You seem to be spending a bunch of time campaigning for free right here on this web site. It would sure be nice to hear you say something positive, rather than your seemingly endless attacks on other candidates and the officials you would have to work with, should you get elected.

Any chance that might happen? I don't vote for people who hide their lack of ideas by running down their opponents.

Is stating the truth about all of the major projects that have been bungled called complaining now?  I didn't realize we had gotten so politically correct.

Complaining...no, I'm not complaining.  I'm doing something about it by getting off my butt and running for office.  And, paying my own way, not beholden to any 'special interest' except the people of Tehachapi.

Advertising for free?  Well, apparently you didn't see the 1/4 page full color ad that I ran in the Tehachapi News.  I think the cost of that gives me more right than some people who haven't paid anything to the Tehachapi News.  What ad(s) have you run lately?

And, as far as a plan for something positive...how about we stop wasting taxpayer money?   What about looking down the road and THINKING about what we are doing BEFORE we implement a huge and expensive project.  What about planning a project out so that it doesn't inconvenience and hurt the small businesses along Tehachapi Blvd. as the project progresses.

Want positive?  The people doing your so called complaining are the people who make change happen and they are the people whose backbone will plan and build a great city.  A city that can be safe, and clean and healthy to live in.  But, you have to clear out the deadwood created by nepotism and cronyism.  You have to plan for growth.  And, planning means hard work and that means commitment and I am committed to the people of Tehachapi.

What amazes me is the number of people on this Blog that are afraid to put up their real names and take a stand for what they believe in.  Admittedly this is a somewhat small town, but when did political debate become such a scary thing that people have to hide their discussions?

Vote for Stan Beckham and take back control of your city council.

Hasn't this nepotism been going on for a while? Isn't Maryanne related to our previous mayor Rombouts? And there are others who have had relatives in the city government  that helped get them in, too.  I wish the agenda for each council meeting would be in the newspaper so we citizens have a chance to voice our opinions on things that are important to us.  Also, is there a public place where we can read the laws and codes specific to our city?

Yes Chris, nepotism has been around for as long as I can remember in some form or another.  And in some ways we are still paying for those peccadilloes.  This has become an expensive problem with the growth in our population and the housing growth we've seen the past couple of years.  With the anticipation of all the new tax revenues, our city has fallen into the trap of spend today what you'll have tomorrow, at least until it busts and our city goes bankrupt.  And, we are on that track according to the annual budget if all the new departmental expenditures are implemented.

As to the agenda, it is currently published on the city hall Web site but often not until the evening of the meeting.  I too would like to see the agenda published in the paper.  I would also like to see our council and planning meetings broadcast on our local government channel as a way to promote transparency.

Follow this link to get to our city's municipal codes which are in need of updating, btw.  http://www.tehachapicityhal...

Thanks for asking,

Stan Beckham

Well, you said you weren't going to be the typical politician with pat answers and scripted and rehearsed speach.  I knew you couldn't pull off the 'typical' politician bit, you're too honest.  Go get 'em my friend, you've got our votes and from the talk I've been hearing in my office most of the whole town too!

You'll be the best thing to happen to our city hall in a long, long time!

Casey

It's been one big happy family for way to long.

Although I'm not a supporter of blatant nepotism, I think the more valid point is not who is related, but rather who is trying to screw whom. I’m really curious why Mr. Beckham decided to title his post a “rebuttal” to Teel and Smith when he states that his response is to my previous blog. Did you forget which side of your mouth you are talking out of today Mr. Beckham?

I've never seen Mr. Beckham support with any solid evidence any of the so-called facts since he came out against the Nunes Ranch, which just happens to threaten his peaceful neighborhood, not mine or yours, or even the large majority of voters. I've never heard him speak out against any other developments that weren't in his own backyard, and after "doing my own research," as he suggested, it seems that he misspoke about his relationship to the "Nunes Ranch" and also highly exaggerated the environmental issues related to that particular development. Actually, I'm kind of surprised that legal action wasn't taken. I never questioned Mr. Beckham's residency, I was referring to Mr. Schaeffer's end run for city residency. Don't worry, we all know where you live Mr. Beckham.

The only relationship I question in this race is the relationship between Mr. Beckham's alarmist tactics, which are married to his mudslinging and name calling, and cousin to absolutism. I would like to see a relationship with the town leaders that weren’t predicated on bullying and unsupported claims of incompetence. Just because you don't like policy doesn't mean you attack the policy makers. After all, someone voted for them in the first place.  And for those you who might be misled into thinking that Jason Caudle holds power over the city council, that is just another example of Mr. Beckham's FALSE claims. Mr. Caudle's job is to act on what the city council approves. He cannot act independently of the council - period. In this matter, I am simply stating fact, not expressing opinion or showing favor. (That's what I'd expect from my elected government representatives.)

Let me be clear, I’m not advocating or campaigning for the incumbents.  As I said before, perhaps it is time for a change in our local government, but the system only works when those chosen by the voters to fill positions of leadership can act together to affect a positive change. These people will have to work together.  History has proven that when things aren't going right, just ANY change is not always the best course of action. Back in the 30's, the German's thought that Hitler looked like a pretty good alternative to the Kaiser, and we all know how that one worked out. (By the way, I'd lose the 'stache Stan)
       
After "doing my research," I do dare. Mr. Beckham to "state in writing" that you appear to be the one "throwing rocks" and those rocks have shattered any illusion of your competency to behave in a professional, ethical manner - in my opinion. And for the record, that's what blogs are for...stating your ideas and opinions.  And as  justcurious pointed out you seem to be doing a lot of that on this blog, and quite frankly, I'm surprised they haven't shut you down for campaigning on a non-commercial site.  I'm also curious what "rights” buying an ad provides except for the freedom of speech.

I still haven't seen anything that talks about your plan.  What EXACTLY are you planning to do to address some of the issues you don't like?

What are you going to do if you are in office? You mention not wasting taxpayer money. What does that mean to you? What will you stop spending? I want to hear about what you are planning to do. Not about how much you don't like what other people have done. What is your plan?

Lets see he said he was going to stop the fire department....that's a $1 million savings right there. He said he is going to stop all this nepotism....So there is answers to some of the questions you have asked.....you just need to read what has been already posted.... Doesn't Stan have the right to be alarmed, don't we all....to many homes, no water, bad water, nepotism, over bearing code enforcement, down town project, and on and on....If you are not alarmed then you should be!

Isn't funny that 'beenthere' bashes Stan for bashing. justcurious read what he has written, he has stated many times what he is going to do... he going to cut cost by eliminating unneeded programs. He is going to stop all this 'start something first then pay for a study later' stuff. He is going to stop letting people hire there friends and family  He is going to kick TEEL out! Teel is in it for her family. She does not lessen to US. She has been quoted in this paper that she stands for developers rights. Then she back tracks the next week. It's time for change. It's time to get someone in there that is not related!!!!!!

I have read both Stan's and BeenThere's statement and out of the two I know and can verify Stan's statements. I have lived in Tehachapi almost my entire life excluding my Navy service time. I went to school with Candle and know him. The fact of the matter is I know many in the city government personally and feel many of them as friends, but I also know that what Stan wrote is true with the possible exception about the police cheif. If the rumour I have is correct the new police cheif is from outside of the town, but I don't know if there is any connection between him or anyone in the city.

Of course 'beenthere', I would post a rebuttal against Smith and Teel to their newspaper claims.  You are not the subject here.  And...you are awfully defensive.  Sorry if I mistakenly tweaked your nose.  

I find it interesting that 'beenthere' has only 'beenhere' blogging since October 31st.  He/she seems to be taking everything a bit personally so I would bet this person has a vested interest at city hall.  He/she is trying to divert attention away from the issues.    I’ve really been trying to keep this candidacy to the issues and not mudslinging, which would be calling into question the other candidates' personal lives, activities, and so forth that have nothing to do with the issues.

The reference to 'legal action' for my highly exaggerated claims against Nunes’ Ranch is interesting, if not downright funny. If this person wants the ‘whole story told’ about Mariana Teel’s unethical involvement with this issue I can certainly provide it. I have plenty of paper documentation to back up my claims about Nunes’ Ranch, with lots of pretty little photos to go along with that. And, I do have paper proof that Mariana Teel was in this deal from the get-go. Along with another ‘civic minded’ business owner in town.  By the way, this is not a "whisper campaign" because I do have the proof to back up any statements and an awful lot of people on Anita Drive and Snyder are already aware of this situation.   Also, I didn’t make any FALSE claims about working for Nunes’ Ranch. I told the reporter that I had worked on the Nunes’ Ranch property, because that is how the property is now known. In fact, had you researched further you would have found the clarification of this. I told the reporter that I worked for Jacobsen Ranch. This is now the Nunes’ Ranch property. So…again, if you want to debate me on the FACTS, you’d better do your homework.   And, if anyone from Nunes’ Ranch feels they have a lawsuit, come right ahead and let’s go for it. I’ve researched the water issue thoroughly, and perhaps they can explain why the Snyder Street well has been shut down, with one of the reasons being “fuel oil” when there are no gas or service stations ‘uphill’ from that well. That’s right folks, gravity actually has something to do with this, but perhaps ‘beenthere’ missed that class.   By the way, jer72, the police chief reference was a misguided attempt at humor, and if any were offended, I do apologize.  

Stan Beckham

'justcurious ' - I am reposting this answer to Shane and in hopes that this will clarify your questions.

Shane – I’m quoting you because you have stated clearly what you want, “There are also OTHER options on the table that would improve fire protection for Tehachapi City as well as the entire Tehachapi area. The guys that work for Tehachapi are very good guys. Some are very good firefighters. Most I would love to work with again.”   With the diminishing revenues to the City of Tehachapi as the housing boom is slowly grinding to a halt; I too, would like us to be able to go back in time to the on call situation with TFD that worked well in the past. As I recall, these guys did well and worked with the KCFD well.   What I DO NOT like about our new TFD, with Chief McLaughlin, are the issues you state so well, “What we didn't like was the promotions, the very limited testing, the lack of training, the red helmets, the "Company One" call sign, the cost, and how the County guys were treated.” Some of these issues, undeserved promotions, limited testing, lack of training…these issues can cost peoples’ lives, including and most probably those very firefighters benefiting from this.   Now there will be some ‘sensitive soul’ out there who will call me “alarmist”, but most level-headed people realize the need for proper training as a safety concern, not only for the public, but also for the personnel involved. As I have said before this IS NOT PLAYTIME!   The cost of the newly created TFD is prohibitive. We are at $3,000,000 and counting, plus the $1,500,000 per year price tag and that is if we don’t have something major happen. And, now there is “the study” to see if we actually need this new service. Well, here I go “bashing” again, this whole nightmare could have, and should have, been handled better.   The Plan – To make the changes that need to be made in the least disruptive manner and the shortest amount of time possible!   Shane, you said it; there are ALWAYS other options. I am running for City Council because with my business experience I have become good at negotiating contracts and finding a way to say “WE CAN” instead of “WE CAN’T.” This is the way successful companies are run, this is the way successful governments are run.    THE GOAL is to have the BEST POSSIBLE services for the citizens of Tehachapi.   I will look at the Fire Department Plan, I will look at the Police Department Plan, I will look at our “decades old General Plan” and the MANY other issues before this council. I will first ask for the changes that we need to make and if that doesn’t work I will fight for the changes that we need to make in order to be fiscally responsible and responsive to the community.

In addition, I would encourage our small businesses to make use of the heritage and unique attractions that the City of Tehachapi has to offer, I would encourage more community involvement, including our high school, I would insist on putting our city council meeting agendas out early enough that the community can be involved and broadcasting our meetings on the local government channel, I will also insist that 'commonly known addresses' are used instead of just APN numbers in communications regarding changes to property around you, AND I will follow Sue Benham's (City Council Member, Bakersfield) excellent lead and enact legislation to make the developers post a 4' x 8' sign with contact information as to their proposed plan for the property, so that all citizens can be heard before the process has gone too far.  And, just as importantly, I will not tolerate any individual citizen or business getting the 'run-around' from city hall, and I will not tolerate the rudeness and arrogance that I have witnessed coming from city hall and its' employees.

I've stated a lot of plans so far about what changes I want to make, but believe me when I run across a problem or have a complaint from a citizen, or citizens, I will listen fully, investigate thoroughly and do my very best to resolve the complaint to everyone's satisfaction.

Transparency in government.  What is happening in your city should NOT be difficult for you to find out.

I've promised a lot and may sound Pollyanna(ish), because realistically not everyone is going to agree all of the time.  But, I have found that most of the time, a suitable compromise can be reached among reasonable people.

I have promised a lot because I will deliver a lot of value to you as your next City Council Member.
  BUT, I need YOUR help on November 7^th. I need your support, and the support of all the citizens of Tehachapi that you can contact, to get out to polls and VOTE for STAN BECKHAM for City Council, and also, write-in HENRY SCHAEFFER. Oust Teel and Smith and you can take back your city council.   Thank you for your support,   Stan Beckham  

Stan, the "city municipal codes" hasn't been updated for one year.  Why not? 
Chris Anderson

Good question Chris.  Ask your City Manager and Council  Members.  I would suggest going to the meeting Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Veteran's Hall at 125 E Street and asking in a public forum.  I know it's difficult for working people to go down to City Hall but the current municipal codes are supposed to be available to the public there, and I also I realize the difficulty in attending the meetings, but if you want to see your City Council in action, that's the only way to do it.

The City Manager is supposed to announce the new police chief at that time.

The City Council is also supposed to discuss building moratoreum that the council members are possibly not going to extend.  Please pick up a copy of the Mountain Signal, November 2006 for the article on that.

Thanks for the input,
Stan Beckham