both have taken time,
while in my store, to discuss issues of importance to our village."
"Carmel City Council incumbent Ken Talmage understands the
issues facing Carmel
"It is refreshing to see the numbers guy — the one who
understands the city budget more than anyone — also understands the intangible
essence of our village."
“I was shocked to read a quote by Ken Talmage regarding his
disdain for Flanders Mansion when he questioned the historicity of the mansion,
which is not only a local and state historic resource but is on the National Trust of
Historic Places. To qualify for this distinction is no easy task, and to even suggest spending
more of Carmel Carmel
“Eco-Tourism is what the city should be working on. Many
cities utilize this because they know that if a city has some interesting history,
people will come and stay. ..Selling Flanders
Mansion
“To learn more of the history and the aims of the Flanders Foundation,
visit www.flanders-foundation.org.”
Shocked at suggestion to burn Flanders, Anne Bell, Carmel Valley
“Talmage recognizes that our village of 4,000 hosts 2
million visitors a year. If there are any new revenues to come, he wants them
to be equitable and fair and is looking for ways that visitors will pay their
fair share.”
“Having Ken Talmage remain on the council will help ensure
that the new council team is cohesive.”
“From the beginning of Carmel
“Ken Talmage is running for re-election and has proved the value
of his planning commission background."
Maintaining council ‘balance,’ Elizabeth Winchester, Carmel
“Talmage wisely put it into perspective by pointing out that
the council should first determine the level of expectation and evaluate the
need before determining how much revenue to generate. What a smart, thoughtful approach.”
Talmage ‘steady as you go,’ Mary Condry, Carmel
"From the beginning of Carmel
"Ken Talmage is running for re-election and has proven the value of his Planning Commission background."
“What I like about his performance is that he is always prepared; he always discusses the issues fully; and, when he makes a decision, he explains why. He is also very courteous to the public and recognizes their input to the agenda item under discussion.”
Talmage is ‘essential,’ Monte Miller, Carmel
“During budget negotiations, Burnett and Talmage also worked closely together on ensuring that our city’s financial position would remain strong and a long-term solution for reducing retirement costs could be implemented. They both demonstrated a deep understanding of the detail involved in this process.”
“...I greatly appreciate Ken's commitment to listen respectfully to the viewpoints of all stakeholders in our community — residents, property owners, members of the business community and visitors.”
Talmage deserves another term, Tom Parks, Carmel, The Monterey County Herald, 02/15/2012
5 comments:
Donna Newburgh gets it. Jason Burnett must think Carmel voters will overlook his mangling of the English language with his redefinition of the words "full term" to suit his political ambitions of the moment. His redefinition of "full term" is like Bill Clinton's redefinition of the word "is," preposterous, absurd and demeaning to the American people. Adding insult to injury, Jason's lie is so unnecessary. If he lies about something he does not have to lie about, then he will lie about other things to suit himself. Bottom line: he cannot be trusted.
Undoubtedly, the Flanders Mansion will be bought up at a candidates forum. Inevitably a question will be asked along the lines that all alternatives for the use of Flanders Mansion have been studied and rejected. An astute candidate will then ask the questioner for the date of the city council closed session where the agenda item involving Flanders Mansion and Flanders Foundation was discussed. Whereupon, the “all alternatives already studied crowd-our minds are already made up” crowd can sit down and think about Mission Trail Nature Preserve and Flanders Mansion and what is in the best interest of the park and future generations and demand the best solution, not the political “end the controversy now” result.
The role of a Planning Commissioner is not to act as an architect, it is not to “improve” projects, rather the role of a Planning Commissioner is to determine project consistency with the General Plan, compliance with the Municipal Code, approve or deny variances and use permits, et cetera.
PLANNING COMMISSION
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. To develop and maintain a General Plan.
2. To develop Specific Plans as may be necessary or desirable.
3. To review Environmental Impact Reports and Initial Studies.
4. To periodically review the Capital Improvement Program of the City.
5. To conduct public hearings, review evidence and determine requests for use permits, variances, rezoning and land use Code amendments.
6. To interpret the meaning and intent of the City's Land Use Code.
7. To hear and render decisions on appeals of determinations made by administrative staff.
8. To determine the consistency with the General Plan of capital improvement projects and programs. 9. To review and act upon design review and design study applications.
Source: City of Carmel-by-the-Sea website. PLANNING COMMISSION
http://ci.carmel.ca.us/carmel/index.cfm/government/boards-commissions/planning-commission/
The City of Carmel has a dubious record when it comes to representing Carmel's interests by securing an alternative water supply source to the Carmel River. Peninsula mayors and city councils knew about the cease-and-desist order for years. Instead of forming a JPA then, city councils used taxpayer dollars to hire attorneys to fight the cease-and-desist order. Led by Mayor Sue McCloud, their efforts to fight and delay the cease-and-desist order has not produced one drop of water for customers.
Fast forward to 2012. Peninsula mayors meet in secret and form a JPA without taking public input and rush the JPA Agreement onto council agendas in January. Only one Monterey councilwoman and one Seaside councilman had the courage of their convictions to vote "No." Despite objections and concerns and requests to slow down and rethink the JPA, Councilman Jason Burnett voted "Yes" with the majority. Jason has amassed a record of being in the majority by taking popular positions. But effective mayors must take unpopular positions occasionally or they are not effective leaders.
It is easy to campaign on "We will advance Carmel’s interests in securing a portfolio of water supply sources to meet the water shortfall and provide water for appropriate infill development," but making "Tough Choices" sometimes means making unpopular and hard choices and so far Jason has not advanced Carmel's interests in confronting unpopular and controversial issues which are important to the present and future of Carmel.
Letter writers endorsing Jason Burnett for mayor were hard core Sue McCloud supporters the last campaigns and /or enablers of Sue McCloud over 12 years. No thanks! I want a mayor committed to Carmel exclusively long-term. Jason Burnett is committed to winning a congressional seat in 2014 and/or 2016 and/or 2018.
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