Moorlach To Give Righeimer A Boost?
RIGHEIMER/MOORLACH DOG AND PONY SHOW
The Daily Pilot reports, HERE, that Supervisor John Moorlach - arguably the most respected active Republican politician in Costa Mesa - and council candidate Jim Righeimer will "stage a press conference" on Saturday (tomorrow) at the southwest corner of 17th Street and Superior Avenue at which they will apparently claim "potential voter intimidation violations by the Costa Mesa Police Department".
SITTING ON MOOLACH'S SHOULDERS
John Moorlach is one big dude, both in physical height and political stature. Righeimer is the second Costa Mesa politician to stand on Moorlach's shoulders in the past several days. Municipal court jester Eric Bever jointly authored a commentary in the Daily Pilot addressing the current contract negotiations a few days ago. I guess they need a boost to seem credible. Note to them both - it ain't working! Note to Righeimer's campaign manager: Bring a step ladder.
THE IGNITION POINT
If you've been paying any attention at all over the past couple months you know that there is much friction between Righeimer and the Costa Mesa Police Association - the bargaining unit for the police officers. It began at the very first candidate forum last August - the one hosted by our friends of Mesa Verde Community, Inc. - at which Righeimer looked directly at the public safety folks in attendance and told the audience that he was going to go after the employee salaries and benefits because they are the cause of the city's financial difficulties. Things have gone straight downhill since then.
WHO IS BEHIND THE PLAN?
At each successive candidate forum that animosity was apparent, including the one held Thursday night - the final one. It's become very clear to me that, just as A
llan Mansoor used the specter of marauding illegal aliens to win his council seat twice, Righeimer is going to use the public employees of this city - and the police officers in particular - as his "illegal aliens". It's obvious to even the most casual observer that the OC GOP bosses have helped concoct a scheme to drag out the negotiations with the employee bargaining units so Righeimer - if he wins - can come riding in like some kind of a White Knight to save the city from those "horrid, greedy employees". Bever, with his refusal to attend negotiation sessions, has been a willing pawn in this little drama. Did you know he didn't attend the last closed session again last Tuesday? Yep, after making more of an ass of himself than normal during the discussions of the firefighter's generous proposal and having to be scolded from residents and fellow council members alike, he simply bugged out when they all adjourned to the closed session.
A CONVENIENT POLITICAL TARGET
In a tactical maneuver that is almost beyond c
omprehension, Righeimer has attempted to turn the dedicated men and women of the Costa Mesa Police Department into some kind of out-of-control outlaws, robbing the taxpayers of their hard-earned dollars by negotiating contracts with several iterations of city councils that Righeimer now doesn't like. He always fails to mention the fact that Mansoor, during his eight years on the council, has presided over many of those negotiations. If there is "blame" to be placed the finger should be appropriately pointed in his direction, not the rank and file of the CMPD.
ATTACKING MCEVOY IN DESPERATION
Righeimer actually has no other planks in his campaign platform and, since the members of the police association have decided to fight back, he's getting desperate. Obviously, he's seen polling numbers that imply that young Chris McEvoy is closing in on him fast. There's no reason for his mob to be attacking McEvoy and threatening demonstrations against him otherwise. McEvoy has never spoken against Righeimer, except to disagree with his positions on issues.
EVEN HIS WIFE IS INVOLVED NOW
This campaign has gotten so nasty that Righeimer's beautiful, and obviously very patient, wife was seen at the past two candidate forums in heated conversations with the president of the police association, Allen Rieckhof. Actually, "conversation" is misleading because she was on the sending end and Rieckhof was trying to avoid any contact with her at all.
WHY THIS VENUE?
I find it extremely curious that Righeimer would "stage" - great word - a press conference at one of the most complicated and congested intersections in the city. It seems to me that it could
have been held on the steps of City Hall much more safely. Then I thought a little more about it and I realized that this is very likely an attempt to provoke yet another confrontation between himself and the CMPD. That thought made me step back a little and wonder to myself whether his confrontation with the police at the DUI checkpoint was an accident or a planned "staged" event. After all, most of us who are engaged in city activities receive the email notices of such checkpoints and, if we plan to be out and about near them, we plan a route to avoid it.
ANGLING FOR A POLICE CONFRONTATION AGAIN?
Righeimer is a s
easoned politician - although a loser in every race he's run - but a skilled political tactician, nonetheless. With a little distance from the DUI checkpoint and all the intervening turmoil, and now this "press conference" - at a venue almost guaranteed to cause confusion at one of our busiest intersections - that will likely attract a police presence, it makes one just the teeniest bit suspicious about what the motives actually are for tomorrow. Is Righeimer actually angling again for a confrontation with members of the CMPD? Is that too wild a shot? Maybe...
YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN ON THIS ONE
Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend this circus, so you and I will have to rely on the excellent reporting skills of the members of the media who actually received a copy of the press release for the details and results.
CHIEF SNOWDEN SPEAKS OUT
It is a great irony that the morning of this contrived event a Letter to the Editor by form
er Costa Mesa Police Chief Dave Snowden will appear in print on the pages of the Daily Pilot. (Snowden attended the final candidate forum last Thursday) It is available for viewing online HERE. Snowden, a man who headed the department for nearly two decades and, along with the many council members he mentions in his letter, was part of the senior management team that guided this city through it's greatest period of growth. He hired and trained many of the current senior members of the Costa Mesa Police Department and created and implemented many of the excellent policing policies in effect in our city now. In his letter he bemoans the decline of our city.. I join him in that angst.
MCEVOY SIGNS ON, TOO
On that same page you will also find a short note from Chris McEvoy regarding the campaign.
POLITICS... ARRGGHH!
Have I mentioned lately how distasteful I find politics? At a time when we need statesmen, we are left to deal with politicians...
***
CHILLIN' FOR A FEW DAYS
I'm turning the old Cauldron down to simmer while my sweet wife and I take a few days off. I'll be checking in from time to time, but comments submitted will be posted with some significant delay. Thanks for your patience.
The Daily Pilot reports, HERE, that Supervisor John Moorlach - arguably the most respected active Republican politician in Costa Mesa - and council candidate Jim Righeimer will "stage a press conference" on Saturday (tomorrow) at the southwest corner of 17th Street and Superior Avenue at which they will apparently claim "potential voter intimidation violations by the Costa Mesa Police Department".SITTING ON MOOLACH'S SHOULDERS
John Moorlach is one big dude, both in physical height and political stature. Righeimer is the second Costa Mesa politician to stand on Moorlach's shoulders in the past several days. Municipal court jester Eric Bever jointly authored a commentary in the Daily Pilot addressing the current contract negotiations a few days ago. I guess they need a boost to seem credible. Note to them both - it ain't working! Note to Righeimer's campaign manager: Bring a step ladder.
THE IGNITION POINT
If you've been paying any attention at all over the past couple months you know that there is much friction between Righeimer and the Costa Mesa Police Association - the bargaining unit for the police officers. It began at the very first candidate forum last August - the one hosted by our friends of Mesa Verde Community, Inc. - at which Righeimer looked directly at the public safety folks in attendance and told the audience that he was going to go after the employee salaries and benefits because they are the cause of the city's financial difficulties. Things have gone straight downhill since then.WHO IS BEHIND THE PLAN?
At each successive candidate forum that animosity was apparent, including the one held Thursday night - the final one. It's become very clear to me that, just as A
llan Mansoor used the specter of marauding illegal aliens to win his council seat twice, Righeimer is going to use the public employees of this city - and the police officers in particular - as his "illegal aliens". It's obvious to even the most casual observer that the OC GOP bosses have helped concoct a scheme to drag out the negotiations with the employee bargaining units so Righeimer - if he wins - can come riding in like some kind of a White Knight to save the city from those "horrid, greedy employees". Bever, with his refusal to attend negotiation sessions, has been a willing pawn in this little drama. Did you know he didn't attend the last closed session again last Tuesday? Yep, after making more of an ass of himself than normal during the discussions of the firefighter's generous proposal and having to be scolded from residents and fellow council members alike, he simply bugged out when they all adjourned to the closed session.A CONVENIENT POLITICAL TARGET
In a tactical maneuver that is almost beyond c
omprehension, Righeimer has attempted to turn the dedicated men and women of the Costa Mesa Police Department into some kind of out-of-control outlaws, robbing the taxpayers of their hard-earned dollars by negotiating contracts with several iterations of city councils that Righeimer now doesn't like. He always fails to mention the fact that Mansoor, during his eight years on the council, has presided over many of those negotiations. If there is "blame" to be placed the finger should be appropriately pointed in his direction, not the rank and file of the CMPD.ATTACKING MCEVOY IN DESPERATION
Righeimer actually has no other planks in his campaign platform and, since the members of the police association have decided to fight back, he's getting desperate. Obviously, he's seen polling numbers that imply that young Chris McEvoy is closing in on him fast. There's no reason for his mob to be attacking McEvoy and threatening demonstrations against him otherwise. McEvoy has never spoken against Righeimer, except to disagree with his positions on issues.
EVEN HIS WIFE IS INVOLVED NOW
This campaign has gotten so nasty that Righeimer's beautiful, and obviously very patient, wife was seen at the past two candidate forums in heated conversations with the president of the police association, Allen Rieckhof. Actually, "conversation" is misleading because she was on the sending end and Rieckhof was trying to avoid any contact with her at all.WHY THIS VENUE?
I find it extremely curious that Righeimer would "stage" - great word - a press conference at one of the most complicated and congested intersections in the city. It seems to me that it could
have been held on the steps of City Hall much more safely. Then I thought a little more about it and I realized that this is very likely an attempt to provoke yet another confrontation between himself and the CMPD. That thought made me step back a little and wonder to myself whether his confrontation with the police at the DUI checkpoint was an accident or a planned "staged" event. After all, most of us who are engaged in city activities receive the email notices of such checkpoints and, if we plan to be out and about near them, we plan a route to avoid it.ANGLING FOR A POLICE CONFRONTATION AGAIN?
Righeimer is a s
easoned politician - although a loser in every race he's run - but a skilled political tactician, nonetheless. With a little distance from the DUI checkpoint and all the intervening turmoil, and now this "press conference" - at a venue almost guaranteed to cause confusion at one of our busiest intersections - that will likely attract a police presence, it makes one just the teeniest bit suspicious about what the motives actually are for tomorrow. Is Righeimer actually angling again for a confrontation with members of the CMPD? Is that too wild a shot? Maybe...YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN ON THIS ONE
Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend this circus, so you and I will have to rely on the excellent reporting skills of the members of the media who actually received a copy of the press release for the details and results.
CHIEF SNOWDEN SPEAKS OUT
It is a great irony that the morning of this contrived event a Letter to the Editor by form
er Costa Mesa Police Chief Dave Snowden will appear in print on the pages of the Daily Pilot. (Snowden attended the final candidate forum last Thursday) It is available for viewing online HERE. Snowden, a man who headed the department for nearly two decades and, along with the many council members he mentions in his letter, was part of the senior management team that guided this city through it's greatest period of growth. He hired and trained many of the current senior members of the Costa Mesa Police Department and created and implemented many of the excellent policing policies in effect in our city now. In his letter he bemoans the decline of our city.. I join him in that angst.MCEVOY SIGNS ON, TOO
On that same page you will also find a short note from Chris McEvoy regarding the campaign.
POLITICS... ARRGGHH!
Have I mentioned lately how distasteful I find politics? At a time when we need statesmen, we are left to deal with politicians...
***
CHILLIN' FOR A FEW DAYS
I'm turning the old Cauldron down to simmer while my sweet wife and I take a few days off. I'll be checking in from time to time, but comments submitted will be posted with some significant delay. Thanks for your patience.Labels: Chris McEvoy, CMPD, Dave Snowden, Eric Bever, Jim Righeimer, John Moorlach
posted by The Pot Stirrer at 10/15/2010 10:54:00 PM
13 Comments:
Did you happen Kerry Kops propaganda letter?
It reads an awful lot like the mouth wrote it.
Then again, maybe he did since they are basically neighbors.
Nope... guess I'm not on their preferred customer list. :-) :-)
Let me guess; the police stopped someone from putting up a Righeimer sign in a spot it shouldn't be...
Yawn.
If that is how this campaign is going, then Righeimer is the one that should be investigated for intimidation. First the letter to Geoff and the association. Now claiming anything the police do as part of their sworn duty that even comes close to a Righeimer supporter is "voter intimidation."
Hey Righeimer, I bet your family members that are in Law Enforcement are REAL proud of you now.
As a former City employee (not police) I fully support CMPA. The bullying tactics of Mr. Righeimer not only towards CMPD but to the rest of City staff is unnessary and un called for. As an example, in the not too distant past Mr. Righeimer & Mr. Mensinger attempted to "restructure" Code Enforcement under the direction of the Asst. City Magager. The motive of coure was for the Planning Commission (Righeimer & Mensinger) to micro manage the day to day operation of Code Enforcemet. Thankfully the City Manager, Mr. Roeder stepped in and good judgement and common sense prevailed. I totally understand CMPA position and agree that nothing good will become of Costa Mesa should Mr. Righeimer be elected. All City employees work hard to provide a safe and healthy enviromnent to all who live, work, shop and visit Costa Mesa. It is unfortunate that the City Atty report cannot be published. Perhaps a more in depth investigation is needed by a neutral agency. Perhaps the Grand Jury. I think it is safe to say that if I, or any other "average citizen" were to behave in the manner Mr. Righeimer behaved at the DUI check point, it would be safe to say we would have either been arrested or cited for delaying/obstucting a Police Officer in their duties (and rightfully so!). The mere fact that Mr. Righeimer is using Mr. Moorlach in a politcal stunt like this disgusts me.
That letter from Snowden was PRICELESS in what it didn't say... but best of all, what it did. When Righeimer played the 'Chief Snowden never would have done this' card at the checkpoint, he made a grievous error. That said, times have clearly changed in Costa Mesa since the current knuckleheads on the council took over - there's no pointing in naming the names.
Don't know exactly what Pigheimer's trying to do here, but I perceive him as motivated by greed. Is he an honest politician? "An honest politician is one who stays bought." I have no doubt he's the best politician money can buy, which is probably why he's after the police's money.
McEvoy, on the other hand, seems to be an honest MAN. "He's just like you -- but CHEAPER!" If there's a choice between a guy who'll do a job for three hundred an hour and a guy who thinks fifteen bucks is fair, I'm pretty clear on which one I'll choose...
Some sparks are likely at Tuesday's City Council meeting. I spoke to Steve Chan today. He lives within earshot of the breaking glass at the recycling center on 19th, and I believe I'll say some words against it.
I apologize for any spelling errors herein contained.
Interesting. If Riggy can control the POA, the big guys or the Superbowl champs, than what is to stop him from going after all the little guys as Mongo says. Snowden is right, the city will go way down hill.
Very classy move by McEvoy BTW.
So now we see what the Righeimer team is so upset about: a case of "stink-eye" from a cop in a CMPD cruiser... and "possibly" a picture being taken.
Holy cow!
Moorlach shows up and is concerned about intimidation all of a sudden. He was not very concerned about it when a bunch of under cover sheriff deputies were intimidating 2A proponents speaking out against his favorite sheriff Sandra Hutchens. Why is he so concerned this time? Oh right, because the "alleged" intimidation is by his political opponents now.
Let's talk intimidation, lets talk about uniformed security guards at polling places. Yeah, that's right Righeimer, you remember that don't you?
Grow up people. Your act is wearing really thin.
I received a mailer from Righeimer this week that will surely enrage many residents of Costa Mesa. It states that there are currently 36 CM police employees receiving a total compensation of over $200,000.00 per year; the police chief making just under $300,000.00 per year. Further, it stated that the average for a CM police employee is $174,000.00 per year and that the lowest paid officer in the city makes $97,000.00 in total compensation. Whatchall think?
I did not not Bever and Righeimer were also into manufacturing.
This whole thing screems FAKE!!!
Dear A Resident,
That is the going rate for police. If you would like the city to pay less, then, by all means, go voice your opinion at the next city council meeting.
I am an employer. In order to conduct my business I need employees. These are not McDonald's order takers, which there is nothing wrong with, but requires less training than my employees require. I have to pay a prevailing wage in order to attract talented employees. That is how a free market works.
If I want to pay less, my available pool of employees shrinks. At some point I can not get or retain employees. That costs me business.
In this case, it will cost public safety.
Go to the meetings and make your voice heard. I will be there right along with you supporting competitive pay for our public safety personnel.
Resident: I will tell you what I think. I think it's a bunch of hogwash. I have been at this job about 18 years (15 here in Costa Mesa). I question where they get their total comp numbers. Perhaps most telling would be to look at my W2 to see what I actually make. I am actually tempted to redact it and let Mr. West post it here.
So what if the chief makes nearly 300k in total comp? He is the CHIEF EXECUTIVE of the police department. I don't care what it pays, that's a job I don't want. The CEO in any comparably sized company with apples to apples assets and budget would make much more.
I have crunched the numbers between what I get paid, what they pay for my retirement, and what I get for my benefits,and it doesn't add up to what is listed as my total comp.
Again, I have said it before, our benefits plan is VERY expensive. Even with the stipend I get for benefits, I still have to pay $1,100 bucks out of my pocket. I am required to have medical coverage, and I can not buy outside coverage.
A Resident-
I personally think that the police are under paid. Why don't you do some research and look at where CMPD ranks among Orange County agencies. It's in the MIDDLE!
As I stated in early posts. I'm pro police and fire because I have friends in CMPD and family across the country in law enforcement.
All these anti police remarks are incredible!!! One question has not been asked of these people. How much should the police make?
Does anyone realize that when the economy was good, we as citizens never heard of "Police make too much." We only hear it now because our economy is in the toilet and the people who did not plan accordingly want to go after someone for it...aka...CMPD!
I just want to state something to the Righeimer supporters. If you vote for this man and he ruins the police and fire pay and benefits. Do you realize, some of, if not many officers may choose to leave and go elsewhere. I know you don't think that is a big deal but it is when you call for help and they are too short staffed to come to our aid right away.
I'm a citizen too, and quite frankly, that scares me to think that when I'm in trouble and I dial 911 for a legitimate call, I won't get help right away!
I don't know the polling numbers but I can only think that McEvoy is close to Righeimer or why else pull this stunt.
A society that makes enemies with its police better learn to make friends with its criminals!
Righeimer has personally turned the citizens against their police! There is not one Righeimer supporter who can honestly tell me that if your job had a new boss that threatened your pay or your livelyhood, you wouldn't do the same thing to stop him/her.
CM4Life
Post a Comment
<< Home