Comments for Civility, not just a stance, at issue in elections at http://pressbanner.com , comment 1 to 5 out of 5 comments http://pressbanner.com Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:26:17 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://pressbanner.com/content/view/1557/41/#comment-1273 Actually, the teacher's union says the teachers were "neutral". So they're neither right nor wrong. And as far as working with people that you may consider unpleasant, that is exactly what is needed to resolve our disputes. We need to get past name calling and recognize that people have different opinions because they see life from a different perspective. When we can truly respect their right to have such a different perspective, we'll begin to start really listening to each other. Then we can find solutions that will work. I hope you can be part of this transition. - MIchael Shulman Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:04:15 +0100 http://pressbanner.com/content/view/1557/41/#comment-1265 Thanks Michael for your response. Yes there is a hypnotic effect on many people, and I can see it since I'm not in it. Curious you think MQ failure speaks for itself. Does it? I wish ONE person would just say, "we screwed up", the people were right, the teachers were right. Next time we'll play nice and tell the truth. Oh yeah, and be transparent. Instead there's nothing but blame spread around, especially directly to our teachers. How can you work with such an Ass. I guess all those working under Susan's rein, have "s**t that don't stink" either. - why now Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:28:20 +0100 http://pressbanner.com/content/view/1557/41/#comment-1245 First, I have met Michael, I think he is a nice guy and has some skills to boot. I have my thoughts about this. Have you noticed the drag on development lately? It's obvious that any revenue issue must first get past the Target issue. The overwhelming opposition to the poorly located Target is being acted one by the community at large. Its ironic that the measure only missed by a 80 votes. It's that about how many voters that are in he Gateway South area, Monti FiorI. As a matter of fact the same luke warm reception Measure Q brought from the Teachers union shared because of the perception that Target will ruin the fabric of the city and ruin the Gateway South which with the nice Hllton. Wasn't that development approved on your watch on the council? That's Karma. What comes around goes around. It's no wonder that you are now calling for reason and restraint. It's the result of things you put in action long ago, your friends, your associates at the council. I think you should clean your own house before telling us how utopian we should all act. Citizens have the right and the obligation to raise their voices to the level needed to match the abuse they are experiencing. The list of projects which the city has shoved down the residents throats without transparency is long and recent and prominent, like the Lockhart Gulch Propane or approval of a dog park at Glenwood which registered 87% opposition form the city poll. Why send out the poll in the first place if you are just going to ignore it. BTW the smell of the dog park at Skypark is from the bacteria that feed from the dog waste, the Glenwood dog park is placed in a wet lands, how long will it take to get the reek really gong there? Oh, I bet the environmental review didn't consider that. It's a mess waiting to happen. This would be what I have to discuss normally, the fact that city reports are geared towards development instead of driving for the truth so the residents can be protected from negative impacts. But I have realized it is the gross failure of the planning department to push for an open vision of Scotts Valley, not just the Town Center. Hanging out like a fisherman waiting to process each fish is not responsible. Dollar Store, Target, what's next a strip club? Where is the leadership which should have already begun a planing project that has full participation and agreement of the community; residents. business and government. The lack of this vision and process it is no wonder that communication is floundering between the city and the residents. The days of sleepy town SV are over. Responsible development can be easy or difficult depending on how both sides are treated and respected. We are also more informed and intelligent on the issues of the day, no project is seen alone anymore, they are all connected. The failure to realize this resulted in the defeat of Measure Q. At one point the city of San Jose was an orchard, now it's skyscrapers. It's ironic that the the established members of the city council are pushing the city to the tipping point in development that will ruin Gate way south and get us that much closer to massive urban development. It's not progress to ignore the rare things about SV for tax dollars, this is not no-place-Iowa. We have famous people, fantastic redwoods, golden Eagles in the Gateway South with a great Hilton. The failure to get an approved vision which is a level higher than the general plan is the cause. I only hope that the planing department will take this opportunity to push towards that reality. Meanwhile, it's everyones responsibility to hold the city government accountable and from your need to write your concerns, it is proof people are speaking out, and they vote. Mr Comstock as retired and you will no dobt carry the torch, maybe you should run and get a second chance to do it right. regards - Daryl Tempesta Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:23:57 +0100 http://pressbanner.com/content/view/1557/41/#comment-1241 Thanks for your response. I'm glad you agree with my statements, in theory -- if enough agree and act accordingly, maybe it can become reality. I am considering running for a school board position, as I have openly stated to several people over the past several months. The filing period is open until August 8, and filing the papers is the public statement. There is no benefit to making an early declaration. There are still considerations to make regarding personal, family, work, and community balance. A hypnotic power? That's an interesting observation. Those under hypnosis don't realize it, of course, but I really don't think I've been under any such spell. As a member of a task force and then co-chair of a committee, I've been trying to work effectively with the cards that were dealt and the people who dealt them. That's a different role than being the dealer. I haven't really spoken much about Measure Q since the results came in, as I think the results pretty much spoke for themselves. The facilities upgrade challenge for the district remains for the next board to tackle, and if there is a lesson to be taken from Q it is to find a better / different way to engage the community in the process. - MIchael Shulman Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:22:42 +0100 http://pressbanner.com/content/view/1557/41/#comment-1239 Why now, do you finally come out and speak, since the failed bond? The impact of Measure Q divided this city, and can be directly attributed to the Board and Superintent's lack of the community's feelings. You are certainly lumped in with them, if even by association. Your alignment with Susan is not a good thing for you. I too would like to see great candidates step up and I agree it certainly not for the money which is zero. But some positions are not up for election. The superintent (at high SALARY), is an employee and not elected even though she has tremendous power and an almost hypnotic power over the board and seemed to have over you as well. They are the ones who blame everyone but themselves for the bond failure. I agree with your statements in theory. I too wish it was actuality. Are you going to run for the School Board as so many people say? Why are you not stating it publically? Isn't honesty at the top of the list we all want from our elected officials? I hope that you can have an impact on creating a new facilities committee that can learn from the past and build a better future for education. - why now Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:59:45 +0100