A Wal-mart Republican. Just what the city needs.

Not.

In response to the question posed to me on my position on Wal-Mart coming to Ventura, yes I believe it does have the potential to draw people from other communities. I don't see a problem with that at all. I think it will enhance Ventura's image as a community on the move with a pro-active economic development program that relies on a regional draw to support its ever-increasing demand for services (police and fire, particularly). Sales tax is allocated to cities based on the point-of-sale, so we will retain all the sales tax generated regardless of where the shoppers come from. The elected officials in this community simply cannot continue to bury their heads in the sand while other surrounding communities welcome business growth and opportunity and we stay stuck in the past with old attitudes and ideas about growth and business expansion.

Regarding your question on whether I think Wal-Mart will diplace other businesses, I sincerely do not believe it will. Wal-Mart caters to a much broader customer base than our existing small business owners in the City, most of which have a niche product or service that they're offering. Wal-Mart will attract shoppers interested in discounted prices for the same types of products that they purchased from similar retailers, such as Target, K-Mart, Costco, Sam's Club, etc. I know we have a Target store in Ventura with possibly another one coming to town, but I think Wal-Mart will only enhance competition from this retailer, resulting in lower prices for the consumer overall. And what's wrong with that, I ask you? It's another example of the free market system doing what it does best - encouraging competition! As living proof of this, I didn't see Target or K-Mart in Oxnard leaving town when the Wal-Mart opened up there. They simply got more competitive.

Lastly, I think Wal-Mart will undoubtedly increase consumer spending for the reasons stated above. This is a good thing for the City, as it will bring in new sales tax revenue to support services that have been lagging behind our needs (additional police officers and firefighters, park maintenance, streets and roads maintenance, etc.).

Let's not continue to get left behind in our economic development efforts because of politics and small-minded thinking by our current elected officials. We don't need the taxpayers to continue to be called upon to bail us out of tough budgetary situations (sales tax measures, increased water/sewer charges, and the list goes on). We can do better. I am ready to serve this community, if given the chance. I appreciate your support and welcome any other questions you might have on my platform and vision for the City of Ventura.

Mike, thanks for answering questions in a public forum. Welcome to the debate!

I know SOAR is already voted on, enacted, and settled law but it shows the idealogical position of a candidate. Do you support amending it? Did you vote for or against it? What has been the best or worst benefits to Ventura?

Wal-mart will enhance Ventura's image as a community on the move? Would a few off-shore oil rigs improve Ventura's image as a resort destination too?

Good Evening Mr. Gibson:

I read your issues above and had a question. You wrote you support smart growth strategies and also support bringing in large retailers such as Wal Mart.

Generally, smart growth advocates push for developments that emphasize public transportation or "walk-to" stores, whereas Wal-Mart generally is designed for cars and large parking lots.

Are you pushing for a WalMart one can walk-to within a smart growth area?

Scott, that's a good question. I don't know how many people are familiar with the housing behind the Simi Valley mall but it has been billed as smart growth because of the access it can have to the mall.

I am jealous of Ventura's Main Street. It is a great miz of different styles/prices of eating establishments, bars, book stores, and other unique stores. It still is one of the few places to see decent live acts, comedians etc around VC.

I am curious how you see the city keeping the character of that section of town. I am not from Ventura but besides the beaches it is my favorite part to your town.

When I was in high school it had the coolest alt rock stores around. I hate to see it turned into another high end, high priced, cookie cutter, formula store, clone of so many other down towns.

Thanks for the question, Scott. I think smart growth applies to not only the physical layout of the store and it's proximity to public transportation, although these are important considerations. I think smart growth also applies to retailers that can benefit a community economically and add to the choices consumers have.

Regarding your comments on "walk-to" stores, I think the current design of the Ralph's/Long's shopping center on Victoria (Montalvo Square) is a good example of smart growth shopping centers. This center is within easy access of the residential development above it (Promontory Pointe) where I live. My wife and I constantly walk from our house to this center to shop and dine and notice a lot of residents in our own and surrounding neighborhoods doing the same thing. I see no reason why this would not be true for Wal-Mart as well, which would be directly across the street from Montalvo Square.

Regarding public transportation, I think Victoria Avenue, being a main corridor in the city, already has many bus stops/pick-up points that would provide ease of access to the Wal-Mart center from just about anywhere in the city.

Thanks again for your good questions. I think this debate is healthy for the city.

I understand the confusion now. The candidate has his own definition of smart growth.

Smart Growth is a movement. Any growth of a city that is well designed is not "smart growth". Just like any plan to move America in a new direction is not progressive according to the way liberals use that word. If I wanted to conserve a redwood forest that doesn't make me a conservative in the mold of the current republican party. You are just co-opting a movement and making it a phrase.

Smart Growth would advocate walking and bike friendly communities. It would advocate smaller parking lots, and not rewarding companies that are the prime example of urban sprawl. It would advocate for mixed use ( apartments on top of Walmart?) zoning. Smart growth encourages small businesses, the physical health of a community, traffic calming devices and the like.

Is it the job of the government to lure stores that consumers might want? I thought that was a free market decision.

But of course Walmart doing so much business with a totalitarian communist police state that imprisons people for their Christian beliefs or political beliefs wouldn't know anything about that.

Ever wonder why the star on Walmart stores is RED?

I am interested in that Bass Store though.

But with all of that criticism of you I must say I admire you running on your true beliefs of helping your city by bringing in a Walmart. You are a brave man.

Brian:

I have visited cultural district your writing about in the evenings and agree with you about it's uniqueness. Of course, if the large portion of people like you and me are driving to it from out of town, can it really be considered smart growth?

Mr. Gibson:

Thanks for answering my question.

I'd also like your thoughts on smart growth's impact on land values. Generally, I've read a lot of criticism of smart growth because by rationing land, the government artificially reduces supply and increases prices on everyone else. This places a great deal of pressure on affordable housing stock, not too mention business tenants who will see their rents continue to rise with little choice to move someplace else for cheaper rents.

Last, your campaign seems to be really focused on economic development as producing revenue for the city. I am curious of your opinion on the camera stop lights? At first, many across the country believed they would reduce accidents, but instead, studies have demonstrated an increase in rear end accidents as many slam on the brakes to avoid triggering the ticket camera.

In an effort to raise more funds, some communities have even been caught reducing the yellow light timing to catch more people in the red. What is your thinking on this topic?

Thanks.

Scott,

Main Street isn't perfect but the reason I do classify it as smart growth is multiple.

1. You can go out to dinner, stop by a bookstore, then go see a live band or a movie, and maybe get a cup of coffee afterwards. All by walking.

In Simi Valley there is no bookstore or movie theater at the mall. Although there is a movie and book store combo close to each other.

I also classify it as smart growth because of the traffic calming devices built into the street.

In addition I am not just thinking of the outsiders perspective as I don't make it down there often. I'd imagine that the average person doesn't live as far away as we do.

Hi Mr. Gibson,

I commend you for being brave enough to take on this blog! Good for you.

I am looking at your goals above and they are great. But they are identical to the stated goals of our existing city council and staff. And they have been working really hard to do everything you've outlined.

The only real difference I see is that you didn't support P6. But 62 percent of the voters did. It was hard to pull off a super majority on that one. So the city has thrown all available new resources into fire and police and will continue to do so, probably at the expense of other things we need.

Can you tell me exactly what you would do to increase the tax base that isn't being done already? And let's not just focus on Wal-mart and the Victoria corridor.

Why not focus on Walmart? Are you anti-Walmart? What's wrong with our business model? Don't you trade with the communist Chinese?

Do you support living wage ordinances?

Brian

Can you be more specific about what traffic calming devices you are writing about and supporting?

Also, would you prefer to live in a multi-family condo complex that was across the street from a movie theater or living above a bar with live bands?

Wow, Buddy, I would say you're little over the top here. As soon as the man makes a few good points on growth, or disputes the conventional liberal or planning guru's definition of "smart growth", you go ape and start accusing him of being a commie pinko. This is all the more reason this town needs a change in its elected officials. Maybe we should give this guy a shot. At lease he doesn't have an "us vs. them" mentality like some of these other wackos. He's making a lot of sense to me.

I am firmly against adopting language of a movement but not the ideas of that movement. Just because your ideas make sense doesn't make them smart growth. Smart Growth is a planning movement and term. Mr. Gobson can call his ideas by names that could describe them better without trying to co-opt the work of thousands of planners by just throwing the label around.

I don't think he is a commie just because he wants to help Walmart. China isn't a communist country like it used to be. If he wants to support a corporation that depends on the Chinese government that is his business. So what if that country imprisons Christians for their beliefs and uses political prisoners for laborers.

Scott, we could let the market decide where people want to live a bit more often instead of planners. There is a system for letting the market decide. I forget what is called right now.

Okay, enough teasing.

At different times in our lives different types of housing makes sense. I bet being across from a movie theater would be quieter than some of the college dorms I lived by or in. But my ideal "Smart Growth" community might not be the same as another persons. I think a downtown business corridor with traditional offices could be very well suited by having apartment complexes primarily aimed at young people up above. Have you seen Paris?

This isn't how everyone would want to or should live, but the option should be open to those that it fits into their needs.

I thank Mike Gibson for starting this conversation.

Who is your favorite locally elected official on any level from park board to federal office holders?

Brian

Do you agree smart growth increases the price of land?

What about traffic calming you're writing about? What devices do you support?

I have been to Paris, but a very long time ago. The city was known for inventing the Boulevard or very wide streets in some major areas of the city. I don't think a smart growth advocate would have supported such wide streets like Champs-Élysées though. Do you?

I also know Paris decided to go with anti-car policies in 2001 by narrowing roads ie "traffic calming" and increasing bus lines. They found Parisians had longer commutes and air pollution levels rose in the city as a result.

In terms of mixed use, would you support large parking garages and adequate parking lots in these areas?

In terms of main street, I enjoy going there to visit because of the atmosphere, but I generally wouldn't choose to live in this smart growth utopia 7 days a week. I like Simi Valley's quiet streets. I don't think I could afford it anyway.

Mike,

You are a very brave man for discussing your ideas on this blog. I have a great deal of respect for community leaders who are willing to be open and honest in sharing their ideas, regardless of whether those ideas are popular or politically correct. This is a quality that is lacking in most politicians today, even at the local level. Voters need to know what they are voting for. Personally I'd rather vote for someone I disagree with who is direct and honest with their views than someone who says the right things to get votes but is evasive on controversial issues.

That being said, the existing City Council has been under a lot of public pressure to increase funding to public safety. While I agree in principle that our public safety agencies should always be adequately funded it seems that these types of issues are open ended. In your judgement how do we benchmark the definition of adequate funding? Do you think that public safety agencies should also be expected, like other departments, to have reasonable methods to contain costs? If so, how would you look to control cost growth? Do you think that the common 3 percent at 50 pension plans for police officers and firefighters that award 90 percent pensions and retirement as early as age 50 is a reasonable and a wise use of public safety funds? Do you think that public employee pensions is an important fiscal issue that needs to be addressed?

Thanks for your time.

Hey Gang,

Sorry, I've been unblogged for a while. Busy on the campaign trail, don't you know.

To address Brian's question on how I feel about the SOAR initiative, well, quite frankly, I think it has had some unintended consequences since it was voted in in 1998. I think saving ag land and preventing urban sprawl is a marvelous concept, but, in practice, SOAR has actually contributed to the housing crisis in Ventura County. Home prices, as well as rents, have grown increasingly expensive in this county since SOAR passed. Young adults who were born and raised here and are just starting out on their own and trying to break into the housing market are finding it nearly impossible. It has also squeezed out middle class workers, important to the fabric of the community (firefighters, police officers, teachers, nurses, etc.).

Now am I blaming SOAR for all of this? Certainly not. The Calfornia real estate market and state economy have played a major role, I'm sure. But, I think SOAR has contributed to it. And I also don't believe that SOAR has worked to preserve farmland per se. Perhaps it has prevented some reckless development, but a lot of the farmland continues to be converted to other uses - including high priced homes. Look at what's happening in Camarillo, for example.

Did I vote for it? No, I did not. I wish I could say it was because I had the foresight to know it was going to have some of these bad side effects, but that's not true at all. I just felt it was overly restrictive on individual property rights and I still feel that way.

Would I vote to amend it? I'm really not sure at this point. That would depend, of course, on the type of amendments proposed. I certainly wouldn't vote to make it more restrictive though.

What are some other solutions of saving AG land or is that a worthwhile goal at all in our free market system?

Thanks for answering questions from my readers. That endears me to your cause regardless of many issues. Let me know when you have press releaes and the like to post.

Scott,

1. does smart growth increase the price of land? Are we talking about Venutra City? Because it doesn't seem like they are able to move out past the edges of their city in any scenario.

2. Traffic calming devices? I personally am fans of round abouts. They slow traffic, but don't stop it. They are less expensive and safer than intersections with lights, and they are better for the environment. They don't work in every intersection but many intersections would be well served.

3. I enjoy walkable communities with mass transit, not cars as the basis of moving people around as far as large cities go. In suburbs for many reasons that isn't feasible ( a train stop on every few blocks) but I found Paris congested like you said. not because of the horrors of traffic calming devices but the millions of residents added to that the tourists looking as they move.

I was blown away to see a random George Washington statue in the middle of one street.

They also have heavy regulations which has encouraged smaller cars for some drivers. It is amazing where they can park them.

4. Do I support adequate parking? If you are asking if businesses and developers should have a reasonable plan for their customers to park and get to the shops I agree. I don't know if downtown parking is a problem because when I go to Ventura I can walk a few blocks to check out the many things that fine city has put together like cafes, movie theaters, eating places, bookstores, and other shops. So, I have never had a problem parking. If there is a problem i bet Mike Gibson would know more.

Mike, Scott doesn't have the same definition of smart growth that you do. What is your basic definition?

"Wal-mart will enhance Ventura's image as a community on the move"

I'm still laughing about that one. Beautiful quote - it's going to make a great mailer for your opposition.

Tell us something, Gibson, how short of leash does Osborne have you on? Has he promised you lots of "member communication" mailings on your behalf, following a nice donation to VCRCC? Or perhaps DMH will take those payments directly.

BTW, did you get a quote on how much their endorsement will cost you? Has Atsinger promised to play Santa Claus for your campaign? Will you be able to tap into the Strickland slush fund?

So many questions, all answered in due time.

I have a question for Mr. Gibson but I want to e-mail it to him. What is your e-mail address?

Laura, Laura, Laura, you're such a hack. Why don't you get involved in the debate, ask some intelligent questions, and stop with the snipes for a moment? I don't think it's in your make-up, quite frankly.

Getting back to the real discussion here, I think my man, Bubba Kidd, actually had some good questions on public safety funding. Regarding how I feel we should benchmark public safety spending, I think the best way, perhaps, is through meaningful performance measures that demonstrate the outcomes we are achieving through our public safety programs, whether it's lower response times, lowering incidents of crime, or the overall crime rate. There are many that are being effectively used elsewhere.

Do I think public safety agencies should be responsible for containing costs? Absolutely, they should. Just like any other government program. One effective way to control costs is to build restrictions into the budget process, whereby agencies are allocated a maximum percentage increase allocation from the City's General Fund based on some agreed upon formula (like the CPI). There are many other cost containment incentives you can use as well.

I think you need to be very careful about tinkering with the pension/retirement programs for public safety personnel. We must remember that we are asking these men and women to perform a vital and difficult service to the public. Given the physical demands and requirements of the job, it is not uncommon for police officers and firefighters to retire in their early to mid-50's. I believe programs, such as the 3% at 50, were established in recognition of this fact. If we start scaling them back, I think we may see an adverse effect in our recruitment efforts, as more candidates for these jobs would go elsewhere.

Having said this; however, I do believe we need to be conscious of the escalating costs of pension and retirement programs overall in the public sector. With the current wave of baby boomer retirements, I think this trend will continue into the future and has already begun to rear its ugly head in some jurisdictions, such as the City of San Diego, where over-committed pension fund obligations came close to bankrupting that city recently.

Carlos,

You can send me an e-mail at: mgibson1856@yahoo.com

Guilty as charged - I'm a partisan hack. I'm the counterpart to many of your good buddies in the GOP. I've never claimed to be anything else. I'm a proud Democrat and advocate for Democratic ideals - like a living wage, affordable health care, improving infrastructure, providing adequate funding for our first responders, protecting our natural resources and open space. All the things that you and your allies in the GOP have fought against. I know that smart growth and being a responsible corporate citizen are not mutually exclusive. When will you get it?

Those facts, however, don't invalidate my questions. Why don't you answer my questions, on the record, and prove me wrong? Voters will want to know exactly who your supporters are and who is paying for your campaign. These things matter. It's true that you are well to do, and can probably finance your own campaign, but I doubt that's the game plan. Am I wrong?

Laura, you are just not being fair, nor are you making a meaningful contribution to this thread with your loaded questions. Are we really to take a question like, "how short of leash does Osborne have you on" seriously? Please.

One of the common complaints on this blog is the lack of conservative candidates for office willing to participate and answer tough questions. Well now we have one and you seem to want to do everything in your power to stifle the conversation. Surely you must be able to control your partisan impulses from time-to-time. You don't have to agree with this guy but I think it would be nice to give him the opportunity to explain his position on the issues without all the little cheap shots. Give peace a chance Laura.

Bubba -
cc Mr. Gibson

If Mr.Gibson is claiming that his party affiliation is not important in a non-partisan
office, I think his connection with Mr. Osborn is important. Ms. Winchester's question
certainly has a cheeky tone, but the issue remains and should be addressed.

This is one tough question. Underlying it are others:

What role has Mr. Gibson chosen for Mr. Osborn or the VCRCC in his campaign?
Has he asked them to hold fundraisers for him? Will he be seeking their endorsement?
Will he use his Republican registration in his literature? Will he speak at Repblican gatherings? fundraisers? Or will he only participate at non-partisan events?

These are reasonable questions in light of Mr. Gibson's and his campaign manager's claim, don't you think?

Mr. Gibson, will you answer these?

Brian: Some very fair points from you.

I really have to applaud Mr. Gibson for coming on this blog and providing some real thought to answers to many questions from people in Ventura and people not in Ventura.

Laura: do the democrat Ventura council candidates plan on dealing with bloggers?

Brian: I basically accept the definition of smart growth that is generally accepted by most planners, but that is not an end-all definition and their are many debates within smart growth on what it is and isn't. From my evaluation of Mr. Gibson, I think he supports many concepts of smart growth, but still wants flexibility to grow an economic base to create a larger public safety revenue structure. People that generally want to apply a monolithic definition to smart growth sort of miss the point. As one writer wrote, smart growth is a movement. Movements always have internal debates.

Here is just one example from your writing Brian.

Many smart growth advocates would reject your support of adequate parking and parking garages in walkable communities. Some areas where smart growth has become popular decided to not have parking garages and so on to encourage walking and biking. What happened is high vacancy rates hit those areas because people still generally wanted their car to be able to go places. And, as your Paris example points out, many people were parking in the emergency areas or sidewalks.

So, I think there are many facets and even disagreements of smart growth and this is just one example of that. My general concern with smart growth is that it generally accentuates many of the very problems it was created to solve such as making congestion worse, not better as my previous example illustrates...

In terms of traffic calming devices, my major concern is that walkable streets with thinning roads, speed bumps, roundabouts don't make them easily maneuverable for emergency vehicles trying to get to a location in short time frame. Do you support traffic calming devices that make it more difficult on emergency vehicles?

Mr. Gibson: What was your role, if any, in the Ventura Downtown specific plan? Do you generally support or oppose the plan? And, what parts do you feel you will really advocate for or against, if elected to the city council?

Thanks and have a great day everyone.

Bubba, I don't represent you or your concerns. You and I are at the opposite ends of the spectrum politically, so save your admonishments for someone else.

Though you may not like the way I phrased my questions, they are still valid, and Mr. Gibson refusing to answer them (as I suspected he would) shows that he has something to hide.

If he wants to be elected, he'll have to deal with worse than I've thrown at him here. If he can't think on his feet and take the punches, he has no business in public office.

Prove me wrong.

BTW, Bubba, you don't seem to have a problem with Dantona being ripped apart personally and professionally. So what are the rules here? All questions and audience members for GOP candidates must be screened, and Democrats are fair game for anything?

Laura, my dear, if your vitriol wasn't so hateful and nasty, it would almost be humorous. No, I take that back, it's still humorous. Believe me, if those are the best punches you and your cronies from the VCDCC can throw, I've got nothing to worry about.

I think you need to administer a little self-massage to relieve the stress. There now, that feels better, doesn't it?

Hey Laura, I don't have a problem asking tough question to any candidate, regardless of political affiliation. Unlike you, when I cast my ballot I don't vote on autopilot just because someone belongs to a particular political party. Last election I voted for candidates that belonged to both the republican and democratic party. Tell me Laura, when is the last time you voted for a republican? So please don't tell me that we're opposite ends of the same political spectrum. You are certainly at one end of the extreme, but that doesn't mean that every person you disagree with is like you.

And as much as you love talking up Jim Dantona I don't see him having the guts to come here and answer questions directly on this blog. Based on your reasoning I guess that must mean he has something to hide. Oh I forgot, your standards only apply to republicans, but in your world democrats get a free pass. When you want to be taken seriously then start asking serious questions.

Getting back to business..

Mr. Gibson,

In your goals you mention that you would like to market the city better as a tourist destination. I agree that the City of Ventura has tremendous untapped potential in this area. Do you have any specific ideas on how this can be done?

Although tourism would certainly benefit the city in generating more tax revenue, it could also have offsetting negative impacts as well. On that point, if you were successful at increasing tourism how would you plan for the potential increase in things such as traffic congestion and crime?

It is fun to yank your chain. Y'all bite and snap so pretty.

Bubba, we've been over my voting record already, but thanks for asking again. I've grown so fond of your repeated attempts to board nanny me, and I'm sure your efforts to put the uppity Dem woman in her place are much appreciated. Alas, I know I'm at best third on your list of favorites, right after Jim Dantona and Arleigh Kidd.

As far as Dantona coming here to blog, be patient little one. I know how much you miss him. Blogging just hasn't been as much fun for you without him as your numero uno target. He's a busy man these days, but he'll be back. Trust.

So, Gibson, still no answer to my questions? Why are you hiding your political affiliation with the local GOP? Are you, or are you not, a very conservative Rep? Were you, or were you not, recruited by this group to run?

If you truly believe that the voters in Ventura don't care about your political affiliation, why not just cop to it? Wave that red flag proudly, little pachyderm.

Mike, can you tell us if you plan to run as a nonpartisan without help from the Republican Central committee and put to rest Laura's questions?

If elected what do you see as major changes that could be done in your first term if not stopped by government inertia. Do your plans have support amongst other candidates or office holders in Venutra to help get them passed or can you do some of these things alone?

Scott, I have spoken to 1 of 2 Democrats by e-mail and he has already started giving me things to post. I plan on giving them all chances to answer questions. That also includes Christy Weir. But how about we focus on what Mike Gibson brings to the table on this blog entry.

If the city's coffers were too low to keep up with current spending what would you cut first?

Brian,

Since you are always the voice of civility here, I will try and respond to the questions you pose.

Yes, I do intend to run as a non-partisan candidate for this non-partisan office. I have always intended to run my campaign with the best intentions of the city at heart, regardless of ideological differences among the candidates. As to whether I will vow not to accept help from the Republican Party, I will be more than happy to do this - right after every Democrat that is running for City Council, including Mr. Morehouse and Mr. Fulton, makes a similar pledge about not accepting assistance from the Democrat Party. Also, Ms. Weir would need to refrain from accepting help from the American Independent Party as well, as tempting as that may be for her.

Brian, to do anything different would be foolhardy on my part. I would think a seasoned politico like Laura Winchester would understand this, if she would take the time to retract her fangs and think about it for a moment.

She keeps asking me to declare my party affiliation when she knows full well that this is a matter of public record. Yes, I am a registered Republican, which I have never, nor will I ever, make any apologies for. So, now that the pachyderm is out of its cage and, hopefully, we've silenced the massage queen for a spell, I'll try and respond to your other questions on what major changes I'd make in my first term.

My first goal, as I've stated previously, would be to take a fresh look at how the City is approaching economic development. I truly believe the City is missing some key opportunities to attract more tax producing commercial development to town by focusing too much attention on the downtown. I'm not saying we shouldn't proceed with the goals identified in the Downtown Specific Plan, but we should also broaden our perspective to look at some key undeveloped parcels that could be marketed to companies that would make sense to bring to the City that would provide jobs, tax benefits, and increased visitation at the same time.

I admit I have a lot to learn about the City's development blueprint (the General Plan), but will be studying it in detail in the coming weeks to develop more concrete plans for how I would propose these changes. I think some of these ideas would be an uphill battle with the current City Council, given their philosophies and priorities on development at the moment, but I feel confident I could find common ground with them on some of these new approaches.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts, Brian. I look forward to more detailed discussion later.

Mike, thanks for your answers. I understand your reluctance at a one sided disarmament. Let me contact the VCDCC and see if we could get a peace treaty going.

I know there will be legal language like what constitutes help but I think most people agree with Hiram Johnson that these races were intended to be non-partisan for a reason. Thanks for the good faith effort to restore that goal.

Let me know ( this invitation is extended to all candidates ) whenever you have press releases, endorsements, or other campaign news to post.

I think perhaps you were trying to answer my question. Thank you, Mr. Gibson. Trust me there are people here who like to be civil. I know the current Council and the City are already looking at proposed commercial centers in the Wells/Saticoy area and a major project is in the early stages of planning for the Avenue which could dramatically change that area. I know also that they are looking into the extension of Olivas Park Drive to accommodate perhaps a Bass Pro or Ikea behind the Auto Center. And of course we've all heard about the Victoria Plan and the effort to establish a high-wage business area there.

Massage Queen? Why thank you for the compliment, but given the limited amount of time I'm able to devote to my hobby and volunteer efforts at the hospice, physical therapy clinic and spa, doing therapeutic massage for chronically ill, injured and end of life patients, I don't have enough time to devote to the craft to reach queen status. I wish I did, as it's very rewarding helping people who could otherwise not afford such care. For example, I've been working with a client who suffered third degree burns over her back and arms last year in an auto accident. We've been able to relieve some of the pain she has from scar tissue build up and increase the range of motion of her arms and shoulders. I tell you, when you get a chance to make a difference in someone's life like that, one on one, it sure beats the engineering work I do for my airline clients. Wish I had more time to spend doing it. I encourage people to volunteer in their communities to help the less fortunate. I appreciate the recognition and thanks, but it's not necessary. But enough about me...

So tell me Gibson, what volunteer work do you do in your community? You are a man of privilege, so what have you done to give back to your community and those less fortunate?

Back to politics - you never did say what kind of Republican you are, or whether you had been recruited by the local GOP. Just a thought...you could always be the first to declare that you won't seek an endorsement, money or efforts on your behalf from the local GOP, nor will you condone or allow independent expenditure PACS (thinly veiled tools of partisan politics) to issue attack ads on your opponents or in favor of you.

But we both know you won't do that. But hey, can't blame a girl for asking. Seasoned politico...gosh and golly...not little ole me.

Mike, in my last post I asked about political parties becoming involved in non partisan races by sending out "member communications" ( to every member of their party in a district or city) identifying for voters what parties people belong to so that becomes the voting standard in campaigns where issues like general plans are too confusing or boring for many people.

I forgot to mention that I know a decent amount about these communications because I lie in East Ventura County where they were used in the last election by Republicans against the Democrats. As far as I know they haven't been used AGAINST Republicans.

These member communications were thought to be illegal as they circumvent campaign finance laws by allowing more money in to a campaign then local laws allowed. But the court ruled that parties can communicate with their members in this fashion.

But if Laura is right that you already know the VCRCC, you can ask them more about it.

So don't blame Democrats if they adopt Republican tactics. It was quite innovative but now that the genie is out of the bottle I expect both parties to do more and more but say the other side is the cause.

Of course, local elections have always been partisan for people that pay close attention, right?

In short Republicans expanded party influence in non-partisan elections locally, not Democrats.

Mike, attacking Laura for charitable work is not very kind of you. You should get back to political arguments.

Brian

Another area I'd like your thoughts on with smart growth is eminent domain. Many advocates of smart growth support the use of eminent domain to promote economic development. Do you agree with these smart growth advocates or disagree?

Mr. Gibson:

Thanks for the discussion of the downtown specific plan. I look forward to later in the campaign when you'll discuss more specifics.

You're platform says you've done a lot of work in redevelopment in the past and I was wondering if you could provide some ideas on redevelopment for Ventura that you'd bring to the table, if elected?

C’mon Brian, are you seriously going to complain about Mike Gibson attacking Laura Winchester? LMAO!! Very chivalrous of you, however I’m sure that Laura can handle being called a “massage queen�. After all, if she’s going to play with the big boys... err girls, then she had better have some thick skin.

However, I will have to give Laura credit for being the master of playing both sides of the argument. She hits hard, but when hit back she complains about those that want to “put the uppity Dem woman in her place�. And after being called a “massage queen� she then launches into a long paragraph broadcasting to the world how she uses her gift of massage to benefit the poor, sick, and injured. And then she follows it up by meekly stating, “I appreciate the recognition and thanks, but it’s not necessary.� If it is truly not necessary then I have to wonder why she keeps reminding us.

But that’s OK, I can appreciate the work that Laura does in the community. I just think that anyone who plays hardball shouldn’t expect softball in return. I will say that Laura is certainly one of the most entertaining people on this blog and, crazy as it sounds, I love having her around. When it comes to politics Laura reminds me of those harpies from the movie Van Helsing, where they suck your blood and rip apart your flesh, but when you fight back they transform into frightened little women saying things like, “you wouldn’t hit a woman, would you?�

Classic stuff.

Is there any possibility at all we could stick to issues and not scare off future candidates who might like to participate in a Q&A here? I have a proposal for Brian: Start a separate "Battle of the Partisan Titans" entry here and let them bloody themselves. Then those of us who want to talk about issues with the candidates without all the distractions can do so.

And yes, yes I know everyone has stated that this year's very non-partisan Ventura Council election will be really partisan this year. But some of us are still interested in issues and how these folks plan to implement their ideas.

I have read Mr. Gibson's entries with great interest. Most everything he advocates our current city council is doing.

1. Our city has a balanced budget. In order to hire the police our city needs, we would have to cut staff in other departments, not from one time expenses: on-going for on-going expenses (apples to apples), not on-going for one-time (apples to orange).
What staff would you cut, what public services do we have that are excessive?

2. I would really like to see the data for "declining property taxes." Most of us understand that we are currently in a national real estate downturn. The county has reported that we are esperiencing a healthy property tax return. We are no longer
in the period of rapidly rising propetry values. Most consider this as a correction, not a downturn.

Our current city council has been responsible in looking at the longterm quality of our neighborhoods, rather than just approving cookie-cutter track developments.

They have been responsible and innovative, committed to building a wide variety of housing to meet the needs of high-, middle-, and moderate-incomes.

If you are obliquely criticizing their commitment to in-fill, creating walkable neighborhoods in one which a young family can maintain neighborhood relationships as they move up the economic ladder, valuing economically diverse neighborhoods, pursuing housing and economic development on the Westside, revitalizing Downtown by approving diverse and high-quality development, then let us know what your plans are that respects the vast majority of Venturans?

Would you pursue again a mega-hillside development?
That was defeated by approx. 80% of the voters.

Overturning SOAR?
We were the first city in the county to pass it.

Speed up the approval process for development?
Many already think that is going too fast. The current council
is being responsible in articulating and codifying our vision for "Well-Planned" neighborhoods, repecting historic neighborhoods and the desire for inclusive neighborhoods.

We value our diversity, our open space, our history, and our commitment to sustainable and responsible growth. Do you?

3. Wal-Mart as Smart Growth. What is your definition of "economic development"?

While Wal-Mart attracts volume spending, it silently forces California tax payers to subsidize Wal-Mart's low-paying employees with health and housing. These costs are not offset because of lower income tax from these low-wage jobs, profits going back to Arkansas, not staying in CA, and manufacturing jobs done overseas. All those costs outweigh the ridiculously low 1% of sales tax revenue Ventura would recieve.

Our current city council is well on its way to building an economic and built infrastructure to attract high-wage jobs.

The vibrancy of our Historic Downtown -- if you check it out, based on quality restaurants and the crowd of Gen Yers, Gen Nexters (pipeline to future high-wage customers), and Baby Boomers (current high-wage customers) --attests to the success of our city council.

New Urbanism -- Smart Growth defined -- anchors our Downtown Specific Plan. NU has been key to the economic growth in other cities.

4. Public Transportation leads to an increase in pollution, e.g. Paris -- Scott Blough's softball comment. Please bring the data.

Actually, the increased investment in public transportation was
IN RESPONSE TO INCREASED POLLUTION, not the other way around.

To stave off the consequences of increased population, more cars as a consequences of the lack of public transportation from burgeoning growth in Paris suburbs and in the city proper (immigration and others moving into the city), Paris invested in more PT to reduce the rate of pollution.

What has been defined erroneously connecting PT to an increase in pollution is actually a reduction in the rate of the increase, an increase for other reasons. As Paris INVESTS MORE, there will be a reduction in pollution.

Paris is also a tired comparison: San Buenaventura is a baby in size and age compared to Paris (Population: 2.15 million in the city; 10.5 in the ÃŽle de France, the suburban area around Paris vs. Ventura, 106,744; Age: Paris was found in 951, by the 11th century, it had the Sorbonne, an exceptioanl regional Univesity vs. Ventura, 1782 as one of nine mission settlements).

As a young city, we will have the advantage of being able to replace our infrastructure with green technology and have our PT greener.

5. Economic Development.
Mr. Gibson: Can you be more particular, besides Wal-Mart?
What areas have you defined for better economic development? Why?

Here are the areas that our city council has addressed:

1. Westside -- Clean up contaminated land so it can be reused and marketed for cleaner, higher-wage jobs. Cleaning-up these properties will also attract more homeowners who will be willing to pay higher home prices which will lead to higher
property taxes. This is a good economic development plan.

2. Downtown -- The Downtown Specific Plan is a good economic development plan.

It respects what a great historic, cultural, tourist, recreational, and economic resource that it is. Please visit. See for yourself, especially at night.

3. Midtown -- Our Midtown is very active. The economic development planning is currently underway. Our city council has been effectively collaborating with the hospital in that area. These hospitals are important economic engines for our city.

4. Victoria -- Traffic calming will beautify and help make V an area where employees will be happy to work and encourage them to walk to local restaurants and stores. V is being planned to attract high-wage jobs and provide high-wage earners an environment that will be walkable, providing that corridor with increased retail traffic. This also will attract new homeowners. It will show employers and employees how pleasant, attractive, and well-planned our city is.

I think many would rather have a pleasant drive down V than shaving a minute off to get to Green Thumb, Trader Joe's, or the 101

5. East End -- Developments that have been approved are more attractive and planned better than many that were built in the last 30 years. Our city's work to better connect and build out the East End also builds that part of our city's assets. The continued development of our recreational park on Kimball will also be a major asset for the East End.

6. Auto Center -- Our city council has worked to maintain this financial asset and have partnered with it very effectively. That is where they have planned for Big Box retailers.

7. City's Partnership With Local Schools is strong and healthy. This is important to our city's economic development. Excellent schools and youth programs attract high wage earners, jobs, and companies.

Mr. Gibson,
Why would any Venturan want to stop the progress our city is making?

I can't imagine Laura ever acting like a "frightened little woman." Bubba Kidd - you are a woman hater.

Gibson speaks in such a condescending way that no matter what his qualifications, once people hear him speak that way, they will run away. No one likes a person who thinks they should be king.

Mr. Gibson - please tell me this isn't you. It is very condenscending and unprofessional. If it is you, it just cost you a vote - and I'm a Republican.

"Laura, my dear, if your vitriol wasn't so hateful and nasty, it would almost be humorous. No, I take that back, it's still humorous. Believe me, if those are the best punches you and your cronies from the VCDCC can throw, I've got nothing to worry about.

I think you need to administer a little self-massage to relieve the stress. There now, that feels better, doesn't it?

Posted by: Mike Gibson at July 29, 2007 05:50 PM"

I just think it is low to call her a massage queen for her line of work. It seems like an honorable line of work to me. Besides, with all that charity work to attack her for it seems low. Bubba, you are usually calling for civility I am surprised you don't support me here.

Is there something wrong her work?

Mike,

There are plenty of good questions for you to answer here. Feel free to choose. I am interested in your budget priorities and what you would cut to put more into public safety.

Oh, I can take it. I just find it hilarious that they would go to so much trouble to look me up. I'm not running for public office.

If there's anything you want to know about me, I still have an old website up from my last run for office in the Dem Party. www.laurawinchester.com, for inquiring minds. Read up, I'm sure you'll find some other things to attack.

Voter, I never play games with the Secretary of State. Anytime I make a political donation, I reflect the account it's drawn on. It's also imperative for tax purposes that I maintain seperate accounts and track expenses for the different work I do, even though what I make in a year doing massage is minimal. I'm required to have a minimum number of documented hours as a professional therapist, in a licensed facility, to maintain my certification & license. You need to have a license, certification, and CEU, to maintain the certifications you need to be allowed to work with people with chronic illnesses and injuries, even if you're donating your time. I'm sure you can search the political constributions and find donations were I'm listed as an Engineering Consultant. It all depends from which account I wrote the check.

Why on earth anyone is so fascinated by this and cares about what I do with my free time, is really puzzling. It's just not that interesting.

Bubba, LOL about the Van Helsing harpies. That was a painfully bad movie, but I do like to watch Hugh Jackman running around. Yummy.

I would like to propose a truce. Can we all take a break from the mudslinging, nasty remarks, and empty accusations and get back to the real issues? I count myself in this category as well.

Laura, I apologize for the "massage queen" comment. It was clearly meant as a joke, but, in retrospect, it was in bad taste. I was under the impression this was your full-time occupation, so it was meant as a little occupational humor, nothing more, nothing less. But, I'm sorry if I offended you or anyone else on the blog.

I respect and admire your charitable efforts. That's really good stuff. I wish I could say I did as much one-on-one charitable work in the community. However, my family and I have contributed countless hours of community service as well as financial donations to this community and many others (thru United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Boy Scouts, American Cancer Society, etc.) and we will continue to do so.

I think I'd like to respond to Brian's question on budget priorities, in terms of what would I cut to fund public safety improvements. I don't think it's necessarily just a question of what would I cut. I think you need to look at both sides of the equation as far as the possibilities for enhancing revenues to support increased services. That is where the economic development strategy comes in. I realize the City has already embarked upon many economic development efforts and are looking at targeted areas of the City where development potential exists. But, I still think more can be done and some of the stuff on the drawing board can be fast-tracked. I realize this is going to sound harsh to all you planning officianados out there, but there comes a time when you have to stop planning and start doing.

That's what I have to offer for now. Thanks for the opportunity and, Brian, thank you for trying to restore the healthy dialogue. If nothing else, this spirited discussion has moved us into a new topic for the blog - thanks for that too, Brian. I think it's a good discussion to have.

Personally I didn't think the conversation had gotten all that nasty. We've certainly had far worse threads on this blog. In most threads by now I'd usually be accused of being some sort of evil neo-con facist or idiot VCRCC puppet. Compared to the abuse I normally get around here, being called a woman hater seems somewhat tame.

But I agree that we should try and stay on topic. I hope that Laura knows that I still think she's a groovy chick. Besides, harpies can be pretty hot.

Mike, I'd still like to hear about your plans for increasing tourism and for mitigating any possible associated impact on traffic congestion and crime. If the city became a tourist destination would the benefits outweigh the costs, and could there be negative impacts in the quality of life for residents?

Hi Ml:

I went back and checked my writing and didn't find where I wrote that solely public transportation causes pollution. That is a pretty simplistic view of the situation.

You requested I cite evidence, so I left a link regarding a UK Guardian article on a study in Paris regarding the subject.

I also agree that Paris isn’t a very good example, but Brian brought it up as an example.

My main focus was really on "traffic calming" mechanisms. I think the only constant is people will continue to drive and we should orient projects around the primary means of transportation in our county.

People generally use their cars as evidenced by everyone driving despite bus systems, so why should the government punish them for it?

By narrowing roads or taking lanes away and making people sit idly with their cars running longer than they need to be in traffic, we are increasing pollution and creating denser emission hot spots, particularly in intersections. We need to allow people to move efficiently through their community to avoid unnecessary pollution and gridlock.

What people often miss is the unintended consequences of government action and that’s all I was really pointing out.

another example of unintended consequences is some traffic calming devices even make it more difficult on emergency vehicles, so we have to be critical of these types of things.

ML: A question for you. Since it appears you support heavy traffic calming, would you be willing to support a heavy traffic calming regulation for school buses and cars near schools to ensure buses and cars move very slow in and around campuses and nearby neighborhoods?

ML

An interesting article from USA Today. It illustrates that smart growth is a contributing factor to longer commutes as less people can work and afford to live in the same city. Another unintended consequence...

I travel every day up Victoria to get to work. So do many thousands going to school at VC, or to work in Oxnard, Ventura and beyond. If the Victoria corridor is reconfigured with "traffic calming," meaning making our commute longer and slower, how does that improve the environment (more fuel burned) and our quality of life (less time with family)?

I don't know who it is that is in favor of traffic calming devices/landscaping on major streets.

I support them in places like neighborhoods where people are trying to make a short cut but end up creating negative consequences for streets not designed to take heavy traffic in the first place.

I also support round abouts in some areas like neighborhoods ( as opposed to Paris style round abouts) because they avoid making people stop like traffic signs, save money, they are better for the environment, reduce the seriousness of accidents, and look better.

But slowing traffic on Victoria BLVD would be a bad idea.

Scott makes some very important points about the impact of traffic congestion on air pollution. There is lots of evidence showing a direct correlation between slow moving traffic and health-related problems in communities along these transportation corridors. Traffic calming strategies should have limited use for things like promoting safety in residential areas. But we can't magically force people out of their cars by narrowing roads. Back in the 1970's California cut back on highway expansion because the thinking at the time was that expanding highways was contributing to increasing population growth and the resulting traffic. Sort of like build it and they will come.

But what happened was that people continued to come regardless of highway expansion, and the result was congested highways and long commutes. The reality is that if you don't build it they will come anyway.

It will take a bigger paradigm shift to get people out of their cars. It will take something like $10 per gallon gas. Otherwise you're just planning a city around a utopian idea that doesn't really exist.

I agree there is no other solution except to build more capacity for cars even if that means tearing down businesses. But no worries, it won't impact the price of homes that Scott is always worried about to have huge roads and freeways everywhere.

Mass transit has never worked. Cities like New York, Paris, London, and DC don't exist. If they did the solution would be to put more parking structures by monuments so people wouldn't walk from one to another. We would also force people out of the city to make room for roads.

Also, is there anyone advocating for slowing traffic on Victoria or major roads in Ventura?

I think you guys are debating my old friend: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man

How about we get back to questions for Mr. Gibson.

Mr. Gibson which city council member past or present has or had the best vision for Ventura?

What makes Ventura the best city in VC? If it isn't the best place to live, where is?

Scott:

Re: Traffic Calming.

I believe we can make all our streets pleasant, walkable, and friendly to other forms of non-polluting, slower forms of transportation. I think the proposal for Victoria calls for lanes that are designated for more through traffic and lanes that are slower. I think design matters. Streets should not be freeways.

I also believe in the value of public transportation. I am signing off now to read the Guardian article.

Re: Paris and Air Pollution

Scott,
The Guardian article was sparse and didn't give me a link to the report. Do you have a link to it? I tend to agree with Delanoë: he's a staunch environmentalist socialist, alone. . . and the car sales in many European regions are lagging.

His policies fit well EU's environmental framework. Since 2002, France's air pollution has seen a decline. You can find factual reports from Air Quality in Europe. Here's the link to the Paris section:
http://www.airqualitynow.eu/city_info/paris/page2.php

There is also a separate, more detailed Paris site: www.airparif.asso.fr

I have this blog entry linked to a different POV re: Paris' anti-car pollution policy.

If you take the LA Times, you will find Rick Cole's, Ventura's
City Manager, op piece July 23rd. Coupled with Niall Ferguson's
op piece yesterday, July 30th, to reduce our carbon footprint
is not only desirable, it is essential.

I think LA Times' website is free.

Traffic calming and public transportation will make a very small but very necessary contribution to doing our part for the next generation.

If we do more now, we will save money not having to clean up
our neglect.

Now that's a definition of conservative and prudent you can love, isn't it Scott?

Note: The "streetscape" part of the city staff's Victoria plan was officially booted by the Ventura Council on July 23. This was the reconfiguring of the traffic lanes in Victoria so that only six would be through-traffic lanes, while the other two would be turning lanes. It was widely misunderstood. I think some people thought they would actually be taking lanes away. Not so.

Anyway, it is not a part of the package any more. So everyone can calm down. One thing they are looking at is building an extender from the 126 to the 101. It was way down on Caltrans' list of priorities, but I think they are working to bring it to the forefront. Many people use Victoria as a southbound connector between these two freeways and this adds to the traffic.

Marie-

Was it altogether booted or was the 126 to the 101 rise in priority and the enhancement
of Victoria set lower down the list of priorities?

Wasn't the 126-to-101 understood as always being a part of the plan for Victoria, to create another route to lighten up V? It's not one for the other, is it?

It's my understanding that V's walkability remains part of the city's plan.

Marie,

Thanks for the clarification on Victoria. I don’t drive it enough to know, but my critique of traffic calming on this could potentially lead to back-up onto the 101 and major headaches for commuters.

Before we go any further, I'd like to suggest a new topic thread and give Mr. Gibson his thread back.

ML

Yes, I linked that article yesterday realizing it is a little bit short. Here is a larger one to take a look at. The article says close to 52% supported that Mayor back in December, but 68% oppose the traffic policy and he has been called an "anti-car Ayatollah". Unfortunately, his policies have created serious class warfare between suburb and city, but I guess being that he is a socialist, that's kind of his thing.

I think "Commuter" has it right, especially stressing the importance of wanting to spend time with family rather than sitting in government-induced traffic jams.

I think Brian and Bubba are right to suggest traffic calming to protect neighborhoods, instead of using them to slowdown busy streets.

Bubba also is right on the money to suggest that people will come regardless of whether expansions are done or not.

Last, public transportation can serve limited purposes, but a major challenge is that public transportation such as light rail or subways become their own bureaucratic interest group insulated from market accountability (Amtrak) and reliant on the powers that be. They begin to suck up scarce public transportation dollars, so we're spending more money on employees instead of roads. Their leadership also has an interest in restricting roads and traffic calming streets to increase rider ship for their programs to justify their budget allocations.

There is a really good article on the Portland public transportation system that outlines some of the things that can happen and should serve as a cautionary tale for other communities.

http://www.cato.org/new/pressrelease.php?id=104

I’m not convinced creating another bureaucracy is in the best interest of commuters.

I'll take a look at your links and get back with you.

ML,

It was my understanding from watching the council meeting that staff withdrew its streetscape recommendation altogether and the Victoria Plan was passed without it. As for the 101-126 extension, it's always been planned, but was at the bottom of Caltrans' list. Bill Fulton, who sits on the Transportation Board, was going to look into moving it up. But that's a separate issue from the Victoria Plan.

Oh, and I don't think we need to worry about giving Mr. Gibson his thread back. He's long gone. After that vitriolic debate, I don't blame him. But his PR guy is still lurking on the blogs and just wrote a nasty post about Christy Weir on her thread.

Can't we all just play nice?

Scott,
France is moving a bit to the right, but the last election shows the rightward sway must contend with a very healthy left.

The notion that the French think in terms of "spending more family time" in the manner we do is misguided. That is much less of an issue for them as it is with us. The French work between 30 - 35 hours per week. Because there is a decline in native French births, French citizen women who give birth to more than 2 children are paid a pension to stay at home before children go off to school and are credited with years toward retirement. My daughter lived in Dijon with a woman whose sister retired at 58 with full benefits because she had three children.

I'll read the article. In Paris, if there are traffic jams, at least they have alternatives. Not a big thing for them.

Oh, to be able to ride in a government sponsored public transit system. . . no new cars
for my teenage children . . . no more expanding freeways . . . no more sitting behind the wheel to LA or SB . . . to be able to have a nice conversation with a fellow passenger, read the newspaper or a book, catch up and get ahead on projects . . .aaaaahhhhh. . . California dreaming . . .

Re: Victoria/126
Thanks, Marie. It makes sense for right now. The East End needs more than Johnson and Victoria to get to the 101.

This will also help speed up the business side of the plan rather than having attention divided between that and a traffic and streetscape plan.

To risk sounding like Pollyanna, this is a good example of our city council establishing
priorities. Even if a citizen would have tweaked a decision, citizens most often understand the reasoning behind it because each step of how it is arrived at has been considered during public meetings.

On July 23rd my obligation was to be at another board meeting and didn't catch the replay . . . I'd better check offical minutes if I've missed a meeting. . .

Yes, let's get back to Mr. Gibson . . .

Okay,

I have to ask because I've now seen this from three different smart growth advocates. In Rick Cole's (Ventura City Manager) LA Times article he says with regards to planning, "Local media seem more enamored of following Paris Hilton than of learning from Paris, France. "

Brian brought up Paris, France as an example of planning, as has ML's affinity for their pension system and anti-car policies. What is the deal with this obsession with the French planning model? From socialist Parisian transportation policy to smart growth, people here who advocate these positions want to make France their model.

What's the deal?

Call me crazy, but I'm not convinced that our society should be modeling itself after a country that actually pays women to stay at home and have babies. Oh and don't forget that their 35 hour workweek was designed to try and reduce their persistantly high national unemployment rate. Problem is that the short work week is now another entitlement while unemployment is still high, the economy is stagnant, and France is not competitive and increasingly irrelevant in a global economy. Nevermind the riots from the minority muslim population rebelling against massive poverty and unemployment.

Yeah, we want to emulate those guys. Sheesh.

Bubba and Scott,

Your anti-French bias is surprising being our two nations long history as allies.

I didn't say we copy their economic system. I was talking about successful downtown areas with mixed zoning. Areas that attract businesses, artists, young people, and have a mixed economy with galleries, cafes, and the like.

Socialist transportation system? What bikes? Bikes are now devices for Marxism? Trains? Like Amtrak? Is that a commie run industry?

When I went to Paris I was impressed with parts and not so impressed with others. I wouldn't copy everything, nor would I throw it all away because of the differences in economic systems. Bubba, in spite of their 35 hour work week, you can't be just anti-everything France. That is Bill O'Reilly talk.

In some phases of my life living in mixed zoning areas or at least areas with great public transit systems would work out great. In other times it doesn't fir my needs.

I don't favor a monoculture with every area having the same zoning. One size doesn't fit all.

But the idea we can't learn from long time allies is ignorant. Just as they should learn from us.

Besides, I preferred London.

The French and Americans had a great exchange of intellectual and political ideas in our respective early formations. Ben Franklin loved Paris and its intellectuals and we all gained from the cross-iinfuences. Here's a link to the restaurant where they used to meet (hope it works - my first attempt)
You're right Brian, it would be nice if we could raise our political debates to that level and take the best each has to offer.

Scott and Bubba,

It's not a matter of emulating. There are aspects of urban planning that are useful from
older cities that have survived all sorts of challenges.

Rick's point was the trivialization of news, comparing Paris Hilton to relevant urban planning issues. That comparison is timely and echoes the sentiment of most well-informed people, regardless of political leanings. It is about the seriousness of news, not a reverance for all things Paris, . . . France.

It seems the Far Right is bent to continue their quest to villify France for their stance against the Iraq invasion.

My comments re: France's pension and child care policy were addressing the sentiment
about "spending time with family."

I don't necessarily agree with all aspects of those policies, but I do commend
the French in using policy and public investments as economic incentives in pursuit
of national priorities.

It behooves us to learn from France's mistakes and successes in addressing immigration, pollution, job creation, etc. . . . These are global issues
we are all going to have to address, city-by-city and nation-by-nation.

Is it such a bad idea to try to learn in an informed, serious manner what others
are learning and to be able to distinguish what lessons may apply and which
do not indiscriminately?

Correction:
" . . . what lessons may apply and which do not."

Please omit "indiscriminately." Thanks.

Brian, I think you are overstating things by declaring that Scott and I have an anti-French bias. My response was to ML Peterson who was heaping praise on the French 35 hour work week and pension systems. In many ways these programs have been a disaster and have greatly harmed France's competitiveness in the global economy. Now that nation is struggling to try and reform these programs without causing massive civil unrest. If you want to give examples of sucessful French programs you can find far better examples.

I never said that all things French are bad. For example, I'm sure we could learn a lot from european public transportation systems. You seem to be over-generalizing by assuming that all conservatives hate France and agree with Bill O'Reilly.

FYI, Mr. Gibson is in New York on business for a couple of weeks. I'm certain he'll be back on when he returns.

Where are all these city council candidates traveling that they don't have internet access? I could have sworn New York had internet!

Maybe they are traveling to France. I am sorry if I lumped Scott's question with Bubba Kidd's critique of the French economy. I hapen to know Scott Blough is A French name.

I made that last thing up.

Anyways, the new leader of France is coming here on vacation!

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2007/08/02/au_revoir_paris_hello_wolfeboro/?page=full

Maybe next time he will visit Ventura.

Brian, I don't think it has anything to do with Internet access. I think he's probably busy with other things in NY. Believe it or not, people do take a break from your blog now and again to live their real lives.

T. Warner,

I was kidding.

With the absence of Mr. Gibson it seems OK to go off topic a bit. Since we are on the subject of France I'd like to say that I'm pleased with the change in political leadership in that country and hopeful that it will result in an improved relationship with the USA. Chirac's social and economic reforms were a failure and he, unfortunately, relied on a tactic of stoking the fires of anti-American sentiment to distract the public from his nation's economic problems, social problems and political corruption. I'll be relieved when both Bush and Chirac are gone.

I didn't realize my question would stir so much discontent, but was more curious than not why I had seen three different people use France as their main example, especially when there are so many examples out there? Bubba's rebuttal pretty much captures my opinion. Just because you disagree with a socialist traffic policy doesn't mean you hate the French.

Brian, I was not concluding riding your bike was socialist. I was simply writing the Mayor of Paris, who is a socialist, has a traffic policy. Thus, I called it a "socialist traffic policy", the same way you would call something a democratic health plan or a republican tax cut. It ties the proponents to a policy.

Last, being critical of policies is part of the learning process. Critical thinking divides learning from just plain indoctrination. Blindly accepting policies without critically evaluating consequences of those policies is irresponsible. My point throughout this thread has been simply that there are unintended consequences that always seem to get ignored when leadership decides to make smart growth policy.

Just the euphemism “smart growth� implies that all other types of growth disapproved by these advocates is dumb growth. Yet, no one ever questions that this may be an arrogant view of planning. Certainly, if I were to claim my policy is smart and all other competing policies are dumb many here would have something to say, I’m sure. Yet, smart growth goes unquestioned and unchallenged.

Maybe, I should start putting “smart� in front of all policies I support.

What I find unfortunate is that if I were to ask for a list of unintended consequences for No Child Left Behind, political parties involved in local races, or tax cuts, many here would list the comsequences easily. But, when one writes there are consequences to smart growth, it is as if one attacked the sacred cow that should remain above scrutiny. I just don't get it...

Bubba, You said: "Yeah, we want to emulate those guys. Sheesh."

Sorry I thought you were responding to our traffic discussion. If you were then it was a bad point you made. Their traffic solutions could be great of horrible regardless of their economic problems.

But since you were responding to something else entirely I guess I should withdraw the statement.

Bubba, you are fine with learning from the French then?

I'd be fine learning from North Korea if they invented a way to build a better mousetrap.

If you want to heap praise on the French then at least draw comparisons to things that have been legitimately successful. If your benchmark for success is their bloated pension system and failed 35-hour workweek law then you're undermining your own argument.

Candidate Gibson,

I am asking you to give your answers to the vote on July 23, 2007 as outlined below? And also comment on our city attorney's impartial analysis which states: ..."and expands the types of taxable communication services to cover the newer communications and video technologies not covered by the current ordinances?"

Remember that "candidate" means to "be forthright" and dress in white so that no fraud is committed on the voters.

I agree WITH councilmembers Brennan, Andrews, and Morehouse on July 23, 2007 when they voted AGAINST changing the 5% to 4.5% for the Utility User Tax. If this sounds strange to you, they were right because that allowed councilmembers Summers and Fulton to write a complete deceptive ballot Argument In Favor of Measure "C7."

Which side of the vote do you agree with? Four for? Three against?

You leave Mr. Gibson alone, Carroll. He's cute.

Dear Jill,

I use to be cute too. Until I had to spend every Monday night herding out stay city council.

Please tell me you think, I am still cute? Hugs?

P.S. Where can I find his picture, Jill?

Carroll, sorry, you're definitely not cute. A little scary, perhaps. I'm sure you'll get to see plenty of his pictures in due time when his campaign gets rolling.

Oh Jill,

You scare so easy. If you vote "looks" you lost every election in Ventura we ever had...Sorry, Jill

Hi, Santa.

Posted by: Jill Dominique at August 24, 2007 10:34 PM
Contact Kevin Clerk,

Your name: Carroll Dean Williams
Your e-mail: draw_not2002@yahoo.com
Your message: Dear Kevin Clerk,

I am informing you that I must "fire" you as my campaign manager.

Therefore, I will make known to all Ventura citizens that you do not have a grasp on the English language.

"Perennial" is the source of your confusion.

See you soon,

Candidate Carroll Dean Williams - Retired College Professor

Posted by: Carroll Dean Williams at August 26, 2007 07:35 AM
Dear Mr. Retired College Professor,

According to Webster, "perennial" is defined as - "perpetual, continual, recurring, incessant, constant, eternal". Try to convince me that these terms do not accurately describe your candidacy for Ventura City Council, as described by Kevin Clerici in his 8/11/07 article on the Council candidates.

Posted by: Jill Dominique at August 26, 2007 12:06 PM
Dear Jill,

I feel like I am back in the classroom. Thanks. But read on!!!

Now Jill, speak up loud and clear, please!!!

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

perennial

SYLLABICATION: per·en·ni·al
PRONUNCIATION: p-rn-l
ADJECTIVE: 1. Lasting or active through the year or through many years. 2a. Lasting an indefinitely long time; enduring: perennial happiness. b. Appearing again and again; recurrent. See synonyms at continual. 3. Botany Living three or more years.
NOUN: 1. Botany A perennial plant. 2. Something that recurs or seems to recur on a yearly or continual basis: “that hardy perennial, the budget deficit� (David S. Broder).
ETYMOLOGY: Latin perennis ( per-, throughout; see per– + annus, year; see at- in Appendix I) + –al1.
OTHER FORMS: per·enni·al·ly —ADVERB

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

continual

SYLLABICATION: con·tin·u·al
PRONUNCIATION: kn-tny-l
ADJECTIVE: 1. Recurring regularly or frequently: the continual need to pay the mortgage. 2. Not interrupted; steady: continual noise; a continual diet of vegetables.
OTHER FORMS: con·tinu·al·ly —ADVERB

SYNONYMS: continual, continuous, constant, ceaseless, incessant, perpetual, eternal, perennial, interminable These adjectives mean occurring repeatedly over a long period of time. Continual is chiefly restricted to what is intermittent or repeated at intervals: The continual banging of the shutter in the wind gave me a headache. Continuous implies lack of interruption: The horizon is a continuous line. Constant stresses steadiness or persistence and unvarying nature: The constant ticking of the clock lulled him to sleep. Ceaseless and incessant pertain to uninterrupted activity: The ceaseless thunder of the surf eroded the beach. The toddler asked incessant questions. Perpetual emphasizes both steadiness and duration: The ambassador had a perpetual stream of visitors. Eternal refers to what is everlasting, especially to what is seemingly without temporal beginning or end: “That freedom can be retained only by the eternal vigilance which has always been its price� (Elmer Davis). Perennial describes existence that goes on year after year, often with the suggestion of self-renewal: The candidates discussed the perennial problem of urban poverty. Interminable refers to what is or seems to be endless and is often applied to something prolonged and wearisome: After an interminable delay, our flight was canceled outright.

Posted by: Carroll Dean Williams at August 26, 2007 04:21 PM
Not sure what to say to all that, except, uuuu-boy.

Posted by: Jill Dominique at August 26, 2007 04:31 PM
Dear Jill,

Are you saying, You are breathless? Why, girl?

Posted by: Carroll Dean Williams at August 26, 2007 04:45 PM
Breathless indeed, with exasperation. Is this the kind of rant that you do before the City Council? No wonder everyone keeps trying to arrest you.

Posted by: Jill Dominique at August 26, 2007 07:10 PM
Dear Jill,

"keeps trying to arrest you." Yes, and they have utterly failed, dear Jill.

So the dictionary got to you, I see.

By the way, you are NOT even registered to vote. Your name does not appear in the voters registration... Shame on you, Jill.

So now you can't even vote for your "cute" candidate, Gibson.

I am going to ask Mr. Gibson if he put you up to campaigning for him by making your statements on this blog.

Posted by: Carroll Dean Williams at August 27, 2007 05:08 AM

Mr. Gibson, do you support any of the current candidates for City Council (Morehouse, Weir, or Fulton)? BTW, where are you, still in New York fraternizing with Ty Warner? That's the last thing I heard about you (last seen on Broadway?)

Pro Voter, this is not even a good question. Why would Mr. Gibson support any of the 3 incumbents he's running against? I think he has expressed some affinity for Doug Halter (they appear to be on the same page on a lot of issues), but, other than that, I think he's in it to unseat one of the other incumbents himself, most likely Christy Weir, I would think.

To be clear when i said:

I am not contesting if it is legal to post a candidates home address and the names of his family members. I am arguing that you can make the same point without that information.

I did not mean to imply CW posted anything more than the address of a candidate and the names of his family members ( but not any other address) and their party affiliation.

Posted by: Brian at September 7, 2007 07:33 AM
Dear Brian,

The law makes YOU an adult at age 18. Your parents can NOT answer for you when you are of legal age.

Since the adults of the Gibson Family were posted without their address, YOU had to do something, even guess, to make your determination as you did. That was wrong as wrong can be.

Posted by: Carroll Dean Williams at September 7, 2007 08:45 AM

"The Man in the Foil Hat" speaks again (Carroll Dean Williams). Why don't you focus on what you would do for the City, or what you can contribute to the dialogue, rather than picking on other candidates families? Mr. Gibson appears to be one of the class acts in this race. I, for one, hope he gets elected. You, Mr. Williams, will vanish into oblivion from whence you came.

Word on the street is this guy is going to pump big bucks into his campaign to win this seat, gain some name recognition, and then move on to bigger and better things (i.e., higher office). The guitars keep selling, so the money supply is endless, right, Gibson?

Hang in there, Mikey. You're going to take this thing!

I think Mike would do a fine job on the City Council. He and his family have always supported Republican candidates on the national and State level as well. I personally owe a debt of gratitude to the Gibson family for the support they've provided to me and my campaign. Good luck Mike! You've certainly got my full fledged support.

Good luck Mike, my wife and I are mid-town Ventura residents and we will both be voting for you.

I hope that the voters of Ventura will recognize the need for a more forward-thinking philosophy re local economic issues and not get too caught up in relatively micro issues like the Wal-Mart/Big Box debate. There are many cities in California (Monrovia, San Luis Obispo are a couple) that can serve as the model for preserving local culture and heritage, while at the same time allowing for improvement and growth that will benefit the overall quality of the city. Growth and culture are not mutually exclusive, and trying to hold back time is not only hopeless, it is counterproductive.

I lived in a neighborhood where a group of residents banded together to fight the development of a self-storage facility in the community. The business would have had minimal impact, was aesthetically designed, and it would have generated significant tax revenue. The builder eventually gave up and built his facility approx 2 miles away in the adjacent city. 5 years later a high traffic Gas Station/Mini Mart was built on the property that originally was slated for the storage facility. So who won in this conflict?

When is comes to growth and economic development, the easiest thing to do is say no. The problem is, once you have said no too many times, your options become limited and when you run out of options you may be forced to say yes to something much worse.

Thanks for making the effort Mike, I hope the voters in Ventura say yes to you.

Mike,

I, too, will be casting my vote for you in the City Council election. We need more bright, articulate elected officials who can advocate intelligently for the future opportunities that Ventura is currently ignoring, big time. Bill Fulton & Carl Morehouse are too busy working on their own legacies to really care about the future of the City. In my opinion, they both need to go!