To all of my readers:

I am not offended when you correct a typo for me. I consider many of you my unpaid editors!

What is the significants of the badge in the background?

We have usually heard something about candidates for City Council before they jump into the race such as community service. What has been your community involvement prior to this?

No significance just happens to be a recent picture of me in my house that my Daughter took.

I'm 45 years old and have lived in Simi with small breaks all of my life. I went to Garden Grove Elementary, Sequoia Jr High and Graduated from Simi High in 1981. I served in the United States Army Active from 1981- 1985 as an infantryman, I received an Honorable Discharge and then served in the California Army National Guard from 1985-1996 also receiving Honorable Discharges for three tours. I'm currently an active duty Police Officer with the Los Angels Police Department and have Been for the last 18 years.

My wife Sarit is actively involved with the PTA at Vista Elementary School, The PTSA at Hillside Middle School, The Simi Valley Youth Soccer league and Cub Scout Troop 3643.

I have Three children, Michele 13 yrs, Alexandra 9 yrs and Nicolas 7 yrs. All of my children attend Simi Valley Public Schools (Vista and Hillside.) I am concerned about the direction the town is headed and I think the council needs some new perspective.

Answers to the 1st batch of questions.

1. Do you think the city has done a decent job dealing with crime in Simi Valley?
A)If you mean the city council, no. I don't think it's wise to credit the politicians for crime reduction unless you are congratulating them for paying the Police Department. Our Police Department has done an outstanding Job.

2. What do you think of the city spending money on the Shop Simi Valley First campaign?
A)I think it's a great idea.

3. Do you call it the Arroyo or the wash.
A) I call it the wash.
4. Which local politician do you respect the most?
A) whichever of them were against building the huge apartment complexes we have now.
5. Have you attended city council meetings?
A) No.

Hey Mike,

You might be surprised by this, but actual voters read this blog. People who might be interested in some change in Simi Valley.

So when you get a question like which local politician do you respect the most... and you can't answer any by name - Are we suppose to expect you are a serious candidate?

Or.. when you say you are concerned with the direction the City is headed - such as?

Can you name any city council members Mike? The Mayor?

Anyone else running Brian? Mike's 15 minutes are running out.

I really don't know any of the council people nor do I know the Mayor but I can give you their names if you would like. As far as knowing whether I respect any of them to make this as easy as possible let me say “No�. If I find out later that one or more of them after getting to know them is a great human being worthy of my respect or one or more of them have committed a selfless or heroic act of personal courage or patriotism I will retract that “No�.

I'm concerned about Simi Valley becoming Porter Ranch West or Northridge West because that is what I see happening I hear about 200+ housing development being planned when I see for sale signs all over the valley in every neighborhood. I'm concerned when the residents of Wallace Street complain to the city about ground water coming up through the front yards and sidewalks a pooling in the intersections causing a slippery slimy smelly mess and the city does nothing for nine years that I know of. But the city moves with lightning speed to pull out a little girl’s tree that her father let her plant on the parkway that wasn’t approved by the city. I'm concerned when our Police Officers have to drive 35miles one way just to qualify with their weapons when the city had a golden opportunity to build them their own range that could possibly have been opened to the public generating revenue for the city.

So if someone who owns land that is zoned for development wants to develop it, are you going to deny them that (just based upon the fact there are for sale signs around)? When you deny them that right are you going to compensate them for their land? If so, how are you going to fund the compensation to them (additional taxes or cut services)? If you arent going to compensate them, I guess you dont believe in someone's constitutional rights? Where are you going to get the money to defend the City against an unconstitutional taking?

If you are going to spew rhetoric, you better be up to answering the questions of intelligent voters who understand land use, zoning and constitutional rights. The old "we are going to end up like the San Fernando Valley" scare tactics dont work with an educated populace.

Do you plan to attend any council meetings before the election?

What don't you like about Porter Ranch?

What type of housing would you like to see built in Simi Valley?

I'll pass on this candidate. Nice guy perhaps, but not up to speed on any local issues.

Brian, bring on the next one. This one is unfortunately out in left field and it has nothing to do with the silly argument about zoning and taking in which Facts not Rhetoric is all washed up.

Cap,

I am going to wait to see his responses to many questions before I make up my mind.

Why don't you ask something that hasn't been asked yet? Maybe about the landfill?

I'd like to Brian, but his answers so far have been so limited in scope that I don't think it matters. I'm sure he is against the dump's expansion to the size requested. Who isn't, after all? The point is that he doesn't even know who he is running against. I'd advise him to join Neighborhood Council for a couple of years, and then run again. Right now, I just don't think he offers the community anything with respect to better representation on the City Council.

CAP-812,
You're typing out loud again. If you don't want to ask a question you don't have to. We don't need an explanation.

Mr. Judge,
I see your years of law enforcement and military training combined with your intimate knowledge of Simi Valley as a tremendous asset. Simi Valley could have used your attention to detail and sound ethical decision making skills during the WM landfill deal.

What will you do to be a more effective council member than your opponents?

I'm all for having some choices instead of having our councilmembers and mayor continually run unopposed. But for a person to be considered a serious challenger it is important to understand the issues and how things get done at city hall. Whether you like or dislike our incumbents, all of them have years of experience and are very knowledgable on the issues. I want to see candidates that have informed opinions and can talk intelligently on all the issues, not just use overly simplistic arguments.

For example, it is simplistic and unrealistic to be opposed to housing development. All cities in the state of California are required by law to build enough housing units to keep up with population growth. We are also required to build housing units to meet the needs at all income levels, including affordable units. Do we really want to live in a community that only builds housing units for the wealthy?

Even if we actually could stop all housing construction, that doesn't mean it would be desirable. Population growth would still continue and the likely result would be housing shortages and overcrowding. Approximately 80% of the population growth in Ventura County is internal, meaning our children. If we refuse to build housing units for future generations we are telling our children to go find someplace else to live. Meanwhile, this area will become less attractive to employers, since younger families will have to move elsewhere to find housing. No apartments means no workforce housing, leaving a population of primarily affluent, elderly citizens. And when all the young families leave, who will shop at our malls or send their kids to our schools? There are significant social and economic consequences in having a policy of refusing to build housing for future generations.

Sorry Mr. Judge, but what you propose is the opposite of progress. You will not have my vote in November.

Bubba Kidd has a sharp tongue and it has cut more of baloney on this blog then everyone combined.

Mr. Judge,
I think the best way to attract companies and shoppers to Simi Valley is to make the city of Simi Valley as desirable as possible. The best way to do that is to try and keep a rural atmosphere. If people want the valley it's a five minute drive.

Simi Valley has to be different or it has nothing to offer. Right now there are more houses than buyers. Overdevelopment is not progress it's just more of the same.

RE: I'm currently an active duty Police Officer with the Los Angels Police Department and have Been for the last 18 years.

I am currently an active duty taxpayer...and have been for many years paying the same stupid taxes over and over and over....

Wow, some of you are brutal on our city's candidates;for example,lecturing an 18 year Police Officer about a citizen's constitutional rights. Take a deep breath before you type.

Building development is a needed and integral part of a city's infrastructure. But, Mr. Judge raises an interesting and confirmed point of over development. A city or county has a responsibility to ensure they do not over develop and over populate beyond their ability to provide the basic services to their citizens. Porter Ranch and Northridge are excellent examples. They are both suburbs of the City of Los Angeles and part of the San Fernando Valley. The city of LA has, for decades, inadequetely provided public services to its citizens, i.e. Police, Fire, Trash, etc. That is why the San Fernando Valley wanted to suceed from the city of LA a few years ago. An alleged "educated populace" would have to ask LA city why they would allow more development in those two suburbs when they already inadequetely attempted to provide basic services prior to development. So how did LA attempt to provide basic services to its citzens after the development within those two Suburbs and further over crowd their city? They raised fees on Trash pick-up and utilities, cut other vital city services (i.e. Recreation & Parks etc.) and is now putting a freeze on hiring new employees to cover the loss of employees through retirement and attrition. Placing a freeze on hiring will further degrade the city's ability to provide future services. The development of a mall or businesses is very different from the development of multi-story, multi-unit apartment complexes. It is completely out of line for a developer to rattle the saber of unconstitutionality when the city has to think about the needs of its entire populace first and the individual (developer) second.

Wow, some of you are brutal on our city's candidates;for example,lecturing an 18 year Police Officer about a citizen's constitutional rights. Take a deep breath before you type.

Building development is a needed and integral part of a city's infrastructure. But, Mr. Judge raises an interesting and confirmed point of over development. A city or county has a responsibility to ensure they do not over develop and over populate beyond their ability to provide the basic services to their citizens. Porter Ranch and Northridge are excellent examples. They are both suburbs of the City of Los Angeles and part of the San Fernando Valley. The city of LA has, for decades, inadequetely provided public services to its citizens, i.e. Police, Fire, Trash, etc. That is why the San Fernando Valley wanted to suceed from the city of LA a few years ago. An alleged "educated populace" would have to ask LA city why they would allow more development in those two suburbs when they already inadequetely attempted to provide basic services prior to development. So how did LA attempt to provide basic services to its citzens after the development within those two Suburbs and further over crowd their city? They raised fees on Trash pick-up and utilities, cut other vital city services (i.e. Recreation & Parks etc.) and is now putting a freeze on hiring new employees to cover the loss of employees through retirement and attrition. Placing a freeze on hiring will further degrade the city's ability to provide future services. The development of a mall or businesses is very different from the development of multi-story, multi-unit apartment complexes. It is completely out of line for a developer to rattle the saber of unconstitutionality when the city has to think about the needs of its entire populace first and the individual (developer) second.

What's happened in The Valley doesn't have to happen here. Simi Valley can have sustained growth AND still maintain a high quality of life for its residents by abandoning its outdated obsession with over development through infill and housing creep into the hills around us.

Planners should encourage mixed use development in areas like Tapo Street, First Street and similar areas, with access to transportation and shopping, nearby parks and entertainment.

There's no reason builders can't be given incentives to build high quality retail, office, residential properties that include a mix of affordable and luxury residences. One way to do so is to allow builders in these areas to go up to 5 levels if affordable housing and retail units make up 2 of those levels. Affordable retail units would encourage small business owners and help add local jobs.

Instead, Simi Valley seems obsessed with keeping real estate values high and out of the reach of our children by limiting them to overpriced condos or high priced single family homes. Local business owners and job seekers can only watch in frustration as the city encourages nearby, out of town businesses and their employees to move into the city, to compete for retail sales and a shrinking number of jobs.

There are plenty of creative builders ready to make Simi Valley a better place for city residents in the future but they need lots more encouragement from city planners.

Sorry, not Council material. He has very little knowledge and experience with land use matters and his lack of sophistication shows.

None of the city's council members had any experience or knowledge of running a city before being elected. Council seats are positions where citizens who are devoted to public service (theoretically, at least) work and learn as a team, to make decisions.

All that knowledge & experience in the past wasn't able to prevent WMI from bamboozling the city into a bad deal and all that sophistication hasn't done one thing to create jobs, avoid congestion and increase the quality of lives in Simi Valley.

Maybe less experience & sophistication is the answer.

We as citizens of Simi Valley have to examine what is happening and has happened to other cities and towns in our expensive state. We especially have to look at the valley's history. Purely taking an, "it can't happen here," approach is an ignorant and fundemental mistake.

I have been living in Simi Valley for almost 12 years. I have friends and family who reside in Valencia and Santa Clarita. I fear greedy developers are standing by to take advantage of Simi as they have done out there. Have any of you attempted to drive around their towns on a Saturday or Sunday? It is a very difficult and frustrating feat.

I don't understand why someone has to be a master in real estate to run for city council. Land development and real estate is not the only expertise one needs to possess, or at least have a working knowledge of.

There are some real estate experts who are to blame for the current real estate debacle occuring in our country right now. Maybe Mr. Judge is the breath of fresh air we need.

I believe it is not about being a master in real estate but understanding land use policy in order to have sustainable and livable development. Yes It can happen here like Santa Clarita or the City of Los Angeles. Under the 10th amendment powers that not specifically granted to the federal government are reserved by States. States give power to counties, which give power to cities. So your Simi Valley city council have the power to shape land use policy. However the 5th and 14th amendments can be and often used by developers to argue that restrictive land use regulations deprive them of their constitutional rights. So we know Federal trumps State, State trumps Local. Although it is just one aspect of the City Council it is part of the priority of public health, public safety, and public welfare.

The other side of that coin is that when a developer's use of his property has a harmful effect on his neighbor's property there is a basis for a cause of action, for damages. Some municipalities lean towards support for the neighbor who is harmed and manage their land use policies accordingly. Most municipalities' land use plans lean towards the developer's needs. Some find a balance between the developers and his neighbors needs and adjust their plans to achieve the best compromise.

Which most closely approaches Simi Valley's land use efforts?

Time to move on to the next candidate. This one hasn't put much of anything forward. If this fellow is that much needed "breath of fresh air" as Michelle has opined, we had all better grab our gas masks.

Next candidate, please!

Mr. Judge,
Please ignore the rude and ignorant comments. Your contribution to society is very admirable and I appreciate all you have done.

I’m very sorry for not getting back to this in a timely fashion but I have had a hectic work schedule for the last couple of days.

To answer the question of how I would be different. I see the job of a City Council member as not being all that much different from the job I do now. A Council member should be a problem solver not unlike a Police Officer someone who can make common sense decisions with as much information that can be gathered, to hopefully have a positive outcome. Unlike Police Officers a City Council Member does not have to make those decisions in 2 minutes or less.
What I will be for you is someone who will make common sense decisions without a hidden agenda. The only agenda I have is to make our city safe, secure and a great place for everyone to live and raise their children. I want to be an open and accessible council member, my email will be answered.
I would never think of excluding our future generation from having a chance to be a stakeholder in our community. But unchecked apartment development leads to less stakeholders and a lower quality of life for people living in and around them. If you think I’m trying to scare you need to look no further that Panorama City the number of single family homes to apartments is very disproportionate and the community suffers you don’t have to take my word drive 20 miles and go look.
Now this may sound like rhetoric and maybe it is because I really don’t know how you would make a point to someone who might disagree with you without using some rhetoric to make the point, but it is what I truly believe and I will fight and disagree with further apartment development.
When I say Safe and Secure I mean giving our Police Department all of the tools that it needs that may be License plate readers or the funds to hire and equip a Vice unit, which it seems we may be in need of right now.
No I’ve never been to a city council meeting and No I’ve never been to a neighborhood council meeting but I have over 20years of public service to the city of Los Angeles and the United States of America. I have sworn 5 oaths of allegiance to Uphold, Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America I have lived by my departments core values for 18 years not because I have to but because they are sound.
My knowledge of the legal rights of property owners is extensive I have written, served and enforced abatements on problem properties in the city of Los Angeles. I have lived by a code of conduct that in my view at least encourages if not demands public service and helping people in need. I way not be up on every issue that we face in our city but I have my own reasons for running I’m also a exceptionally fast learner.
As for the landfill I believe that number one it is a County issue and the city council doesn’t get a vote, second I think at the rate of development going on now we are going to need it. Maybe the city can use this to our advantage I’m not privy to any of the negotiating going on but I know what I would ask for. Land.
Now I said my peace I would appreciate it if you disagree with me don’t vote for me you don’t have to be rude and obnoxious that doesn’t reflect a educated populace. If you truly believe that I’m looking for my 15 minutes trust me I’ve already had it at least 7 times over.

I’m very sorry for not getting back to this in a timely fashion but I have had a hectic work schedule for the last couple of days.

To answer the question of how I would be different. I see the job of a City Council member as not being all that much different from the job I do now. A Council member should be a problem solver not unlike a Police Officer someone who can make common sense decisions with as much information that can be gathered, to hopefully have a positive outcome. Unlike Police Officers a City Council Member does not have to make those decisions in 2 minutes or less.
What I will be for you is someone who will make common sense decisions without a hidden agenda. The only agenda I have is to make our city safe, secure and a great place for everyone to live and raise their children. I want to be an open and accessible council member, my email will be answered.
I would never think of excluding our future generation from having a chance to be a stakeholder in our community. But unchecked apartment development leads to less stakeholders and a lower quality of life for people living in and around them. If you think I’m trying to scare you need to look no further that Panorama City the number of single family homes to apartments is very disproportionate and the community suffers you don’t have to take my word drive 20 miles and go look.
Now this may sound like rhetoric and maybe it is because I really don’t know how you would make a point to someone who might disagree with you without using some rhetoric to make the point, but it is what I truly believe and I will fight and disagree with further apartment development.
When I say Safe and Secure I mean giving our Police Department all of the tools that it needs that may be License plate readers or the funds to hire and equip a Vice unit, which it seems we may be in need of right now.
No I’ve never been to a city council meeting and No I’ve never been to a neighborhood council meeting but I have over 20years of public service to the city of Los Angeles and the United States of America. I have sworn 5 oaths of allegiance to Uphold, Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America I have lived by my departments core values for 18 years not because I have to but because they are sound.
My knowledge of the legal rights of property owners is extensive I have written, served and enforced abatements on problem properties in the city of Los Angeles. I have lived by a code of conduct that in my view at least encourages if not demands public service and helping people in need. I way not be up on every issue that we face in our city but I have my own reasons for running I’m also a exceptionally fast learner.
As for the landfill I believe that number one it is a County issue and the city council doesn’t get a vote, second I think at the rate of development going on now we are going to need it. Maybe the city can use this to our advantage I’m not privy to any of the negotiating going on but I know what I would ask for. Land.
Now I said my peace I would appreciate it if you disagree with me don’t vote for me you don’t have to be rude and obnoxious that doesn’t reflect a educated populace. If you truly believe that I’m looking for my 15 minutes trust me I’ve already had it at least 7 times over.

Thanks for the honest answer, Mike!

As you are aware, the landfill issue is in the hands of our county's board of supervisors but if you were elected to the city council would you use your position to lobby our supervisor on this issue? If so, what would you ask him to do?

Mike,

Thanks for reading and answering questions on my blog. Don't forget that many of my readers support other candidates that they have know and worked with on important issues for many years.

I am also interested in your views on the proposed expansion of the landfill. Have you been reading or researching it at all? Have you gone on a tour of the landfill/dump or talked to any of the people against it?

If the expansion is inevitable I would seek the reduction in fees paid by the residents of Simi since we are not the only ones using it why not give us a cut rate since it's in our backyard so to speak. I would also try to get our supervisor to negotiate for some of the land that has been reclaimed to put to use as a Police/Public Range facility to save the city money and possibly generate income.

The only research I've done on the landfill was just after the rumors started to fly about a possible range facility being built there. I understand the city actually spent some money on a sound study. Also If we were to build a shooting/
Training facility there it would generate income just if it was used by surrounding agencies.

The Los Angeles Police Department rents a rifle range at the same location where our Simi Officers qualify now, they pay that range $2,500.00 per month and only use the range 3 days a week and it is not the most inviting place to go we could do it a lot better.

Truly I've only been to the dump to dump.

Brian

I understand that many of the people I'm trying to get across to in this fourm may not agree with me and trust me in my line of work very few people agree with me BUT that is no reason to be rude and disrspectful and like one of the eariler writers wrote and I've already stolen his line it doesn't reflect well on a educated populace. I know Simi has a better class of people than that.

Mike,

I know in your long career you have likely been assigned to many tasks as a police officer but which position has most influenced your views about the role of government?

Hi Mr. Judge thank you for your time and service. Curiosity got the best of me so here are a few questions? Should there be no development of any apartment space in Simi Valley? What type of development are you in favor for? Do you think there should be more affordable housing or less. The City has meet it's requirement for affordable housing by double the amount needed. Why do we need license plate readers and is there a Vice problem in Simi Valley that we do not know about? Are their problem properties that need abatement in the City of Simi Valley? Are there any county issues that you would advocate for as a city councilman.Thank you again for your time and service.

Talk about a single issue candidate. Why doesn't he at least get active with the Police Foundation? Apparently more money to the Police Dept. is the only issue this guy either knows about or cares about. It is refreshing to know that he doesn't stand a chance at being elected. He offers the community absolutely nothing other than one union member wanting more money for his union.

Brian, bring on the next candidate. They have to be more qualified than this one.

This guy sure doesn't like anyone to differ with him. Typical of an over the top cop. Criticize him and it doesn't reflect well on the community, according to him. Well, Mr. Judge, you aren't the Judge, just a civil servant no different than any other government worker so step down off your high horse. The bottom line is you don't have even the slightest grasp of what a Councilmember is responsible for. Running the business of a City is far more than shooting the bad guys. If you haven't learned that yet, how about joining the Neighborhood Councils or the Educational Foundation? Next candidate please!

Cap,

He isn't a member of the local police union. I don't see how this would help him get his union more money at all.

You casting both of your votes for the incumbents I take it?

I haven't seen any reason to support Mr. Judge. He is one of the most single issue candidates I can recall. I always support Barbra Williamson and this time around I'm supporting Sojka as well unless we find one of the newcomers with a real platform that will better the community. I just don't see anything coming out of Mr. Judge's platform, assuming that he even has one.

As to the Union comment, it was meant to infer that he responds to all questions with the same mantra; more toys and money to the police and is apparently void of any knowledge about the issues that come before a Councilmember. Even with respect to the landfill expansion all he could come up with is a police shooting range. One has to wonder what he has done during his years in Simi Valley.

Besides Police he is talking about construction in the city.

I brought up the abatement issue just to show that I am aware of the rights of private property owners because someone earlier suggested that I wanted to take away privately owned property. I have no personal knowledge of any properties that need to be abated in Simi.

My tour in a Vice unit probably brought me closest to the community where I worked as I had to work closely with the city attorney assigned to my area the city council persons office and other state and local agencies to solve problems.

For there to be a Vice problem you have to have the 3 C's the illegal enterprise has to be Conspicuous, Complained of and commercial. I've heard complaints but I'm not going to discuss those in this fourm.

The license plate reader is just a tool I was using as an example I do not know what the exact needs of our Police Department are yet.

I would like to try and get more commercial development started up maybe light manufacturing or something along those lines thats going to provide higher than minimum wage jobs.

to address the other comment Police Departments do not have unions. but that is a common held misconception and before I call it a night the over the top cop line, I like it. Very Witty

Mike,

I had the misconception that police officer's have a union. Can you explain why so many people believe that they do?

No police union? That is a new twist. Who does the collective negotiations for the police officers if not their union? Oh yes, they call it an Association. Catchy!

Next candidate Brian, please, this guy is extremely stale. He is running for City Council and can't share with us problems in our community regarding vice? Is he undercover for the Simi Valley P.D.? Or is he just a conspiracy nut?

He confuses abatement with taking? They are like night and day. I think this guy just lacks the most basis understanding of government and needs to join Neighborhood Councils after he completes his 10 minutes in the limelight.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the LAPD Protective League is always referred to as the Union of LAPD. I called the Police Protective League and they confirmed that it is the union representing LAPD officers. Apparently Mr. Judge is playing one more game with us or simply doesn't realize that his monthly dues go to his union.

This guy is all about cops and robbers. He clearly does not have a view of the bigger picture, which is necessary when running a complex municipality.

A key to governing effectively at the local level is having more than a black and white view of the world. Allowing for and listening to public input and coming up with compromises are critical qualities. In the immortal words of Dave Mason, "There ain't no good guys. There ain't no bad guys. It's only you and me, and we both disagree..."

What qualifications did Steve Sojka have before being appointed to the City Council. Sojka was given a chance in spite of his being inexperienced/young and not very broad experiences. My understanding is Sojka sales coupon's and advertisement. Granted Sojka has two terms under his belt now and he has done a lot of good for the community. Maybe someone could enlighten me to what he has specifically championed he seems to fly under the radar. I thought it was strange that Sojka added to his accomplishments the new girl's softball park even though it was actually the Park District and the Amanda McPherson Foundation that should receive the credit. Maybe Sojka could explain why he highlights the softball park as an accomplishment during his incumbency.

A veteran and a police officer with eighteen years of experience is not totally unqualified. I am willing to hear more of what he has to say.

Frankly, I am tired of the City Council "Appointing" their replacements by conveniently not serving out their terms, then we vote for them as incumbents after they have been annointed by the Council.

I heard Sojka intends to run for Mayor in two years and if he wins he will conveniently not finish his term and then the Council can make another "annointment" I mean "appointment."

Does this mean Paul Miller intends to retire?

Sojka already had a long record of community service before he joined the City Council. Look, it doesn't matter to me if a candidate is a cop, a lawyer, a coupon salesman, or a dog catcher. It comes down to their knowedge of the issues, history of involvement in the community, and having clear ideas and principles that they can articulate to voters.

Mr. Judge's has no history of community service outside of his occupation, and his candidacy appears to be based on a narrow range of issues (police and apartment development as far as I can tell). Even on those issues, his views seem incomplete and incoherent. For example, he states that the police should have a local shooting range and perhaps some license plate readers, but acknowledges that he really doesn't have a firm grasp on the specific needs of our local law enforcement. Hey, perhaps he should actually talk to a few local police officers and ask them! I'm sure they would be happy to share their ideas. But instead we are treated to generalizations, like saying that we should give our cops the tools and funds they need. duh. For a guy who actually works in the law enforcement profession he seems to have a stunning lack of knowledge and vision on the topic.

Then again, some guys rise to the top ranks of a department and some always remain beat cops. Paul Miller distinguished himself by rising to the rank of Chief of Police, which shows that he is, at the very least, a pretty smart guy. But that doesn't mean that every cop is a good choice for leadership positions or as an elected City Councilmember.

Mr. Judge also makes some pretty sweeping generalizations on housing development, but demonstrates a shocking lack of knowledge on the topic. His narrow perspective is nothing more than the typical complaints you hear from NIMBYs who moved to our community and then want to lock the gates behind them. I suppose ignorance is bliss, but I think that people on our City Council should be better informed and work to serve the needs of all constituents, not just the wealthiest homeowners.

Finally, if Mr. Judge doesn't like "rude" comments then he doesn't have the backbone for elected office. Politics is a blood sport and not for the weak. Besides, I've read far worse on this blog and think that he's actually been treated pretty good overall. Citizens should be able to ask tough questions of their candidates without them whining about being treated unfairly. The questions he is facing on this blog are just a precursor on what is to come. He better figure out some better answers before engaging an opponent in a debate, otherwise he will be dismantled. He is no match for any of the current members of our City Council.

I will say that is good that you actually took the time to communicate on this blog. But you need to take this as a learning opportunity instead of getting so defensive. The truth is that you aren't ready.

Must be a full moon a'comin'. Bubba and I agree. First time! Judge just isn't ready for our City Council. Sojka and Williamson all the way. They did their volunteer work for years and now are doing a great job for our community. They deserve to be elected once again.

You're kind Bubba. Not ready is an understatement. How about Mr. Judge spending a few years giving back to the community before he asks us to pay him to manage our City and its resources?

Williamson and Sojka were each a part of the community for years before serving on the City Council and they had an understanding of how the City operates. I don't see two people more qualified to serve on the Council this year than Williamson and Sojka.

Thank you CAP-812 and Louis, I appreciate the vote of confidence.

Barbra Williamson on developement:

"People, you know, live up in that area. It's open field, it's open space, and the last thing they want to see is houses built on it. I can't blame them. I guess I would be the same way, but it's our job to make sure that we have housing for everybody and not just the elite few and forget about it".
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Money talks and in this case it's developers money. Barbra Willaimson got her down payment but let's not let her get full a commission. Save Simi Valley open space. Save everything that made you decide to buy a home here. Don't let Barbra Williamson change your standard of living.

Vote for Mike Judge for Simi Valley City Council.

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Mike Judge may or may not appove of this message.

Barbra,

Are you flattered that people assume you have control over the whole council?

Mike,

Would you favor higher taxes to create a pool of money to buy land to prevent it from being developed?

Sorry nobodyopoulos..I am not going to bite, unless of course you want to use your real name.

Since Barbra has been singled out, there is one important point to remember. Barbra was the only City Councilmember to vote against the Larwin condominiums and removal of all the oak trees on the hillside north of the freeway at the Happy Face logo. Now the project is bankrupt, but it will probably be built. We need more Barbra's, not less.

Barbra has a history of not honking her own horn. Do you see any beautification of the City along Tapo St? How does Alamo look these days? What about the new revitalization/beautification of Los Angeles Ave. that is in the works? Yep, its Barbra.

Is it safe to flip flop that high without a safety net?

Hi Mr. Judge can you tell us what your educational background is and or training you may have received that you think may be pertinent to your running for the city council. Thank you again.

I am not giving my real name I want to build a patio cover in my backyard and I might need building permits.

I guarantee you that if you're going to build a patio cover you will need a permit...no "might" about it. That's the law.

Ouch.

Do I have to bring my dog because it's his house?

You have a dog?

You have a dog? That could mean another permit, or at least a license.I also sit on animal reg for the county....

You're building a patio cover for your dog? Dude, just get a doghouse. You don't need permits for that.

Oh come on Bubba....lets have some fun with this guy...why would you want to educate him now?

This is what a thread about Mr. Judge has deteriorated to? Apparently interest in Mr. Judge has diminished.

Brian, we asked several times for the next candidate. Mr. Judge's platform was weak at best from the very beginning. Last I heard, he was even confused about whether or not the LAPD had a Union for its officers.

Now we are debating the merits of a dog house vs. patio cover?

I can't figure out where Mr. Judge is coming from with his comment that LAPD doesn't have union representation. He may be out on stress leave based on his comments. The LAPD has had union representation since it was originally represented by the AFL/CIO and all the way to the present.

Note the following transmittal from ROBERT J. DOYLE
Director of Regulations and Interpretations to Keith B. Betzina of the law firm Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe.

This is in reply to your request for an opinion on behalf of the Los Angeles Police Relief Association, Inc. (hereinafter, LAPRA). You ask whether three LAPRA benefit arrangements (hereinafter, the Plans) are excluded from Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) as "governmental plans" within the meaning of section 3(32) of that Title. You state that the Plans cover only police officers employed by the Police Department of the City of Los Angeles, California (hereinafter, the LAPD) and employees of LAPRA itself; that LAPRA pays most of the cost of providing benefits from the Plans for LAPRA's employees; and that the unions representing participating police officers bargain collectively with the LAPD to secure its payment of most of the cost of providing benefits from the Plans for police officers.
This letter constitutes an advisory opinion under ERISA Procedure 76-1.

CAP- obsessed with protective league membership.

The LAPPL is not a labor union like you would like to have people here believe. it is a collective bargaining entity we are not allowed to strike do work slow downs or interrupt government services. it does lobby and support politicians that are for the cause.KMA

Barbara W

talk about defensive I've had attack dogs hammering me for several days now I find out they support you. all I asked for was a little decorum and I got slammed as thin skinned and an OVER THE TOP COP (I still like that) you demanded someones name before biting. I'm pretty sure that CAP and bubba are not real names. If they are: well sorry for the offense.

Tim

I'm a local the only reason I wasn't born in Simi Is because My Mom Went into labor in the Valley. I've lived here most of my life I graduated from Simi High School class 1981 I have attended some college courses to advance my career I hold an Advanced Peace officers standards of training certificate from the State. In the Army I was a Airborne Infantryman (Paratrooper) and a Forward Artillery Observer.

Not a good choice

I'm not going anywhere the position of city council member in the city of Simi Valley In not a life long job I'm not your choice, but above all I am a CHOICE. and If you believe like I do you will vote for me. I will be accessible.

Talk about a life of it's own.

CAP- obsessed with protective league membership.

The LAPPL is not a labor union like you would like to have people here believe. it is a collective bargaining entity we are not allowed to strike do work slow downs or interrupt government services. it does lobby and support politicians that are for the cause.KMA

Barbara W

talk about defensive I've had attack dogs hammering me for several days now I find out they support you. all I asked for was a little decorum and I got slammed as thin skinned and an OVER THE TOP COP (I still like that) you demanded someones name before biting. I'm pretty sure that CAP and bubba are not real names. If they are: well sorry for the offense.

Tim

I'm a local the only reason I wasn't born in Simi Is because My Mom Went into labor in the Valley. I've lived here most of my life I graduated from Simi High School class 1981 I have attended some college courses to advance my career I hold an Advanced Peace officers standards of training certificate from the State. In the Army I was a Airborne Infantryman (Paratrooper) and a Forward Artillery Observer.

Not a good choice

I'm not going anywhere the position of city council member in the city of Simi Valley In not a life long job I'm not your choice, but above all I am a CHOICE. and If you believe like I do you will vote for me. I will be accessible.

Mike,

If someone is rude feel free to ignore them.

I understand that you cannot strike or have work slow downs but being that the union does everything else it appears that other unions it sounds like it is basically the same thing.

"The mission of the Los Angeles Police Protective League is to vigilantly protect, promote, and improve the working conditions, legal rights, compensation and benefits of Los Angeles Police Officers."

Sounds like other unions, no?

Thank you for your service as an officer and as a military member.

Tim

According to the general plan there are no apartment developments in the works right now. affordable housing is necessary and we need more, but you need to understand there is a big difference between affordable housing and rental property when you buy affordable housing you are a stakeholder in the community.

Mr. Judge,
I am concerned about Barbra Williamson and all the other current Simi Valley city council members taking "bribes" oh sorry, I mean donations from developers.

Bill Davis and others on the Simi Valley city council gave Waste Management a 30-year contract to expand as large as they want. Ironically Bill Davis got a lucrative position with Waste Management soon afterwards and he doesn't have any garbage experience whatsoever not counting his leadership skills.

How will you be different than what we have on the Simi Valley city council now?

I want to lighten things up just a little.
The buzzword of this election is 'CHANGE'.

Candidates toss it around without saying what they want to change to.

There is an old tale about a Marine Corps lieutenant who inspected his
Marines and told the 'Gunny' that they smelled bad. The
lieutenant suggested that they change their underwear.

The Gunny responded, 'Aye, sir, I'll see to it immediately'.

He went into the tent and said, 'The lieutenant thinks you guys smell
bad, and wants you to change your underwear. Smith, you change with Jones,
McCarthy, you change with Witkowskie, Brown, you change with Schultz.
Get to it'.

The moral: A candidate may promise change in Washington but don't count
on things smelling any better...

To answer the last question I already have a great job I do not have an agenda I'm not looking to get rich on the council. I bring to this campaign the highest level of integrity backed by 18 years public service and problem solving. I want to set an example for others to follow. Also I respectfully suggest that if you have proof of these unlawful acts it is your civic duty to report it to the authorities.

Mr. Judge,
I know I have a lot of eager supporters on the blog. And I appreciate each and everyone. Some I know, some I don't. But I can assure you they are making their comments without consulting me, or without my knowledge. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't attack. I may have some fun, but thats exactly with it is, fun. If I offend someone, then I will appologize, but at least I am an elected who is not afraid to put herself out on the front line to let everyone know where I stand on the issues.
Mr/Ms Nobodyopolus....Yes, I take money from developers....and will again in this campaign. However, if you look at my voting record, I have voted no probably on more projects or have "tweeked" them until I felt it was acceptable to the community. The law is the law, and if a zoning is there then I have a responsibility to make it the very best. But being a Council Member is more than just building homes...what about seniors, vetrans, homeless, saftey, roads, water, budgets...isn't there anything you like about me? Now there is a loaded question don't you think?
Thanks for listening. Have a great weekend.

Mr. Judge, you stated, "you need to understand there is a big difference between affordable housing and rental property when you buy affordable housing you are a stakeholder in the community".

I hate to break it to you, but affordable housing includes more than just ownership housing. There is a significant portion of our local population that can't afford to buy a $500,000 house but still needs a place to live. You don't have to be a property owner to be a stakeholder in the community. Most eventual homeowners live in some type of rental housing, including apartments at some point in their lives.

It is pretty arrogant to treat apartment dwellers as people who are somehow not desirable or valued in our community. People who live in apartments also have jobs and families. Just like you, they pay their taxes and have a right to vote. Your candidacy appears to be based on some sort of class elitism that pits wealthier homeowners against the lower income households. Is it your goal to kick lower income people out of our City by refusing to provide them with housing? Please clarify.

Bubba Kidd,
Mr Judge is talking about people having a stake in their community. He said, "unchecked apartment development leads to less stakeholders and a lower quality of life for people living in and around them"... What is this struggle between rich and poor let me get my violin. Simi Valley has plenty of apartment buildings. If a incumbent Simi Valley Council member wants to explain why Simi Valley needs more apartment buildings and where I would love to hear it.

The standard was set years ago that there would be 20% apartments vs 80% single family (including condo's and Townhomes..this was done prior to my being on the council) To my knowledge this has remaind pretty consistent. I am not sure if we need more apartments, but we surely need to continue Senior affordable as our senior population continues to rise. According to the General Plan, all mulit-family units (apartment/high densey) are suppose to be built along the freeway. I do, however support mixed use, and would like to see something developed at Mountain Gate....

You also think the White House is a good place for senior housing. Rim shot..

When it comes to housing development we need a balanced approach that meets the needs of all of our citizens at all income levels. I don't see any evidence of the out-of-control apartment development claimed my candidate Judge. As Barbra pointed out, much of the new apartment development in our community has been for senior housing. The vast majority of our housing development for decades has been single-family detached housing. Look at our most recent large-scale developments in Big Sky and Long Canyon and they don't resemble at all the massive apartment development claims made by Mr. Judge. He needs to do some research and get his facts straight before he makes these sweeping statements about rampant apartment development. Otherwise he just comes off as an elitist candidate who favors locking out young working families, low income residents, and senior citizens living on fixed incomes. Those folks need a place to live too. Refusing to build affordable rental housing will likely result in overcrowding and even homelessness. I'd rather provide a small amount of apartments for seniors and low income residents than see them living in the arroyo.

All the Republicans want is more welfare and welfare housing. People should be taught how to get off of welfare.

Mr. Judge,
What are your thoughts about solving the senior housing crisis in Simi Valley?

The general plan for the city shows that there are three planned Senior developments planned, In construction or in the pipeline with a total of about 100 units I'm all for the further development of Senior housing above and beyond these numbers if needed. we may also need affordable veteran housing I didn't see any allotment for that type of housing in the city plan.

One more point; I'm not taking any money from Developers for this campaign.

You didn't see it Mr. Judge, because there is no affordable housing separate for Veterans...They qualify under affordable like all individuals who have low income...if they are a senior Veteran, then they would qualify under the senior allotment (65). I agree we should do more to help our Veterans,however perhaps we should start by encouraging our Congress to initate housing allotments and better health care. Just look at the mess we have gone through with the Veterans home in Saticoy....I could go on and on...

Ventura County is home to one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the nation 60,000 to 65,000 with an average age of 65.

The idea that our local Republican government indentifies Veterans as affordable speaks for itself. There is a difference between being disabled fighting in a war and being low income. Our Republican Congressman Elton Gallegly shouldn't have to be told to demand more federal funds.

Mr. Judge,

I will vote for you and will encourage everyone I know to elect you come November. Barbara and her cohorts are very worried about losing control of the council right now as their "planned developments" are slipping into foreclosure. Wildhorse Canyon and Big SKY were absolute grift and could soon be a "banking crisis waste land." No wonder there in favor of expanding the dump... the need the space when these communities finally succumb to the bulldozers.

My advice to you... is to hit them hard... THESE COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE A LOT OF SKELETONS IN THEIR CLOSETS AND I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE GOOD ONES YOU SEE ON HALLOWEEN!

I've heard of some of them actively hiring illegals aliens at their businesses and their homes. NOTHING LIKE CHEAP LABOR. Mr. Sojka has a lot of envelopes to stuff.

They certainly don't care very much about your average citizens unless his checkbook is wide open. But, all praise will be made by them should your name be... Saperstein.

Can I have a helicopter pad in my backyard?

Good luck to you, Mr. Judge.

ANDY

Hello

I just wanted to add my web site for any one interested. www.judgementsv.com and Thanks again to Brian for the sounding board.

Mr Judge,

I am 33 years old and have lived in Simi Valley since 1982 when I was 7 years old. I make $50K+ a year and cannot reasonably afford a house in Simi Valley. Sure I can "qualify" for a loan on paper, but seriously what kind of life can one have with $500 a month to cover transportation, food, and all the other costs of living?

I've seen what the current City Council can NOT do for me and the whole generation I come from that was raised in Simi Valley and have now moved away to places they can afford to live. My question is what are you going to do for me and others like me to put affordable housing in our grasp? I hope you don't consider a $350K "condo" affordable housing.... What kind of plans, incentives, or ideas do you have to keep my generation in Simi and not push us to Oxnard, Ventura, or the valley like the current council has done?

Thank You for your time and your service to our Country.

I would first like to thank everyone who voted for me and say I'm sorry I let you down I will try again next time. Unfortunately our city will have to go on paying over one million dollars in overtime per year because our current Council's inaction.

I would first like to thank everyone who voted for me and say I'm sorry I let you down I will try again next time. Unfortunately our city will have to go on paying over one million dollars in overtime per year because our current Council's inaction.

Barbra,I ask what solutions I or any other cehnlalger have to a problem (Farmers) that was just announced in the last day or so is disingenuous at best on your part. For one thing, we are limited in our ability to cal on the City Manager to ask him what went down; we cannot just call Assistant City Manager Brian Gabler (in charge of Business Development) and say, hey Brian, what’s the plan here? For one thing, once I put in my notice last October of my intent to run for City Council a memo went around City Hall instructing departments to be cautious of speaking with any potential candidate (meaning me) of any matter which could be an issue in the upcoming election. And since I left City Hall on April 2, 2010, I have no more sources of info than the average citizen who reads theses blogs or the Acorn or the Star.On the other hand, you and the rest of your peers on the City Council have access to the people and the information which is important for making decisions which affect the City. And if you and your peers on the City Council muff a call when you had full access to information, you cannot throw that back on those of us who are out of the loop. You are the one who has been on City Council since November 2, 1992. You are the one, along with all the other incumbents on the City Council, who are charged with looking out for our well being.Shame on you Barbra. You should know better, and you do.So what would I do as Council Member? I would keep an open line of communication with the very people I listed above and charge the CM with keeping me informed of the issues. And if I found myself blind sided by the failure of senior management to so keep me informed so that I could do my job on behalf of the constituents, I would seek a change in that management. The people would expect nothing less.Mitch GreenCandidate, Simi Valley City Council