Monday, August 21, 2006
Eureka Republican Women endorse Nancy Flemming.
No real surprise here. Bonnie Neely seems to be the more left leaning liberal candidate but I do not think that Nancy is die hard conservative. But they are both Republicans and Bonnie even went as far as to write a guest opinion in the TS complimenting Arnold on his environmental achievements. I have seen on other blogs that people are critical of Nancy because they feel the endorsement leans her to the far right. I do not think it hurts her that much. I do think that the Marina Center project will weigh in heavily in this race. Yes, I know that this is more of a Eureka City Council land issue, but voters do not always line up the dots. Here is how it breaks down, Nancy is for the development of the Balloon Tract (Track, whatever) through Security National private funds, and Bonnie is for the property to be cleaned up by Union Pacific and have the City Council deal with the issue publicly to decide which is the best land use. To voters it will be black and white, for Home Depot and fast growth or against Home Depot and wait and see what the options are. I do find it interesting that Nancy has been painted by the left as an Arkley candidate when there appears to be no financial tie with campaign disclosures in. Yes there are lots of prominent Republicans who donated but no big SN people. Hmmmm. I had a chance to meet Robin (Rob) Arkley while I was at work for Evergreen and discuss some of SN's projects. Unfortunately we wavered to a discussion of Measure T and I got an earful. I did score a sandwich from Scotty's Porter Street BBQ though, so it was not a total loss. I can tell you that Rob is passionate for the Marina project and other ideas he has for this community. He did not like some of my comments but we did leave each other on respectable terms. No surprise, left leaning liberal union organizing Democrat talking to a Billionaire right wing conservative corporate Republican. No, I have not been invited for lunch again. Rob does have long time ties to the community that are not all negative. He went to school with my wife and many of my Arcata buddies. He sat in front of local sports coach/Murphy's general manager Carlos Avelar and I have not heard anything bad about his adolescence, and this is a small community. Anyways, it should be an interesting race in the 4th District!
It is a shame that we have such a hard time acknowledging the humanity of political opponents. Probably it all plays into our tribal instincts, but I do think Gulliver's Travels should be mandatory school reading.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I will bet Rob Arkley and Tim McKay would have enjoyed long discussions together. They are both not inherently evil. They are/were both just very passionate in their beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThe trick is to give and take.
Yes, we can have a Marina Center and yes, we can have an environmental/educational hostel. Why not?
Don't believe the crap about us turning into Santa Rosa or Redding. It will never happen. The people will never allow it. Eureka has soul. Redding does not.
We do need to be concerned that Eureka and surrounding area will turn into Santa Rosa. There are big monied forces pushing for fast and thoughtless development all in the name of "progress." Whether or not Eureka has "soul," people need to work (and vote) against Humboldt getting developed into Anytown, USA.
ReplyDeletei live in arcata and i hate driving to or thru Eureka, Their is a major problem with that town. they could very eaisly turn into a santa rosa or redding area. to much trafic, crack heads walking up and down the street, wanta be gang bangers, come on anonymous open you eyes and look around.
ReplyDeleteNo place for a bypass now that the Bayshore Mall is built. Not sure I'd have wanted the waterfront dominated by a freeway anyway.
ReplyDeleteI would think that Tim Mckay and Robin Arkley had paths cross at one time or another. I am sure the discussion was interesting. There is a disproportionate amount of crack/crank/meth heads in Eureka. I worked around Perris and Moreno Valley as a union organizer, which are notorious drug havens, and I can tell you I saw less trouble than I do here in Eureka.
ReplyDeleteAnd so, what is the answer to dealing with them? Government jobs for everyone?
ReplyDeleteIf I had the toatal answer how to solve the meth crisis, I would win the Nobel Prize. I do know that places that have a depressed economy seem to be the worst hit. People give up hope and turn to drugs. I would like to see our social services out on the street dealing with some of the issues. Some people just need direction for help and hope. Go to places where there is an abundance of jobs and you do not see as much depression and drugs. So let us focus on adding good paying jobs and hopefully the trend will stop in the future. But right now it don't look good. Eureka, we have a drug epidemic.
ReplyDeleteI will have to say Richard that you have one thing totaly wrong---the Marina Center is a City issue, plan and simple. now, a Supervisor's race has a lot more to do with---Policy. Changing our streets from drug infestation, homelessness, transients, street repair, living wage jobs, affordable housing, rampant crime, school enrollment, hospital sustainability and the county budget--as well as many other issues not just that effect the 4th district but the County in general. It is time to stop calling names and pot shots at the political left and right but come togeather as a community to tackel the hard task ahead. We all seem to agree on--that we are in dire straights in the 4th district and the County. lets use the great resources that this community has been boasting about for years and start getting to work. if this means throwing out the old to start with a new approach--then by God lets not beat around the
ReplyDeletebush---lets get started on it now!!! for if we just sit around and complain---then we become community winers--and does that help our beloved community that we so cherish---I think not.
7:40- Read my post, I said it was a city issue. Then come back and gripe. At least read it! Both Supervisor candidates will have to answer this issue and give their take door to door.
ReplyDeleteNo but really Richard. It's a city issue. You should say that.
ReplyDeleteGee , let's give thanks to , Neely's stupid idea of stealing our tax dollars and giving it to ....awwww , those poor junkies so they won't hurt themselves shooting up meth . She came up with the idea of giving away free needles and she is also on the R.C.A.A. with the LaVallee - Bass regime who are the top paid employees opening up more shelters for those poor felons outta Pelican Bay .Get rid of the old regime & let's get a new start with new politicians that are not a part of an governmental organization !
ReplyDeleteGee , let's give thanks to , Neely's stupid idea of stealing our tax dollars and giving it to ....awwww , those poor junkies so they won't hurt themselves shooting up meth . She came up with the idea of giving away free needles and she is also on the R.C.A.A. with the LaVallee - Bass regime who are the top paid employees opening up more shelters for those poor felons outta Pelican Bay .Get rid of the old regime & let's get a new start with new politicians that are not a part of an governmental organization !
ReplyDelete