Dear Robert,

First of all, I would like to say how sorry I am that you had to undergo such a senseless, vicious, horrendous attack. There is absolutely no reason for things like this to be occurring in our downtown area. Residents, merchants, and visitors alike have expressed concern and frustration over the escalating crime problem downtown. And, make no mistake, it is getting worse rather than better.

As a candidate for the Ventura City Council, I had the opportunity to attend a forum downtown (sponsored by the Downtown Ventura Organization) with all nine candidates a couple of weeks ago. The subject of crime in the downtown came up as one of the questions posed to the candidates. The consensus was that a key factor in addressing the issue is an increased police presence. The interesting part for me was, although the three incumbents seemed to recognize the public safety shortcomings in the downtown, they have had ample time to address it and they clearly have not done this.

The number one priority for our City Council should be the protection of its citizens from criminal activity. No one can argue against the fact that homelessness is a broad societal problem that has many root causes that need to be addressed to effectively solve the problem over the long-term. However, despite this, there seems to be an attitude in the City (as you have pointed out well) of treating the homeless with kid gloves when, in fact, many of them are engaging in criminal activity and preying upon innocent residents and visitors and perpetuating a bad reputation for our downtown area, which works directly against the goal of revitalizization and renewal that the City is supposedly trying to foster.

We can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to the situation in the name of political correctness. City leaders need to step forward and lead the way by making public safety a real priority in the downtown. If elected to the City Council, that is exactly what I would propose to do by restoring the Beat Five program and allocating more police resources to the downtown area to focus on the problems there and send a clear message that the kind of criminal activity that you fell victim to will not be tolerated.

Again, Robert, I would like to wish you the best in your recovery and please do not hestitate to contact me, at (805) 568-2477, if you would like to discuss this issue further.

Nobody is turning a blind eye to this. Our city manager just wrote a column on this very subject. Councilmember Brennan also spoke to this point Monday night. Police and the Downtown Ventura Organization are working very diligently on the problem.

The city has a task force devoted to just this.

What keeps the homeless there are the very well-meaning citizens who give money and food to these folks, thus enabling their lifestyle. The money should instead go the many agencies set up to help the homeless population such as Turning Point and Project Understanding, among others.

I frequently visit the Downtown and see the vagrants there. But I also see them in Downtown Santa Barbara and Santa Monica. It is not confined to this city. Nonetheless, I still feel quite safe in our Downtown.

What happened to you, Robert, is horrible. I hope they were able to apprehend and prosecute this individual.

Not to debate the point too much here, Venturan, but I still find it quite interesting that with an election right around the corner the City Council finally seems to be standing up and taking notice of the problems in the downtown. According to the merchants and DVO members I've spoken with, they were receiving very little attention from the Police Department and the City Manager's Office until just recently.

Hi Mike,

As a member of the Downtown Ventura Organization, it has been a big priority for Christy Weir for quite awhile. But I'm sure you already knew that. She also serves on the city's homelessness task force, which includes representatives from service providers, the faith community, education, government, the homeless, and others.

I don't really think this is a political issue. It's about working together and finding ways to get these people the help they need so they can live productive lives. It's going to take a many-pronged approach and it's not going to happen overnight.

I know an amazing woman in town named Sherry Cash who has been doggedly working on this issue for years. She is one of my heroes.

Hi Marie,

I appreciate your thoughtful comments and I agree with you that there needs to be a long-term strategy for solving this problem and you're quite right, it won't happen overnight. However, there is also a more immediate problem that we also have to find a way to resolve and that is the impacts of "criminal" vagrants (and clearly all homeless folks are not criminals) on our residents, visitors, and downtown merchants. There is definitely a segment of the homeless population that engages in criminal activity and the only way they are going to be dissuaded from continuing to do this is by a stronger show of force from our Police Department (more patrols, more interaction, more enforcement). That is what is not happening at the moment. There are not enough resources focused down there to combat this situation - any merchant will tell you this.

That is why innocent people like Robert are targeted. Nobody seems to care and, therefore, the problem persists. I respectfully disagree with your contention that the immediate problems are being addressed. Leadership is sorely lacking on this issue and many others in the City and that's where we must start if we are going to effectuate positive change.

I can't speak to the number of patrols down there right now, but I could certainly send an email to the right person now and find out.

In any case, I definitely wouldn't say that nobody cares!

I hope you stay in touch with this issue after the election. Sherry could use the help.

P.S. Nice to see you on here personally and not "Mongo" who likes to stump for you but is not the nicest of guys. I can take it, though. I grew up with brothers. :-)

Give me a break. You guys don't actually believe this so-called letter? Do you think for a minute that if someone was attacked by a hammer weilding homeless person in Ventura, that the Star and every other paper wouldn't have been all over it? This guy was supposedly knocked OUT by the hammer wielding menace, yet he finds himself well enough to be posting away and sending letters to a political blog 4 days later? I'm sure this Robert doesn't even exist.

Nice try to manipulate the message and paint yourself as tough on crime, as well as a compassionate conservative, Gibson. I doubt the voters will buy your phony bs, considering the company you keep. Did you think up this baloney all by yourself, or did you little buddy Mike Osborne help you?

Now, now. People in Ventura are just too noble to do phony stuff to influence elections.

Oh.... never mind. I just remembered the "guest blogger" entry above this.

Hammer Phantom, I would suggest you join in the dialogue and try to make a meaningful contribution to the discussion here, rather than taking potshots at me behind a phony name. That's cowardly, at best, and you know it. If you can produce one shred of evidence that this letter is a fake, I'm sure we'll be all ears. Brian Dennert seemed to think it was meritorious enough to publish it on his blog and he's been doing this for a while. So, I'd say your credibility on this is hovering somewhere around zero.

Mike, if you can produce one shred of evidence that it's real, like producing a police report, I'm sure we'll be all ears. Until that time, we'll have to amuse ourselves watching your Pinocchio nose grow. What's up next in your campaign of desperation? Some candid video shots of you selflessly climbing a tree to rescue a kitten belonging to a red headed orphan, while you bleat out "toooomorrow, toooomorrow, I love ya tooomorrow"? Will we find out from your "female" fan, Jill Dominique, that you wear briefs with the Superman insignia, which she will breathlessly describe as so prophetic, as you are super peachy dreamy and the only candidate worthy of comparison to the man of steel? By all means, Boy Wonder, continue to dazzle us with your cartoon character campaign strategy. I'm sure that Morehouse, Weir and Fulton are shaking in their boots.

I told Robert I would post it so he is free to explain any issues or questions readers might have for him to establish his credibility.

My first question? Did you file a police report? Did you call the Police? That would establish the bona fides of a claim like this one for me.

Hey, MC Hammer, or whatever your name is, you sound so angry. Did Mommy and Daddy treat you mean when you were a little tyke, or something? I don't think Mike Gibson needs your validation for his candidacy. Just look at the competition - it speaks for itself.

Morehouse, Weir & Fulton are leading this City on a path of destruction, in case you hadn't noticed. Pretty soon the City will be broke and we'll all wake up one morning wondering how it happened. You obviously have no vision, if you're supporting these 3 jokers. They have no leadership qualities whatsoever. All they want to do is plan, plan, and re-plan. Well, there comes a point in time when you actually have to do something. When that time comes, they won't have a clue on how to deliver.

As for the other candidates, I realize this is going to sound harsh, but here goes:

Lou Cunningham - an old, fat guy who is bored and looking for something to do in his twilight years. No vision and no real original ideas either.

Jerry Martin - a union lackey whose biggest idea is to increase tourism - what a genius! This guy will ensure that the City stays broke by awarding those big employee contracts, with tons of benefits. Way to go, Jerry!

Brian Lee Rencher - need I say more?

Carroll Dean Williams - need I say more, really now?

That leaves Gibson and Halter. The only two guys with a plan to move the City forward. I anxiously await your response, Mr. Anger Management Class Flunky.

Dear Mango, you need to grow up and stop with the personal attacks. All of the candidates wants what is best for Ventura.

Your invectives reveal your identity. Go to bed earlier and be more careful with what you write.

Mongo, good grief, man!

Everyone on this blog knows who you are. If you can't take a little needling from a blogger, how are you going to handle the pressure of a City Council post? This is nothing compared to what the wacky cast of city hall gadflies throws out.

Venturan, I don't think it is an actual candidate but a wanna-be. All of the candidates are much better spoken and much better at hiding it when they lose their cool.

OK, Katie, I get your drift.... Well, maybe. It's hard to imagine anyone else who would get so worked up over this besides the candidate.

I will miss him, whoever he is. He's been a good source of amusement. I am guessing we won't hear much from him after the election.

No need to get the sniffles Venturan!! He'll continue posting under several names - just like he is now!

Wow, I see you guys are getting all worked up over my identity. Keep guessing, you haven't come close yet. I'm actually fairly well known in the community. I consider it a compliment, actually, that you think I'm Mike Gibson, Venturan. But, no, you got that wrong too.

Don't worry, Katie, my girl. I will continue to post after the election. This is as entertaining for me as it is for you all.

I'm kind of surprised that none of the other candidates have responded to the letter from "Robert". Even it's a phony, as Hammer Phantom suggests, crime in the downtown area certainly is a germaine issue for Ventura. So, you would think it would have provoked some serious discussion from others. They must be too busy putting up signs or mailing out brochures. As usual, Gibson comes out smelling like a rose on this one.

Print - Close Window
Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2007 10:33:31 -0700 (PDT)
From: "c will"
Subject: Fraud Depriving the Public of the Right of Honest Services
To: rcole@ci.ventura.ca.us
City Manager, Rick Cole:

I am asking you to respond to the following:

Your words are in quotations because they are your exact words.

Do you admit or deny that these words are your exact words?

Please respond in any way you see fit, but respond you
must.

Regards,

Carroll Dean Williams

"TRUTH IN THE PUBLIC ARENA" SAID COUNCILMEMBER BRIAN BRENNAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007

Ventura City Manager Rick Cole's addressed Carroll Dean Williams as follows: Rick Cole said:

"Well, I don't think we have sat down face to face like this before, Carroll Dean."

"And, Carroll Dean, I inherited your reputation."

"And, I tried to come in Carroll Dean with an open mind."

"Carroll Dean, I inherited your reputation that you are never happy." "And, I guess I bought into that."

"I want to start fresh with you Carroll Dean."

"I don't like writing you off Carroll Dean."

"I don't like overlooking your genuine concerns Carroll Dean."

"Carroll Dean, I don't want to show any personal discourtesy or disrepect to you." "So that is where I'm at Carroll Dean."

"I would like to start fresh with you Carroll Dean."

"Carroll Dean you've shown some courtesy...some of your concerns are somewhat valid concerns."

I don't believe there is that much awareness of this blog from some of the candidates. I also think they are much too busy to spend time monitoring topics like some of us do.

And, as we saw above, posting can bring more negatives than positives.

Let's face it, we all need to get a life and get up from the computer.

It's very clear that Mongo is Mike Osborn. He tried very hard to make Doug Halter come over to the right-wing dark side so that he could spend a lot of money on him and then take credit for the win. Mongo Osborn's reputation is at stake because being the braggart that he is, he has told people "he's" going to turn over the city council. Notice he never credits the candidate or the people that work with him or the donors. It's all about Mongo Osborn.

Sorry, guys. This just isn't adding up to me. Why then would "Mongo" Osborn disparage Lou Cunningham like that? Lou is a true Republican with the Chamber endorsement. Halter is a Democrat.

Who has the most to gain from an attack on Cunningham?

Venturan, I think you're right. Mongo clearly works for or strongly supports Gibson. I don't think he is either Gibson or Osborn and you're right, if he was Osborn he wouldn'e be bashing Cunningham.

Venturan, Osborne never liked Lou. Lou wouldn't have been endorsed by the VCRCC if he hadn't been proactive about it. Halter would have been the token "centrist" had he been talked into becoming a Republican. But he also knew that he would have been a laughingstock. The VCRCC needs Halter more than he need them. And Gibson was told he had the Chamber endorsement. It should have happened but didn't. It is apparent that Mongo is Osborne because he was betting on Gibson and Halter. His support cost Gibson the election and Halter's declination may have saved him his. If Gibson wakes up and smells the coffee, he may win office one day.

What happened to Kimble Ouerbacker? Was he told to back out so Gibson could run? Is he going to be a unwitting sacrificial lamb in a future election?

FYI, I just got off the phone with Mr. Robert Williams, the gentleman who was attacked with a hammer in downtown Ventura by one of the drunken vagrants. He was very appreciative of my response to his posted letter and was thankful that someone was paying attention to what has been going on downtown.

He authorized me to publish his name and said his case goes to trial against the guy who attacked him this Monday, at 8:30 AM, in Ventura County Superior Court. So, for all you doubting Thomases out there, I'm sure if you checked the court docket or show up at the courthouse on Monday morning you can witness it for yourselves.

Thanks again to Brian for posting this. I believe he has done a service to the community.

Venturan, I also believe Ventura Voter might be Osborne. Ask Lou how he got the VCRCC endorsement. It wasn't like he was invited to a meeting or anything.

And I forgot to mention that Osborne sucks up to Halter because of the votes he represents. I'm sure he isn't above sucking up to some of the incumbents but he burned alot of bridges and they are on to him. Glad you are on board Gibson. Read my words. Hang onto your money.

Yes - and guess what - Carroll Dean Williams wasn't invited to any Republican meeting for a shot at an endorsement either. Had Mongo Osborn handled it appropriately, he would have invited Lou, Mike and Carroll Dean all to the meeting. Three Republicans for three open seats. But, his master plan was to run Mike Gibson and Doug Halter as a team. Mongo Osborne is not a straight shooter and so power hungry he'll try to convince strong Dems to become Republican just so he can pretend HE won the seats for the Republicans.

Wow. So much intrigue. So little time.

I think I speak for all when I say I can't wait until Wednesday when this is all over.

The attack happened on Saturday, and the case is already going to TRIAL next Monday? That must be an all time record for the legal system. We had the attack, medical care for the victim, police investigation, location and arrest of the perp, arraignment, assignment of a public defender, the DA building their case, scheduling of the trial, serving the witnesses, scheduling on the court calendar, seating of a jury, and the trial starts on Monday AM.

All in 10 days.

Hey "Speedy Trial", there's only one way to find out. Check the court docket for Monday and see if Robert Williams has a case coming before the court. It may just be the arraignment, which could very well happen that quickly, especially if this guy is homeless with no legal representation.

"Intentional Omission", I agree with you this is an intriguing race, not so much for the incumbents, who are all pretty dry and boring, but the challengers are quite the interesting and colorful group (with or without the gadflies). I think the Gibson-Halter dynamic is pretty interesting in itself. Clearly, there is some connection there, politically (maybe it was the Osborn grand scheme to run them together). They do seem like sort of the odd couple though (I don't mean couple in that way, of course).

Lou Cunningham was definitely an after-thought for Osborn. He may be a registered Republican, but is certainly not a party activist. Gibson is more well-connected to Republican circles (long-time friend of Gallegly's, etc.). Halter would never come over to the dark side, however. He's a lifelong Democrat.

Speaking of intrigue, I saw a bunch of Jerry Martin's signs nailed to trees around town. I know Jerry and his campaign workers are way too savvy to do anything like that. I'm sure that didn't go over very well with the environmentalists. It looks like someone was setting him up. I wouldn't put it past Rencher from what I've seen from him in the past and I know he hates Martin. Things are getting pretty nasty out there in the closing days.

Maybe Gibson means arraignment instead of "goes to trial."

Gibson is 50 something years old and doesn't know the difference between a trial and an arraignment? Any 13 year old who has watched a couple of episodes of Law & Order would know better.

Not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, are you Gibson?

Speaking of tools, you can tell they got really desperate in the campaign this week when they tried to play the fear card. Terror alert! Terror alert! Tapping in to irrational fear and scapegoating a minority group for all of our problems is a tried and true method of getting votes. Let's see, we need a catchy name. I know, we'll call them Hammer Alerts!

Red Hammer: High risk of hammer attack around every corner.
Orange Hammer: Moderate risk, you might get nicked by some pruning shears.
Yellow Hammer: Low risk, eating hot dogs outside of Home Depot could give you heartburn.

Mike, tell us about your plan to defeat the hammer wielding homeless that are plaguing Ventura's good citizens daily. If elected, will you vote to invade Camarillo? You know, so we can fight 'em over there, so we don't have to fight 'em over here?

Do the Ventura Republicans and the Catholic Church know that Mike Gibson is pro choice? He was endorsed by Planned Parenthood, but he touts his devotion to his church. So, either he lied to Planned Parenthood, or he lied to his church.

Abortion isn't even a local issue. Who cares?

Wow, it looks like "Hamma" Time has kind of lost his marbles there. Typical liberal ranting.

I'm suprised to find out that Gibson is pro-choice. He's Catholic and he's Republican. And Ventura Voter is right - it isn't even a local issue so why go to Planned Parenthood for an endorsement. Doesn't make sense. Sounds like some bad advice was given to him.

Well, I think the way it actually works is Planned Parenthood comes to you (the candidate) and asks you to complete a questionnaire, which is essentially a litmus test on whether you're pro choice or not. I think Gibson completed the questionnaire, but based on his responses, they could not endorse him. Again, not that it matters, because abortion is not a local issue.

He was in some ad placed by PP but because he is a Republican, I think he got treated a little differently. Here's what it says on the PP Action Fund website.

mike gibson, Candidate for Ventura City Council returned a questionnaire reflecting a 100% pro-choice position.

I agree that this is a non-issue. But what gets me is that liberals around here routinely beat up on republicans for opposing a woman's right to choose. Yet when a republican actually comes out and supports the pro choice position they are still attacked. In this thread an issue was made of the alleged contradiction between Gibson's Catholic faith and his position on abortion. However there are many liberal politicians, including Ted Kennedy, who identify themselves as Catholic yet openly support things like abortion and gay marriage. Why is it OK for a democrat to be a pro-choice christian but not a republican? This is one more example of the liberal double-standard.

Right on, Bubba. And before I vote, I want to know how this candidate stands on gun control, capital punishment, gay marriage, and preserving the rain forests in Brazil.

Bubba Kidd and Ventura Voter - you are both reacting very strongly to a simple observation of surprise. Imagine the effect on voters. Gibson got some bad advice for muddying the waters like he did.

I'm not sure why Mike Gibson is being singled out on this thread. He wants what is best for Ventura, as do all the candidates. It doesn't matter what his beliefs are on the choice issue.

Well said, Katie. As usual, you tend to be the voice of reason on this blog. Mike is running because he cares about Ventura (like all of the other candidates). He was brave and forthright enough to put his stand on a woman's right to choose out there for the public to see, despite some grief he probably got from his church and right-wing Republicans.

He was also the only candidate who had the gumption to weigh in on the issue of the homeless getting away with murder (almost literally) in the downtown, which is what this thread started talking about before those supporting the incumbents, as usual, tried to derail it. Mike Gibson has my vote simply based on his courage and integrity, which is more than I can say about all these fake names who won't even reveal themselves because of their lack of the same.

"Tim," you are using a fake name, too. Give us a break. It has changed from Jim to Tim and the spelling of the last name keeps changing, too.

None of the other candidates knows this thread exists. Mr. G has a few supporters -- or maybe it's just him -- who like to post here.

He is being singled out by others who obviously have an axe to grind with him over his past behavior on this blog and the behavior of his chief supporter Mongo as well. Mongo, who has shut down an entire thread for saying offensive things to women. Mongo, who said offensive things about other candidates.

Don't dish it out if you can't take it.

FYI...one is baptized into Catholicism and membership can not be taken away. A catholic remains a catholic despite one's argument with catholic dogma.

gs, thanks for the clarification on that. I think there are many Catholics who have an issue with abortion and other positions of the Catholic Church. I think there is room for reasonable disagreement on some of these issues and, yet, one can still remain in the faith.

I have some admiration and respect for those who have the intelligence and integrity to question these type of doctrinal teachings even if it means alienating some people in the process.

So is Gibson allowed to take communion after publically advocating for the pro-choice position? Does he care that he and the Pope are at odds?

I don't know. Does Ted Kennedy lose sleep at night worrying about being at odds with the pope? Does it really matter? I certainly don't care.

More importantly, why is it that people like you make faith an issue when when it applies to conservative politicians yet give a free pass to liberal politicians when the circumstances are exactly the same? Given that a majority of Americans support abortion and, at the same time, the vast majority of those Americans identify themselves as Christians it is clear that Gibson isn't alone in forming his own opinions outside of his religious faith.

Funny how some liberals like to complain about conservatives who they claim blindly follow their religious faith, yet when a conservative exercises some independent thinking then liberals make the reverse argument. You guys really need some new material.

BK, you are correct about your implied point: judge each candidate on his/her own message, not on generalities. Yet, in general, over the years conservatives have found it politically expedient to ally themselves with those more interested in communal morality than in national community. After years of failed conservative political policies and a continuing string of scandals & failures among the more highly visible leaders of the christian right, BOTH these groups are now sharing the consequences of each others' failures. One of the manifestations of those consequences is the use of the term Hypocrite, for political purposes.

The Hypocrite label can be used effectively against conservatives since the Pro-Life platform seems to exclude any who support Pro-Choice. It can't be used as effectively against liberals who tend to follow a Pro-Choice platform that is open to include all who support Pro-Life.

It's like the crooked grocer who insists on adding apples & oranges so the customer can't tell what he's really buying.

A word to the wise, if Bubba Kidd supports someone do not vote for that person!!!!!

Hmmmm, I don't recall expressing support for any particular candidate.

Bub-
You never express support for any particular candidate. Your sole purpose in life is to hone your heckling skills.

Not true. I've heard Bubba defend Mike Gibson on numerous occasions. He must be on the take from Osborn too.

The reason why I haven't expressed support for candidates in the Ventura City election is because I don't live in the City of Ventura and, therefore, will not be voting in this election. Why should I support a candidate in an election that has no relevance to me?

The truth is that I have never expressed an opinion in favor or against Mike Gibson in any thread. My only comment was on the double-standard being applied to Gibson by certain individuals in this thread. It seems that some people around here thrive on making illogical, mean-spirited attacks, but don't like being called out on it.

You're so right, BK. It seemed like anytime there was even a hint of a favorable comment about Gibson on this blog, out came the fangs and daggers. It was almost as if there were people lying in wait to get him at any opportunity. I suppose it's partly because of his unabashedly conservative credentials and partly because of his affiliation with the VCRCC and Mike Osborn - who seems to be universally hated on this blog. It seems that liberals are all for fair treatment and equal opportunity, except if you disagree with them, of course.

Unabashedly conservatives don't get endorsed by Planned Parenthood.

Here come those fangs & daggers again - just like I was saying. Liberal mullarkey.

What happened Bubba and Cathy Carlson? All the republicans got beaten badly, the gop lost Kentucky and people in Utah said no to school vouchers? OUCH! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do you think I care about what happens in Kentucky and Utah? If you have to dredge up talking points that have no relevance to the discussion then you've already lost the argument.

The thread topic is Ventura City Elections. Republicans came in 7th, 8th and 9th. For all the bragging coming out of the GOP, you'd think they could have done better. Doesn't Chairman Osborn of the GOP live in Ventura? Did he walk precincts? Did he make phone calls? The district chairman for Ventura is Mary Osborn. Did she walk precincts? Did she make phone calls? Did they do ANYTHING?

Gopher alert. Grab your traps and poison. Gopher out from under rock. This is an official gopher alert.

Bubba, 30 Republicans voted for workplace protections yesterday for gays, do you think the republicans voted for this because of Larry Craig? Why do you think the republicans in Ventura took such a beating? Why do you think Pat Robertson endorsed Rudy when he supports abortion rights?

I cannot speak for Pat Robertson. There are many factors why somebody would endorse a particular candidate, even if they disagree on certain things. However I fail to see how Pat Robertson is relevant to this thread in any case.

The only thing the Ventura elections proved is the power of incumbency and voter apathy, nothing more. I can give you plenty of examples of incumbent local republicans that get re-elected over and over and over again. What does that prove?

For the record, I support the rights of religious organizations to hire employees who abide by the rules of their particular religious faith. The Catholic Church should not be forced by the government to hire athiest teachers to work in private Catholic schools, or be forced by the government to hire gay priests. These are legitimate issues that involve the protections of our religious freedom from government intrusion. I'm all for gays and lesbians having equal rights in the workplace so long as the government is not over-stepping its bounds into legislating religion. Many liberals who are hostile to religion are attempting to impose their secular beliefs on religious institutions and masquerading their efforts under the guise of "workforce protections" for gays and lesbians.

And finally we once again have the ridiculous attempt to drag Larry Craig into the discussion. You guys really need to come up with better material.