The promised video of the 2009 Glen Cove forum for League City council candidates is finally available.
The quality had to be reduced due to the length, but even so it may take several minutes to load so please be patient. It will play as soon as the download starts, but don’t try to skip forward past the point at which it has loaded until the whole thing has loaded or it will jam. If you do have trouble, try using the ‘download’ button instead.
Please feel free to share this anywhere you like and on any forum you like. I ask only that if you choose to make any edits of your own that you ask my permission before sharing any edited version.
My apologies for the delay in getting this out; I was delayed by some necessary computer maintenance and by having to learn some new things as I was a little more ambitious this year.
We used two cameras this time to avoid loosing anything to battery changes, background noises, blocked views, etc. Editing the two tracks together for the best combination of video and audio was a bit more work than anticipated. I tried to be sure to include every word spoken by the candidates without editing for content; hopefully the result is acceptable.
All of the known and anticipated candidates were informed of this event on February 18th and it was publicly announced at that time on this blog, the League City blog, and at the next city council meeting. The forum took place on the evening of Monday, March 9, 2009.
In response, we had in attendance the following candidates: for place 3 Mick Phalen; for place 4 Mike Lee; and for place 4 Dustin Gooding and Phyllis Sanborn. (In order of appearance by place number and alphabetically.)
Chris Samuelson informed me a couple weeks in advance of an unavoidable business conflict, but ultimately dropped out. Ed Station answered a follow-up call after his late sign up that he had a conflicting HOA meeting. Tommy Cones sent me a note the Friday before the forum that he had a conflicting meeting. Pat Hallisey signed up to run at the last minute about two hours before the forum, which I learned as we were getting set up. He did not respond or appear.
Thanks are due to Brenda Watson for video and photography, Pat Logan for time keeping, Dub & Marie Mixon and Leslie Clarkson for advertising and Dub & Marie especially for cooking hot dogs. Thanks also to the residents of Glen Cove (this was not an HOA event) and to those candidates who did appear.
It is also linked from the latest post on my personal blog.
The same rules of civility regarding irrelevant and disruptive posts as used in Charles Meyer's preceding thread will apply to this thread as well.
Jeff Hagen
70 comments:
Don't forget to VOTE!
League City Early Voting:
Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 West Walker St.
April 27 - APRIL 30, 2009: 8AM-6PM
May 1, 2009: 8AM-Noon
May 2, 2009: 8AM-5PM
May 4 - May 5, 2009: 7AM-7PM
League City Election Day:
May 9, 2009: 7Am-7pm
Precinct 1: Fire Station #4, 175 W. Bay Area Blvd.
Precinct 2: Old Fire Station #2, 411 Newport Blvd.
Precinct 3: Civic Center, 400 West Walker St.
Precinct 4: Fire Station #1, 601 Second St.
Precinct 5: Ferguson Elementary, 1910 S. Compass Rose Blvd.
City Hall: 281-554-1000
http://www.ci.league-city.tx.us/
City Precinct Map
Voter Registrar: 409-766-2280
Jeff
Nice turn out, 15 people in golf carts including candidates.
Mick Phalen-Clueless, learn the issues Mick-you need an escape route
Mike Lee-Clueless, yes mike if your house is on highway 96 you will hear cars. You bought it, don't complain about it. Mike needs a smaller tie or a bigger body.
Dustin, nice guy, no experience, no clue. Conspiracy theory website fan. Ron Paul Groupie. If you see him coming down the street to a red light, you better stop. The bridge, "thats not cool", Dustin, you can do better than that
Phyllis, you are such a b,,,boot licker. Who explained council manager form of government to you. The Super Bowl was in February 2004 in Houston. Phyllis, developer money is so evil, does that mean you are going to give back all you took. Phyllis, dogparks are good. The 179 thousand $s is coming from dedicated park funds, no general funds, get a clue. And yes Phyllis we want our toilets to flush. Tonis boots are so shiny from your tongue.
Joe Anna, could you eat anymore? quit picking your nose on camera.
Tommy you should have shown up
Pat you should have shown up
Ed you should have shown up
It was a clueless fest.
lc confused party and tired of politics:
since you two are the only ones supporting the developer 3, can you answer some simple questions? Let's start with PH, his signs read "experience matters." He does have experience running for office, but has NEVER been elected to office. What other experience does he have? No one knows what he does for a living and he last worked with the parks dept. in 1995. He keeps saying he's a consultant, but NO ONE knows what or who he consults. We await your response.
I am not support PH
Tired,
$179,000 coming from dedicated park funds. A fee paid when new development comes in. Such funds could be used for more sports fields for the new families occupying those new homes or they could be used for more than 18 other suggested ideas that came before a dog park base on the response of our citizens when asked to prioritize such amenities in a city wide survey. I notice you failed to include the TOTAL price tag of $ 377,000 Why? Is this an oversight or an attempt to mislead the citizens of the cost ? (sounds like the old big League Dreams Deal “it only going to cost 13 million.” It ended up costing 24 million and in the past 7 years the tax payers have paid 4.1 million in interest) Or is that part going to be paid by the taxpayer? Speaking of the taxpayer let me ask you this. Who will pay to maintain this park?
Did you just watch the video or were you there at the park? From more than three different individuals I have been told that the attendance was closer to 40 than “15 people in golf carts including candidates.”
As for your comments on those running for office And Ms. Sharp. I say grow up I don’t see you running for office or participating in the process to unify our city. Or are you already in office and afraid you will lose your voting bloc ?
I am most puzzled.
Why would one discredit a neighborhood gathering to promote honest debate and the ability for all candidates to attend?
All were offered the opportunity to speak. All opinions welcomed. Some candidates appeared, some declined.
EVERYONE was respected and appreciated for their attendance and opinions.
Cones, Hallisey, and Station were invited and did not attend.
And the people said...
Just one thing, Chris. Look at your own numbers for the Big Pipe Dream, before you ask for yet more sports parks? Isn't the albatross we've already got enough?
Mr. Moratto,
Fair enough please let me give you my definition of “sports fields”. A multi use neighborhood area where you can practice soccer, baseball, football or whatever sport happens to be in season. Lights would be nice, and some restrooms but no BLD type. When I played little league, in our city on park street, we didn’t have the need for such a complex. I believe there is a far greater need for that type of sports field than a dog park. Let us get our priorities straight. Paul I think we agree I just did not define my thought enough.
Tired,
Where are you? Can’t answer the questions or is it that you prefer not to. Or was the nail hit on the head?
One last thought,
I am very pleased that the unification of our city is happening. There are bigger things ahead for our city that we must all be unified for if we intend to take our rightful place in our county. Never before have I seen from left to right (or right to left if you prefer) and most points in between such a unified agreement on who should be elected and re-elected into office. We still need to go to the polls and in large numbers, but I feel the tide turning in the best interest of the city and for that I am thankful. And speaking of defining my thoughts better let me say that I believe that Ms. Sharp is one of the individuals that are helping in unifying our city. The “grow up” part was stated to our new friend Tired. As was pointed out to me I may not have made that clear. When you get to be my age, well sometimes the mind moves faster than my typing finger.
You're right, Chris. Sportsplex and BLD don't accomodate some of the most popular sports forms.
But the county and various city parks have fields that look underutilized to me.
Marc has an argument against lighting parks, which I will leave to him to defend, since the city burns a staggering number of megawatts on lighting other facilities, to the point of creating hazards to motorists.
On your last point, absolutely. I told the mayor during the previous campaign that I had a good feeling about which way the political winds were starting to blow in LC, and I still do.
I DONT KNOW THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS YOU ASKED. I JUST KNOW THAT ALL POLITIICIANS ARE DISHONEST, AND ALL NEED TO GO. THE NEW CROP OF PEOPLE WANTING TO BE IN OFFICE ALSO NEED TO GO, WE DONT NEED GOVERNMENT AL THIS LEVEL, WE SHOULD DISOLVE OUR CITY AND HAVE FIRE AND POLICE FROM THE COUNTY.
Recognizing the evil in your friends is your first step to recovery Tired but that doesn't mean you have to see evil in everyone else.
WOW TiredOfPoliticiansLC, I think I could learn to like you. The real problems with politicians are that they think they’re supposed to take care of the people. They’re not really supposed to be anything more than a tool for us. I would be happy if they would just remember that they’re my employee and to do as instructed. They shouldn’t think so much. They’re not really that good at it.
Tired,
What some people will resort to when they get caught with their foot in their mouth. So if you can’t control it, destroy it? LOL !! You know the answers but cannot discuss them in a real debate. Or is it that you are all teeth and no bite? You thought you knew what you were talking about in the beginning. What happened? Got your bluff called and lost it all eh? Or have you been discovered and are trying to throw the dogs off the scent? While you may be a dishonest politician, not ALL (too general of a statement) politicians are dishonest. I know a few honest ones. Pull your head out and get educated on the issues and the candidates. If you don’t like our city I suggest an unincorporated area of the county.
Now are you trying to tell us you don’t know if you were present at the Glen Cove Forum? LOL !!! Do you know what planet you are on? Before you start calling people clueless I would suggest you first look in the mirror and second know what you are talking about.
tiredofpoliticianslc said...
Nice turn out, 15 people in golf carts including candidates.
...
Tommy you should have shown up
Pat you should have shown up
Ed you should have shown up
It was a clueless fest."
" tiredofpoliticianslc said...
I DONT KNOW THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS YOU ASKED. I JUST KNOW THAT ALL POLITIICIANS ARE DISHONEST, AND ALL NEED TO GO. THE NEW CROP OF PEOPLE WANTING TO BE IN OFFICE ALSO NEED TO GO,..."
first Tired says the unholy trinity should've been there then he says (paraphrased "all old and wanna be's need to go)
The beauty of deception is that it's inconsistency eventually arises. Talk about trying to cover one's tracks or one's track record. Experience does matters. "tired" should retire as he clearly doesn't have experience in being consistent.
Wow... so quick to pass judgement on "Politicians". I give them the benefit of the doubt and believe that MOST get into politics because they really believe they can make a difference. As far as doing as instructed, specifically whose instructions are they to follow? Everybody has an opinion or an idea of how things should be done...it takes a good mind to be able to sift through these ideas, unite these ideas, implement them and still keep the majority of the people satisfied and attempt to maintain their own objectivity. Not an easy task, and not one to be taken lightly.
And to "Tired".... you are free to move somewhere else if you don't like the governmental structure of the city.
I just received the list of contributors to the Cones campaign. If appearances do matter, how can anyone vote for someone who accepted over $35,000 from developers and non- residents?
Tommy took more from the Scotto's than Mick has in total contributions and none of Mick's comes from special interests.
People need to remember why they voted for change last year and complete the task this year.
Adieu
Mr. Mallios please start a new topic heading on the Glen Cove Bridge removal and subsequent economic development that occurred afterwards. I have some points I would like to make and not be criticized for being off topic.
Pat,
By "subsequent economic development", are you referring to the thousands of dollars in campaign contributions that flowed to your friend Tommy Cones from the developer whose interests he supported in the bridge deal?
Jeff Hagen
JCLEAGUE / PAT & FRIENDS
How about this:
1. Have your friend “Striaght Talk” remove his multi-page and off topic posts from prior Glen Cove thread.
2. Add your calculations of all the tax benefits of Cypress Bay.
3. I will complete my list of Marc’s Top Ten Myths.
4. I will detail CC Cones and others involvement in this fiasco.
Or, Alternately:
When deemed appropriate I will start a new blog heading and we can proceed with Items 2 thru 4 as listed above.
Pat, pick your poison.
Early voting starts April 27th.
chelsea, some of us would love to see the list. Any chance of anyone posting on the blog. You know, it sure is amuzing how tc's supporters (ME, JT) are evading tc's issue on contributions. As they say, you can't argue with facts.
Maybe we need a mailer showng the contributions.
Another idea is to put a "little" sign next to TCs signs where the Dogs thank him for spending 400K of tax money for their park.
CJM - on your home page there's your family pic. In it there's a tall skinny guy with a beard. He kindof looks like someone I used to work with DK.
Tommy’s Top Ten
1. Travis Campbell – Developer - $1000.00
2. Randall & Julie Hall – Developer - $1000.00
3. Larry Johnson – Developer (Tuscan Lakes) $1000.00
4. Jeff Payson - $1000.00
5. John and Val Carter – Dannenbaum Engineering - $1250.00
6. Ed Station - Insurance - $1567.66
7. Home – Pac Houston - $1750.00
8. Sam Boyd – Developer - $2000.00
9. Roger Baker – Developer - $2100.00
10. Nick and Teresa Scotto – Developer (Cypress Bay) - $5000.00
Smitty, All those people you mislead. All that money wasted. Sucks to be you.
BHL,
The young man with the beard is Jason Mallios. 1st son of Jim Mallios and a great man.
JC (junior class)
Wasted money ? misled people ? No I would think not. But you would know better than I of wasted money and misled people.
Tired,
Where did you go ??? Politics is business not personal. When you Take it personal you should get out.
JC
Sweetie, we don't understand why you don't understand. The naked truth is never nasty and it's seldom found on the low road. Campaign contributions don't say much about those that give. They do speak volumes about those who receive.That is especially true when receivers vote favorably on the business of the largest givers.
Pat has been unsuccessful in the past in large part because of the source of his funding.
The voters do care about even the appearance of impropriety and war chests created by special interests will always always raise questions about ethics and motives.
The largest question will always be why?
Maybe you can at least answer that one.
Why, in League City, should any candidate accept tens of thousands of dollars from special interests if they are truly about doing what's right for the average Joe citizen?
From: Pat Hallisey
To: Pat Hallisey
Subject: Campaign Piece
It begins!
Good for Marc!
I am proud of him to have the courage to stand up for what is right. Kosty, Meeks and Sharp in my opinion. They keep this community from getting anything done. It is time for us all to stand up to the nasty campaigns.
it hurts me that Mr. Phalen and Lee are participants in this, they both seemed like nice folks. But responsibility does matter doesn’t it?
________________________________________
From: Marc Edelman
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 11:35 AM
To: Mike Lee
Subject: Campaign Piece
Dear Mr. Lee,
I am in receipt of your most recent campaign piece. I am just sorry that you have made an attempt to vilify the business people of League City and your politically active neighbors in our community and South Shore Harbor for simply supporting the political process with campaign donations in the municipal race. I have and will continue to donate to candidates on the local, state and federal level. I have never asked anything of a candidate that I donated to other than for them to do good works for the people of this community and our country. This type of campaign tactic is exactly the type of politics that has divided our community for the past 20 years and what has made our community suffer. I am just sorry to see that you have chosen this low road; you normally are such really nice person. I want you to know that I forgive you for your bad act against me because I realize that you are being misguided by others who are telling you that his kind of behavior is okay. If you really are Lee for League City, you will denounce this attack against the citizens of this community who are working toward goals that raise this community up. Man-up and acknowledge your mistake and you will be forgiven by the others too.
Sincerely,
Marc Edelman
My understanding is that candidates Hallisey and Cones have long histories of running campaigns that are financed by special interests.
Given the problems that we have faced over the past seven years with at least the way things have been done to seemingly favor special interests over the common good of the citizens, isn't it fair to at least look at cause and effect?
In New York, we asked questions and weighed the caliber of the response.
adieu
Apparently M.E. doesn't get it!
The campaign donor list does not malign local businesses! It DOES, however, let them know that they are not donors, contributors or financial supporters of TC/PH.
The crux of the detailed research is that local business people do not support the two, "outsiders" do.
Yes, campaigns are expensive! As a voter, I like to see which candidates are supported financially by friends and neighbors, who are directly impacted by council's actions. That tells me which candidates have OUR best interests at heart, and which candidates will earn my vote.
After seeing the lists of the big contributors to TC/PH it is very easy to decide for whom to vote.
And, to remain on topic, after watching the Glen Cove Forum and seeing who cares about Glen Cove enough to show up, it is easy to decide for whom to vote.
See you at the polls!
Dear All,
I do not post here anymore, but in this case I will make an exception. When you malign my name without cause here, I am going to respond to you. Those that say on this blog that I do not get it, do not get it themselves. The comments about money here are just too much to swallow. If you follow your flawed logic and say that the money donated to the candidate’s campaign somehow impugns the candidate’s ability to perform his job fairly and equitably, then you are accusing the donators of perverting the governmental process as well. This is where you vilify all those on your published list. You can argue all you want that you are just showing a candidates source of monies, but your nasty implication is clear. I submit that none of these donations caused any single candidate to become the political slave of the person making the donation. Not one of these donations that are listed caused 4 out of seven council people to vote affirmatively for anything. Your accusation that candidates who received campaign donations are damaged goods is ridiculous. The very people/consultants who run your opposing campaigns during this cycle are the ones who have gone to almost everyone on the list asking for money for the incumbents and or past candidates as part of their campaigns and now they attempt to malign the current candidates with those donations they themselves acquired. I have seen this with my own eyes. How ludicrous is that? When on earth did it become a bad act for the community to support someone politically that you believe in by helping them with a gift of money? The answer is, never. Developers, business people and involved citizens have become the scapegoat of thirty years of bad planning by our community. If it was not for developers you would not have half the boulevards and streets of our community, and mostly, you would not be living here now. Campaign donations have been made the rallying cry for candidates who have nothing to offer and no positive platform. I restate that it is disappointing that Mr. Phalen and Mr. Lee have chosen this low road. It is a shame that people have to go to these extremes and low levels to attempt to get elected. If they win, how can the effectively govern when they possess such a dark side with the ability to practice such chicanery in their hearts?
Marc,
Why has bad planning occurred for over 30 years. Is it that the planners were 100% incompentent or were they inclined to place greater weight on the desires of others?
I would postulate that what happened in LC is a microeffect of what happens in DC withoutside lobbying and campaign contributions. For you to say "If you follow your flawed logic and say that the money donated to the candidate’s campaign somehow impugns the candidate’s ability to perform his job fairly and equitably, then you are accusing the donators of perverting the governmental process as well." without questioning why certain outside sources contribute is sticking your head in the sand.
Psalms teaches that a fool says in his heart there is no God. My collarary to that is that a greater fool says there is a God and acts as if there isn't. Can you honestly tell me that Pat has forgiven Toni for firing him and he will be able to consuct himself professionally without grudge? Can you honestly tell me that Tommy won't stop what's he's doing (unless there's a fire) to answer a call from Scotto?
No you can't, yet these men have no problem acting pious during church. It's outside of church that counts. Like I said, the fool in his heart...
Dear Mr. BHL,
Please don't answer questions you ask me with your own words. I would use some scripture but it is inappropriate in this forum. It is Pat who told me to forgive them. It is Pat who said you can not carry hate in your heart and lead. While I can not specifically answer whether Pat has forgiven the Mayor, I suspect he has. My head is not in the sand. If you are the least bit involved in this community, you know my head is not in the sand. I want what everyone wants, good government. We just disagree on who is best suited to deliver it.
Best wishes,
Over and Out
Marc Edelman
Pat, Marc, & Chelsea,
Thank you for so dramatically clarifying the central issue of this election for the voters. Namely that we are faced with a clear choice between a city council that will be a representative government of the people of League City or one that is a governing body for sale to the highest bidder. I can scarcely remember a time when this choice has been put to the voters so starkly, so blatantly, and so obviously. At least the decision of who to vote for is a simple one this year.
Pat & Marc, before I get into how outraged I am about your pathetic attempts to deflect blame instead of facing the facts, let me summarize your emails and posts. Essentially what you are telling us is the the campaign platform of the Cones - Stations - Hallisey team (henceforth to be known as The CaSH Boys) is; “Sure we’re bought and paid for, but that’s none of your business and you don’t have the right to know, so vote for us anyway and just accept that we know best how to run this city for our friends & donors.”
Let’s ground ourselves with a few facts here.
Contrary to your absurdly silly disclaimer Marc, some of these donations have created, if not proof, at least a glaring appearance of improper influence. Take for instance the famous case of the thousands of dollars donated to Mr. Cones by the principles behind the MB Harbor development. As we have discussed before, this development became possible only when the city deceptively reneged on its promise to the residents of the Glen Cove neighborhood to allow TxDOT to renovate their bridge which resulted in significant loss of property value and enjoyment to those residents for which the city has made no effort to compensate or mitigate. Mr. Cones (who along with yourself and Pat is also a personal friend of the developer) played a significant role in arranging for this secret deal with the city while acting as a councilman, yet by his own admission made no effort to inform the affected residents of the city’s change in plans let alone seek or heed their thoughts on the matter. In the same time frame as these events, Mr. Cones received one of the largest single campaign donations in League City council history from this developer even though it was more than half a year since his last reelection and over two years before he would yet again face election. Only Mr. Cones can know in his heart if these are unrelated coincidences or if he did his friend a favor at the expense of the residents of the city in exchange for the money. However, only a fool would be surprised that this situation appears suspicious to the average citizen. In fact, you have admitted to me in private yourself that it looks peculiar. For brevity, I will leave for another discussion some of Mr. Cones’ other controversial actions surrounding such things as the gun range scandal, the trash contractor scandal, the city attorney scandal, etc. or the matter that as senior councilman he has been involved in many of the decisions leading to the over development of League City that is the cause of so much of our infrastructure problems.
Now is as good a time as any to renew the discussion of the peculiar lunacies that Pat has posted under his various pseudonyms, such as ‘jcleague’ and ‘glen cove resident’. After numerous attacks, threats, and insults against supposed fellow residents of Glen Cove under that anonymous name while claiming himself to be a resident and property owner in Glen Cove, it was revealed by matching of IP addresses that it was actually Pat Hallisey making these posts. Given that Mr. Hallisey in fact was not a resident or property owner in Glen Cove, his posts prove beyond dispute that he has a record of making untruthful statements to the public. I can not imagine what would persuade any ethically minded individual to support or vote for a candidate who uses anonymity to say things that are not true. Again for brevity, I will leave to future discussion Pat’s clouded past as the impostor temporary mayor of League City.
Now, returning to Pat and Marc’s complaints that it is not fair for the public to be made aware of campaign finance records. It is mandated by law that political candidates report accurate records of their campaign contributions and expenditures and that such records be made publicly available. The clear intent of this law is for the voting public to be aware of the nature of campaign contributions in the hope that the electorate will hold public officials to at least some measure of accountability for ethical leadership. Other than the power of the ballot, we the public have no defense against the depredations of government beholden to insider influence and personal greed for power. To beat the obvious to death, that is one of the foundational concepts of democracy and representative government. If, as Marc would have us believe, the voters should be kept ignorant of the records of campaign finance, then the power of the ballot and the foundations of our representative government would be subverted to the point that we the residents of League City will continue to be nothing more than the vassals of an autocratic city hall.
To borrow Dustin Gooding’s quote of Ron Paul; “The unholy alliance between developers and tax hungry local governments is dangerous to our rights and our freedoms”.
Let us consider why Pat and Marc are now crying crocodile tears over the public exposure of the record of vast non-resident contributions to the coffers of The CaSH Boys. It is the obvious, though pathetic, refuge of the scoundrel to accuse the accuser. All too often (especially at the local level) all sides play the cash game and election results come down to a simple matter of which candidates raise more cash and have more insider influence, thus leading to government of the elite, by the elite, and for the elite. When all parties traditionally take the money, there naturally comes to be a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to avoid discussion of the money trail in order keep the public ignorant of the undue influences on government so that the gravy train will keep rolling for all players. In this election, we the public are fortunate to have four candidates (Mick Phalen, Mike Lee, Phyllis Sanborn, and Dustin Gooding) who have chosen not to participate in the traditional money game and who clearly have no expectation of personal gain. In such an unusual atmosphere of one-sided campaign ethics, The CaSH Boys obviously feel compelled to squeal as loudly as possible about the ‘unfairness’ of the facts being told in hopes of distracting the attention of the electorate from the truth.
Also contrary to Pat & Marc’s outrageously offensive rants, the publication of The CaSH Boys money trail is in no manner an attempt to impugn the reputation of local businesses or residents. Such protests are merely nonsense meant to distract us from the fact that the vast majority of their campaign financing comes from outside the community. We must not let ourselves be deceived into forgetting the obvious fact that in a city election it is the residents of the city that are the community. Large corporations and organizations from outside the city are by definition NOT part of the community with the right and responsibility to elect local leadership. With The CaSH Boys receiving such vast sums and overwhelming majorities of their money from outsider and special interests, it is only natural for the electorate to consider whether such a team will place primary importance on representing the residents of the city versus running the city for the benefit their outside funding sources. If there truly is anybody who is embarrassed to have their campaign contributions a matter of public record, then they should not contribute. By law and for good reason there is no expectation of privacy in such matters. On the other hand, there is no inherent dishonor in a local resident or business having donated to the campaign of their choice. If such persons regret unwittingly associating with such campaigns, then they should be grateful for having been made aware of the true nature of the campaigns they supported. If they do not disagree with this sort of campaign financing then they should have no complaint about being publicly associated with it. Anything else is unjustified deception and Pat and Marc’s bleating about the ‘unfairness’ of such exposure is just another attempt at distraction from the facts.
Nor should we be expected to hail our developer overlords as Pat and Marc would have us believe. Out of control development in this city has driven our local infrastructure to the breaking point. Our roads, utilities, schools, emergency services, and even our very geography do not support the runaway residential construction that we have seen in recent years let alone what is scheduled to come in the future. The supposed benefits to the tax base in no way justify the inconveniences to the residents of the city caused by the over development and over crowding acquiesced to by those members of council subject to big-money influences. There is no reason the public should be expected to see honorable behavior in the large development companies that have crammed in ever more houses and apartments with no regard for balanced growth and management of the city.
In possibly the most arrogant and galling outrage of all, Pat & Marc dare to offer an opportunity of ‘forgiveness’ to Mick Phalen and Mike Lee for merely benefitting from this public discussion of campaign finance records. How can discussion of the facts ever be anything that requires ‘forgiveness’?! After their team’s long history of attacks, threats, and false allegations against residents of this city, what unimaginable measure of arrogance must they have to even presume that they are the arbiters of ‘forgiveness’ in the first place?! Are Mr. Phalen and Mr. Lee supposed to just be the meek and loyal opposition that creates an appearance of choice on the ballot so that the anointed elite can be returned to power cloaked in the apparent affirmation of a sham election? This galling and unwarranted attack upon Mr. Phalen and Mr. Lee only serves to prove their righteousness and the wickedness of their attackers, but that is always the case when the truth is revealed.
We should take note as well that Pat and Marc have complained here only about the exposure of the known and admitted campaign finance records. As reported recently in the Galveston Daily News, Tommy Cones is currently under investigation for allegations of campaign finance reporting violations. Under such circumstances, a skeptical electorate could be forgiven for wondering if there is even more unsavory money backing The CaSH Boys than is presently visible in the public record.
Pat & Marc’s feigned indignation over the public being made aware of the facts of campaign finance records reveals all that we need to know about the character of The CaSH Boy team they so vainly try defend. No resident of this city can expect their interests to be safe from malicious actions of city hall should such a team find its way to control of city council. We citizens must not behave like ignorant but well mannered serfs expected to kneel at the throne of our would be masters. In theory at least this city is still a democracy and we have a responsibility exercise our electoral authority. The choice for the voters has never been more clear so do your duty at the polls for yourselves and your neighbors!
Mr. Hagen,
All I can say is God bless you !! Wow you cannot put it any plainer than that. I can see why Marc said over and out. How can he continue to defend an indefensible position? Thank you Mr. Hagen for the excellent and detailed thoughts.
Honesty and Integrity still mean something to the citizens. This election we will continue to eliminate those that receive the special interest money and vote for their cause. An ethical council member would not take a major contribution and then push their project. An ethical council member would excuse themselves from voting due to a conflict of interest. I believe that many individuals think as you. I know I have been called and emailed by many people who feel the same way as you and are very anxious to let the CaSH boys know their way of doing business in League City is over. Our town is evolving and now it is time for our representative to evolve as well.
@ME
Hon, if I wanted to malign you I would. The worst thing I will say presently is that you are misguided.
If reading your own comments and the finance reports of your friends has caused you to feel less than outstanding, then perhaps you need to change something in your life, but don't blame me because you feel dirty.
adieu
ME, "I have and will continue to donate to candidates on the local, state and federal level. I have never asked anything of a candidate that I donated to other than for them to do good works for the people of this community and our country." ME: I don't think Mr. lee was referring to your $10.00 contribution to candidates, i think he was referring to the individuals contributing $1k, $2k or $5K to tc and ph.
"I want you to know that I forgive you for your bad act against me" I've read the flyer and i don't see where he said anything bad regarding you or other contributors. He just presented the facts, i see nothing wrong with that.
And by the way, since you're in contact with PH, why not ask him or TC who's being taking down the opponents signs? Here again, it's ironic that EVERY election involving PH and TC, the same tatics occur. Hmmmmmmm, coincidence ?
good job JH and CM!
ME lets discuss facts:
1. has tc failed to submit financial reports? Yes or No
2. are majority of tc's $ from developers? Yes or No
3. did tc receive $ from scotto before tc voted for cypress bay? Yes or No
4. if he accepted $ from scotto, is the perception not seen as a conflict of interest? Yes or No
If you answer "yes" to 3 out of 4, you're supporting the wrong candidate.
ME: you're such an indignant, churlish, righteous person, who needs to get his head out of the sane. I just maligned your name and now you have to respond.
"I submit that none of these donations caused any single candidate to become the political slave of the person making the donation."
What an absurd comment!
adieu
Marc,
Do you really think I believe that “It is Pat who told me to forgive them. It is Pat who said you can not carry hate in your heart and lead. While I can not specifically answer whether Pat has forgiven the Mayor, I suspect he has.” Are you speaking of Pat Hallisey ? Or is that a different pat?
I find it amusing that NB is working so hard to get the Cash boys in. I guess he is worried that his “super powers” will be gone as if the voters had produced kryptonite. Hate is a very destructive force. Not for those that are hated but for those that hate. What a shame the self proclaimed “hardest working council member in the history of League City” will have to learn that lesson the hard way.
Slave? Maybe not but more like an indentured servant.
If the CaSH boys think it was okay to take the money, then they should have no fear of people talking about it. If they are afraid of people talking about the money then they shouldn't have taken it.
Bravo Jeff
Bravo Chris John
Bravo lcpd
Bravo Paz
Your message is right on target. The distractors have not been able to distract from the real issues: Pat Hallisey and Tommy Cones.
All the fuss about documents with accurate totals of political contributions. All available to anyone, just for tha asking. Threatening calls to candidates. Threatening calls to candidate's volunteers. Threatening calls to candidate's friends and supporters. Wow.
As Pat Hallisey would say. . . "what is this all about?"
Has anyone heard from Tommy Cones, the candidate ? Where is his indignation ? His outrage? His fear of brother vs. brother? Neighbor vs. neigbor? Businessman vs. Mike Lee and Mick Phalen? Tommy Cones can hide today, and all the tomorrows. The voters will seek him out on May 9.
Even with Neil Baron guiding and advising the CaSH team, the anchor will sink them all.
This election will be simple to predict. If the mayor rallies her supporters (behind closed doors) to vote for certain candidates then it is over. based on the low number of residents who vote consistantly I believe the mayors influence with east side voters will put Mr. Lee and Phalen over the top.
re: Me's defense of CasH
If the campaign filings are indeed factual, then why all the fuss?
ME: one simple question: Did you, or did you not, make the contributions? Typically, if the truth hurts someone, they they either a)have something to hide or b)regret past actions. Perhaps now that it has become public, you feel a modicum of remorse?
Or, perhaps this just another example of Obama's economic stimulus? Take money from one to pay another, and we all end up paying for it over and over again! Aha, that must be it!
Can anyone confirm the rumor that Pat Hallisey was an Obama delegate for the democrat convention? The
"Eastenders" would surely like to know!
Babs,
It is my understanding that you are correct regarding Mr. Hallisey’s participation in the democratic pct. Convention.
Marc
"I submit that none of these donations caused any single candidate to become the political slave of the person making the contribution"
From Hallisey's own words: "So much got made of Lonnie Cox and all he did was MEET WITH HIM AT THE REQUEST OF ONE OF HIS BIGGEST CONTRIBUTORS!
If it walks like a horse, sounds like a horse, and gallops like a horse, its a horse, by golly.
OMG, I can't believe my eyes! PH has once again acknowledged his political party affiliation!
Bernardo, thank you for making this information public! All the conservatives in town really should take notice.
VERY good read!
This is a repost because I have been asked to remove a name from the emails posted below I do so because he would like (and I believe he should because of his lack of knowledge about our city and its politics) to stay out of League City politics and he is not a candidate for office in our city. My Apologies to Mr. De La Paz.
Bernardo de la Paz said...
Good question Babs. CaSH boy Hallisey sent email to friends saying he was a obama delegate. Which should not be relevant in a non partisan city race.
But why would Marc Edleman fall on his sword for Pat the Obama delegate after all the nasty things ME has said about CJM and others on these blogs for merely calling themselves Democrats???
From: Pat Hallisey [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 1:02 PM
Just so you know what is being said. Other than these local races my mind has not changed on any of you listed above and you all know that. Accusing me of joining the Republican Party is nothing more than a few stirring it up because they did not get my support in a local race. When actually they never asked for it either!
This is all ridiculous..
Pat Hallisey
From: Pat Hallisey [ mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:47 PM
To: (Name has been removed at the request of the named)
Subject:
RE: FROM (Name has been removed at the request of the named)
Frankly (Name has been removed at the request of the named), I have not joined the repubs at all. Jerry was one thing locally. I don’t know anything about Cheryl Johnson Lonnie Cox.
I was a obama delegate to the county convention and am still believing he is the guy.
I don’t know where you get your info but it is incorrect.
Now if you ask me anything specifically I will answer you. But check your source.
I have not abandoned anyone.
Tommy has not abandoned anyone either. So much got made of Lonnie Cox and all he did was meet with him at the request of one of his big contributors.
I frankly have stayed very quiet on the party races and only made comments on Mallios and Baron. They obviously did not think my support was important they never even gave me the time of day.
From: (Name has been removed at the request of the named)
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 11:11 AM
To: Pat Hallisey
Subject: FROM (Name has been removed at the request of the named)
Pat:
Have you gone "nuts"? Since when did J. Shultz, L. Cox and C. Johnson become the "Good Guys"? You have turned on those who have always supported you and are supporting the one's who have always opposed you.
You and Tommy picked a hell of a time to join the "Repubs".
(Name has been removed at the request of the named)
April 5, 2009 10:43 AM
This is a repost because I have been asked to remove a name from the emails posted below. I do so because he would like (and I believe he should because of his lack of knowledge about our city and its politics) to stay out of League City politics and he is not a candidate for office in our city. My Apologies to Mr. P Moratto.
P. Moratto said...
Sic 'em, Jeff!
The CaSH Boys need not squirm and wring their hands much longer. The money trail will surely dry up next month, along with fleeting votes.
From: (Name has been removed at the request of the named)
To: Pat Hallisey
Pat:
Have you gone nuts? ... You have turned on those who have always supported you and are supporting the ones who have always opposed you.
Mr (Name has been removed at the request of the named): Can't you see it? "Money talks, BS walks." What else could explain it? Patty Melt was a good swimmer in dark murky waters, but look at him flip-flopping around on the pier now.
P.S. Felt bigger on the hook too. Think we ought to throw him back?
April 5, 2009 2:25 PM
What does it say about any candidate that is a Republican one day and a Democrat the next?
The only cause Tommy and Pat seem to be dedicated to is political pandering.
Look at their records and don't be fooled when they promise "we love you long time".
adieu
Marc,
You were probably thinking "judge lest ye not be judged" or "why point out the speck..."
Interestingly enough when one actually studies the words of Christ from Matthew, that particular dialogue begins with "woe". In other words, Christ is giving a warning. Who is he giving the warning to? Well when He talks of the plank, further in His teaching, He shouts "Hypocrites".
In other words those were warnings to the elitests who thought they were above everyone else and that they knew better.
End of Bible Lesson....
So who are the elitests Marc? Well let's examine your specific words. "If it was not for developers you would not have half the boulevards and streets of our community, and mostly, you would not be living here now."
Yes Marc, I suppose I should thank developers for BAB between LC Pkwy and 518. Except I almost never use it. I suppose I should thank developers for SSH Blvd between 96 and 518, except I only used it once. Hamid Kantara once told me that developement is good for LC and that it actually helps with traffic because they build roads.
I didn't buy it then and I won't buy it now. The truth is the users of those roads are the people who use them to get to 518 (east and westsides) and 2094. You ever see west 518 in the morning or afternoon. It sucks.
So I suppose if I'm to be thankful for those roads then I also need to thank the developers for the traffic along 518 @ 45 and at 5 points. Or perhaps that's really not the developers fault, but the fault of those who supported such development without consideration for the existing populace of LC and the strain such development would place on our arteries and our water infrastructure.
I remember a time when you sounded the alarm about our water problem. Why do we have a water problem Marc? It's because of unfettered developement without consideration for the existing citizenry and infrastructure. But I suppose we can have more expensive developments to pay for the increase. (Sounds about as wise as investing money into a soon-to-be bankrupt GM.) Now who running in this current election has consistently voted for such development? Should we continue to support a person who has been pro-development because of all the "good" it does?
The problem with your position Marc is that you are promoting what you see as "positive" impacts od development while ignoring or the negative impacts that also come along. You can't have it both ways. Just as I would point out where CJM was foolish on certain matters, here I will point out that you are being foolish in this matter.
Here's another Bible Lesson. Proverbs teaches that a wise ruler acts on good council (or advice). When one surronds himself with his friends and only listens to his friends and dismisses everything and everyone else, he is not wise but foolish.
Heck Marc,
Tell us all when and where and we will all be there. I’d love to show up and I am sure a few others would as well. We can all help you see the light!
Dear BHL,
How about lunch this week, you name the day and place. I would love to speak further with you but, I am taking blogodone, similar to methadone. Helps blog addicts stay off the keyboard.
You can email me at marc@the-edelmans.com
Mr Mallios: No apology needed. Mr C sent that e-mail to Mr H, not to the rest of us, so I respect his wish not to have his name aired.
CJM - We're thinking alike. Scary. Very scary. I was driving home from work, thinking about Marc's invite and wondering if he'd welcome you engaging in the discussion.
Umm...guys?
Why the drama? Marc has made it clear that his reality is not going to be disturbed by facts.
His rhetoric serves as a distraction from the real issues of the candidates.
How many candidates are running on the experience of having voted for and (or) promoted all of the residential development that has led to so much of our current woe?
Gridlocked thoroughfares; aging and inadequate infrastructure; high taxes and higher water bills; constant cost over-runs on city sponsored (but traditionally private) enterprises; and of course the erosion of public trust. What a legacy, I'm not sure I like the experience though. Seven years is long enough. Some would say too long.
We can do better.
adieu
This election season has already worked wonders for League City!
Campaign advisers who have in past years worked in opposing "camps" and who haven't spoken in years have been brought together in a common cause. Also, candidates who have run against each other in the past are now working together as well.
All of us who have occasionally been adversaries: Kosty, Mallios, Meeks, and I, have put aside our past differences and have come together in a common goal. We are working in tandem to move the City forward, with the change that was started with the election of Mayor Randall last year.
This year, we are linking arms and taking a stand for each other when "the bad guys" try to "divide and conquer" by floating
untruths out there to distract us from the job at hand: THE ELECTION.
We are a great experienced team of good guys and we're keeping our eye on the ball: THE ELECTION.
We WILL get the job done! This year!
You go girl!
Maybe it takes a woman to keep things in perspective. Now the devil will be in the details not the bloody game.
How much additional revenue has the updated Parks Dedication Ordinance provided for the City?
Remember how Tommy and Pat were bitterly opposed to it? Tommy said it would "kill development in League City" while Pat was all for trading green space for green- backs from his special interest friends.
Tommy represents change too though. Change for the worse! Who wouldn't trade today for that yesterday seven years ago, especially when driving or writing the check for a water bill?
adieu
Dear BHL,
It was just an invitation to share lunch and ideas. I get enough of Mr. Mallios's ideas to last a life time through other venues. My offer is still good to you.
Marc
Joanna Sharp said
“All of us who have occasionally been adversaries: Kosty, Mallios, Meeks, and I”
What an unholy alliance. The Evil Axis of League City!
"What an unholy alliance. The Evil Axis of League City!"
jc,darling, I can't think of anyone with more "experience" with the unholy or the evil than you. You are the master of it all. Experience does matter, doesn't it?
adieu
JC Little league,
“The Evil axis of League City”? Wow that is quite a stretch. Please tell us what positions that are held by Ms. Meeks, Ms. Kosty, Ms. Sharp or I in the city? Please tell us all what such “an unholy alliance” has to gain except good honest and open government? Do any of us have development projects that require a bridge to be removed in a subdivision or a variance for a project? Did any of us give $ 5,000 to any candidate? Has any of us been hired by the city? The answer is no. This is just a few citizens, who have had differing opinions in the past, working together for the good of our city. But there are many more involved that just us four, those who are working extremely hard to personally get the word out for Mr. Phalin, Mr. Lee and Ms. Sanborn because the people have made choices over the past two city elections that have said very plainly enough is enough. While some try to divide the city there are most of us who understand that we must be united in our city so that we may claim our rightful place and position in county government. The voting public understands that there is a much bigger picture than your blinders are keeping you from seeing. While you may only look at the leaf of the tree, there are many of us looking at the forest and how to enhance the quality of life of all our citizens as well as those in Galveston County. We are the largest city in our county and with that comes a responsibility of fair, honest and open minded leadership. A leadership role that we must be untied and ready to take. League City has begun to grow up !
Marc,
Heck I was going to buy the lunch for y’all!!!
May everyone have a HAPPY EASTER !!!
Uh, Chris, his name is Phalen with an e. I think you should at least spell the people's names correctly that you are droning on and on about.
Marc,
Thank you for the correction but believe me I do not strive to be as perfect as you my friend. I am glad to see you know how to spell Mr. Phalen’s name that way when you go to the polls you will remember who to vote for.
I must say I that I am glad to see that you find my assessment of the forum truthful and accurate considering that is all you have to say about it.
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