Oh Jim, fake name , fake email until patch sends a confirming email for you to keep posting, you will be gone in a day and a new fake name will emerge. Gotta love election season

Sharon, From your posts it shows you really like Mayor Beall. You call me a fake. Please address this LA Times article. Is this fake? Shouldn't we hold our elected officials who have the publics trust to the highest ethical standard? I do. RSM has smart voters. We will not be electing dishonest people in November.

I have read the story about over 40 councilmen thru out the county getting a warning letter. I have also read that this council during it's last re- organization did leave the room during the vote, so I have no problem with it. Citys as well as school boards for decades have been voting and appointing to different agencies. So for you to act like some evil plot has occurred just proves you are looking for something or an issue to promote yourself.

As for the Mayor, I like him he does a good job and works hard. He is at so many city events and meetings I see him all the time and if you need something he returns the email quickly.....I say thank you. I also like a lot of the old members as well and am very happy with our community.

What I do not like is people with a secret agenda trying to drum up a problem, like you!

When I first started to read your posts I thought nice guy......not anymore. You are a shameless self promotor and it is clear you care about yourself not the community, so you will not have my vote and I will be very active in getting the word out to my friends and neighbors not to vote for you.

Larry,

I couldn't agree with you more. A $60,000,00 in pension accumulation every 4 years is utterly ridiculous and shows whats wrong with our government officials deciding what the taxpayers should give them for their personal appearances each month. They decide to give themselves an obscene paycheck and benefits which far exceed those of us in the public sector. No doubt they wouldn't consider eliminated their exorbitant benefit package as it was greed that prompted them to give it to themselves in the first place.

I've lived in RSM for over 24 years and these are the same people that keep recycling themselves as our Major and City Counsel. Its time we put term limits on
our local ballot.

Gina,
My plan is to serve only for four years if elected. This should give me time to complete my business development efforts on behalf of our city. I have already had a career and don't want another as a career politician.
The current incumbents have the power to vote out the retirement and medical/dental benefits which they have already voted to keep..
Larry

Larry, would you vote for somebody that was accused of domestic violence?

Is there anything in your past that could be interpreted as domestic violence?

We know that Larry McCook and Glenn Acosta are running, but I hadn't heard about Brad McGirr. Is he running? If so, that's great news. He certainly has my support.

I can't vote for Brad McGirr because he is Tony Beall's Planning Commissioner. I am not a Tony Beall fan.

Jim, that seems like an illogical statement to me - to choose not to vote for someone based on who appointed them as apposed to their actual qualifications.

That's fine if your'e not a Tony Beall fan. My view is that he's done a really good job as mayor and councilman - just go back and read the articles about the State of the City at the end of last year.

I still don't know if Brad McGirr is running or not, but based on the things I've seen and heard about him, he would have my vote.

@Jim Jacs ... Would you vote for Steve Baric? He was Tony Beall's planning commissioner too, and it's clear that Baric has taken opposing stances on various topics.

Mr. or Ms. Flannery4?,
You certainly add humor to the Patch Blogging. I have never called Mr. McGirr that name! As a matter of fact, i like Brad and his charming wife very much. If you expect me to not respond when there is a differing opinion, too bad!
I only remember using that descriptive term either verbally or orally once in my life and it was about a really bad person writing very dishonest things hiding behind an alias. It was definitely never about Brad.
I am really glad that you have become involved with The City of RSM and The Patch. I have only missed 3 council meetings in the last 2.5 years and definitely know what is going on with the council.This is a real plus that you are involved, whether we agree or not, and I wish more people would take time for involvement!
You do not know me or for what I stand for but, if you did I am quite certain that you would quite possibly appreciate some of my efforts. I have been an activist since Boy Scout days and want only positive things for our city.

John if you know Larry you should advise him to stop giving his cards to young kids, it looks bad and could be taken the wrong way.

As for the current and past council we live a great city with a balanced budget and new business opening daily, so happy would not change a thing!

Sharon,
If you knew Larry McCook you would have no need to worry. i asked him about thyis and it happens that he was handing out cards to everyone, patrons and workers, in a local pizza business and he asked the young employees to give his card to their parents.
I can not understand why you would have a problem with this? Perhaps you should think things out better and try to better understand before making insinuations! Shame on you! He has been a Champion for schools in The Saddleback Unified School District for the last six years!

Yes it bothers me he is giving his cards to young kids and it is plan ol creepy. I could care less if his is a nice guy he sure lacks common sense, no one would walk around town giving info to children.

As for the city we are blessed to live in such a wonderful place and they entire council has done a fantastic job, past and present.

Why fix it if it's not broken.......

Sharon,
16 to 18 year old high school students are hardly young kids. Do you not think exposure out side of their high school political science class to city government process is wrong? If they were not at least 16 years old, they are illegal employees at the pizza place.
I know Mr. Mr. McCook asked them to give his card to their parents. What is wrong with that? You obviously have a political agenda and Mr. McCook has too many supporters for your divergent comfort level!

Hi LeAna, Patch is following up. There will be a story about it.

Thanks, Martin!

LeAna,
I know nothing more about the article that Mr. Jac's posted than you do? It was something that came as a complete surprise to me. I virtually attend all City Council Meetings and this is obviously one of the backroom closed session meetings legal subjects that are frequently held by our city council.
I appreciate your interest in our city and actually appreciate the interest of the bloggers who attack me here on Patch though absolutely none of them know me personally. I also understand why they do this because I ask the tough questions!
There are very few people that take an active interest in our city. Just a few dozen.
Larry

Glenn, please don't delete all of your posts that speak about RSM in a positive manner, just because someone may suggest you are campaigning. There is plenty of rancor (to use a word that Mr. McCook likes). It's good to see that some people still care about RSM.

IMO the overwhelming success of the Chamber over the past year, and especially the turn-out for this ribbon-cutting proved that the community appreciates involvement in a supportive, collaborate manner.

No offense taken, Glenn. But don't delete the post -- Patch is supposed to be about conversation, and people can see through to the literate and well-reasoned opinion and arguent, and though you can't win a political campaign based on commenting on Patch, every well-reasoned and constructive comment strikes a chord with someone who will cast a ballot in November. You don't have to be political in your remarks to gain fans, and your comment about the Chamber was certainly deserved; I wish others would do the same (the site gets graded on the number of comments that are generated, so I have a vested interest, FWIW).

Glenn will look forward to your running for council and leaving out all the mud slinging! And leave the post please! more residents need to see this :)

Glenn,
You have blogged an interesting column (it is by far your best blog)..
Where we differ is that when I perceive something is going wrong i will always question it publicly and aggressively.
I do not want to be obligated to any special interest private donors, government commission or their members, political parties and/or financial contributors. A list of every candidates financial supporters must be filed with the State of California and is always available to the public. I will not solicit the $20,000.00, $30,000.00, $40,000.00, $50,000.00 or more to run for city council as past candidates in RSM have solicited and accepted. My feelings are that those type contributors (accumulated and/or individual contributors) always expect something later down the road.
The plans for my campaign is a true grassroots movement passing out photocopied resumes', business cards and a handful of yard signs.
We do agree that RSM is "a great place to live and raise my youngest son"!
I am proud of and brag about how wonderful RSM is all over California and our wonderful country.

Thanks, Larry. I go into this with the belief that it is not my city council seat; rather it belongs to the people of RSM. I am simply entrusted by the voters to do what's best for the city. Doing what's right for our city is not just a selfless act but a fiduciary duty deserving of the office and an ethical obligation to those that voted for me.

Good thoughts Glen.
I am running also to represent the citizens and voters of RSM as a continuation of my life long support of civic activities. I expect nothing return and will always be accessible to any citizen whether voter or not.
A prime example of this is that I am resubmitting an Agenda Item for reconsideration which would eliminate pension benefits and paid medical/dental paid out of taxpayer money for part time council members.
I am now 5 months into my 2 to 3 year quest to bring a new business to RSM of a clean industry nature such as microelectronics, bio-med or medical devices.
Even if not elected, I will continue this effort.
Kind Regards

Sharon & Mr. McCook,
Mr. McCook is still and has always been a nice guy!
If you think that questioning or calling the hand of city council members when they have done wrong makes him anything other than a nice guy, you are so supportive of the incumbents that you must be wearing blinders! At least you show support up front for the incumbents!
He is not part of the entrenched old guard power brokers and politicians who pay little or no attention to RSM taxpayers and voters when they have a question about RSM Policies! Thank you for asking tough questions Mr. McCook!
It is time for new ideas and a change in our city!

RSM DAD,
You might have some credibility if you did not hide behind an alias!
It appears that Mr. McCook asks questions that "The Old Guard" doesn't want asked! Good for Mr. McCook. I would encourage Mr. McCook not respond to people that do not use their real name!
I see that it is you that dodged the question " Are you Jack Leonard"? The Jack Leonard that serves as a political appointee on the Rancho Santa Margarita Planning Commission? Or are you Tony Beall?
Who really cares (outside of a few dozen people) about how the City of Rancho Santa Margarita was incorporated? That is living in the past! They do care about cleaning house of the long term incumbents padding their retirement with Taxpayer Money.
By the way, Mr. McCook has more substance than anyone ever trying to help our city!
I dare you announce your real name or you should cool it! Be a real man!

Clearly John you did not attend the meeting when McCook put his name in for the vacant council seat, he was awful and could not answer a question as simple as what have you done for the community.....you might want to listen to the tape.

RSM Dad,
It is you that shows no substance. What intelligent voter would listen to a man who hides behind an alias?
Incidently, I have never known Mr. Mr. McCook to say "how great he is"? You must be very jealous of his achievements! All of the politicians that have have run for City Council have bragged about their acheivements and they all take credit for things that they did not cause to happen.
YOU CONTINUE to not answer the relevant question? Are you Jack Leonard or Tony Beall? You are not relevant until you come out in the open!
It is time to dump the local incumbents and get rid of their supporters like you!
I also must add that giving a political card to a 16-18 year old high school student is hardly wrong! Do you think that they no longer study Political Science in High School? I am beginning to think that you and this Sharon are lacking in intelligence!

I post to my own name, as you do, and as no other "person". Jack Leonard

Why does somebody have to be pro or anti incumbent??? Shouldnt we all just support or not support who we want regardless if they are an incumbent? Based on what I have read if Petrilla is running, that would make me anti incumbent. If McCook runs, then I am pro incumbent because he would be a disaster. The streets are safe, the schools are good, there is hardly any crime, what's the beef? Other than Petrilla I think I would vote for the incumbents as it seems like they are doing a pretty good job. I wrote earlier that I would vote for McGirr and I like what Acosta wrote on here. Does that make me anti incumbent? What 3 seats are up in Nov?

Well said, Flannery4. I personally am tired of hearing pro or anti-incumbent. I'd really like to see comments that reflect the recognition our city deserves for being the safest city in the state, always having a balanced budget, and especially for creating a business-friendly environment—as the work of the Chamber and City have reinforced over the past year.

It would be nice to acknowledge the efforts of the RSM Chamber. This event was a resounding success, as has been the case with all of their recent events. City council and staff have had a strong presence at these functions, causing me to question why people make anti-incumbent and/or anti-city government statements. The only reason I come up with is that they need a platform to campaign on. If there isn't a legitimate one, then make one up...

Like Flannery and April, I don't get why some people are making it pro or anti incumbent. I think most people want to vote for whoever can do the best job and whoever has the city's best interests at heart. The council always seemed to do a fine job until the last election when two non-incumbents were elected.

I am not pro or negative anyone, I am pro city and I believe we are blessed to live in such a wonderful place. I look around to the problems that plague other cities and I am pleased we in RSM do not have the many problems that others do. With the nation and state in such horrible fiscal shape I take great comfort in living in such a well run community with smart fiscal leaders.

Hi Judy—interesting hypothetical. You've asked similar questions several times. I'm curious, how did you come up with your list, and who would you vote for?

City politics are a reoccurring theme in articles. On the names: You usually get on the planning commission to run for city council. Kenny and Peter brought forward their voter bill of rights. My guess is that they are running. Larry and Glenn have declared so. Assume incumbents are running. I'm undecided.

Except for answering the question of who you'd vote for, you've answered questions directly and concisely—unlike some declared candidates. Have you considered running for council? ;-)

It's too early to say for sure who I'd vote for, even if the elections were held today. But I can say who definitely WOULDN'T vote for and who I would probably vote for.

I definitely wouldn't vote for Kenny Hrabic and Peter Whittingham because of their "bill of rights," which was completely off the mark and unfairly accused RSM of not being business friendly.
I wouldn't vote for Larry McCook based on a lot of the comments he's made here on Patch saying that he will bring business here, but then has nothing to back up his claims. I've met him at some events, and he seems very nice, but I don't think he's the right man for the job.

As for who I would vote for, I would probably vote for Brad McGirr, also based on a lot of comments and articles here on Patch and on the things he said during the city council appointment process last year.
I might vote for Glenn Acosta, also based on many of his comments here (and I wish he wouldn't delete them) and also on the things he said during the city council appointment process last year.
I would probably vote for Tony Beall because he's got a strong track record on the city council. I really think he's done a great job.
Judy, you didn't list Mike Safranski, but he could be a possible choice too.

As for the rest on your list, I really don't know.

Who would you vote for and why?

Marilyn, your logic is not too far from mine. I want the best and most qualified serving. I generally don't vote for incumbents because I like other talented people to get a chance to serve, but the whole voter bills of rights thing bothered me. Lack of answers to questions by one candidate was disturbing. Right now I have categories:

MAYBE
Carol Gamble
Brad McGirr
Glenn Acosta

WAIT AND SEE OR NEED MORE INFO
Tony Beall (I have my reasons)
Jim Eakin (Don't know enough)

The others are a no for me. It's early so things may change.

Marilyn,
I am a former businessman and it would be foolhardy to publicize my development efforts prematurely in public. Most people realize this. I will give an update before the election quite possibly at the televised forum. Even if I am not the elected choice of the people, I will continue these efforts over the next 2-3 years.
Kind wishes to you.

For all the 'non-incumbents' - can you let me know if you were elected would you stand behind a local proposition for term limits (lets say 2 terms) I think these incumbents have been in for over a decade from the day we first became a city.
They are retiring on the taxpayers dime, I've lived here for decades and these names are an endless cycle. They just keep moving their pictures around at the City Hall like a Ferris Wheel. yikes.....

Mr. Huddleston, all of your comments defend Mr. McCook, while unjustifiably launching personal attacks on others. I've looked back at the history of your comments, and found some that even attack me (although the last name is never right). I am surprised that someone who is using a pen name to attack others would be so hell-bent on outing someone with an alias. Maybe you should add your picture to your profile so we don't think your name is an alias.

April,
I apologise if I have previously mispelled your name.
Yes, I defend from unwarrented attacks and support Mr. McCook who I know personally to a very good man. I know he loves God, his children and lastly, not to forget, our City of RSM.
I have noticed that very few people post their photos on The Patch. I attend a council meeting every month or so and have sat both in front of you and accross the aisle from you several times. If you are present on my next visit to a council meeting, I will make it a point to introduce myself.

Mr. Huddleston, Apology accepted. I look forward to meeting you in the next month or so.

April,
I was at the council meeting last Wednesday for the St. John's School Awards. I don't know you but, someone said that you were not there.
John

Mr. Huddleston, I'm confused by your comment of April 27, 2012. In it you say "I was at the council meeting last Wednesday for the St. John's School Awards. I don't know you but, someone said that you were not there."

Yet, two months earlier, on February 28, 2012, you said "I attend a council meeting every month or so and have sat both in front of you and across the aisle from you several times. If you are present on my next visit to a council meeting, I will make it a point to introduce myself."

How is it that in February you knew me well enough to know where you sat in relation to me, but now you don't know me and need someone else to tell you that I wasn't at the meeting?

Thank you for explaining this to me. - April

April,
I thought that I knew who you were but I am no longer sure of this? I spoke to the lady that I thought was you last Wednesday and she told me that you were not present for this council meeting. Next time when we are both there we will meet.
John

Mr. Huddleston, how could you not know who I am when my picture is on my profile and I speak at many of the meetings that you attend? I'm really confused by your comments now.

J. Jones, Welcome to Patch. Will you be staying longer than Jim Jacs and other one-day Patch posters who join to stir political controversy where none exists?

My comments on the OC Register story stated that once the city of RSM was given notice of possible violations of an obscure regulation regarding voting on appointments to committees, agencies and commissions where a small stipend is involved, they immediately corrected the situation. I don't see how that indicates support of any particular council member.

Nothing was done behind closed doors, as Mr. McCook suggested. He was at the council meeting where the city attorney noted the procedural change was being made to comply with the regulation in question. We all watched nominated council members leave the council chambers prior to the votes. Mr. McCook apparently didn't understand what was being done or why—not a good sign for someone running for council.

What is most interesting to me is that only RSM city council members who are up for reelection were targeted in the complaint regarding their prior votes. Why weren't the council members who are not up for reelection—but voted at the same time on their own appointments as alternates to committees where they receive a stipend—not sent the same letters? If this is indeed a violation, then they also have committed the same act, which Jones/Jacs called unethical. I'm certain that once this issue is resolved, either everyone will be cited or no one will be cited.

Hi April:
I'm having a hard time reconciling your comments to what I understood to be the circumstances. Admittedly, there is not much information, but according to the LA Times, Councilmen Beall and Holloway were two of some 40 city officials countywide who received letters of warning about having voted themselves on stipend-paying boards in the past. If the City of RSM was given notice, this was not mentioned in the news article.

Oscure or not, I think voting yourself into any paying position would be an obvious conflict of interest for any council person. It would have been a simple matter for Beall and Holloway to simply abstain from participating in the discussion and votes related to these appointments in order to avoid even a perception of impropriety.

As far as targeting, it is possible that the other 3 councilpeople were not warned because they have not voted themselves into stipend-paying positions?

Having said all this, I think the appropriate actions were taken. The affected people were warned, the city has publicly changed its procedures and we should all move on.

Hi LeAna, you're right. The articles don't provide much information. I've read them. I have much better information, as I always read the entire city council agendas, including all attached staff reports (which include appointments lists), prior to meetings and have personally been in attendance at the council meetings where the appointments took place.

As a witness to the process—rather than forming my opinion by relying on not always accurate, incomplete political news stories—I can tell you that the process has been the same all along, regardless of which current or former council members were appointed to the boards. The entire council has always voted, often on the list as a whole, which includes boards with stipends (none more than in the $100-$120 range per meeting) and boards without.

From the accounts, the reason that the two sitting councilmen whose seats are up for reelection were included in the warning letter was because there was a complaint filed against them. Why weren't the two sitting councilmen whose seats are not up for reelection included in the complaint? They also voted on the appointments, which included positions where, as alternates, they receive stipends. I have the documentation and will be happy to provide it to you.

IMO this is politically-motivated. I agree that we should move on. Don't expect Jaks/Jones/Conrad to do so. It is clear to me that they are on a political campaign to disparage the incumbents on behalf of their candidates.

Hi April:

I'm not going to state that I read all agendas and minutes and attachments. I simply do not have that kind of time. I will say that I am probably more informed than the average voter and little less likely than most to jump to a conclusion based on incomplete information.

Whether they were all voting this way or not, the hard fact is that there is a regulation, they were unaware of it and they were voting inappropriately. That is not an opinion. It is a fact.

You say, "from all accounts" - these two councilmen were targeted. So? If they had been abstaining from these votes, they could not have been targeted. It is that simple. There is speculation on the OC Register about why a painter would bother to file such a complaint. It may very well be political gamesmanship. I don't care. This case is highlighting a little known fact that council members (across the county) are voting to give themselves a stipend. That is in violation of the law and if by making it public, the cities change their procedures, then it did what needed to be done.

I'm also not so naive as to believe that Mr. Beall and Mr. Holloway don't engage in political gamesmanship themselves. In fact, I've had personal experience with Mr. Beall's "gamesmanship" so I know he engages in it.

Hi LeAna, I'd say you are better informed than the vast majority of the population. I've read many of your posts on Patch, and often agree with you.

To clarify what I said, it was that by all accounts, the reason the letters went out to the two councilmen and not the others was because someone filed a complaint against them, and didn't include the others who committed the same actions at the same time in their complaint. It's pure politics—and selective enforcement on the part of the FPPC—which should have at least looked at the entire record of the councils in question and acted accordingly. There is procedural inadequacy on the part of the FPPC coupled with the political maneuver. IMO that doesn't reflect well on the state or those with the political agendas. My guess is the majority of the state has been operating this way since 1974, and only now when someone needs to manufacture an issue for a campaign is it being addressed with a few people.

I'm glad that this has been brought to someone's attention so it can be rectified, but nobody has been any more unethical than anyone else. I also don't agree with the new system that results in only two council members becoming a majority for future appointments because of the change.

To get back to the article, RSM's business environment is so good right now thanks to our Chamber and our city government, that issues have to be manufactured. What does that say about the integrity of the campaigns behind such nonsense?

Hi LeAna,

Once again, off-topic for the Chamber story, but to end our lengthy discussion on the stipends issue, there is a good story in the LA Times today on the FPPC having changed their stance to allow council members to vote on their own appointments to boards with small stipends.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0316-ethics-20120316,0,5538132.story

Of particular note is exactly what I observed at the RSM meeting where council members recused themselves from the votes:

"The ban on voting had created a substantial burden on cities, some of which have trouble getting a quorum to approve appointments when multiple members are forced to recuse themselves from the votes, said Ash Pirayou, an attorney for the cities."

I'm glad to see that this manufactured issue has been put to bed.