Brennler, Luna won’t run again
August 1, 2008 11:56 am
By KAREN VELIE
Atascadero Mayor Mike Brennler won’t seek a second term on the Atascadero City Council because of health concerns.
And council member George Luna said he will also retire from the council
Relatively unknown before his first attempt at public office, Brennler ran for a two-year seat promising to address local corruption. With three seats up for grabs in the 2006 election, he tallied the highest percentage of votes.
“From day one I’ve always known I was in a position, if I was compromising my health or the welfare of my family, I would have to leave the public arena,” Brennler said. “Politics is an ugly business.”
During his tenure, Luna voted to make development pay for itself and for downtown redevelopment. He approved the Atascadero Road Plan, and was involved in balancing the city’s budget and avoiding municipal layoffs in the early 1990s. Luna has been a majority favorite during the past decade.
How might these changes affect Atascadero? Let’s recap the past few years:
April 2006: The Rottman Group announced plans to build a super Wal-Mart at the corner of El Camino Real and Del Rio Road;
May 2006: City officials denied prior knowledge of negotiations with the box-store giant;
June 2006: Opponents and proponents of Wal-Mart began a battle that still rages today;
July 2006: E-mails leaked to the media reveal city officials and staffs were negotiating with the retail giant in 2005;
November 2006: Newcomers Brennler and Ellen Beraud, along with incumbent Tom O’Malley, won seats on the council. Advocating transparency in government and reform, Brennler and Beraud immediately encountered a volatile opposition;
January 2007: Prompted by Brennler and Beraud, the council voted to televise council meetings. In prior years, Luna’s motions to televise gatherings were always unsuccessful;
June 2007: Brennler asked law enforcement to investigate whether developer Kelly Gearhart committed fraud in not paying development fees. Gearhart is currently a defendant in a lawsuit alleging he bilked investors out of money;
February 2008: City Attorney Brian Pierik informed Brennler the FBI is investigating the city. The ongoing FBI investigation is said by sources to be focusing on possible under-the-table payoffs to, or overly-cozy relationships between, upper level city management. The probe reportedly includes both elected and non-elected officials and some private individuals;
May 2008: At a “public trust and campaign reform” workshop, O’Malley challenged Brennler to handle a dispute regarding council procedures “out in the parking lot.” Council members and a few citizens engaged in frequent heated disputes ranging from arguments about Wal-Mart, to battles over council decorum.
Three seats will be open in the November election.
Tags:, Atascadero, brennler, election, Luna
Member Opinions:
By: Anonymous on 8/26/08
QUITE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Anonymous on 8/24/08
Missing Trader Joe's should have been a wakeup call to the city of Atascadero. Why would any business want to come to a town that a) can't figure out which direction it should go, and b) savagely attacks anyone who tries to lead. The city council is in complete disarray, unable to agree on even the simplest, non-partisan issues, like building a veteran's memorial.
I would sooner start a business in Kettleman City. At least there are probably fewer meth labs there.
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By: Anonymous on 8/23/08
Dave?
By: Anonymous on 8/23/08
Dave…? Dave's not here right now….
By: Anonymous on 8/22/08
Pam pass me that fatty. OK David. Stop whining Turtle your next.
By: Anonymous on 8/21/08
Good idea. O'Malley must be loaded with the psychotropics he administered while working for Mental Health Dept :)
By: Anonymous on 8/21/08
Here's an Idea. Lets have random drug testing for all City Council members. I wonder if Ellen and Pam would agree to that. Better than that campaign reform garbage. Roll me another fatty while we wait the results.
By: Anonymous on 8/21/08
You seem to be the one full of hate just like the rest of your ilk. Hate is an awful thing to carry around with oneself. But that does explain the sour look on all of your faces.
If Luna, Brennler & Beraud when they were elected, would have addressed the problems facing the city instead of their selfish agenda. There never would have been any of this mess.
All Brennler and O'Keefe have been focused on is finding someone to send to jail.
They could care wether the city lives or dies.
How sad is that.
By: Anonymous on 8/21/08
to Insider: Hate them as much as you claim to hate Brennler/Beraud – dumba**
By: Anonymous on 8/21/08
I'm no real estate agent but you sure hate them don't you?
By: Anonymous on 8/21/08
Grumpy again eh?
By: Anonymous on 8/21/08
to Insiders Pain
Defending lawsuits is what the City Attorney is for. Not pet projects for Smokey the Bear. I hope now that he is a lame duck the City Manager and City Attorney will just choose to back burner his bull.
By: Anonymous on 8/21/08
I'd love to see the City Attorneys bill on this Campaign reform crap in addition to the consultants that were hired on for that feel good thing of the Turtles. I can't even think of the name of it but its the deal where O'Malley "threatened Smokey" What a waste. Can we put a stop to these consultants now! How much will this bully cost us just in the time he has left. He should step down at once. If he's been forced out because no one can take his arrogance and bull crap good riddance. I drove through Santa Cruz yesterday. What a dump for the most part. Perfect place for the Turtle. Looks like a pot smokers paradice. Maybe we should get a one way bus ticket for Ellen and send her on her way with a nap sack and a beach bike. You can't tell the bums from the residents up there. We stopped for gas and while we were fueling a women who we assumed was a resident or visitor came up to us bumming money. No way would I want our town to become anything like Santa Cruz. This is the community the Turtle suggest could be a blueprint for Atascadero. Brennler today the Turtle tommorrow!
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By: Anonymous on 8/20/08
To Insider:
As mentioned after your post, you give Brennler way to much credit for creating the legal fees. Massive attorney fees were going on long before Brennler showed up on the scene.
O'Malley, Clay, Scalise, Pacas and even good ol George had there hands in the matters that caused citizens to file law suits against City. The imminent domain issue across the street from the Carlton is a perfect example.
The only thing Brennler did is help turn over the rock that caused the many cock roaches such as Insider to run for cover.
We need more people like him in the Government.
By: Anonymous on 8/19/08
You give Mayor Bumbler way to much credit!
He was put in office by the war machine of the Atascadero Homeowners Association and Oppose WalMart. It wasn't because of his vast experience, but maybe those that put him in office thought the whole town was corrupt.
It was orchestrated by Ursala and her gang along with Comar and his.
Clandistine, unidentified participants with money coming from the wacko envirogroup and the unions.
They are afraid to stand up and be indentified in the light of day.
I wonder how much money the mayor has cost us by telling the city attorney to "look into that"?
By: Anonymous on 8/19/08
to Mike Brennler
Thanks for distoying Atascadero and creating the need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. I imagine the new City attorney just loves your ass.
By: Anonymous on 8/17/08
Maybe if everyone starts working real hard on their permits, maybe, just maybe they can get them issued before the June 2010 extension date. Maybe!
By: Anonymous on 8/17/08
Sure is quite here!
Let’s see if we can get it stirred up?
I would like to see the Grand Jury brought in to investigate the Planning Dept. It has been an open secret that they have conspired to financially impact or break most everyone that came in there with a project or even a small permit.
Their small-minded, jealous of everyone, jealous of success attitude has contributed greatly to the demise of this city.
IF you had kind of confrontation with them, their method was to “loose” or “bury” your file. Then, when they found it, they would make several corrections to your plans.
Then when you brought them back, they would either make several more corrections or loose or bury your file again. This would go on and on.
They do not know the meaning of the word HELP.
When Warren Frace came before the CC meeting Tuesday, telling everyone how great he and the city were going to be for extending the permits till June 2009 I wanted to puke.
What a hypocritical person, his staff is the reason for most all the permits being late.
I hope that who ever gets elected will interview all of those that have requested any kind of permit in the past 4 years and take note of what they have gone through.
And for all of you who have lost money in the Hard Money debacle, in Atascadero, you can blame a lot of it on the Atascadero Planning Dept. and what they didn’t stop the Planning Commission did.
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By: Anonymous on 8/16/08
It is evident that you are not the one to bring the city out of it's economic decline.
Forget Congalton and Mason, let's think big here. How about Jerry Springer along with his high paying advertisers.
Promote it, sell it and rake in the cash.
Hell, I bet it was promoted right we could have the new hit tv series.
Truth stranger than fiction.
But wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By: Anonymous on 8/16/08
BRAWL AT THE HALL: (see my previous post) We can do this…….Let’s get some of these questions answered. I for one an sick and tired of the innuendo, snide remarks, half truths, etc.
1. Get Dave Congalton and Dick Mason to ask the questions and run the debate. They are professional interviewers and wouldn’t get shook up.
2. Only cost associated with the debate would be the use of city hall, and paying AGP to video the debate. If the candidates can’t state their positions on the record, they should drop out…….If the different groups, pacs, and election committees really believe in their candidates it will be no problem for them to come up with the small cost to fund this debate.
3. Take questions from the citizens……No softball stuff, let’s get some real answers. I can think of several questions off the top of my head…..for example;
Bob Kelley: Let’s here Bob Kelley’s answer to the previous poster…..Is he associated with Mike Brennler, etc.
Jerry Clay: What’s the deal with your unyielding and blind support of the city staff?
Roberta Fonzi: Are you just another “good ol boy” in a dress?
Len Colamarino: Tell me how you are going to get your Manhattan boardroom ideas to work……No rah rah stuff……real answers.
Pam Heatherington: How are you and the environmentalist going to get Atascadero out of the budget crunch we are in?
Bret Heinemann: Who the hell are you?
By: Anonymous on 8/16/08
stuck_in_the_mud says: "One thing most people in town agree on is that Mike Brennler is out of control."
I can agree with that! Brennler continues his bullying tactics, as noted at the last CC meeting. Go to slo-span.org and check out the Aug. 12 meeting. At approx 3 hours and 3 minutes into the meeting (3:03:07 to be exact), Brennler hurls an accusatory question at O'Malley.
If this is Brennler's idea of respectful and ethical behavior, I'm sure glad he chose not to run! Now he plans to hurl his accusations "from the lectern, rather than the dias." He is totally out of control!
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By: Anonymous on 8/16/08
stuck_in_the_mud says: "So, here’s an idea……How about an Atascadero Brawl At The Hall, I mean a debate at city hall. The city hall is already set up for AGP video. Get all of the various gangs, I mean groups to fund it……I’m sure Dave Congalton and Dick Mason would be happy to ask the questions. Use one of the formats used for the presidential debates. Citizens could send in questions beforehand to be asked and they could take questions from the audience if they like."
I like it – Brawl at the Hall! In addition, instead of Saturday Nite Movies in the Park we could have Saturday Nite Fights in the Park. The warmup could be Heatherington vs. Clay. The main event could be Kelly vs. Colamarino. Fonzi could be the ring girl and Heinemann could be the judge. Great idea!
Winner takes all!
By: Anonymous on 8/16/08
Listened to Bob Kelley on the radio yesterday…..He did give some straight answers today; he said he would vote no on the ASI, yes on the Del Rio project and also said a good use of the Rotunda Building would be a performing arts center. He said the city should just demolish the Rotunda Building and rebuild it with the same look. He also said the city needs to make some severe cut backs to stay out of debt. Lets see if he sticks with these decisions.
Bob Kelley should pay attention at the council meetings. He made a big deal about Colony Square running out of time on their permit today……Tuesday night the council extended all of the permits in the permitting process for another several months. This was done with a miraculous 5-0 vote. So his big deal was a mute point…..Try to keep up Bob.
He was a little vague on his relationship with Mike Brennler, if he’s thinking of teaming up with Brennler that would be a mistake…..That is, if he wants to win. One thing most people in town agree on is that Mike Brennler is out of control.
Speaking of out of control, Bob Kelley and Jerry Clay had a little altercation on the radio. I think they should all meet at the Sunken Gardens and have it out, I’ll bring the beer.
It is my opinion that sitting council members or other candidates should not call in to harass anyone on the radio. I hope Jerry Clay and Tom O’Malley are not stooping to Mike Brennler tactics……All of the candidates can get on the radio anytime they like, they should not be taking up time that citizens could be calling in. This stupid bickering between the candidates on the radio has to stop…..If you continue with this childish Brennler crap you should be voted out of office.
So, here’s an idea……How about an Atascadero Brawl At The Hall, I mean a debate at city hall. The city hall is already set up for AGP video. Get all of the various gangs, I mean groups to fund it……I’m sure Dave Congalton and Dick Mason would be happy to ask the questions. Use one of the formats used for the presidential debates. Citizens could send in questions beforehand to be asked and they could take questions from the audience if they like.
How about it candidates……If you are too thin skinned to handle a little debate, you certainly won’t survive long on the mud hole shredder, I the mean city council.
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By: Anonymous on 8/16/08
Ever since the real estate market has collapsed Insider has no business and nothing more to do then troll the various blogs and spew his venom.
A pitiful soul the likes of Gollum from Lord of the Rings.
We feel yor pain Insider … Maybe Atascadero's big bellied bubba will share some of those Wal-mart chocolate covered Cherries and sooth your wicked soul
By: Anonymous on 8/16/08
Brennler and Luna are leaving because the city is is such a tailspin after the last two years that even the crash cart won't bring it back. Last City Council they had a report that we were down another million. How much of the 11 million reserve is left now? 7? We will be facing Bankruptcy within another 2 years and nobody seems to get it. Pam Heatherington is running as the fiscal conservative. She is going to have locals macrame her campaign signs. How can someone who has voted no on every project brought to planning commission imply they are going to fix our economy. Why does she vote no. Well on the modification of the fast food / gas station @ Portola and 101 she voted no because the Architect didn't know whether the Jack in the Box posted information on the fat content in their food in their restaurant. They actually do post it, but he didn't know, so she voted no. (Pam doest look like she personally pays much attention to those kind of things) The Rite Aid wanted a Drive thru so they could be competitive with Walgreens. So she voted no. In fact I don't think she has voted yes on anything to date. We should get a list going on her no votes and to be fair her yes votes so people can contrast and compare her voting record. As to Bennler rape, pillage, plunder and get the hell out of town was his legacy.
By: Anonymous on 8/15/08
It's the new big-thing all across the country. It's simple, saves money, and stops all the frustration. Un-incorporation. No more city. Let the county run things. So much better!
By: Anonymous on 8/15/08
Your on to something there.
Maybe Dan and Karen can do some investigating regarding the Cambria Community Service District.
From the word on the street, they can not keep employees and have a lot of special agendas going on there.
We have Los Osos, Atascadero let's bring in Cambria as disfunctional as well.
I saw where Sylvester Burgers is opening up in Atascadero.
Los Osos for 20 years, Atascadero for, who knows and now they can expand to Cambria
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By: Anonymous on 8/15/08
Maybe we can get the people over at the Cambria Services District to count Heatheringtons signatures they seem to be able to get the results they want maybe they could disqualify a few of Pams signers.
By: Anonymous on 8/15/08
Atascadero = Los Osos.
By: Anonymous on 8/15/08
Remember, her husband heads up the Atas. Home Owners Asso.
Which has backed Luna.
What are your thoughts on who OWM will back?
By: Anonymous on 8/15/08
This will be pretty interesting if Heatherington has filed. She's Brennler's girl and for all this calling for transparency and campaign reform they start their run hiding whether they are running or not from the puplic and avoiding getting thier 460 posted on the web like the rest of the candidates. Go to the City website click on elections and note Pam is not listed and therefore neither is her financial report. Good start from the campaign reformers wouldn't you say? Hypocrites all of them. Transparency my ass. She is so radical the FBI probably already has her on their watch list.
By: Anonymous on 8/15/08
That is the word on the street.
It will be interesting to see how they promote her after the way she has behaved on the PC.
By: Anonymous on 8/15/08
Did Pam Heatherington turn in her papers for CC?
By: Anonymous on 8/14/08
Butt, he will still be a pain.
Brennler has promised to continue to harass the "CITY". Read that as anyone who disagrees with him…….period.
Keep informed on what OWM, AHOA, and Pam Heatherington are doing.
Be ever vigilant.
By: Anonymous on 8/14/08
Once Brennler is off the Council he will be no more effective than a pimple on my but.
By: Anonymous on 8/14/08
If you watch the meeting it is very clear who is wasting time and money. Mike Brennler and his extremist cohorts spent most of the meeting trying to ram campaign finance reform down our throat. They have wasted countless staff hours and tens of thousands of dollars on lawyer fees. The total Brennler and his group have wasted will be posted as soon as the total is calculated, this is still on going because Brennler wants the city attorney to do more research. The city attorney has given them 300 pages of reports on this subject, but Brennler wants more.
Brennler has no problem cutting off other council members, but it’s OK for him to go on and on about how the political process throughout the whole country is wrong. The problem with self-righteous people is that everything they do is OK because they are on the side of “good”, anyone with a different opinion is “bad”. It’s fine for Brennler to harass candidates on the radio, call citizens on the phone and harass them because they have a different viewpoint. He doesn’t need permission to be in front of a store. He just does whatever he pleases because he is on the side of “good”. People like Brennler have anointed themselves as “good” and everyone else as “bad”. These are very dangerous people be it a religious group, politicians or anyone else.
Mr. Brennler also stated at the meeting the reason he is stepping down is because he feels he will be more effective from the lectern, not because of health reasons, so he is still on his crusade.
You can watch the meeting on channel 20 or from the city’s website.
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By: Anonymous on 8/14/08
Anonymous says: "To Anonymous: The reason nothing gets done on the current CC, is because you have O'Malley working his jaw for ever and Clay stuttering about how it used to be in the "good ole days", you know, when the GOB's had all the power."
The sad truth is that things WERE getting done until Brennler and Beraud were elected. When they came aboard, everything came to a grinding halt. Their personal agendas, things like creek setbacks, campaign reform, and Brennler making unfounded accusations (none of which have ever been substantiated, BTW) were more important than the real business of Atascadero.
Perhaps O'Malley wouldn't have to spend so much time talking if Brennler would quit trying to bully him every chance he gets. Did you see the fight he tried to start at the last CC meeting? Tom's only fault is that he tries to defend himself, rather than just shutting up and letting Brennler make a fool of himself.
By: Anonymous on 8/14/08
Did they ever find Kelly yet?
By: Anonymous on 8/14/08
Will Brennler ever just shut up? His whole purpose in life is to cut off people. I wish he would cut himself off.
By: Anonymous on 8/14/08
I'm #400!
By: Anonymous on 8/14/08
To Anonymous: The reason nothing gets done on the current CC, is because you have O'Malley working his jaw for ever and Clay stuttering about how it used to be in the "good ole days", you know, when the GOB's had all the power. God, they make me want to scream! One can't enter the 21st century and the other never shuts UP!!!!
By: Anonymous on 8/13/08
I just heard some out-takes from last nights CC meeting and it begs this question:
How old are these two..O'Malley/Brennler? 12? 13? This city will find it impossible to move forward with ANY of the current council in place. Jerry Clay should make a motion for all to resign. The new council members could not do any worse than what is going on.
By: Anonymous on 8/13/08
The childish banter that goes on at these Atascadero CC meetings is truly disgusting. Get 'em all out of there and start over.
Please!
By: Anonymous on 8/13/08
"She blows people"
By: Anonymous on 8/12/08
Brennler – put a fork in him, he's done!
What a joke at the CC meeting tonight.
He's whinning because they aren't getting anything done. Just like his whole time on the CC. Never looked at the serious issues, only what his agenda was.
CC on break, have to get back in.
By: Anonymous on 8/12/08
Pam Heatherington isn't a real estate broker. The Tribune screws up stuff like that all the time. Lon should probably find something different to write about because he rarely gets it right.
By: Anonymous on 8/12/08
Hey Joe Dirt, where's all the "boulders" you so proudly promised would be forthcoming?
We're all waiting with bated breath!
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By: Anonymous on 8/12/08
From Lon Allan's article in today's Trib:
"As of Friday afternoon, only three candidates had returned their papers — incumbent Jerry Clay, a former state employee and retired real estate agent; Roberta Fonzi, a real estate agent and member of the city’s Planning Commission; and Len Colamarino, an attorney from New York City who moved to Atascadero shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Others who have pulled papers include former Planning Commissioner Bob Kelley; Pam Heatherington, a real estate broker who serves on the Planning Commission with Fonzi; Ryan Reposa, a full-time Cuesta College student; and Bret Heinemann, whom I wasn’t able to talk to."
Gee, I didn't know Heatherington was a real estate broker.
By: Anonymous on 8/12/08
to bad "We Know and We Are Ready" and "Pro-Bono Investigations" are going to be spending their time and energy destroying a dieing city instead of builing it up. Is Atascadero just collateral damage in the quest for power?
By: Anonymous on 8/11/08
stuck_in_the_mud says:"I would recommend that bloggers here (or anywhere else for that matter) not make a habit of clicking on peoples' names (or any links on the blog) because the link could go anywhere, a hijack site, porn site, etc. If you want to know where the link will send you before you click it, just RIGHT CLICK and select properties, the dialog box will display where the link is going."
Thanks for the explanation. Guess I better quit clicking on people's names!
By: Anonymous on 8/11/08
OOPS……Another boo boo in the blogging world……I don't think what happened to Ron is Dan or Karen's fault. Hypothetically here's what I think happened; Ron in his haste to post put his email address in the website box by mistake. Then when he submitted the post his name became a link to the website address he submitted. Except in this case it shows his email address.
Here's the test: When I post this message I will enter the website address of 1234. If I am correct it should turn my name green and be a link to 1234. So when you click on my name it will try to go to 1234, it will say "page cannot be displayed" because this is not a real address.
I would recommend that bloggers here (or anywhere else for that matter) not make a habit of clicking on peoples' names (or any links on the blog) because the link could go anywhere, a hijack site, porn site, etc. If you want to know where the link will send you before you click it, just RIGHT CLICK and select properties, the dialog box will display where the link is going.
Here's the out: Ron Berry needs to post that Joe Dirt is obviously mad at both Bob Kelley and himself and is just trying to start trouble between the two of them by posting Ron's email address in a place where he knows it would be found…..There you go, no harm no foul, and Joe Dirt is a bum.
Now…..can we get back to the mud slinging.
By: Anonymous on 8/11/08
Ron you really are Joe Dirt. A big thank you to Karen and Dan for "slipping" and revealing that Joe Dirt is actually Ron Berry from The Phoenix Group which by coincidence has become an advertiser on this blog. So much for any creditability from these reporters.
Confidentiality has vanished from uncoveredslo.com
By: Anonymous on 8/11/08
Excuse me Insider, but how in the world would you ever label yourself as average??!! You are so bitter, angry, hostile, sad that I hope I am NEVER average. THAT scares me!!!
By: Anonymous on 8/11/08
Ron "Joe Dirt" Berry
Your slip is showing!
Will you now sue uncoverslo for exposing you?
Sorry Dan and Karen it was nice while it lasted.
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By: Anonymous on 8/11/08
To anonymous, insider, baker or should we just say Bob Kelley.
Ask the city today if they have cashied your check yet or should we say Gearharts's check for you filing fees for your third failed attempt at city government. with your back ground you have no chance, so bail know and get your money back. more boulders are coming!
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
My thoughts on Heatherington are as follows. Firstly, I don’t see how anybody who has actually listened to her and followed her voting record could say she would be a good candidate for City Council. Have all you supporters actually LISTENED to her? Here is a recent example of her extreme environmental thinking: At the latest Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 8 , an amendent to the CUP at 9000 West Front St. was being considered. This is the land next to the new Holiday Inn Express. Previously, a combo gas station/drive-thru restaurant had been approved. The developer wanted to simply split the approved building into two separate ones. Jack-in-the-Box had applied for the restaurant portion. The developer did not have an applicant for the gas station portion, so they wanted to split the building so Jack-in-the-Box could proceed. So, the only issue the PC was to address was the building split.
After the architect for Jack-in-the-Box addressed the PC, Heatherington asks the architect, “Can you tell me if Jack-in-the-Box lists the fat content on their menu items?” Please tell me what that has to do with what the PC was considering? She also went on to dispute the approved plans, even though they had been approved by the Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Game, AND the Water Quality Control Board. I guess she is a scientist as well? Heathering went on to vote NO for the amendment, the only Commissioner to do so, even though there was absolutely NO public dissent.
This is only one example of her “out in left field thinking.” Is this the type of person we need to help turn Atascadero’s dwindling sales tax around? A vote for Heatherington would be a disaster to our city!
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
The only thing O'Smelley is capable of stomping is another pizza into that oversized belly
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
to to Cindy
Ha. That's exactly the type of person Pam Heatherington is. She would love to put a trail behind your home, my home, and anybody elses she could.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
About time you left.Tired of listening to your BS. Good riddance.Sure wish you would of had the guts and went to the parking lot.Big Tom says he'd of stomped your azz but good.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Pam Heatherington is the last person to vote for if you care anything at all about your property rights. Just take a look at her voting record. And while you’re at it, take a look at the original creek setback ordinance that she helped craft. Which is the just of the lawsuit she filed against the city when she was the Executive Director of ECOSLO…..And one of the most radical environmental documents I have ever read. If that monster ordinance had passed it would have stopped everything. If you like what Ellen Beraud has done then you’ll love Pam Heatherington.
Since everyone here wants to judge Roberta Fonzi by what her husband Al Fonzi has said, I guess it would only be fair to point out that Pam Heatherington’s husband, John Heatherington, is president of the Atascadero Homeowners Association. The first page on their website http://www.atascaderohomeowners.org is letting everyone know what ECOSLO is urging everyone to do. If you think Al Fonzi is radical you should listen to what John Heatherington has to say.
If you want Atascadero taken over by environmental extremist, then vote for Pam Heatherington.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
KUDOS to Pam
You certainly will be a popular candidate. You have our vote.
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By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
The fact that Insider doesn't like Pam is enough for me to give her my vote.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Thanks for the background info. Every little bit helps. I don't know Pamela Heatherington but it sounds like she's a person who won't put a trail in my back yard. I'll be paying close attention to everything. This next election is very important. If she sued the city in the past thats another positive point in my book and if she is doing a lot split thats 3 points. So far she is my #1 candidate.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
I filed a law suit against the city to invoke my personal property rights and defend my back yard from a paved , public road running through it. Pam Heatherington and Ellen Beraud were both helpful and supported me .
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Check out the post from Shine the light. This is an example of how nutty the opposition is! It's going to be an easy take down.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
All lots in Atasacdero are colony lots. So what if Pam wants to do a lot split (don't know if she does or not)? Is there something wrong with that? What extremeist are you talking about exactly, youself? You sound like a nutty extremist enviromentalist instead of someone who respects personal property rights like Beraud and Heatherington. Exactly what do you think an enviromentalist is anyway?
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Pam Heatherington!!!! You’re kidding…….Pam Heatherington (a current planning commissioner) who was appointed by the current sitting council, was the Executive Director of Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo County (ECOSLO). Pam Heartherington was instrumental in having the lawsuit filed by EDC against the City of Atascadero.
Take a look at her votes on the planning commission…….If you want another Ellen Beraud, vote for Pam Heatherington.
It seems Pam Heatherington does want to have it both ways. She’s trying to get her colony lot split up into several parcels before her and the other environmental extremist take over and remove all property rights……Just ask her if she’s in the process of a lot split. I wonder how much trouble the current planning commission will give her about her lot split…..I can’t wait to see that vote.
It is my opinion the extremist want Atascadero to go bankrupt so it will go back to the county. Then the Regional Water Quality Control Board can have their way with no opposition. Oh by the way Doug Marks’ (Atascadero planning commissioner) wife works for the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Our town has been taken over by these extremists, I hope someone does shine the light on these people and open up all the closets. This group makes the GOB’s look like amateurs when it comes back room deals and ulterior motives.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
There sure is a lot of anger. I can understand it but I think it won't help our situation. I'll be doing whatever I can to support Pam.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Pam Heatherington has my vote. Who else will step up??
Thank You Pam..
I'm sorry to see Mike and George leave us.Considering what they had to put up with, I don't blame them. I would never run for CC in Atascadero.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
If honest = "leftist radical" then this republican is a leftist radical.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
There is no conflict of interest. That law suit was settled years ago. Also it wasn't Pam who personally sued the city. It was in the course of her job.
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By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
So the person responsible for suing the city is running for city council?
Is that a conflict of interest?
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Well you definately picked a nut that looks like a nut talks like a nut and walks like a nut. She should fit in real good with the rest of you radicals. You're biggest challange is not to scare the crap out of the voters with your constant leftist rhetoric. Average people will see right through it. You're scaring me already. The investigations are starting. I'm shaking in my boots.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
I'm so pleased. Thank You Pam. You sure do have a lot of courage. I know you'll be fantastic. Our town won't know what hit them. You have my vote.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
I will personally dig into the ABA (Abetteratascadero.com) aka CFA(citizensforatascadero.com) aka Recallthebs.com along with all candidates and send my results to saveourcity@pacbell.net.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Clay and O'Malley are the ones that encouraged the ABA and the recall. All I can say is that turn about is fair play.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
The ABA might have been so vicious as to make George and Mike decide that it just wasn't worth it. They won't get away with that again. We know what they are capable of, they will be beat at their own game. The difference is that we can attack with truth and facts rather than a bunch of made up bullshit. Get ready ABA – consider yourself fair game.Check your closets assholes.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Your friends have had control of the city council for the last 15 years. We have all had with the bullshit and hand shaking. Atascadero didn't get into this mess in the last 18 months asshole. Your friends are a bunch of blooming disfunctional Good Ole Boy's.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
If these people are able to continue to maintain a council majority their purpose of non action other to take personal property rights should move us close to bankruptcy within the nest two years. Maybe thats what it will take to wake people up. We will all be living in the creeks by then. I'll bet if Pam does have a lot split in the works she will fight tooth and nail to push it through.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
saveourcity@pacbell.net is collecting all infomation that can be used to disclose the true facts about the ABA group and their ficious attacks. All false statements, etc. Send all your tips and proff about these people to saveourcity@pacbell.net
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Please start collecting all the statements Al Fonzi has made about Mike Brennler, Ellen Beraud and George Luna.
Send them to saveourcity@pacbell.net
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Pam Heatherington a developer and GOB! Hhahahha Good Try Buban. The outright lies of your group will all be exposed comes election. If i have my way there will be hugh stories on all your lies and everything your group did to destry Atascadero progress.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
I think if you review that motion it was not to approve the project as designed but with changes. Clay knew it wasn't passing and voted no on principle. He fest the proposal should have been voted up or down based on what had been presented. Brennler, Luna, and Bereau influenced the motion even though they had no intention of voting for it. Clay is not a slow as you all think. He would have just as soon seen the whole project go to a vote of the people as it was proposed. It was his opinion denial could have allowed WalMart to go that way.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Pam will have my vote. I won't vote for Clay or Fonzi. I'm concerned about Kelley because he will surely try to get rid of Steve McHarris (a whistle blower agaist Kelley Gearhart). I will have to vote for the two unknowns if someone else doesn't step up. Who is this guy Brent that took out paperwork?
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By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Clay is a liar just like O'Malley. In the Atascadero News he is quoted: “I think it was unfortunate that the City Council didn’t follow Councilman Tom O’Malley’s and my lead to process Wal-Mart’s proposed project on Nov. 23, 2007, for a superstore at Del Rio,” he said in a written statement. “Had the council moved the superstore forward at that time we would be near the end of the EIR process. There would be a light at the end of the tunnel for reversing our city’s financial woes.” The vote was 4-1 not to proceed with the application and his vote was one of the 4. In March, Walmart came back with a proposal that was within the 150 square foot mandated by the General Plan and the Council voted 4-1 (Beraud against)to proceed with the application. It is 6 months later and WalMart is finally getting around to choosing someone to do the EIR. It is Jerry's fantasy that the EIR would done in 8 months. What an idiot! At least, Bob Kelly knows and says that it will take 2 years just to get the EIR. Then the public hearings, decision, referendum, etc. begins.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Another developer in our midst, imagine that, oh maybe you haven’t heard about the colony lot Pam is in the process of splitting into several lots?
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
I just heard the news. Horay and thanks Pam. Pam will win because I bet she will get George and Mikes endorsements.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
There is a candidate that we don't know much about yet that has taken out paperwork. I'll be voting for Pam but don't consider myself stuck with Fonzi yet. I think I would pick Len over Fonzi.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
If I hadn't seen and heard all the disruption and back scratching between Al Fonzi and the ABA group I would have voted for Roberta. She seems very capable. If another candidate like Pam doesn't step up I'll be voting for Pam and Roberta.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
You should have Pam on your show ASAP. Wait until you and the public see how intelligent, capable and impressive she is. She blows people away with her abilities and understanding of our city and government problems.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Considering the attacks that Al Fonzi has launched against Mike Brennler I think its fair to say that Roberta Fonzi is in with the Good Ole Boys and hence, shares the same mentality.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
WOW,
Pamela Heatherington is running for City Council. That's great news. what a breath of fresh air this is going to be. No conflicts, no BS, just an honest candidate.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
You call yourself insider as if you are so knowledgeable. Heathering is a genius when it comes to "being in the know". You couldn't hold a candel to her. Good Luck with the candidate forums Mr. insider. You lose.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Correction: Last two years, not to years
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Yes Heatherington in a nobrainer she has no brain in her. She votes no on everything and I mean everything. If you like whats been going on for the last to years she's you're lacky thats for sure.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Thanks.. I'm so pleased that your running for City Council. You have made my day.
Cindy Sasur
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Heatherington is willing to fight for you! For those of you who don't know your planning Commissioners, Fonzi and Heatherington are both PC. The difference is that Fonzi is aligned with the ABA group(Ray Buban, Mike Jackson, Cheryl Burbach, Suzie Anderson and Al Fonzi) and won't be subject to all the name calling, attacks and disruption that they cause in an attempt to regain Good Ole Boy controls. The up side is that Heatherington is willing to do it, more capable than all other candidates and knows full well what she will be dealing with.
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By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
If I have to make a choice between Kelley and Clay I'll pick Kelley. If I have to chose between Fonzi and Kelle I'll pick Fonzi. I don't plan on picking the New Yorker but it would be funny to watch Len and O'Malley both attempt to "outtalk" each other at CC meetings! Heartherington is a nobrainer. She's In.
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
YIPPIE,
Pam Heatherington has taken out paperwork. There is a savior afterall. Whoelse woill step up?
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
Oh my Gosh!
I knew Bob Kelly was dirty but I had no idea to what degree. You are obviously someone in the know.
Atascadero politics is unbelievable and those who currently running are a bunch of smucks.
The only two incumbants worth a hoot have decided not to run and we are left to choose from the bottom of the realtors and chamber's barrel.
Clay, Fonzi, Kelly? If it didn't have such tragic consequences it would be great comedy.
God save Atascadero!
By: Anonymous on 8/10/08
To anonymous,baker,say baker,insider, and editors say, or should I just say Bob Kelley! Thats right Bob Kelley or should we say candidate Kelley. Have you ever heard the saying " if you live in a glass house you should'nt throw stones " well I'm throwing boulders, here goes
1. In 1995 Bob kelley was convicted on eight counts of business and professions code violations and had his contractors license revoked. license # 495532
count one : 7109a departed from trade standards
count two: 7109b departed from plans and specifications
count three: 7113 exceeded contract amount
count four: 7115 failed to comply with contractors license law
count five: 7083 failed to report license change
count six: 7097 other license was suspended
count seven: 7098 other license was revoked
count eight: 7121.5 qualifier prohibited against association
I guess you just might qualify as an expert in construction law since you have been convicted of violating almost all of them.
Second, you run a realty company out of your home which is not zoned light commercial, however I don't think the neighbors really mind since you have no business!
Third, you have bragged about flying in Gearhart's or should we say investor's jet and how you and he are best friends. He was your biggest supporter in your failed campaign ( my bad, both failed campaigns) and you rode his coat tails right to the cash register of jay miller.
This is joe dirt signing off with the pledge to throw more boulders in the near future, right bob !
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By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
Just when I thought there could be nothing worse than Ellen Bereau. Pam Heatherington is a walking disaster.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
While on the Planning Commission Beraud was adamant on voting no on the new Holiday Inn. Her reason was that the city would loose sales tax if a hotel was built. Ellen was reminded that the hotel produced bed tax. Her response was "what's the difference." Well the bed tax is a complete 10% that comes directly to the city.
So you think you might want to bring a hotel application to Mayor Beraud next year?
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
Pam Heatherington has taken out papers for the city council candidacy.
Can you imagine her on the council along wit Mayor Beraud?
For starters they would have to close the Planning and Building Dept. because only an escapee from ASH would need their services.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
Beraud business freindly? says: "Berauds Voting Record:"
And don't forget the Veteran's Memorial which will bring in tourism. She was the the only CC member to vote NO.
And let's not forget the anti-business Shield Initiative – she was the only CC member to vote yes on it!
The only person I know of that votes NO more often than Beraud is Pam Heatherington on the Planning Commission.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
Berauds Voting Record:
1. 3-4-03:City zone change to allow mixed uses. Vote 5-1 Beraud NO.
2. 5-18-03:City ordinance to allow secondary housing. Vote 5-2 Beraud NO.
3.3-18-03:Mixed use commercial/multi family project on Morro Rd. Vote 6-1 Beraud NO.
4.4-15-03:City zone text amendment request from Main St. addressing first floor office space with an appearance review. Vote 5-1 Beraud NO.
5.3-16-04:Creekside project-master plan of development for 9 office buildings. Vote 5-1 Beraud NO.
6.9-21-04:Motion by O'Keefe to nominate Beraud as Vice Chairman of Planning Commission. Motion failed for lack of a second.
7.6-7-05:Master Plan of Development for 9 commercial buildings at Curbaril and Morro Rd. Vote 4-2 Beraud NO.
8.1-18-05:Lube-N-Go project on ECR. Vote 6-1 Beraud NO.
I think you can see the trend. I'll let you be the judge.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
Clay has to take some blame here.
He has backed the staff at every turn while the planning staff has run ruffshod over the applicants.
The CC and Wade never considered it important enough to look into the allegations. Even though it was common knowledge on the street that the planners would do everything they could to delay projects.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
What did Brennler and Bereau turn down. The WalMart. What did Brennler and Bereau approve creek setbacks. The reason they don't turn much down is cause nothing gets approved at planning commision. Why does nothing get approved because the few and the brave that take a project that have managed to get past the planners must deal with Brennler, Bereau, and Lunas henchmen that try to make a big deal out of everything they look at. Even the most common run of the mill time extension is turned into a water boarding session. So basically no one wants to submit anything anymore. Once again success in the eyes of Brennler and Bereau and thier henchmen. Oh I forgot unless you are Bereaus planning commisioner then you get extra road improvements that the rest of us go without for.
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By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
Atascadero not being business freindly has been in place for years, way before Brennler and Beraud were on the council. Although Beraud was a contributor to it when she was on the Planning Commission and that is well documented by her negative votes against new businesses.
The bottom line is that this atmosphere has been there for a long time, mostly during Clay, Luna and O'Malley. George was smart to leave because he was able to see the outcome of his deeds. Now it's time for the rest of them to go and be replaced by strong leaders.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
To Insider
We should not worry about the 50 million for the Rotunda. If the city does not have the money Tom Comar and the gang can have a big fund raiser, maybe a cake walk or two and contribute to the cause. The unions could even kcik in a few bucks here and there. If all else fails we now have the Phoenix Recovery Group to wrap things up should we get in a bind.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
The Trader Joe deal fell through when O'Malley was Mayor, so the reputation of Atascadero being anti-business is before Beraud and Brennler were on the council. The others are causalities of the economic depression.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
I am not Jackson,Buban, Burbach or anyone associated with the ABA. In other words I am not one of the usual suspects. I did not say tear down City Hall I said prepare a proper study of the financial implications of continuing on the path were on. What if it will cost 50 mil. to do the project and FEMA gives us 17 mil. (which there is no guarenty of) that still leaves 33 mil. for us to fund with the result being a building of very limited use. What if FEMA will give us 10 mil. for an alternative project and to demo the existing building and repace it with something that we can get any use we want from it is 12 mil. That would cost us 2 mil. and we would be left with a usefull structure. I'm not saying that is the way it is, what I'm saying is we don't know how it is. Lets stop working with blindfolds on. The building has a lot of history but if we can't do it we can't do it. The Architects we are paying 4 mil. plus are at a conflict of interest in providing the information we need at this time. If I have to here one more time how professional our completely unqualified staff is regarding this matter from the consultant who stands to make a small fortune I'll loose my lunch. We don't have anywhere near the money needed to fix that building from what I see if we spent every dime we have on it. If we continue to fund this project without a clear budget and a source of funding we are no better than the developers that have help participate in the hard money crisis locally. Please if you are in favor of continuing with this project instead of demonizing me for wanting to demo the building at least make a cogent argument of how we are going to fund it and how we get the funds in place before we start the project.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
It's the lack of a positive business atmosphere. Just look at all of the business's that have gone out of business. Atascadero Ford, Mitsibushi, failure to get Trader's Joe's, Colony Square and so on. They are all contribute to sales tax and they are gone.
Over the years Beraud's voting record on the Planning Commission was definetly negative towards business. It's the attitude that this city has had for YEARS. It must be changed by new leadership.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
If the drop in sales tax is the fault of Brennler, Beraud, Luna then besides WalMart (which according to Bob Kelly is 3 to 4 years away) what development projects were voted down. Oh, and WalMart is being voted on next Tuesday.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
Here are a few questions to consider.
1.Where does everyone think the 50 million will come from for the Rotunda Building ?
2. What in fact would we use the Rotunda Building for after we spent 50 million on it?
3. What makes those who back the Atascadero Shield think they have the right to say what products are to be sold in any particular store.
4. If they do would it be alright if we can review what kinds of service they provide or sell and monitor it, perhaps even vote on it the next election.
5. If the Printery is restored what would it be used for.
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By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
Mike Jackson is INSIDER???!!! I didn't believe he was educated enough or that eloquent, particularly judging by the time he addressed the CC about Wal-Mart and how if we happened to be cut off from all outside help due to a flood or fire, we could always pillage and plunder the Big Box Store for supplies. That HAD to be the most ridiculous statement I have ever encountered at a meeting. That even tops the elderly lady with her rantings at the council that she was older than them and therefore could be so very much more rude… My grandmother would roll in her grave with the disgrace of THAT one. Anyway, Mikey, gosh I just don't know what to say except you must have alot of time on your hands now, without all your financial bogus bulls**t!!! By the way, I'm on my lunchbreak. You remember those, you know, when you had a job…
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
To Bob Kelly:
If you want telephone or face to face dialog with Insider just give Mike Jackson a call.
Bare in mind he has suggested tearing down the historic city hall and putting up a shell when he opens his garbage hole at the council meetings.
If you think about it …. This one really ain't so hard to figure out.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
My comments were directed at Bob Kelley. Brennler and Bereau have had two years and thier possitions have left the city in shambles. I was talking about winning an election and not being wishy washy with the public. You are right we know exactly where Brennler and Bereau stand which it makes it quite easy to oppose all they stand for. The irony is they are often cited for getting nothing done in the last two years when that is exactly what thier program is. So I guess they could say they have been quite successful in thier agenda.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
After the last election, the newly elected members along with George and Ursala and all of their extremists backers attacked Atascadero.
Instead of taking inventory of what was confronting the city and addressing the business climate, the erosion of the income needed to operate the city, they set out with their extreme agenda and look at the mess we are in.
If they would have taken care of the city first and been patient there is no telling what they could have taken from the citizens of Atascadero and the would have been happy!
The Rotunda building is done, put a fork in it and tear it down. It will cost the city less to build a replica than to rehad. Whether FEMA is involved or not.
Besides how arrogant and selfish are we to think that our needs for a building outway the needs of those that have lost all; their homes and lively hood in other areas of the country. FEMA givith and they can take-away. no gaurantees.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
To Insider: It's quite interesting that you state "pick positions and stick to them" when all you've done is tear Brennler and Bereau up for picking their positions and sticking to them, along with those that agreed with them. Do I detect some favoritism and a bit of reverse discrimination? Wow.
By: Anonymous on 8/8/08
Sorry Bob you know I can't do that. However if you want to point out specifically my errors I will be happy to address it with you here. If its about Gearhart it may be that you have been a long time freind and business aquaintance and are just very upset and disappointed in what you have heard to date. Thats an answer I can understand. To talk about what good he has done is not relevant at this point. The deal with you Jones, Gearhart and the planning dept. killed you last year. You need to get out front on this one. If its WalMart I don't want someone wishy washy on that. We all know your either for it or against it. Of course all environmental issues need to be handled and we need to get the best Super WalMart they can give us. You can still be for it or against it. Lastly or firstly I should say I want someone who will take the necessary steps to work within a balanced budget. That means when our income drops we need to cut our expenses. You still haven't said what you would do with the rotunda. I know you recognize it's expense will far exceed what we are being told but what would you do? It's nice you want to keep a open mind on everything but I'm not voting for someone who doesn't have some answers going in. This is a very public forum and if you want to get your message out this would be a great place to start. Don't loose this election because you don't have a message. Pick your possitions and stick to them and I think people will join you. We need solutions to todays problems not tomorrows.
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