I have to keep my comments short today.

It’s a great relief for many of us to find our new city manager to be intelligent, competent, experienced, and imminently independent. Yvonne Quiring will no doubt set many things straight again in city government. One thing that stood out during Tuesday’s regular council meeting is, for the first time, Asst. City Manager Bill Bartels actually prepared and produced information for council consideration. The comedy team of Washburn and Brooks put on a good show as well. Both expressed disdain for city ordinances: in Brooks’ words “I disagree with the municipal code”. Washburn wanted to waive a lien ordinance. Neither understands the negative precedent this would set. On another issue, W&B urged the merger of meetings. Last year they engaged in heated debate against same.

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Mayor Walker recused herself from the Equestrian Center discussion. Upon returning to the dais, someone in the crowd welcomed her back with a ‘you missed the good stuff’ comment. She was heard to say, “I’ll read it tomorrow”: To which Washburn responded, “Not in the Gazette I hope”. Ah – it’s great to be loved.

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City Manager Quiring told the council that the controversial audit RFP was never completed and never sent out, contrary to Mayor Walker’s repeated assurances. Interim City Manager Pennell, Walker, Bartels, and Leo Young had to know this. So much for open and honest government. I also understand Pennell instructed everyone to avoid
emails.

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After many months of following the machinations of our school board, and school district regarding serious misconduct by employee at will, Evalene Townend, and nasty efforts to quash the Piru Charter School proposal, I have lost all confidence and respect for both entities. Go ahead – challenge me – I dare you.

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On the Fort Hood terror event: We have an utterly gutless President, mostly gutless media, and mostly gutless Congress; they find it impossible to stand up against the Politically Correct forces in our midst. The Army major who murdered 13 fellow soldiers at Fort Hood is both a traitor and an Islamic terrorist. They should stand this cowardly bastard up against a firing squad, immediately following his conviction. Too bad his sympathizers
can’t enjoy the same fate.