By law, the state:
Requires every state and local government agency to adopt a unique conflict-of-interest code. The code lists each position within the agency filled by individuals who make or participate in making governmental decisions that could affect their personal economic interests. The code also requires individuals holding those positions to periodically file Form 700 disclosing certain personal economic interests as determined by the code’s “disclosure categories.” These individuals are called “designated employees” or “code filers.”
For the city of Davis every elected councilmember, every candidate for city council, city management that is in the position of making governmental decisions that could affect their personal economic interests (mostly upper management of the various divisions), and city commissioners are required to fill out a California Form 700.
These disclosures are vital to protect government against officials engaging in conflicts of interest.
According to Gov. Code section 81002(c):
“Assets and income of public officials which may be materially affected by their official actions should be disclosed and in appropriate circumstances the officials should be disqualified from acting in order that conflicts of interest may be avoided.”
Gov. Code Section 87100:
“No public official at any level of state or local government shall make, participate in making or in any way attempt to use his official position to influence a governmental decision in which he knows or has reason to know he has a financial interest.”
In order to determine which personal interests may be affected while carrying out official duties, the state and local governments require officials to disclose their financial assets including stocks and bonds, investments, real property holdings, income, loans, and business positions, gifts, and travel payments.
The FPPC provides detail on conflict of interest codes and disclosure requirements.
“For most other officials, including employees of state and local government agencies, it is up to the agencies that employ them to decide what their disclosure requirements are. Each state and local agency must adopt a conflict of interest code tailoring the disclosure requirements for each position within the agency to the types of governmental decisions a person holding that position would make. For example, an employee who approves contracts for goods or services purchased by her agency should not be required to disclose real estate interests, but should be required to disclose investments in and income from individuals and entities that supply equipment, materials, or services to the agency. (Gov. Code Sections 87301 and 87302.)”
For those who watch city council meetings on a regular basis, the most obvious examine of disqualification occurs when a project is within a given distance of a councilmember’s home or property. Under those conditions, the councilmember simply disqualifies themselves from the participation in the discussion and the vote. One good example was on the 3rd and B visioning project, then Mayor Sue Greenwald was disqualified from voting on it, as a resident of the community immediately impacted by the project. However, she does retain the rights of a citizen and actually spoke during public comment as a member of the public on the issue.
Most of the time, these decisions are made voluntarily to avoid the appearance impropriety and the city attorney will assist members of the council in making the determination as to when they are conflicted out of the process.
However, for something so important, the public really knows very little about the form 700 or what is contained within the disclosures. Like most documents, these are public records, they can be requested by any member of the public for perusal or to be copied.
Davis City Council Form 700s
The Vanguard made a public records act request and received a copy of every filed Form 700 in the City of Davis. For the purposes of this article however, we have decided to only post those forms filed by the five members of the Davis City Council.
Again these are public records, available to anyone, the Vanguard is simply making them more accessible to the public.
- Mayor Ruth Asmundson
- Mayor Pro Tem Don Saylor
- Councilmember Sue Greenwald
- Councilmember Lamar Heystek
- Councilmember Stephen Souza–part 1 part 2
What have we learned from these documents? One thing it is important to note, that when disclosing real property, the individual’s main private residence is not a disclosable interest. For that reason neither Don Saylor who owns his home nor Lamar Heystek who rents an apartment have any real property. Neither do they have any reportable investments.
The most interesting disclosures are from Stephen Souza, Sue Greenwald and Ruth Asmundson.
Councilmember Stephen Souza’s disclosure is in fact the longest at 27 pages. He has one investment in a stock, but the majority of his disclosures are the properties and apartment complexes–roughly 48 different properties are disclosed as doing business within during the course of his duties as a pool service vendor. That puts him in a very interesting position with regard to a variety of policies.
Mayor Ruth Asmundson has a very interesting investment of over $100,000 in the First Northern Bank of Dixon which is one of the main banks that finances development in Davis. She has held that asset from 1976. She also owns less than 10 percent partnership in about four properties, two of which are in Davis including the Parque Plaza on Alvarado and Sycamore West Apts on Sycamore Lane.
Finally Councilmember Sue Greenwald owns two properties in Davis plus stock in SBC Communications, SW Air, Chiron, and Exxon.
As mentioned earlier, the Vanguard at this point is not posting the Form 700s from other Davis Officials or the Commissioners. However, a perusal of the Form 700s provides us invaluable information about our public servants as they carry out their official duties for the city of Davis. Stay tuned this week, as the Vanguard releases more public documents from both the city of Davis as well as Yolo County.
—Doug Paul Davis reporting
Here you go again ,whats the point ?
Change your BLOG name to, The Davis Blog for Electronic Gossip Machine !!! Maybe Bob Dunning can start a contest for a new name for your BLOG.That would be positive …
Here you go again ,whats the point ?
Change your BLOG name to, The Davis Blog for Electronic Gossip Machine !!! Maybe Bob Dunning can start a contest for a new name for your BLOG.That would be positive …
Here you go again ,whats the point ?
Change your BLOG name to, The Davis Blog for Electronic Gossip Machine !!! Maybe Bob Dunning can start a contest for a new name for your BLOG.That would be positive …
Here you go again ,whats the point ?
Change your BLOG name to, The Davis Blog for Electronic Gossip Machine !!! Maybe Bob Dunning can start a contest for a new name for your BLOG.That would be positive …
What’s the point? Why are they filed if the public doesn’t know what is in them?
Get used to it, I have whole host more of these coming up. Public disclosures and public records are important for the public to track even if you are not personally interested in it.
What’s the point? Why are they filed if the public doesn’t know what is in them?
Get used to it, I have whole host more of these coming up. Public disclosures and public records are important for the public to track even if you are not personally interested in it.
What’s the point? Why are they filed if the public doesn’t know what is in them?
Get used to it, I have whole host more of these coming up. Public disclosures and public records are important for the public to track even if you are not personally interested in it.
What’s the point? Why are they filed if the public doesn’t know what is in them?
Get used to it, I have whole host more of these coming up. Public disclosures and public records are important for the public to track even if you are not personally interested in it.
Excellent work, DPD.. transparancy, transparancy!!!! The Vanguard can provide an invaluable service to the citizens of Davis.
Excellent work, DPD.. transparancy, transparancy!!!! The Vanguard can provide an invaluable service to the citizens of Davis.
Excellent work, DPD.. transparancy, transparancy!!!! The Vanguard can provide an invaluable service to the citizens of Davis.
Excellent work, DPD.. transparancy, transparancy!!!! The Vanguard can provide an invaluable service to the citizens of Davis.
I looked over each disclosure.
Sue’s properties – one is in Davis on C Street which would conflict her out of decisions involving Old North Davis – and the other is in Kensington (East Bay Area) and has no bearing on anything happening in Davis. She and her husband own a home in the University Ave neighborhood, but she has to live somewhere, doesn’t she? It’s just unfortunate that she is conflicted out of any decisions involving the University Avenue neighborhood.
Ruth purchased her interest in properties in the 70’s and early 80’s when investing in real estate was considered smart retirement planning. Her interest is less than 10% in each property. No big deal.
Steve had to list each property that he has a business relationship with (cleans their pools). I don’t believe that people would expect him to vote a certain way, just because they have hired him to be their pool guy. I think that would be just petty.
I understand that you are just attempting to make things more transparent, but I don’t think that there are problems of conflict of interest for any of the present council members.
I looked over each disclosure.
Sue’s properties – one is in Davis on C Street which would conflict her out of decisions involving Old North Davis – and the other is in Kensington (East Bay Area) and has no bearing on anything happening in Davis. She and her husband own a home in the University Ave neighborhood, but she has to live somewhere, doesn’t she? It’s just unfortunate that she is conflicted out of any decisions involving the University Avenue neighborhood.
Ruth purchased her interest in properties in the 70’s and early 80’s when investing in real estate was considered smart retirement planning. Her interest is less than 10% in each property. No big deal.
Steve had to list each property that he has a business relationship with (cleans their pools). I don’t believe that people would expect him to vote a certain way, just because they have hired him to be their pool guy. I think that would be just petty.
I understand that you are just attempting to make things more transparent, but I don’t think that there are problems of conflict of interest for any of the present council members.
I looked over each disclosure.
Sue’s properties – one is in Davis on C Street which would conflict her out of decisions involving Old North Davis – and the other is in Kensington (East Bay Area) and has no bearing on anything happening in Davis. She and her husband own a home in the University Ave neighborhood, but she has to live somewhere, doesn’t she? It’s just unfortunate that she is conflicted out of any decisions involving the University Avenue neighborhood.
Ruth purchased her interest in properties in the 70’s and early 80’s when investing in real estate was considered smart retirement planning. Her interest is less than 10% in each property. No big deal.
Steve had to list each property that he has a business relationship with (cleans their pools). I don’t believe that people would expect him to vote a certain way, just because they have hired him to be their pool guy. I think that would be just petty.
I understand that you are just attempting to make things more transparent, but I don’t think that there are problems of conflict of interest for any of the present council members.
I looked over each disclosure.
Sue’s properties – one is in Davis on C Street which would conflict her out of decisions involving Old North Davis – and the other is in Kensington (East Bay Area) and has no bearing on anything happening in Davis. She and her husband own a home in the University Ave neighborhood, but she has to live somewhere, doesn’t she? It’s just unfortunate that she is conflicted out of any decisions involving the University Avenue neighborhood.
Ruth purchased her interest in properties in the 70’s and early 80’s when investing in real estate was considered smart retirement planning. Her interest is less than 10% in each property. No big deal.
Steve had to list each property that he has a business relationship with (cleans their pools). I don’t believe that people would expect him to vote a certain way, just because they have hired him to be their pool guy. I think that would be just petty.
I understand that you are just attempting to make things more transparent, but I don’t think that there are problems of conflict of interest for any of the present council members.
I tend to agree, most of it is just informational.
I tend to agree, most of it is just informational.
I tend to agree, most of it is just informational.
I tend to agree, most of it is just informational.
“just because they have hired him to be their pool guy.”
… are thes 48 “properties” individual homes of apartment complexes and other entities that are potentially part of the developer special interest group?
“just because they have hired him to be their pool guy.”
… are thes 48 “properties” individual homes of apartment complexes and other entities that are potentially part of the developer special interest group?
“just because they have hired him to be their pool guy.”
… are thes 48 “properties” individual homes of apartment complexes and other entities that are potentially part of the developer special interest group?
“just because they have hired him to be their pool guy.”
… are thes 48 “properties” individual homes of apartment complexes and other entities that are potentially part of the developer special interest group?
They are all commercial properties I believe. Some of them affiliated with a certain property manager who is quite controversial in some circles.
They are all commercial properties I believe. Some of them affiliated with a certain property manager who is quite controversial in some circles.
They are all commercial properties I believe. Some of them affiliated with a certain property manager who is quite controversial in some circles.
They are all commercial properties I believe. Some of them affiliated with a certain property manager who is quite controversial in some circles.
DPD writes, “I tend to agree, most of it [the info on politicians’ investments] is just informational.”
Why not hold off on publishing till you have some real news to publish, then?
You really could use an experienced editor with a “nose for news.”
DPD writes, “I tend to agree, most of it [the info on politicians’ investments] is just informational.”
Why not hold off on publishing till you have some real news to publish, then?
You really could use an experienced editor with a “nose for news.”
DPD writes, “I tend to agree, most of it [the info on politicians’ investments] is just informational.”
Why not hold off on publishing till you have some real news to publish, then?
You really could use an experienced editor with a “nose for news.”
DPD writes, “I tend to agree, most of it [the info on politicians’ investments] is just informational.”
Why not hold off on publishing till you have some real news to publish, then?
You really could use an experienced editor with a “nose for news.”
Sorry to offend (apparently) part of what I am doing is making public information more accessible and part of what I am doing is showing people what is available to the public so that people can better monitor their own government. I think that’s worthy information for the public to know.
Sorry to offend (apparently) part of what I am doing is making public information more accessible and part of what I am doing is showing people what is available to the public so that people can better monitor their own government. I think that’s worthy information for the public to know.
Sorry to offend (apparently) part of what I am doing is making public information more accessible and part of what I am doing is showing people what is available to the public so that people can better monitor their own government. I think that’s worthy information for the public to know.
Sorry to offend (apparently) part of what I am doing is making public information more accessible and part of what I am doing is showing people what is available to the public so that people can better monitor their own government. I think that’s worthy information for the public to know.
I meant no offense; I was just pointing out that you seem to lack, sometimes, a “nose for news.” If you published information with some real news value/impact people might be more inclined to sit up and take notice. Your blog would attract more motivated readers instead of bored hard-core politico browsers.
Perhaps if you held off on trying to publish something every single day, or took on some interns to help you with research, it would be reflected in, as I say, blog articles with more impact!
I meant no offense; I was just pointing out that you seem to lack, sometimes, a “nose for news.” If you published information with some real news value/impact people might be more inclined to sit up and take notice. Your blog would attract more motivated readers instead of bored hard-core politico browsers.
Perhaps if you held off on trying to publish something every single day, or took on some interns to help you with research, it would be reflected in, as I say, blog articles with more impact!
I meant no offense; I was just pointing out that you seem to lack, sometimes, a “nose for news.” If you published information with some real news value/impact people might be more inclined to sit up and take notice. Your blog would attract more motivated readers instead of bored hard-core politico browsers.
Perhaps if you held off on trying to publish something every single day, or took on some interns to help you with research, it would be reflected in, as I say, blog articles with more impact!
I meant no offense; I was just pointing out that you seem to lack, sometimes, a “nose for news.” If you published information with some real news value/impact people might be more inclined to sit up and take notice. Your blog would attract more motivated readers instead of bored hard-core politico browsers.
Perhaps if you held off on trying to publish something every single day, or took on some interns to help you with research, it would be reflected in, as I say, blog articles with more impact!
No offense taken, just disagree with you on the value of the info which is not earth shattering but it’s part of what we’re going to be doing from time to time. Some days it will be a bit more controversial than others.
It’s difficult to judge on readership. Only a tiny percentage of people who read this blog on a daily basis post comments. Today looks pretty strong in terms of traffic, particularly given what time of year it is.
No offense taken, just disagree with you on the value of the info which is not earth shattering but it’s part of what we’re going to be doing from time to time. Some days it will be a bit more controversial than others.
It’s difficult to judge on readership. Only a tiny percentage of people who read this blog on a daily basis post comments. Today looks pretty strong in terms of traffic, particularly given what time of year it is.
No offense taken, just disagree with you on the value of the info which is not earth shattering but it’s part of what we’re going to be doing from time to time. Some days it will be a bit more controversial than others.
It’s difficult to judge on readership. Only a tiny percentage of people who read this blog on a daily basis post comments. Today looks pretty strong in terms of traffic, particularly given what time of year it is.
No offense taken, just disagree with you on the value of the info which is not earth shattering but it’s part of what we’re going to be doing from time to time. Some days it will be a bit more controversial than others.
It’s difficult to judge on readership. Only a tiny percentage of people who read this blog on a daily basis post comments. Today looks pretty strong in terms of traffic, particularly given what time of year it is.
Don’t you wonder: do the big developers that hire Steve to clean the pools pay fair market wages? May be impossible to tell. But I have always wondered ….
Don’t you wonder: do the big developers that hire Steve to clean the pools pay fair market wages? May be impossible to tell. But I have always wondered ….
Don’t you wonder: do the big developers that hire Steve to clean the pools pay fair market wages? May be impossible to tell. But I have always wondered ….
Don’t you wonder: do the big developers that hire Steve to clean the pools pay fair market wages? May be impossible to tell. But I have always wondered ….
I appreciate your sharing information like this, even if it is not because you found a “smoking gun.” It educates us about the kinds of information that is available and helps make us a more informed electorate.
Is the term “income” defined in some unusual way for these documents, or do 4 of our 5 City Council members have no income?
I appreciate your sharing information like this, even if it is not because you found a “smoking gun.” It educates us about the kinds of information that is available and helps make us a more informed electorate.
Is the term “income” defined in some unusual way for these documents, or do 4 of our 5 City Council members have no income?
I appreciate your sharing information like this, even if it is not because you found a “smoking gun.” It educates us about the kinds of information that is available and helps make us a more informed electorate.
Is the term “income” defined in some unusual way for these documents, or do 4 of our 5 City Council members have no income?
I appreciate your sharing information like this, even if it is not because you found a “smoking gun.” It educates us about the kinds of information that is available and helps make us a more informed electorate.
Is the term “income” defined in some unusual way for these documents, or do 4 of our 5 City Council members have no income?
Actually, I find this information very interesting and relevant. I find it especially interesting that Ruth Asmundson has at least $100,000 invested in First Northern Bank of Dixon, which probably has written more mortgages in Davis than any other. Now since Ruth is incredibly pro-development for lots more new houses to be built in Davis (which would need a lot of new mortgages) this situation seems to border on “conflict of interest”. Otherwise, it is quite a coincidence that approval of a lot more housing would benefit Ruth immensely due to the plethora of mortgages that would be needed for large new developments in Davis, such as the Covell Village proposal. Recall that Ruth voted for and rallied for Covell Village, but most Davis citizens opposed it and voted it down.
I think it also interesting that Ruth is hell bent on minimizing, if not shutting down, public comment which is very likely to want to express opposition to $500 million in new fees for the public to pay for surface water and a waste water treatment plant needed for large new developments (which she is always in favor of).
I also find the information that Steve Souza having financial connections to 48 apartment complexes quite coincidental that there were so many of his lawn signs posted on the lawns of apartment complexes during the last City Council election. I also find it interesting that John Whitcombe, of Covell Village Partners fame, coincidently owns at least 14 apartment complexes in Davis (i.e. large apartment complexes to the point that he owns at least 25% of the apartments in Davis). So Souza cleans a lot of apartment complex pools as a profession, Whitcombe owns a lot of apartment complex pools, and Souza voted for and campaigned for Covell Village despite huge public opposition. What a coincidence, also, I guess.
Actually, I find this information very interesting and relevant. I find it especially interesting that Ruth Asmundson has at least $100,000 invested in First Northern Bank of Dixon, which probably has written more mortgages in Davis than any other. Now since Ruth is incredibly pro-development for lots more new houses to be built in Davis (which would need a lot of new mortgages) this situation seems to border on “conflict of interest”. Otherwise, it is quite a coincidence that approval of a lot more housing would benefit Ruth immensely due to the plethora of mortgages that would be needed for large new developments in Davis, such as the Covell Village proposal. Recall that Ruth voted for and rallied for Covell Village, but most Davis citizens opposed it and voted it down.
I think it also interesting that Ruth is hell bent on minimizing, if not shutting down, public comment which is very likely to want to express opposition to $500 million in new fees for the public to pay for surface water and a waste water treatment plant needed for large new developments (which she is always in favor of).
I also find the information that Steve Souza having financial connections to 48 apartment complexes quite coincidental that there were so many of his lawn signs posted on the lawns of apartment complexes during the last City Council election. I also find it interesting that John Whitcombe, of Covell Village Partners fame, coincidently owns at least 14 apartment complexes in Davis (i.e. large apartment complexes to the point that he owns at least 25% of the apartments in Davis). So Souza cleans a lot of apartment complex pools as a profession, Whitcombe owns a lot of apartment complex pools, and Souza voted for and campaigned for Covell Village despite huge public opposition. What a coincidence, also, I guess.
Actually, I find this information very interesting and relevant. I find it especially interesting that Ruth Asmundson has at least $100,000 invested in First Northern Bank of Dixon, which probably has written more mortgages in Davis than any other. Now since Ruth is incredibly pro-development for lots more new houses to be built in Davis (which would need a lot of new mortgages) this situation seems to border on “conflict of interest”. Otherwise, it is quite a coincidence that approval of a lot more housing would benefit Ruth immensely due to the plethora of mortgages that would be needed for large new developments in Davis, such as the Covell Village proposal. Recall that Ruth voted for and rallied for Covell Village, but most Davis citizens opposed it and voted it down.
I think it also interesting that Ruth is hell bent on minimizing, if not shutting down, public comment which is very likely to want to express opposition to $500 million in new fees for the public to pay for surface water and a waste water treatment plant needed for large new developments (which she is always in favor of).
I also find the information that Steve Souza having financial connections to 48 apartment complexes quite coincidental that there were so many of his lawn signs posted on the lawns of apartment complexes during the last City Council election. I also find it interesting that John Whitcombe, of Covell Village Partners fame, coincidently owns at least 14 apartment complexes in Davis (i.e. large apartment complexes to the point that he owns at least 25% of the apartments in Davis). So Souza cleans a lot of apartment complex pools as a profession, Whitcombe owns a lot of apartment complex pools, and Souza voted for and campaigned for Covell Village despite huge public opposition. What a coincidence, also, I guess.
Actually, I find this information very interesting and relevant. I find it especially interesting that Ruth Asmundson has at least $100,000 invested in First Northern Bank of Dixon, which probably has written more mortgages in Davis than any other. Now since Ruth is incredibly pro-development for lots more new houses to be built in Davis (which would need a lot of new mortgages) this situation seems to border on “conflict of interest”. Otherwise, it is quite a coincidence that approval of a lot more housing would benefit Ruth immensely due to the plethora of mortgages that would be needed for large new developments in Davis, such as the Covell Village proposal. Recall that Ruth voted for and rallied for Covell Village, but most Davis citizens opposed it and voted it down.
I think it also interesting that Ruth is hell bent on minimizing, if not shutting down, public comment which is very likely to want to express opposition to $500 million in new fees for the public to pay for surface water and a waste water treatment plant needed for large new developments (which she is always in favor of).
I also find the information that Steve Souza having financial connections to 48 apartment complexes quite coincidental that there were so many of his lawn signs posted on the lawns of apartment complexes during the last City Council election. I also find it interesting that John Whitcombe, of Covell Village Partners fame, coincidently owns at least 14 apartment complexes in Davis (i.e. large apartment complexes to the point that he owns at least 25% of the apartments in Davis). So Souza cleans a lot of apartment complex pools as a profession, Whitcombe owns a lot of apartment complex pools, and Souza voted for and campaigned for Covell Village despite huge public opposition. What a coincidence, also, I guess.
Why is it that some of the commentors with no name always look for the worst? Steve gave up all of Tandem apartments and income owned by John Whitcombe and partners just prior to taking office in 2004.
Why is it that some of the commentors with no name always look for the worst? Steve gave up all of Tandem apartments and income owned by John Whitcombe and partners just prior to taking office in 2004.
Why is it that some of the commentors with no name always look for the worst? Steve gave up all of Tandem apartments and income owned by John Whitcombe and partners just prior to taking office in 2004.
Why is it that some of the commentors with no name always look for the worst? Steve gave up all of Tandem apartments and income owned by John Whitcombe and partners just prior to taking office in 2004.
Anonymous 10:16 what a whiner you are. If you don’t like it then don’t read it. Go to your fluffy articles in the Enterprise.
I personally appreciate the information the Vanguard provides us as readers. It gives insight and background to some decisions council members might make.
Thank you DPD!
Anonymous 10:16 what a whiner you are. If you don’t like it then don’t read it. Go to your fluffy articles in the Enterprise.
I personally appreciate the information the Vanguard provides us as readers. It gives insight and background to some decisions council members might make.
Thank you DPD!
Anonymous 10:16 what a whiner you are. If you don’t like it then don’t read it. Go to your fluffy articles in the Enterprise.
I personally appreciate the information the Vanguard provides us as readers. It gives insight and background to some decisions council members might make.
Thank you DPD!
Anonymous 10:16 what a whiner you are. If you don’t like it then don’t read it. Go to your fluffy articles in the Enterprise.
I personally appreciate the information the Vanguard provides us as readers. It gives insight and background to some decisions council members might make.
Thank you DPD!
Why is it that the commenters with no names always come to the defense of electeds who are questionable? Are they:
a) kissing -ss, or b) the person who is mentioned in the article?
Hmmm…one wonders. That you for the info. Vanguard.
Why is it that the commenters with no names always come to the defense of electeds who are questionable? Are they:
a) kissing -ss, or b) the person who is mentioned in the article?
Hmmm…one wonders. That you for the info. Vanguard.
Why is it that the commenters with no names always come to the defense of electeds who are questionable? Are they:
a) kissing -ss, or b) the person who is mentioned in the article?
Hmmm…one wonders. That you for the info. Vanguard.
Why is it that the commenters with no names always come to the defense of electeds who are questionable? Are they:
a) kissing -ss, or b) the person who is mentioned in the article?
Hmmm…one wonders. That you for the info. Vanguard.
Steve Souza did receive contributions from Johnny Whitcombe and Company. And Whitcombe and his cronies donated to Saylor, and Syd too. Whitcombe also had their signs placed at all apt. complexes even if renters did not support them.
This is why transparency and the Vanguard are valuable. And yes, Souza scratches Whitcombe’s back by pushing for Covell Village. Follow the money trail.
Thank you Vanguard.
Steve Souza did receive contributions from Johnny Whitcombe and Company. And Whitcombe and his cronies donated to Saylor, and Syd too. Whitcombe also had their signs placed at all apt. complexes even if renters did not support them.
This is why transparency and the Vanguard are valuable. And yes, Souza scratches Whitcombe’s back by pushing for Covell Village. Follow the money trail.
Thank you Vanguard.
Steve Souza did receive contributions from Johnny Whitcombe and Company. And Whitcombe and his cronies donated to Saylor, and Syd too. Whitcombe also had their signs placed at all apt. complexes even if renters did not support them.
This is why transparency and the Vanguard are valuable. And yes, Souza scratches Whitcombe’s back by pushing for Covell Village. Follow the money trail.
Thank you Vanguard.
Steve Souza did receive contributions from Johnny Whitcombe and Company. And Whitcombe and his cronies donated to Saylor, and Syd too. Whitcombe also had their signs placed at all apt. complexes even if renters did not support them.
This is why transparency and the Vanguard are valuable. And yes, Souza scratches Whitcombe’s back by pushing for Covell Village. Follow the money trail.
Thank you Vanguard.
There’s more to this than just economic interest. There is also the very powerful(for some)element of ego and perceived social status in a small community. Alongside Souza’s image as a representative of the People ,with long locks(recently shorn), he also appears to relish “runing” with the rich and powerful set in Davis. The idea that he is still walking around pools with a strainer/scoop is way off the mark.
There’s more to this than just economic interest. There is also the very powerful(for some)element of ego and perceived social status in a small community. Alongside Souza’s image as a representative of the People ,with long locks(recently shorn), he also appears to relish “runing” with the rich and powerful set in Davis. The idea that he is still walking around pools with a strainer/scoop is way off the mark.
There’s more to this than just economic interest. There is also the very powerful(for some)element of ego and perceived social status in a small community. Alongside Souza’s image as a representative of the People ,with long locks(recently shorn), he also appears to relish “runing” with the rich and powerful set in Davis. The idea that he is still walking around pools with a strainer/scoop is way off the mark.
There’s more to this than just economic interest. There is also the very powerful(for some)element of ego and perceived social status in a small community. Alongside Souza’s image as a representative of the People ,with long locks(recently shorn), he also appears to relish “runing” with the rich and powerful set in Davis. The idea that he is still walking around pools with a strainer/scoop is way off the mark.
Maybe we should require that all City Council members live and work out of town so that there is no chance that there is any involvement in the community and no chance for any conflict of interest? Or require that all investments be made to companies that don’t do business in Davis?
You can’t have it both ways.
I find these arguments very petty and narrow-minded.
Souza is a pool guy. He cleans pools for a living. This is not a powerful position by any stretch. Ruth invested in the local bank, maybe making it a nano bit easier for Davis citizens to get a mortgage from a local bank to buy a house here or for a local businessperson to get that line of credit in order to keep their business afloat during lean times.
This discussion is bordering on absurdity. I personally find it more troubling that Sue has investments with Exxon, than Ruth investing in a local business.
Maybe we should require that all City Council members live and work out of town so that there is no chance that there is any involvement in the community and no chance for any conflict of interest? Or require that all investments be made to companies that don’t do business in Davis?
You can’t have it both ways.
I find these arguments very petty and narrow-minded.
Souza is a pool guy. He cleans pools for a living. This is not a powerful position by any stretch. Ruth invested in the local bank, maybe making it a nano bit easier for Davis citizens to get a mortgage from a local bank to buy a house here or for a local businessperson to get that line of credit in order to keep their business afloat during lean times.
This discussion is bordering on absurdity. I personally find it more troubling that Sue has investments with Exxon, than Ruth investing in a local business.
Maybe we should require that all City Council members live and work out of town so that there is no chance that there is any involvement in the community and no chance for any conflict of interest? Or require that all investments be made to companies that don’t do business in Davis?
You can’t have it both ways.
I find these arguments very petty and narrow-minded.
Souza is a pool guy. He cleans pools for a living. This is not a powerful position by any stretch. Ruth invested in the local bank, maybe making it a nano bit easier for Davis citizens to get a mortgage from a local bank to buy a house here or for a local businessperson to get that line of credit in order to keep their business afloat during lean times.
This discussion is bordering on absurdity. I personally find it more troubling that Sue has investments with Exxon, than Ruth investing in a local business.
Maybe we should require that all City Council members live and work out of town so that there is no chance that there is any involvement in the community and no chance for any conflict of interest? Or require that all investments be made to companies that don’t do business in Davis?
You can’t have it both ways.
I find these arguments very petty and narrow-minded.
Souza is a pool guy. He cleans pools for a living. This is not a powerful position by any stretch. Ruth invested in the local bank, maybe making it a nano bit easier for Davis citizens to get a mortgage from a local bank to buy a house here or for a local businessperson to get that line of credit in order to keep their business afloat during lean times.
This discussion is bordering on absurdity. I personally find it more troubling that Sue has investments with Exxon, than Ruth investing in a local business.
Gee campaign watcher (8/19/08 9:52 AM), it’s ok if you wish to be an apologist for Asmundson, Souza (and Saylor too I assume but just not this particular posting from you) but please, let’s not stray from the issue at hand. As far as I am concerned Asmundson, Souza, and Saylor ARE the Exxon of Davis.
Souza is the biggest hypocrite of all by trying to appear to be “Mr. Green” when he is as bad as Asmundson and Saylor trying to bring on mega-infrastructure costs like the surface water project and the waste water treatment plant mega-expansion for their pet mega-projects like “son-of-Covell Village” which the Council majority are to figure out how to put on the ballot (i.e. in a new and not-improved version.)
Give it a rest “campaign watcher”. Given the clear intent of Asmundson to try to prevent the public from voicing their opinion at City Council public comment (while Souza and Saylor are astonishingly silent on this issue) at least Greenwald and Heystek have the spine to make clear that they are NOT ok with it.
Concern by everyone should be that Asmundson and Souza making a ton of money off of new development that would cost each citizen between $100 and $200 per month in surface water and wastewater treatment “fees” to subsidize these potential huge residential developments. Now that’s troubling.
Gee campaign watcher (8/19/08 9:52 AM), it’s ok if you wish to be an apologist for Asmundson, Souza (and Saylor too I assume but just not this particular posting from you) but please, let’s not stray from the issue at hand. As far as I am concerned Asmundson, Souza, and Saylor ARE the Exxon of Davis.
Souza is the biggest hypocrite of all by trying to appear to be “Mr. Green” when he is as bad as Asmundson and Saylor trying to bring on mega-infrastructure costs like the surface water project and the waste water treatment plant mega-expansion for their pet mega-projects like “son-of-Covell Village” which the Council majority are to figure out how to put on the ballot (i.e. in a new and not-improved version.)
Give it a rest “campaign watcher”. Given the clear intent of Asmundson to try to prevent the public from voicing their opinion at City Council public comment (while Souza and Saylor are astonishingly silent on this issue) at least Greenwald and Heystek have the spine to make clear that they are NOT ok with it.
Concern by everyone should be that Asmundson and Souza making a ton of money off of new development that would cost each citizen between $100 and $200 per month in surface water and wastewater treatment “fees” to subsidize these potential huge residential developments. Now that’s troubling.
Gee campaign watcher (8/19/08 9:52 AM), it’s ok if you wish to be an apologist for Asmundson, Souza (and Saylor too I assume but just not this particular posting from you) but please, let’s not stray from the issue at hand. As far as I am concerned Asmundson, Souza, and Saylor ARE the Exxon of Davis.
Souza is the biggest hypocrite of all by trying to appear to be “Mr. Green” when he is as bad as Asmundson and Saylor trying to bring on mega-infrastructure costs like the surface water project and the waste water treatment plant mega-expansion for their pet mega-projects like “son-of-Covell Village” which the Council majority are to figure out how to put on the ballot (i.e. in a new and not-improved version.)
Give it a rest “campaign watcher”. Given the clear intent of Asmundson to try to prevent the public from voicing their opinion at City Council public comment (while Souza and Saylor are astonishingly silent on this issue) at least Greenwald and Heystek have the spine to make clear that they are NOT ok with it.
Concern by everyone should be that Asmundson and Souza making a ton of money off of new development that would cost each citizen between $100 and $200 per month in surface water and wastewater treatment “fees” to subsidize these potential huge residential developments. Now that’s troubling.
Gee campaign watcher (8/19/08 9:52 AM), it’s ok if you wish to be an apologist for Asmundson, Souza (and Saylor too I assume but just not this particular posting from you) but please, let’s not stray from the issue at hand. As far as I am concerned Asmundson, Souza, and Saylor ARE the Exxon of Davis.
Souza is the biggest hypocrite of all by trying to appear to be “Mr. Green” when he is as bad as Asmundson and Saylor trying to bring on mega-infrastructure costs like the surface water project and the waste water treatment plant mega-expansion for their pet mega-projects like “son-of-Covell Village” which the Council majority are to figure out how to put on the ballot (i.e. in a new and not-improved version.)
Give it a rest “campaign watcher”. Given the clear intent of Asmundson to try to prevent the public from voicing their opinion at City Council public comment (while Souza and Saylor are astonishingly silent on this issue) at least Greenwald and Heystek have the spine to make clear that they are NOT ok with it.
Concern by everyone should be that Asmundson and Souza making a ton of money off of new development that would cost each citizen between $100 and $200 per month in surface water and wastewater treatment “fees” to subsidize these potential huge residential developments. Now that’s troubling.
“that would cost each citizen between $100 and $200 per month in surface water and wastewater treatment “fees”….”
This ridiculous assertion just keeps growing and growing. Now it’s “each citizen” and the amount, which is totally fabricated and unsubstantiated, has doubled.
“that would cost each citizen between $100 and $200 per month in surface water and wastewater treatment “fees”….”
This ridiculous assertion just keeps growing and growing. Now it’s “each citizen” and the amount, which is totally fabricated and unsubstantiated, has doubled.
“that would cost each citizen between $100 and $200 per month in surface water and wastewater treatment “fees”….”
This ridiculous assertion just keeps growing and growing. Now it’s “each citizen” and the amount, which is totally fabricated and unsubstantiated, has doubled.
“that would cost each citizen between $100 and $200 per month in surface water and wastewater treatment “fees”….”
This ridiculous assertion just keeps growing and growing. Now it’s “each citizen” and the amount, which is totally fabricated and unsubstantiated, has doubled.
David Greenwald, aka dpd,
I am glad that you have a whole host of public disclosures coming up. Transparency is the best thing for the public. Could you add one more? Can you comment on Tyrone Freeman, the president of SEIU? He is the person in the news, lately, that is accused of giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to his wife and mother in-law from SEIU members funds.
There are many of us,(SEIU), members here in Davis and we would like your comments on this situation and perhaps your views on the future of the SEIU, given the ramifications regarding Tyrone. Thanks.
David Greenwald, aka dpd,
I am glad that you have a whole host of public disclosures coming up. Transparency is the best thing for the public. Could you add one more? Can you comment on Tyrone Freeman, the president of SEIU? He is the person in the news, lately, that is accused of giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to his wife and mother in-law from SEIU members funds.
There are many of us,(SEIU), members here in Davis and we would like your comments on this situation and perhaps your views on the future of the SEIU, given the ramifications regarding Tyrone. Thanks.
David Greenwald, aka dpd,
I am glad that you have a whole host of public disclosures coming up. Transparency is the best thing for the public. Could you add one more? Can you comment on Tyrone Freeman, the president of SEIU? He is the person in the news, lately, that is accused of giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to his wife and mother in-law from SEIU members funds.
There are many of us,(SEIU), members here in Davis and we would like your comments on this situation and perhaps your views on the future of the SEIU, given the ramifications regarding Tyrone. Thanks.
David Greenwald, aka dpd,
I am glad that you have a whole host of public disclosures coming up. Transparency is the best thing for the public. Could you add one more? Can you comment on Tyrone Freeman, the president of SEIU? He is the person in the news, lately, that is accused of giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to his wife and mother in-law from SEIU members funds.
There are many of us,(SEIU), members here in Davis and we would like your comments on this situation and perhaps your views on the future of the SEIU, given the ramifications regarding Tyrone. Thanks.
I have no idea, I do know that he was from a completely different Local than Cecilia’s local and the locals are heavily autonomous. That’s about all I know about it or him. I hope he goes to jail for a long time if he indeed did the things he was accused of.
I have no idea, I do know that he was from a completely different Local than Cecilia’s local and the locals are heavily autonomous. That’s about all I know about it or him. I hope he goes to jail for a long time if he indeed did the things he was accused of.
I have no idea, I do know that he was from a completely different Local than Cecilia’s local and the locals are heavily autonomous. That’s about all I know about it or him. I hope he goes to jail for a long time if he indeed did the things he was accused of.
I have no idea, I do know that he was from a completely different Local than Cecilia’s local and the locals are heavily autonomous. That’s about all I know about it or him. I hope he goes to jail for a long time if he indeed did the things he was accused of.