Ethics seem to be a topical conversation piece nowadays. Here’s an example of how agenda driven people get off track and then pretend to ‘serve the public’.
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Yakima City Council retreat at the Harmon Center …10 days before the Smithites banded together to line up the votes for their agenda. Not the citizens agenda…their agenda
Kathy Coffey said: (You can watch her say this on video by going to the City of Yakima website and search for the April 4th retreat video)
I don’t do a lot of outreach individually… because there’s been so much controversy about having everything be open, that I don’t lobby or petition council members outside of open meetings.
Here’s an email chain just one month before the council retreat:
Feb 28, 2009 7:52 A.M. to Bruce Smith and Rick Ensey
Did either one of you see the Budget Committee? If you did let me know what you thought. If you didn’t let me know and you two come over and watch it together. I taped so Ken could watch. He thinks the city is very resistant to change. To Keep from doing anything they’ll just keep the rhetoric flowing until it’s too late.
I think that after sitting through a couple of those Budget meetings most people just give up out of pure frustration.
7 minutes later: (7:59 a.m.) from Bruce Smith to Kathy Coffey and Rick Ensey:
Re: Budget Committee
Kathy:
I agree with Ken and I didn’t see the meeting.
Let’s meet at your place. It will probably be easier to watch with some wine, which I can bring.
Thanks, Bruce
13 minutes later: ( 8:13 am) from Kathy Coffey to B.S. and Ensey:
Sounds good!!!! Are you open today at 4 PM? We have to be at my sons at 6:30 but tomorrow’s totally out.
Hey Rick where are you? I’ll give you a little while and then I’m calling. Kathy
9 minutes later: ( 8:22 am) Bruce writes to Coffey and Ensey:
I’m in. Let me know if we confirm with Rick, pls
23 minutes later: (8:45 am) from Rick Ensey to Bruce Smith and Kathy Coffey:
Re: Budget Committee
Let me know when and I will be there.
Rick
There are scores of emails from Kathy Coffey to and from the puppet master (B.S.) and Ensey and some to Micah Cawley and Bill Lover. Let’s take another look at what she said at the retreat in April just 10 days before their plan was executed.
Kathy Coffey:
I don’t do a lot of outreach individually… because there’s been so much controversy about having everything be open, that I don’t lobby or petition council members outside of open meetings.
I wonder how she will vote on Sonia Rodriguez’ code of ethics proposal?
‘Mom and the three amigos and Bruce Smith’, man what a group! Damn emails keep getting in the way of their ethics!
Wouldn’t be refreshing in this setting if just one of these incumbents did the courageous thing and publically cut their strings that lead to the Master Puppeteer Bruce Smith? Of course, that would then open them up to further scrutinization, to see if they would actually keep THAT promise. Or would their loyalty to Smith be more powerful than any commitment to ethics?
Wouldn’t be refreshing if you actually had a dog in the fight?
Where do you actually live, Drew? Do you vote in this election?
Well I see Ron now has all his back slappers or other screen name back in place.
BTW How many time are you going to beat this dead, tired horse of the what YOU think is some major back room deal. You and your amblance chaser lawyer should just go away.
Wow! Is this the most damning e-mail there was or are you just breaking us in slowly? Because I would think if you’re trying to wow us you would come out swinging. The best you got is “Did you see the budget meeting?” “Come over and we can watch it together.” Oh my gosh that is fullblown collusion if ever I saw it. That’s pretty bad Ron Truthbender. (Give me a break. I know that wasn’t very clever. I’m just trying out this name calling thing.)
Don’t worry Ron, the 3 amigos and their supporters have such low standards they don’t see the fuss.
BlahBlah…as you can clearly see from Mainstreter’s rant, debating the issues makes you look far wiser than simply demonizing the opposition. Take note.
From the tone of your voice, it sounds like things are falling apart for the 3 amigos and Mom plan. It’s a bad time to be a republican.
Difficult to tell who Mainstreeter is writing to, but obviously since he doesn’t live in Yakima he doesn’t realize these are non-partisan positions. I anxiously await him ever writing something of substance.
But you responded as someone who obviously felt left out. Where do you live Neal, or is it Kneel, since you seem to be pimping for the 3 amigos.
Ah no, pimping is such a harsh word. Enabling is more like it, since he conveniently overlooks their unethical conduct, and that’s VERY republican.
So true. Neal forgot this blog is called the Otherside Online, ya know? The-Other-Side-Online. The-Other-Side Not the KITBruceSmith side, ya know?
Always amazes me that conservative posters on a liberal blog are so indignant to read liberal viewpoints…
While you might feel insulted that those from other areas of the state take an interest in local affairs, its about ethical behavior everywhere that makes us visit and comment here.
If you don’t want to read what we write, then start a conservative blog and put limitations on who you want to participate.
Indignation at reading in here? Hardly. Very little said here by the liberal bloggers amounts to more than name calling. (just read up^)
I do however, feel indignation toward those who would try to govern my city that don’t live here.
And your deep concern for ethical behavior? Don’t make me laugh. If you had any concerns beyond your liberal agenda that cared about “ethical behavior”, you’d discuss THIS national story that will affect the entire nation negatively. Far more than a Yakima City Council race.
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/26/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5117890.shtml
I know you’ve seen it. Has to do with the current EPA stifling a report that would blow the current CO2 legislation out of the water…as it should be.
As for me being afraid of Sonia being on the council? If she’s as ineffective as Bonlender was for years (his only “legacy” being “Criusing Nights”), no need to fear.
Let the sophomoric name-calling continue.
Sorry you got confused on the clear difference between “governing” and “commenting”. Every American has a right to do that. And since you’re not doing such a great job of calling out the cons on their attempts to circumvent the Open Meetings Act, I can step in and do that job for you too.
Look, we get that you like these cons. We also get that you’re willing to look the other way when they break the rules, because it’s part of that old republican agenda- never criticize other republicans (yea, yea- non-partisan my ass. These people are as republican as they could be). But if you actually feel indignation because someone exercises their right to publically comment, you’re closer to a Cheney neo-con than I originally gave you credit for.
By the way, the republicans have for a long time now sent professional campaign staff and canvassers into small communities to promote local conservative candidates. These non-locals stay for a few weeks, and are gone the day after the polls close. Y’all don’t mind if we send the Sheriff out to the edge of town to head these interlopers off, do ya? maybe check their ID?
Not my idea of a democracy.
Neal is totally out to lunch! How silly to criticize a blogger for not living in Yakima and repeating “the council is non-partisan” crap. Rodriguez was truly non-partisan until Ettl called her a liberal in the press. The GOPers call out Dems for non-partisan races so the GOP voters will not be confused and vote for someone simply on the candidate’s qualifications. They have a bit of a dilemma with the Cawley/Place race since both are Republicans. The chatter on the street is criticizing Place saying she is not “as good a Republican” since she endorsed Ybarra last year and got kicked out of the Republican Women’s Club as a result. GOPers make a candidate’s party affiliation known if they think it will be give them an advantage in the election. I cannot wait until the voters of this city wake up and start voting in council members who actually believe in governing, representing the interests of all citizens, have some moral, ethical base and are not just ideological shills for the likes of Bruce Smith and the “business interests” who only value the size of their own wallets.
I think the voters have woken up. Look at the candidates for council who have signed up based on the chicanery of the 4. Ettl will have to distance himself from those 4 to have a chance but anger management skills have proven ineffective.
How predictable you libs are rising to the bait…
Good rant, Seagal. What you mention about the good ol’ boy system being alive and well in the republican Women’s Club would underscore that. It also proves that while the cons like to refer back to these positions as being “non-partisan”, they have no intention of maintaining that kind of neutrality behind the scenes. It’s important that we keep the voters informed about what is really going on in places like that. Informed and educated voters are the foundation of a healthy democracy. Clandestine meetings and emails to line up votes are not part of a democracy at all.
Neal, you can elect a bunch of little blue Smurfs to your council if that is what you want. I have no intention of telling you who to vote for.
As for your link, h
ow about the author suppressing the fact that his premise was debunked already:
UPDATE 6/26: The Competitive Enterprise Institute released a draft of the “suppressed” report, which confirms the EPA’s explanation: The agency didn’t think much of the report because it’s authored by an economist claiming to be a climatologist. According to CEI, the dissenter wanted to include “a significant internal critique of the agency’s global warming position” but was stifled because the report didn’t fit the political conclusion the EPA had already reached. The group published four EPA emails as evidence of political maneuvering within the agency.
And what do the emails reveal? That there’s nothing to this story. An EPA economist wanted to give scientific opinion, which wasn’t accepted—most likely because it’s outside his area of expertise and training.
The dissenter, Alan Carlin, works as a research analyst in Washington at the EPA’s National Center for Environmental Economics (NCEE), which conducts a variety of economic analysis, including cost-benefit studies, risk assessment, and economic impact modeling. In short, it does number crunching, not scientific research.
Carlin’s personal website, Carlin Economics, reports that he received a B.S. in physics and a Ph.D. in economics and joined the EPA in 1971. It also includes links to his publications, the most recent of which support solar radiation management—a form of geoengineering—and oppose reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
If Carlin wanted to comment on the scientific causes of climate change, there’s little in his work experience or education to suggest it’s within his expertise. In an email, his supervisor at the EPA told him to stick to his own work.
Heh…
I feel obliged to make a couple of points for accuracy sake.. .
seagal wrote – did they not know about “equal time” or did they think they could just bully the other candidates and leave him on the air in clear violation of federal law? ****i believe you owe me an apology…we knew of the law and we made an etremely fair deal with both opponents…so much so that sonia has said she would like something similar for the general election in the event we both win the primary…no bullying by anyone but you…now do the right thing and apologize
seagal says –Heads up Yakima – don’t think Ettl will become a kinder, gentler concerned council person working in the interest of city govt – it’s all about Bully Boy Dave.***ask both opponents about how they feel they have been treated so far…again, an apology is in order
Seagal–Rodriguez was truly non-partisan until Ettl called her a liberal in the press
here is the quote from the paper on 1-03-09 Conservatives, he says, are already sharpening their rhetorical swords for Yakima’s newest council member, who they’ve deemed a “liberal trial lawyer.”
***trouble is, i never said that, those were the reporters words..(he has an ongoing problem with that)I never said “sharpening their swords”..and when i did say conservatives around town call her a liberal trial lawyer..i was quoting what others were saying…however, as a democrat precinct committe chairperson as recently as ’08, what would YOU say her political leanings were?
still, I did go on to say “Can she do it? We’ll find out,” Ettl says. “It doesn’t have to play bad if she can deliver the goods. Whether it works or not remains to be seen.”
so once again Seagal you have misrepresented me…show the class and respect you expect from others and apologize. thank you
Oh neal, we leave you alone in a room equipped with the internets and look at what you do…you’ve done spilled right-wing fibbery all over yourself-
Let’s get you cleaned up…
Debunking #1
http://thinkingmeat.net/2009/07/01/hilarious-cao-is-pimping-for-a-plagiarist/
#2
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090626112737AA76ISA
#3
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/06/29/inhofe-epa-denier/
#4
“During a June 30 Fox & Friends interview with Alan Carlin, the co-author of an internal Environmental Protection Agency document that the agency allegedly, in co-host Steve Doocy’s words, “hushed up,” Doocy advanced the document’s false claim that, as he put it, “for the last 11 years, temperatures had been dropping.” In fact, Doocy’s claim is simply not true. In addition, during the interview, co-host Gretchen Carlson asserted that Carlin is a “scientist,” and Doocy called Carlin a “man of science.” However, the EPA has reportedly said in a statement that “the individual in question [Carlin] is not a scientist.” That statement was included in a June 29 FoxNews.com article about Carlin’s report.”
from MediaMatters, 30 June
#5 (we know you like to call Juan Williams a liberal because he worked at NPR, but liberals are not allowed to guest host for Bill-O)
http://mediamatters.org/research/200907020030
D Ettl misremembers-
Pat Muir YH-R May 11th
Though City Council seats are nonpartisan, Ettl said he believes his conservative values are more in line with those of Yakima residents than Rodriguez’s.
“We come from opposite ends of the political spectrum,” he said.
seagals original comment –Rodriguez was truly non-partisan until Ettl called her a liberal in the press.
do you believe that to be true??? that she is non-partisan?
I described myself as having conservative values more in line with Yakima…which is true
and I said we are opposites… which is also true
so i guess you could interpret that
as her being a “liberal” by process of elimination…i stand corrected in comment…
and I stand with the truth in the reality of our philosophies..which is at odds with seagals original assertion that sonia is “truly non-partisan” she is not.
thanks ron…now how do you stand on seagals need to apologize?
Hey Dave…now that is more like it. Reposting the relevant comments to which you respond is MUCH more readable, instead of inserting them in 10″ of copy. Thank you.
daveeqaultime? Only when his campaign was under scrutiny by the media did he rise to anything close to a challenge. Now he’s wearing it like a badge of honor. If dave’s ‘conservative’ values read anything like the 3 amigos, those are not in line with what people in Yakima are commenting on YHR and the KNDO section.
Reply to mainstreeter–Only when his campaign was under scrutiny by the media did he rise to anything close to a challenge****please explain what you mean by that? If its a reference to the FCC’s equal time provisions, I have acted with open fairness from the beginning.
Ask my opponents….as the reporters covering the story.
Your comment would make it sound as though you believe I was trying to get away with something and it was media scrutiny that forced compliance. Thats simply not true …media reporting follwed the progress of the actions initiated by the other candidates as the law provides.
—Now he’s wearing it like a badge of honor. ***How’s that? My onscreen name? Where is your sense of humor? That’s no badge of honor, its a tongue in cheek response to my joy at being able to work out a fair and equitable arrangement with my opponents that allows me to stay on air.
—If dave’s ‘conservative’ values read anything like the 3 amigos, those are not in line with what people in Yakima are commenting on YHR and KNDO. ****the people you refer to as the amigos all had the opportunity to vote me on to the council in December and chose not to….lets assume they have already spoken on our similarities by their actions. As far as those blogging, each gets one vote and I’ll take my chances with them.
Feel free to criticize when its actually warranted but don’t mislead or misrepresent based on your ideology when the facts show
otherwise. Thanks.
Dave – You rely on my position as precinct committee officer to judge what my “values” are. Just so you know, I was not an active PCO, nor was I active in any political party. Here is what defines who I am: I have a daughter who is 13 years old and will be in 9th grade at Davis. I have practiced law in Yakima for almost 9 years. I have owned a business for more than 5 years. I am a homeowner. In any event, partisan politics have no place in city government. As a council member, good, sound decision-making is what I believe in. I base my positions on my knowledge, research and our citizens input on the particular issue. Its as simple and genuine as that. I am not sure what you mean by “conservative” values and how that would play into your decisions on city issues. I respect your opinions and look forward to engaging you in debate on our critical city issues.
Hey Sonia, fancy meeting you here on the local liberal blog…I’ m glad you are here…with your help we can clear up some differences between us and a number of lingering issues with a couple of the people who frequent here….
—Dave – You rely on my position as precinct committee officer to judge what my “values” are. ***Not entirely true…Back in early May the newspaper wrote a story about us and some people here would use that article as the final word on you and me. The conversation you are joining here harkens back, in part, to that article. I have no doubt we share some of the same values like the importance of family, public safety, employment opportunity and others … But as they say, the devil is in the details …and I imagine our differences will be revealed as the campaign rolls on.
But I guess I was guilty until now, as many are, of assuming that you are a political liberal– based on the PCO thing, the state democratic party contribution, the immigration law background, the support you have among local democrats and the loyal support you have here on this liberal blog … but I am willing to take you at your word so I apologize for my assumption. This might be a great time to explain a bit about your values and political approach to clear it up for all wh stop by here.
I wrote earlier to Mainstreeter that he should “Feel free to criticize when its actually warranted but don’t mislead or misrepresent based on your ideology when the facts show
otherwise. I don’t want to be guilty of the same thing if your facts show otherwise.
—Just so you know, I was not an active PCO, nor was I active in any political party. ****Fair enough, I guess we both know that in Yakima, it might be difficult to get elected if painted as a liberal so I don’t want to be guilty of misrepresenting your real political position. I’m sorry if I have unfairly characterized you…my understanding of the position of PCO is someone who is a grassroots energizer ….an active organizer and a local cheerleader for the party …if you were elected or accepted an appointment to the position and then didn’t do all that a PCO normally does, I apologize.
—Here is what defines who I am: I have a daughter who is 13 years old and will be in 9th grade at Davis. I have practiced law in Yakima for almost 9 years. I have owned a business for more than 5 years. I am a homeowner. ****I hear you…but from a political preparedness point of view, pretty much the same kind of thing can be said of Sharon Madson and myself…we are all raising kids, own homes, have jobs with decades or more of time spent building lives in Yakima…so the voters will have to have some other type of criteria to differentiate and ultimately decide between us. Our individual political philosophies are one measure by which to compare us all – regardless of the nonpartisan nature of the position we seek.
—In any event, partisan politics have no place in city government.****On that we also agree – but realistically, partisanship was introduced into the election process in the past couple of years when the republicans first backed Ensey and there was the speculation about Bonelander using 14th district democrat money for his council race….since then, a lot of political observers & reporters seem to want to place candidates somewhere along the scale of left versus right … and since Yakima elections generally lean right, political affiliation serves the purpose of providing for that favorite of political past-times — making political predictions!
—As a council member, good, sound decision-making is what I believe in. I base my positions on my knowledge, research and our citizens input on the particular issue. Its as simple and genuine as that. ***Again we are of a similar mind…but that which will separate us from each other as candidates is what we bring to the table as individuals and that includes our world view and to an extent, our political philosophy…such as the size and role of government, taxes, etc.
—I am not sure what you mean by “conservative” values and how that would play into your
decisions on city issues. ***As with most folks, my personal value system does color virtually every decision I make in life..but please keep in mind, that the reference here to “conservative values” on this post is brought up by mainstreeter, not by me. He is being facetious about values…and I’m not here touting mine. While I am proudly a conservative in what is essentially a conservative community, that fact is under discussion here on the blog because others brought it up–in fact 99% of my time here is spent addressing accusations and attacks on me, my work or my friends. As far as any differences in our values goes, it may be explored by others but it’s not a point of differentiation between us on which I would plan to campaign.
—I respect your opinions and look forward to engaging you in debate on our critical city issues.****thanks, I look forward to it as well.
Now to the other issues. You joined this discussion midstream to clarify your position on the PCO and values …but I assume that as a researcher, you read back up the posts for some background and context and I’m hoping you would be willing to help establish some other truths in addition to your own? In short, tell the people here who would support you what the truth is about our political relationship so far.
“Seagal” a blogger here, has said I was a bully in my dealings with you and Ms Madson and that Yakima could expect the same if I were to win. “Mainstreeter”, another blogger, has said only when scrutinized by the media was I forthcoming on equal time..but you and I both know that’s not true ….So I think it would only be fair for you to confirm the real picture as to my approach to our interactions so far…
In particular that: I sent you a courtesy email wishing you luck when I decided to run…that I sent an email hoping to clarify for you the difference between what I really said and what was reporter license in the above mentioned YHR article….about how our company has treated you with the utmost respect and professional consideration in dealing with the issue of equal time…that you were invited and made to feel welcome on our Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon….that you were invited to come on our Afternoon Update radio show and outline your ethics proposal and that in any and all ways, you have not been bullied by me or anyone on my behalf and that you have been treated with courtesy and respect…qualities in short supply around this blog!
It is my contention that Seagal & Mainstreeter need to apologize to me as I have to you….wouldn’t you agree? Thanks, and see you on the radio. Sincerely, Dave
.
Dave – I agree that Dave Roederer treated me with respect and consideration in negotiating our equal time agreement. I was sorry to see you were not at the table. Maybe that was something that was not your decision. I was called by a representative from the Memorial Foundation about the Children’s Miracle Network radiothon during my negotiations with Mr. Roederer. I was advised that all city council candidates would get a chance to be on this radiothon, not just me and Sharon Madson. I made it clear that I considered your time on the air during the radiothon as “exempt” from any of our equal time agreement negotiations. That is, I was not seeking equal time for the time you were on the air for the Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser. My record on the council speaks for itself in terms of demonstrating that Iam neither driven by any “liberal” influence nor any political influence of any kind. I have formed my positions on policy issues based on what I think is truly in the best interest of the city. I believe in holding our public servants to a higher standard and a measure of accountability. I know about the issues facing our city. Gangs and crime – I have represented gang members, victims of gang crime and I have been a victim of gang crime myself. I know how the criminal system works and where we can improve. I have represented countless foster care children and at risk youth. I know our need for intervention to prevent our children from falling to gang associations. This is what makes me the best candidate for this position. Finally, to clarify, my mother is an immigration attorney, not me. I do not have any background in immigration law other than representing victims of domestic violence who seek immigration relief from the Federal government. The law allows for victims of domestic violence who are spouses of legal permanent residents or citizens to petition for their status. Again, I look forward to debating any issue that is relevant to our city. Sonia
I should also say that yes, Dave, you did send me a courtesy email to inform me that you were going to run for my position. I do not think you have been a bully; however I think you have made generalizations about me that are not true and/or over simplified. Sonia
REPLY to Sonia–Dave – I agree that Dave Roederer treated me with respect and consideration in negotiating our equal time agreement. I was sorry to see you were not at the table. Maybe that was something that was not your decision. ***Hey Sonia, thanks for the response…you are correct, David wanted you to know that he was representing all of Gap Broadcasting Yakima stations, NOT just me and KIT. That’s why I wasn’t there to help present our proposal…but I am glad it worked out so well.
—I was called by a representative from the Memorial Foundation about the Children’s Miracle Network radiothon during my negotiations with Mr. Roederer. I was advised that all city council candidates would get a chance to be on this radiothon, not just me and Sharon Madson. ***The CMN folks were concerned the equal time issues would prevent me from being able to host the radiothon as I have for the past 8 years…in fact they delayed it for a week to give us time to come up with a plan which insured my participation and was later expanded to add the other candidates as well. We suggested they call to make it less politically threatening.
—I made it clear that I considered your time on the air during the radiothon as “exempt” from any of our equal time agreement negotiations. That is, I was not seeking equal time for the time you were on the air for the Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser. ***and that was the plan and certainly the right call to make from a public relations point of view and most importantly, it enabled us, with your help, to raise more than 3-thousand to help local kids..so thanks for that and thanks for coming on the show
My record on the council speaks for itself in terms of demonstrating that I am neither driven by any “liberal” influence nor any political influence of any kind. I have formed my positions on policy issues based on what I think is truly in the best interest of the city. ***fair enough, but please understand that I am not going around town saying “vote for Dave because Sonia is a liberal”… Part of my approach to my campaign is that I don’t intend to bring you up in my political conversations unless asked a specific question, and even then it is my intent to run FOR me and NOT against you … the “Liberal or not” issue was raised here in the very very small universe of this blog. This is where I practice and rehearse my debate skills! And I agree, I don’t know that anyone could look at your record on the council and reach any kind of conclusion as to philosophical influence.
—I believe in holding our public servants to a higher standard and a measure of accountability. *** the accountability certainly seems to have been lacking for some time and I think most people will think a code of ethics an unfortunate but reasonable consideration. What I do a hear from time to time are questions about the timing of your plan…such as why not speak up when the open meetings thing first came up -or- why not raise the question about ethics codes when you first joined the council since your profession is the law and ethics are central to it…so to some, the timing seems political in nature…they say its opportunistically doing the right thing instead of just doing the right thing…but who cares, if it helps this and future council’s, that’s what’s important.
—I know about the issues facing our city. Gangs and crime – I have represented gang members, victims of gang crime and I have been a victim of gang crime myself. I know how the criminal system works and where we can improve. I have represented countless foster care children and at risk youth. I know our need for intervention to prevent our children from falling to gang associations. This is what makes me the best candidate for this position***That’s an impressive background and certainly should give you an advantage with some voters…I would simply ask why when does your background move into the foreground? With gang activity stepped up, shootings claiming lives, wounding innocents and bringing negative headlines, with police rescheduling to provide a stronger presence and with all the swirl of activity surrounding gangs, given the experience & knowledge you possess that makes you the best candidate for the position, why haven’t you offered up any suggestions? Why is your first major initiative a plan to police yourselves instead of the gangs? I’m just thinking out loud but somebody will probably ask that.
—-Finally, to clarify, my mother is an immigration attorney, not me. I do not have any background in immigration law other than representing victims of domestic violence who seek immigration relief from the Federal government. The law allows for victims of domestic violence who are spouses of legal permanent residents or citizens to petition for their status. ***Sorry, that’s what I get for believing the Yakima newspaper…it said on 1-03-09 “She started out as a staff attorney at Columbia Legal Services in Yakima, working on family law and immigration cases. In 2002, she went to work at Contreras and Morales Inc., where her mother was a partner…. Debra A. Morales, now one of the best known immigration attorneys in the Northwest” I guess it would be easy to see how I or others like me could read that and reach the same conclusion. But as I said before, I was trying to defend a point on this blog, that’s for others to debate out in the real world. I don’t want my campaign to be about what you or I did or didn’t do in the past, but about what we would do for the city in the future.
— I should also say that yes, Dave, you did send me a courtesy email to inform me that you were going to run for my position. ***ha! That was just part of a collection of points that I hoped would serve as a case for you confirming me as a decent guy to the seagal’s and mainstreeter’s of this blog world! Couldn’t help but notice your credit was “diluted”!
—-I do not think you have been a bully; ***AHA! Thank you!:-)
—-however I think you have made generalizations about me that are not true and/or over simplified.***Since you didn’t get a chance to acknowledge it, I do hope you read my apology – “I was guilty until now, as many are, of assuming that you are a political liberal …. I am willing to take you at your word so I apologize for my assumption.”
—-Again, I look forward to debating any issue that is relevant to our city. ***Thanks Sonia, take care and best of luck.
Dave
Sonia, don’t apologize to the DAVE for being a liberal. He feels KIT and the Biz Journal represent the views of Yakima.