Krupp "Exposes" McCarthy And Mensinger
On June 21, 2012 Costa Mesa City Council Candidate Marshall Krupp, http://www.costamesaelection2012.com/, wrote to the President and Members of the Board of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District advising them of what he perceived to be a violation of District rules and the California Education Code that occurred a week earlier, at Colin McCarthy's council campaign kick-off event at The Triangle (formerly known as Triangle Square). He also copied the Fair Political Practices Commission, Enforcement Division, in Sacramento.
Apparently there were a half-dozen Estancia High School Cheerleaders present at this event and Krupp informed the leadership of the NMUSD that this was a violation of the rules.
He went further and recounted overhearing Steve Mensinger, also a candidate for council in November, "touting his relationship with Estancia High School as a large fundraiser and booster of the school and that he had arranged with the District, the Cheer Team's participation and support at the McCarthy event".
DR. BARBOT - "YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!"In his press release, which can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.costamesaelection2012.com/breakingnews.html, he mentions a telephone conversation with Interim Superintendent of the NMUSD, Dr. Robert Barbot, who - according to Krupp - informed him that he was "absolutely right" that McCarthy and Mensinger had violated District policy.
Subsequently, Laura Boss, Director of Communications for the NMUSD, distributed a letter to "Leadership Team Members", the subject of which was "Campaign and Political Activities". In that letter Boss hedged her bet just a little by requesting recipients to contact her "before making a judgment on permitted or prohibited conduct. The legality of specific conduct cannot be fully answered until the facts and circumstances of specific incidents are evaluated."
WHICH ARE...
She went on to list what may and may not be done by Employees and Students.
What Employees and Students Can Do:
• Employees are permitted to have signs or political bumper stickers on their personal vehicles and park on school District property.
• Employees may wear political buttons or t-shirts in the classroom as long as the buttons or t-shirts do not create class disruption or contain malicious or defamatory statements.
• Employees and members of the public may conduct peaceful picketing on the sidewalk, off school property as long as this activity does not create a dangerous condition for students, block access to entrances or school site exits, or interfere with orderly school operations.
• Students are permitted to wear buttons making political statements as long as the content of those buttons is not obscene, vulgar, malicious, defamatory, or creates a disruption in the classroom.
• Union prepared items may be placed on the NMFT and CSEA designated membership poster boards only. This is the only designated location that items can be displayed. Typically these are located in the staff lounge or possibly another area of the front office.
• The unions may distribute union prepared flyers, notices, etc., via employee’s mailboxes.
What Employees and Students Cannot Do:
• No district funds, services, supplies, or equipment or anything that is a symbolic representation of the District or a specific school site (this would include students as representatives of school sponsored teams, cheer, etc,) shall be used to urge the support or defeat any ballot measure or candidate, including any candidate for election to the Board. (Education Code 7054)
• During working hours and while on school property, employees may not solicit or receive any political funds or contributions to promote the passage or defeat of a ballot measure that would affect the rate of pay, hours of work, retirement, civil service, or other working conditions.
• District resources, including email or computer systems, shall not be used to disseminate campaign literature. In addition, district resources shall not be used to purchase advertisements, bumper stickers, posters, or similar promotional items that advocate an election result or urge voters to take any action in support of or in opposition to a measure or candidate.
• No items may be sent home with students relative to political campaigns or positional items.
We've all seen Mensinger use, or "misuse" the Estancia Football Players over the past many months. In fact, many of them stepped to the speaker's podium in their football jerseys to praise him as a candidate for appointment to the City Council eighteen months ago. This most recent abuse of authority and violation of the rules shouldn't surprise anyone who has been paying attention.
ARROGANT DISREGARD FOR THE RULESIt is unclear what action, if any, may be taken by the Fair Political Practices Commission in this matter. What it does clearly demonstrate is the arrogant disregard for established rules of procedure by Colin McCarthy and Steve Mensinger. Now, this really doesn't surprise me, because we've seen Mensinger throw his weight around before, using his considerable influence as a fundraiser to get what he wants, when he wants it. Apparently the rules are for somebody else, not him.
THIS SHOULD WORRY EVERY VOTERThis is certainly something we should consider as we evaluate the candidates for City Council over the next few months, particularly with Jim Righeimer's Charter also likely to be on the ballot. That document provides inadequate controls over precisely this kind of abuse of power, so to consider it in the hands of men like Mensinger, Righeimer and McCarthy should give every voter pause. We will, indeed, Remember In November.
Labels: Colin McCarthy, Dr. Robert Barbot, Estancia High School Cheerleaders, FPPC, Laura Boss, Marshall Krupp, NMUSD, Steve Mensinger
posted by The Pot Stirrer at 6/28/2012 12:04:00 AM
40 Comments:
Maybe it's just me, but isn't it sort of creepy to have under age cheerleaders at a campaign kick off for a middle aged man ?
I beileve these guys think they own this city and all of it's resources, so they play by a different set of rules then the rest of us have to. They won't even get a slap on the wrist for this I bet.
Geoff,
As a long time observer of the council, you MUST realize by now, that rules, laws and contracts are mere SUGGESTIONS in Mensinger and Righeimer's world.
BTW, Remind me how Mensinger gave $10,000 from taxpayer funds to his Pop Warner organization. I forgot.
Colin, what is creepy is googling Krupp's man retreats.
I was at the event, the cheerleaders just welcomed us, did not say a word about voting for McCarthy or Mensinger. Sort of kept to themselves. There were steps down to main floor in somewhat dim light. The cheerleaders were on the steps welcoming people and telling them to watch their step. The kids do support Mensinger though, you are correct on that. They did not say anything though. When they hand out campaign literature they may or may not be in a uniform, have not decided. isnt bardot out? need new opinion from new leader. A hispanic guy telling the hispanic kids they cannnot participate. should be good.
Riggy is the emperor and Mensy is his PM. They will do whatever they please in Costa Mesa and dare you to stop them.
I worked in the public school system for 31 years and sponsored a variety of clubs and teams during that time. NEVER is a school-sponsored group permitted to engage in political activity while representing that particular school! Steve Mensinger abused his power in this case. What he did was illegal.
Oh, the cheerleaders just welcomed people? I guess that makes it OK then. Not like they were tending bar or serving drinks, or worse. Thanks for the clarification. Nothing to see here. Move on...
I think it's pathetic that guys like West are making a negative issue out of this. It's terrific that McCarthy and Mensinger are promoting our youth athletes and involving them in this process. By complaining, creepy and perverted Marshall Krupp just demonstrates how out of touch he is with this City. If you've noticed, Mensinger and McCarthy are endorsed by leaders in just about every youth sports organization in Costa Mesa, from football, to baseball, to soccer. They have the support of the families who want to move this City forward. I applaud these efforts. In the end, the voters can pick no-names and marijuana advocates, or they can pick leaders with families. Choice seems simple.
Low level local politicians like Mensinger and McCarthy think they can do whatever they want and nobody will challange it or look into it, but these days with this City Council and all the stuff they've tried pulling on people, everybody is watching and for good reason.
Anything that these guys do needs to be examined and looked at in great detail. And unlike the Bever, you are signing up for this.
To Yeah Team - No one said students couldn't participate. They cannot participate in uniform.
No matter a person's political stance, I think is great to get kids involved in the political process when they are young. But that involvement should not be unbridled. These standards simply mean to separate the individuals' views and endorsements from those of the institution. The public's reaction to the institution's endorsement probably has more sway than do the individuals' position. That message should be controlled by the institution's leadership. It should be stated, not implied.
So let the candidates find kids who are truly interested as individuals and teach them how to be involved and work within the rules. It could be a great life lesson.
I am glad there were plenty of adults there to supervise that creepy Krupp, the party crasher.
Any fodder for the Haters is good fodder.
Who will supervise West and his merry band of angry Haters?
The extremists, led in cyberspace by "Charlie" McCarthy, are running scared. They keep repeating the seminar stuff on Krupp like bleating little sheep, but that's all they got.
I won't be voting for Krupp for different reasons, but the fact remains that Charlie/Colon, Baby Ethan, and their stooge Fitzpatrick are way over their little heads here.
Funny!
Cheerleaders will be cheerleaders. It's what they do. They'll put on their uniforms just to get out there and be seen.
Politicians have lots of rules and laws that they need to function under. Do you think that these guys in Costa Mesa don't actually understand that?
They repeatedly bend rules to the point of breaking the law and they bend the truth to the point of flat out lying.
Do you think they don't understand what they're doing?
If they don't... they don't deserve to hold the position. If they do... they don't deserve to hold the position.
That makes it pretty simple doesn't it!
didn't Foley recruit kids on facebook to hand out fliers for cm4rg anti charter town hall meeting. offered community service credits for it too!
Don't know.. did she? If they were not in a uniform of a school and doing it as volunteers the way I read those rules (above) that would be OK.
Mensinger knew it was wrong!
Just like at the stink eye event when he showed up with thugs in Righeimer shirts.
The best part of that day was when when they arrived they were told that just maybe they should change their shirts. So the thugs marched back across the street and changed. Why?
The video of the thugs crossing the street in pro Riggy garb is classic!
Mensinger is truly an idiot.
I'm no fan of Krupp, but I'd be interested to hear what Righeimer's problem with him is, other than that he is running against the annointed ones...
Someone needs to have a chat with Laura Boss, she completely misrepresented Ed. Code 7054, and her statement is wrong.
She stated that nothing that is a "...symbolic representation of the District or a specific school site (this would include students as representatives of school sponsored teams, cheer, etc,) shall be used to urge the support or defeat any ballot measure or candidate..."
That is flatly wrong, not what the statute says, and is not found in any case law or Attorney General opinion regarding Ed. Code 7054. If Ms. Boss is not an attorney, she should be reprimanded, and possibly even fired, for making this statement. It is not her job to interpret the law or create prohibitions where none exists.
In fact, an Attorney General's opinion interpreted section 7054 not to apply when a school district merely transfers nonpublic money from employees to a nongovernmental organization like a political action committee.
Using that logic, it could be argued that, if the cheer uniforms are nonpublic - paid for by a nonpublic entity and not public property, there is no issue.
The important fact here is that Laura Boss interpreted Ed. Code 7054 to mean somthing it does not, and did so in a public communication intended to control the activities of private citizens.
That is inexcusable.
Does anyone use their real names on this blog anymore? Supports my theory it's the same 1 or 2 people who spout their hate over and over again.
My daughter was a cheerleader at Costa Mesa High years ago. What's the issue here? A candidate asked the cheerleaders to come, they did. So what? Kids have been going to Katrina Foley's events for years. At least they ask. I expect cheerleaders and football player to be at Mensinger's event tonight. Good for them.
To those of you that think this is a negative for these guys, you need to think again. It's not an issue.
Not on Topic; however, with the Independence Holiday approaching I wanted to point out a valid concern.
Since all permits for July 4
the Fireworks stands go directly to the Building Department; who is going to inspect the fireworks stands in addition to the other 60-90 Building Inspections the department is getting each week? Due to the lack of staffing with the loss of several inspectors this week and two administrative staff a week ago.
Most firework operators have relied solely on an electrical inspector to provide a clear and concise view of visible signs or problems with their firework stands. The Costa Mesa Building Department consists of one full electrical Inspector, Randy Buck, one part-time combo inspector,Richard Brooks, and two volunteer non-licensed Building Inspectors each working 15 hour weeks. One part-time contractor is on vacation (Mark Perkins) and two others have quit because of the chaos in the division. I am concerned that improper or hurried inspections are going to be subject to possible claims and litigation.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Visit the Building Department and see the real-life examples that demonstrate how the effectiveness of using part-time staff and contractors is hurting this city.
Older construction may show visible signs of wear and tear (easy for a rookie to see); however, there may be issues or defects just below the surface waiting to make themselves known.
Do you want your home/business to be inspected by volunteers with no credentials?
Phil, so what's YOUR name? You know mine...
I actually HOPE the cheerleaders DO show up at Mensinger's event tonight - in uniform, of course.
And, no, "these guys" don't think it's a negative for them because the rules the rest of us must follow simply don't apply to them - at least in their eyes. And that, my anonymous friend, is the entire point here. Get it?
Geoff, when Katrina and Wendy trot out cops & firemen, in uniform, on the clock, with city vehicles, will you be equally angry?
The recent picture of the on duty Romeo cop, the one with his fist clenched like he is game for a fight. That was taken with Wendy and Katrina in the picture.
Pot Stirrer, I've never hidden my name. I'm Phil Lesh and I live on the Flower steets. I've actually written a couple of editorials for the Pilot and plan to write many more during this election season. We've lived here a long time. That makes 2 actual people on this blog. West and Lesh. The rest of these might as well be robots. I don't write checks, go to campaign events, or hang out in political circles but my neighbors and I vote and we will be voting for Mensinger and McCarthy because they are actuall involved in our community which is more than I can say for any of the other Council candidates.
Aren't Krupp's pictures of him in front of police cars and fire trucks on his website rules violations?
What is Krupp's take on that? Is it a double standard for him?
If its not an issue, as the Rigged supporters say, then I'm sure they won't mind if some of the uniformed football players or uniformed cheerleaders participate in political events for Weitzberg or Krupp. Or is that only for rigged council members?
Phil, you may not have "hidden" it, but until this post you've never disclosed it, either. Thanks - that took guts. You are among the rare few who choose to use their own names here.
The issue on this post is about SCHOOL DISTRICT rules, not images of police cars or fire trucks. I'm not defending anything on Krupp's web site.
Of course, who you choose to vote for is up to you. We apparently, although not obviously, have a different view of "contributions" to the community. I, too, have been watching your guys in action and, for that reason, WILL NOT be voting for either of them, nor for Gary Monahan. He, in my view, gave up any claim on a council seat on March 17, 2011 and seems to have just backed away ever since.
Thanks, again, for "outting" yourself.
This tit for tat can keep going back and forth. It's fun! I have one...how about Riggy's campaign mailer that went out with a picture of his brother Brian standing in uniform, with his Lincolnwood, Il police car? He gave some personal statement about them being a "law enforcement family" blah blah blah. He had to add some street cred to his brother before he hauled of and kicked the cops in the Jimmy (pun intended).
Funny thing is that Illinois cops are truly union. Half of the local police associations have AFL/CIO or Teamster affiliation. Jim, care to have Brian comment further? We'd love to hear it.
And there you have it. Anyone who West is for, loses. Anyone West is against, winner winner chicken dinner.
Thanks for doing that Geoff, now we do not have to wait for November to get results.
Also, anyone see West sidestep the issue of cops & fireman? West would have to spew Hater comments at people other than the popular folks.
Phil Lesh? Good one!
west is in jr. high, Spew equal Haters, Details matter, Mesa Booster, Anonymous Yeah team~~! said...
Your names are so witty!
people, let's all get along. go with krupp to the mountains, get naked together and pass around a wooden dildo and talk this out. krupp may actually have the solution here, let's give it a chance before calling him creepy.
Sorry, but I just can't get the question out of my head.... Will Mensinger use child labor in the form of Estancia sports/cheer groups at this little fundraiser this evening? If so, they're at the SoCo Collection right now. If you attend, let me know.
Phil, that was very nice and brave of you to "come out" to all of us, now we have a first and last name to put with the dumb comments that you post. Once again thanks Phil Lush.
Report from fundraiser: many cheer and football players there at the fundraiser. No uniforms. Greeting guests, serving food, a great time had by the families of Costa Mesa! Didn't see Krupp sneaking around, must not have the nerve anymore. Packed courtyard, probably not the 150 we had expected but near 100 people total counting the Mensinger family. There was a car with an Obama 2012 sticker parked in the area so probably Krupp sent a minion. Great to see people of so many ages and backgrounds. Good speeches, the troops are fired up! Ground game will be awesome and of course the mailers will be hard hitting and frequent. The most impressive thing about this crowd was how many of them are contributing mightily to the City and the economy with their projects and volunteerism. God Bless America, the future is bright. Many college age people, well dressed, well spoken. A tribute to their parents. Would guess most were ocgop people. Not a hint of the evil inside emerged. Mensingers speech was one of humbleness, confidence, and the dedication he has to Costa Mesa. Great family too. Vision, not complaints, was the highlight to us.
I just hope they invite Hugh Romney in clown regalia to their next event. It'll be 'clown vs clown(s)'.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hugh-Romney-for-President-in-2012/189170524533521
"Mensinger's speech was one of humbleness.."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kh9PYtmVybU
"..Good speeches...Ground game will be awesome"
http://www.thisblogrules.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/green-snake.jpg
so "scoop" thinks those were normal, everyday people at the event? LOL. Those were Repuglicans, wolves in sheep's clothing. A gathering of trolls, puppets, double chins, and clowns. Normal people: go to www.cm4rg.org and join the real world. We have got your back. We go over everything with a fine toothed comb and expose the lies. Tune in to any council meeting and watch the public speakers, those are us, your neighbors, watching out for you and keeping the treasury from being looted, exposing Brown Act violations, kickbacks from developers, cronyism,and just plain illegal acts. Check the lawsuits, if there is a lawsuit it is illegal obviously. Plaintiff always wins, correct? Join us and remember in November.
I always use my real name on here as well. That makes me #3. I am honored, indeed.
Scoop, the check is in the mail.
No way! Phil Lesh IS my hero!
I love the Grateful Dead!!!
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