http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016 Tehachapi Councilwoman Deborah Hand was recently quoted -- in the Sept.  20, 2007 Edition of The Desert News' Article entitled "Wild Tehachapi Council Meeting"  -- as stating:  "Term Limits Are Anti-Democratic".  That was not an opinion open for debate.  That was a statement of Councilwoman Hand's belief -- with a period at the end of her statement; and with no supporting authority whatsoever to bottom a public statement at a public City Council Meeting where the Desert News Reporters of California City were in attendance.  With all due respect, I don't think even Aristotle will agree with that statement, when he is quoted (by the Institute of Governmental Studies' Public Affairs Report of the University of California, Berkeley) as stating:    “It is not enough to say a citizen is someone who lives in the city or has access to the courts of law, since these rights are open to resident aliens and even slaves." (emphasis added.) "Rather, ARISTOTLE SUGGESTS that A CITIZEN is someone WHO SHARES IN THE administration of justice and the HOLDING OF PUBLIC OFFICE. Aristotle then broadens this definition, which is limited to individuals in democracies, by stating that A CITIZEN IS ANYONE WHO IS ENTITLED TO SHARE IN DELIBERATIVE or judicial OFFICE.”  (emphasis added.) "Though there were certain leaders concerned exclusively with the government of the city, all citizens were required to contribute in some way.   ASSEMBLIES OF CITIZENS made decisions in bodies whose modern equivalents are law courts and CITY COUNCILS, and THESE ASSEMBLIES WOULD ROTATE MEMBERSHIP SO THAT EVERY CITIZEN SERVED A SPECIFIC TERM."  (emphasis added.)  Hence, even Aristole saw THE WISDOM in term limits that promotes the interests of the Citizens -- not a single Citizen.  Notwithstanding the fact that I am "lettered" in Political Science from UCLA, it was astounding, as a Citizen, to hear the Councilwoman make the statement  -- as factual -- expect Tehachapi Residents then in attendance to accept such an unsupportable claim -- in the face of evidence to the contrary.  I offer to Councilwoman Hand the following Legal Authority on the issue. . LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR TERM LIMITS:   CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE, Section 36502 (b). Councilmember, clerk or treasurer; qualifications; vacancy upon nonresidence; term limits; electoral approval (b)  "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the city council of a general law or charter city may adopt or the residents of the city may propose, by initiative, a proposal to limit or repeal a limit on the number of terms a member of the city council may serve on the city council, or the number of terms an elected mayor may serve." Any proposal to limit the number of terms a member of the city council may serve on the city council, or the number of terms an elected mayor may serve, shall apply prospectively only and shall not become operative unless it is submitted to the electors of the city at a regularly scheduled election and a majority of the votes cast on the question favor the adoption of the proposal. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, the provisions of any city charter that, on January 1, 1996, impose limitations on the number of terms a member of the city council may serve on the city council, or the number of terms an elected mayor may serve, shall remain in effect. Unless otherwise prohibited by a city charter, any city charter may be amended pursuant to this section or pursuant to the procedures specified in the charter, to include the limitation authorized in this subdivision.  Tehachapi HAS NEVER had term limits -- and you wonder why we still don't have city council meetings televised?  Albert Einstein stated that "It's INSANITY to keep doing THE SAME THING over and over -- expecting a different result." Based on Councilwoman Hand's claim that term limits "are anti-democratic", it's a foregone conclusion that the current City Council WILL NEVER ADOPT such a resolution under Government Code Section 36502(b).  This comment was an "excited utterance" by Councilwoman Hand; who saw the issue of "term limits" as an immediate threat to her position and her position alone.  Term Limits -- you would have thought somebody said the "N" Word at the last council meeting. BANISH THE THOUGHT of any discussion of "term limits", the councilwoman could essentially be heard stating.   With all due respect, who died and made her queen?    I can almost hear Councilwoman Hand saying:  "I at least want to remain in power for 16 years -- as long as Phil Smith"!  Hence, the only response to a clear BELIEF SYSTEM of Councilwoman Hand (and presumably others on the Council for the past 16 years) is A Voter Referendum.  Aristotle and the California Legislators who enacted the California Government Code -- can't all be anti-democratic.  Councilwoman Hand, with all due respect, you may be the lone man out on this unsupported claim.  Au contraire, "term limits" is democracy at its best.  Please Read the foregoing comments from persons whose comments are "timeless" and legally supported Councilwoman Hand.  The "Word Is" that Councilwoman Hand and Councilman Smith never want to see the new Tehachapi Hospital built in Capitol Heights (over by the Post Office), nor see the City Hall and Community Amphitheater built in Capitol Heights, notwithstanding that Tower Investments is ready to start construction. Tower has agreed to build out NOW the new City Hall, the new Tehachapi Hospital, the new Medical Office buildings, the new multi-purpose Community Amphitheater (where Tehachapi's Symphonic Chorus And Orchestra could perform, where Tehachapi's Drama Club could perform instead of the lunchroom, & where Head-Liner Groups would generate $$$$.   . Do we want some semblance of CULTURAL ARTS to assist to lead Tehachapi forward -- or do we continue the downward spiral that created the recent drug-related-homicide at Walgreen's this past week?  This offer of immediate construction by Tower Investments is in exchange for a 30 year lease and everything built to Tehachapi Residents' specifications.  Come to the October 8th City Council Meeting and observe the presentation by Tower Investments on this topic.  Why the strenuous objections by Councilwoman Hand and Councilman Smith to where the new construction of City Hall takes place?  It's not rocket science.  They want to see the construction occur over by the Fire Station -- with enough parking for about two cars.  Oh, the residents will just love the added congestion.  Whose kidding who?  . With all due respect, BOTH Councilmembers should recuse themselves from any discussion in the manner because Councilwoman Hand's BUSINESS is currently just across the street from the Current City Hall and would be just around the corner from where SHE'S PUSHING that the new City Hall and Amphi-Theater be constructed; and Councilman Smith resides just around the corner as well.    They wouldn't have personal agenda not factoring in the utilitarian purpose of what's in the best interests of The City would they? . Word is:  If the new City Hall and Community Center were constructed in the Capitol Heights area by Holiday Inn, you'd at least have the post office parking lot after hours to absorb some of the additional parking for the Amphi-theater where performing arts will take place, seminars, and sports activities -- on the order of Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield.   We could easily construct for 750 to 1,000 attendees to events at the Community Amphi-theater.  Not to mention the free publicity of building signage to be viewable by freeway passersby on Highway 58.   (Where's the freeway viewing by literally tens of thousands of daily passersby -- across from the Fire Station?  Duh ! )  . Don't even talk about the WORLD's largest wind energy farm coming into Tehachapi and the families that will come as well needing hotel rooms, entertainment and medical facilities so they can spend their dollars IN TEHACHAPI.  Bet their families would love to stay at the Holiday Inn and new hotel scheduled for construction by Tower Investments and enjoy the entertainment at the Community Amphi-Theater -- that the Tehachapi Symphonic Chorus and Orchestra, The Tehachapi High Drama Club, Head-Liner Singers, Group Performers and sports activities would afford.  That's at least $50 a head at the Amphi-Theater (that would seat 750 to 1,000); and $100 to $150 per hotel room.  Figure the numbers and then go figure why a FEW councilmembers are ANTI-GROWTH on the ONLY SITUS with room to grow -- THAT MAKES SENSE for the New City Hall, Hospital, Community Amphi-Theater, etc. -- sorta like "ANTI-DEMOCRATIC" wouldn't you say?   . Come to the October 8th City Council Meeting and hear more about this and you're bound to be in for another "Wild Tehachapi Council Meeting" as quoted by the Desert News Reporters. Tehachapi Councilwoman Deborah Hand was recently quoted -- in the Sept.  20, 2007 Edition of The Desert News' Article entitled "Wild Tehachapi Council Meeting"  -- as stating:  "Term Limits Are Anti-Democratic".  That was not an opinion open for debate.  That was a statement of Councilwoman Hand's belief -- with a period at the end of her statement; and with no supporting authority whatsoever to bottom a public statement at a public City Council Meeting where the Desert News Reporters of California City were in attendance.  With all due respect, I don't think even Aristotle will agree with that statement, when he is quoted (by the Institute of Governmental Studies' Public Affairs Report of the University of California, Berkeley) as stating:    “It is not enough to say a citizen is someone who lives in the city or has access to the courts of law, since these rights are open to resident aliens and even slaves." (emphasis added.) "Rather, ARISTOTLE SUGGESTS that A CITIZEN is someone WHO SHARES IN THE administration of justice and the HOLDING OF PUBLIC OFFICE. Aristotle then broadens this definition, which is limited to individuals in democracies, by stating that A CITIZEN IS ANYONE WHO IS ENTITLED TO SHARE IN DELIBERATIVE or judicial OFFICE.”  (emphasis added.) "Though there were certain leaders concerned exclusively with the government of the city, all citizens were required to contribute in some way.   ASSEMBLIES OF CITIZENS made decisions in bodies whose modern equivalents are law courts and CITY COUNCILS, and THESE ASSEMBLIES WOULD ROTATE MEMBERSHIP SO THAT EVERY CITIZEN SERVED A SPECIFIC TERM."  (emphasis added.)  Hence, even Aristole saw THE WISDOM in term limits that promotes the interests of the Citizens -- not a single Citizen.  Notwithstanding the fact that I am "lettered" in Political Science from UCLA, it was astounding, as a Citizen, to hear the Councilwoman make the statement  -- as factual -- expect Tehachapi Residents then in attendance to accept such an unsupportable claim -- in the face of evidence to the contrary.  I offer to Councilwoman Hand the following Legal Authority on the issue. . LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR TERM LIMITS:   CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE, Section 36502 (b). Councilmember, clerk or treasurer; qualifications; vacancy upon nonresidence; term limits; electoral approval (b)  "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the city council of a general law or charter city may adopt or the residents of the city may propose, by initiative, a proposal to limit or repeal a limit on the number of terms a member of the city council may serve on the city council, or the number of terms an elected mayor may serve." Any proposal to limit the number of terms a member of the city council may serve on the city council, or the number of terms an elected mayor may serve, shall apply prospectively only and shall not become operative unless it is submitted to the electors of the city at a regularly scheduled election and a majority of the votes cast on the question favor the adoption of the proposal. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, the provisions of any city charter that, on January 1, 1996, impose limitations on the number of terms a member of the city council may serve on the city council, or the number of terms an elected mayor may serve, shall remain in effect. Unless otherwise prohibited by a city charter, any city charter may be amended pursuant to this section or pursuant to the procedures specified in the charter, to include the limitation authorized in this subdivision.  Tehachapi HAS NEVER had term limits -- and you wonder why we still don't have city council meetings televised?  Albert Einstein stated that "It's INSANITY to keep doing THE SAME THING over and over -- expecting a different result." Based on Councilwoman Hand's claim that term limits "are anti-democratic", it's a foregone conclusion that the current City Council WILL NEVER ADOPT such a resolution under Government Code Section 36502(b).  This comment was an "excited utterance" by Councilwoman Hand; who saw the issue of "term limits" as an immediate threat to her position and her position alone.  Term Limits -- you would have thought somebody said the "N" Word at the last council meeting. BANISH THE THOUGHT of any discussion of "term limits", the councilwoman could essentially be heard stating.   With all due respect, who died and made her queen?    I can almost hear Councilwoman Hand saying:  "I at least want to remain in power for 16 years -- as long as Phil Smith"!  Hence, the only response to a clear BELIEF SYSTEM of Councilwoman Hand (and presumably others on the Council for the past 16 years) is A Voter Referendum.  Aristotle and the California Legislators who enacted the California Government Code -- can't all be anti-democratic.  Councilwoman Hand, with all due respect, you may be the lone man out on this unsupported claim.  Au contraire, "term limits" is democracy at its best.  Please Read the foregoing comments from persons whose comments are "timeless" and legally supported Councilwoman Hand.  The "Word Is" that Councilwoman Hand and Councilman Smith never want to see the new Tehachapi Hospital built in Capitol Heights (over by the Post Office), nor see the City Hall and Community Amphitheater built in Capitol Heights, notwithstanding that Tower Investments is ready to start construction. Tower has agreed to build out NOW the new City Hall, the new Tehachapi Hospital, the new Medical Office buildings, the new multi-purpose Community Amphitheater (where Tehachapi's Symphonic Chorus And Orchestra could perform, where Tehachapi's Drama Club could perform instead of the lunchroom, & where Head-Liner Groups would generate $$$$.   . Do we want some semblance of CULTURAL ARTS to assist to lead Tehachapi forward -- or do we continue the downward spiral that created the recent drug-related-homicide at Walgreen's this past week?  This offer of immediate construction by Tower Investments is in exchange for a 30 year lease and everything built to Tehachapi Residents' specifications.  Come to the October 8th City Council Meeting and observe the presentation by Tower Investments on this topic.  Why the strenuous objections by Councilwoman Hand and Councilman Smith to where the new construction of City Hall takes place?  It's not rocket science.  They want to see the construction occur over by the Fire Station -- with enough parking for about two cars.  Oh, the residents will just love the added congestion.  Whose kidding who?  . With all due respect, BOTH Councilmembers should recuse themselves from any discussion in the manner because Councilwoman Hand's BUSINESS is currently just across the street from the Current City Hall and would be just around the corner from where SHE'S PUSHING that the new City Hall and Amphi-Theater be constructed; and Councilman Smith resides just around the corner as well.    They wouldn't have personal agenda not factoring in the utilitarian purpose of what's in the best interests of The City would they? . Word is:  If the new City Hall and Community Center were constructed in the Capitol Heights area by Holiday Inn, you'd at least have the post office parking lot after hours to absorb some of the additional parking for the Amphi-theater where performing arts will take place, seminars, and sports activities -- on the order of Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield.   We could easily construct for 750 to 1,000 attendees to events at the Community Amphi-theater.  Not to mention the free publicity of building signage to be viewable by freeway passersby on Highway 58.   (Where's the freeway viewing by literally tens of thousands of daily passersby -- across from the Fire Station?  Duh ! )  . Don't even talk about the WORLD's largest wind energy farm coming into Tehachapi and the families that will come as well needing hotel rooms, entertainment and medical facilities so they can spend their dollars IN TEHACHAPI.  Bet their families would love to stay at the Holiday Inn and new hotel scheduled for construction by Tower Investments and enjoy the entertainment at the Community Amphi-Theater -- that the Tehachapi Symphonic Chorus and Orchestra, The Tehachapi High Drama Club, Head-Liner Singers, Group Performers and sports activities would afford.  That's at least $50 a head at the Amphi-Theater (that would seat 750 to 1,000); and $100 to $150 per hotel room.  Figure the numbers and then go figure why a FEW councilmembers are ANTI-GROWTH on the ONLY SITUS with room to grow -- THAT MAKES SENSE for the New City Hall, Hospital, Community Amphi-Theater, etc. -- sorta like "ANTI-DEMOCRATIC" wouldn't you say?   . Come to the October 8th City Council Meeting and hear more about this and you're bound to be in for another "Wild Tehachapi Council Meeting" as quoted by the Desert News Reporters. en-us Thank you Paralegal, for your insightful, professional and well reasoned comment on the Hand/Smith Term Limits issue. You did what they should have, but failed to do. You presented facts backed up by well documented proof as support. The citizens of Tehachapi have been accused of apathy because of such small attendance at the Council meetings and their failure to speak out on items of concern to them. I hope that will change and they will all become involved because decisions made by this Council affects everyone who lives within the greater Tehachapi area, whether they live IN the City, or not. Such decisions affect us all and will affect us for many years and generations to come. With her thoughtless public utterances Hand has revealed herself to be not only anti-government, but anti Consitution. The First Amnedment states, in part...."the right of the people peacably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." If this is also "undemocratic" in her opinion, I suggest she resign her postion and move to another country whose laws are more in line with hers! The Capitol Hills site for the hospital and new Civic Center is logical and for all the reasons you stated. Only with overwhelming citizen support can this happen because it is contrary to the interest of Hand and Smith. Yes, because of their personal interest agenda's they should be recused from voting on this matter. I know that Beckham is on the side of the Capitol Hills site but where do Vernon and Grimes stand? Let that be known. If they vote against it, the public should know exactly WHY and what research and documentation can they produce to support a negative vote? The people of Tehachapi need to stand up in righteous indignation and become the force they are supposed to be...The Citizen Legislature! And, one more thing. What is the position of the Tehachapi News? Are they afraid of writing an Editorial on this? Are they not also a part of Tehachapi? Jim Richards http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142020 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142020 Thank you Paralegal, for your insightful, professional and well reasoned comment on the Hand/Smith Term Limits issue. You did what they should have, but failed to do. You presented facts backed up by well documented proof as support. The citizens of Tehachapi have been accused of apathy because of such small attendance at the Council meetings and their failure to speak out on items of concern to them. I hope that will change and they will all become involved because decisions made by this Council affects everyone who lives within the greater Tehachapi area, whether they live IN the City, or not. Such decisions affect us all and will affect us for many years and generations to come. With her thoughtless public utterances Hand has revealed herself to be not only anti-government, but anti Consitution. The First Amnedment states, in part...."the right of the people peacably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." If this is also "undemocratic" in her opinion, I suggest she resign her postion and move to another country whose laws are more in line with hers! The Capitol Hills site for the hospital and new Civic Center is logical and for all the reasons you stated. Only with overwhelming citizen support can this happen because it is contrary to the interest of Hand and Smith. Yes, because of their personal interest agenda's they should be recused from voting on this matter. I know that Beckham is on the side of the Capitol Hills site but where do Vernon and Grimes stand? Let that be known. If they vote against it, the public should know exactly WHY and what research and documentation can they produce to support a negative vote? The people of Tehachapi need to stand up in righteous indignation and become the force they are supposed to be...The Citizen Legislature! And, one more thing. What is the position of the Tehachapi News? Are they afraid of writing an Editorial on this? Are they not also a part of Tehachapi? Jim Richards Hand needs to think before she opens her mouth. If she can! This is not the 1st time she has said something so dumb. It is time for her to go. We need term limits at all levels of government. One of the reasons we don't have people running for office is because they think they will not be able to beat a guy that has been in place for 20 years. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142056 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142056 Hand needs to think before she opens her mouth. If she can! This is not the 1st time she has said something so dumb. It is time for her to go. We need term limits at all levels of government. One of the reasons we don't have people running for office is because they think they will not be able to beat a guy that has been in place for 20 years. Medicone - That guy that has been in place for 20 years also made a rather arrogant statement at the council meeting.  He stated, "We already have term limits.  If people don't want you in office they don't vote for you."  Smith said this in such a tone that he truly believes no one can beat him in a race. He is apathetic about his job and I also read something disturbing on the blogs the other day.  One writer said, "At least Smith is moving things forward in the City."  I would like to know how she came by that statement because I never see him doing anything.  It is Beckham that pushed to, among other things, shut down the city fire department to stop the bleed of money on this $3 Million DISASTER and to get the new city hall and community center going over in Capital Hills.  When Beckham went into office, Smith and Hand mostly, were still wringing their hands about Wells School as they have been doing for the past three years.  It took Beckham exactly three months in office to determine that the City would never be able to obtain Wells School because under the law several other entities would have the option to buy the school property first, EVEN IF the school district decided to sell. All the while, instead of moving forward, Phil Smith was whining that he wanted the school because, "...he went to that school as a child."  Vernon and Grimes sure haven't done anything constructive lately either. If ANYONE out there wants to take a shot at Smith in November 2010, I'll be willing to talk with them about directing their campaign.  This guy can't continue to sit on his laurels anymore.  Tehachapi is on the cusp of going from a sleepy little town to a large town and we need people on the council with vision and forsight who are living in the present, not the past, and who want to and are willing to WORK as this job, because it is a FULL TIME job. Come on folks, there has to be someone willing to take this on.  If not, you have the government that you deserve.   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142109 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142109 Medicone - That guy that has been in place for 20 years also made a rather arrogant statement at the council meeting.  He stated, "We already have term limits.  If people don't want you in office they don't vote for you."  Smith said this in such a tone that he truly believes no one can beat him in a race. He is apathetic about his job and I also read something disturbing on the blogs the other day.  One writer said, "At least Smith is moving things forward in the City."  I would like to know how she came by that statement because I never see him doing anything.  It is Beckham that pushed to, among other things, shut down the city fire department to stop the bleed of money on this $3 Million DISASTER and to get the new city hall and community center going over in Capital Hills.  When Beckham went into office, Smith and Hand mostly, were still wringing their hands about Wells School as they have been doing for the past three years.  It took Beckham exactly three months in office to determine that the City would never be able to obtain Wells School because under the law several other entities would have the option to buy the school property first, EVEN IF the school district decided to sell. All the while, instead of moving forward, Phil Smith was whining that he wanted the school because, "...he went to that school as a child."  Vernon and Grimes sure haven't done anything constructive lately either. If ANYONE out there wants to take a shot at Smith in November 2010, I'll be willing to talk with them about directing their campaign.  This guy can't continue to sit on his laurels anymore.  Tehachapi is on the cusp of going from a sleepy little town to a large town and we need people on the council with vision and forsight who are living in the present, not the past, and who want to and are willing to WORK as this job, because it is a FULL TIME job. Come on folks, there has to be someone willing to take this on.  If not, you have the government that you deserve.   Great analysis.  Smith is truly in a time warp that bears no resemblance to modern reality.  Who gives a rip that he went to Wells.  That's reason enough to purchase the building.  Is he truly that out of sync with reality?  The question is academic. I think the current old guard in the council are running out of excuses to justify their existence.  Smith's comments along with Hand's was over the top in self-serving comments to disregard the need for term limits. I'm considering the run to keep things balance on the council and to the flower child goes pound sand somewhere else. By the way, I'll keep your wife in my prayers as she protects this Nation and the family she dearly loves.    She's a grand lady in more ways than one.       http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142144 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142144 Great analysis.  Smith is truly in a time warp that bears no resemblance to modern reality.  Who gives a rip that he went to Wells.  That's reason enough to purchase the building.  Is he truly that out of sync with reality?  The question is academic. I think the current old guard in the council are running out of excuses to justify their existence.  Smith's comments along with Hand's was over the top in self-serving comments to disregard the need for term limits. I'm considering the run to keep things balance on the council and to the flower child goes pound sand somewhere else. By the way, I'll keep your wife in my prayers as she protects this Nation and the family she dearly loves.    She's a grand lady in more ways than one.       What would be a good term limit for a city council member? Why don't  we vote on a Mayor? How does one become Mayor of Tehachapi? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142217 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142217 What would be a good term limit for a city council member? Why don't  we vote on a Mayor? How does one become Mayor of Tehachapi? I think the mayor is appointed by the city council. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142223 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142223 I think the mayor is appointed by the city council. what about term limits for the City Manager   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142227 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_142227 what about term limits for the City Manager   This is the first time I've heard of this Tower Investments. I'd like to learn more. I think Capital Hills would be a great place for all of these things. Honestly though the only thing I'm a little worried about is this mega amphitheater you speak of. I don't think we can support a Rabobank like arena and I actually wouldn't want one here.  Don't get me wrong..... I would love to have a place where local groups could preform. My daughter just started dance and not having to drive to Lancaster and spend all day there for recitals would be wonderful! I just think a space that can hold up to 1,000 people isn't really necessary. This of course is my opinion and some may not agree. On the other hand if a company is willing to build our hospital(not sure if I understood that correctly) I say let them. A hospital is NOT a luxury that we can live without we NEED this hospital!! One last thought, I believe Hand.....or was it Smith? ....stated that one of the reasons they didn't want the City Hall in Capital Hills was because they didn't want to have to worry about waiting for trains. I find it interesting that a council member that LOVES serving this community and voted to spend money to restore our OLD train depot suddenly doesn't want to be reminded that we have trains here in Tehachapi. If they really don't like "dealing" with the trains there is a way around them....it's called a freeway!! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143261 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143261 This is the first time I've heard of this Tower Investments. I'd like to learn more. I think Capital Hills would be a great place for all of these things. Honestly though the only thing I'm a little worried about is this mega amphitheater you speak of. I don't think we can support a Rabobank like arena and I actually wouldn't want one here.  Don't get me wrong..... I would love to have a place where local groups could preform. My daughter just started dance and not having to drive to Lancaster and spend all day there for recitals would be wonderful! I just think a space that can hold up to 1,000 people isn't really necessary. This of course is my opinion and some may not agree. On the other hand if a company is willing to build our hospital(not sure if I understood that correctly) I say let them. A hospital is NOT a luxury that we can live without we NEED this hospital!! One last thought, I believe Hand.....or was it Smith? ....stated that one of the reasons they didn't want the City Hall in Capital Hills was because they didn't want to have to worry about waiting for trains. I find it interesting that a council member that LOVES serving this community and voted to spend money to restore our OLD train depot suddenly doesn't want to be reminded that we have trains here in Tehachapi. If they really don't like "dealing" with the trains there is a way around them....it's called a freeway!! Someone should be asking about Beckham's relationship with Tower Investments and the number of homes (12,000?) they also plan to build along with the new civic center they have so generously offered to build and finance. They want to build it "over there" because they can use the highway as a traffic buffer, claiming less environmental impact on local roads = less community infrastructure dollars coming into the city with the mega-deal. And just how does Stan feel about a Casino coming to Tee-hyactch-a-pee? Doesn't anyone else find it odd that an elected official can't even correctly pronounce the name of his hometown correctly? It must be the non-indigenous Casino Tribe dialect.       http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143673 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143673 Someone should be asking about Beckham's relationship with Tower Investments and the number of homes (12,000?) they also plan to build along with the new civic center they have so generously offered to build and finance. They want to build it "over there" because they can use the highway as a traffic buffer, claiming less environmental impact on local roads = less community infrastructure dollars coming into the city with the mega-deal. And just how does Stan feel about a Casino coming to Tee-hyactch-a-pee? Doesn't anyone else find it odd that an elected official can't even correctly pronounce the name of his hometown correctly? It must be the non-indigenous Casino Tribe dialect.       Thanks awsmom for the tip! Well I did check them out and I can't say I really liked what I saw. I have a bad feeling about this. One thing is that they've been really paying attention to the progress (or lack of) of our hospital. One thing I notice in one of their articles was that time was of the essence here and a hospital was desperately needed. Why do I get the feeling they are using the building of our hospital as a lure? Like they know we've hit a financial wall when it comes to the hospital so they've offered us a "package" deal in order for them to build it for us. Another thing that doesn't sit well with me is the fact that I HAVE heard rumblings of a casino here and this company HAS built them. I still think Capital Hills would be a great place for the civic center etc, but not if we are inviting development that we DO NOT want or DO NOT need!  Boy, I wish I could get more info. I guess I'll have to go to the meeting! :) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143824 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143824 Thanks awsmom for the tip! Well I did check them out and I can't say I really liked what I saw. I have a bad feeling about this. One thing is that they've been really paying attention to the progress (or lack of) of our hospital. One thing I notice in one of their articles was that time was of the essence here and a hospital was desperately needed. Why do I get the feeling they are using the building of our hospital as a lure? Like they know we've hit a financial wall when it comes to the hospital so they've offered us a "package" deal in order for them to build it for us. Another thing that doesn't sit well with me is the fact that I HAVE heard rumblings of a casino here and this company HAS built them. I still think Capital Hills would be a great place for the civic center etc, but not if we are inviting development that we DO NOT want or DO NOT need!  Boy, I wish I could get more info. I guess I'll have to go to the meeting! :) LOL! I think I have and I got NOTHING about me! HA! I don't exist. Fine by me. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143891 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143891 LOL! I think I have and I got NOTHING about me! HA! I don't exist. Fine by me. "I don't agree with Mrs. Hand very often but I also don't want to see all five council members time out at the same time." Shane, all City Council seats do not expire at the same time. Check out the City Hall website and click on the Council button and you will see that Grimes and Hand are the only two whose current terms expire in Nov. '8. That's their 4 years "in the sun". I'm afraid we will be stuck with Smith and Vernon till Nov. 2010!!! Yikes!!! Jim Richards http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143896 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143896 "I don't agree with Mrs. Hand very often but I also don't want to see all five council members time out at the same time." Shane, all City Council seats do not expire at the same time. Check out the City Hall website and click on the Council button and you will see that Grimes and Hand are the only two whose current terms expire in Nov. '8. That's their 4 years "in the sun". I'm afraid we will be stuck with Smith and Vernon till Nov. 2010!!! Yikes!!! Jim Richards Wait! I do exist, but only because of my profile here. That's all the info I've got. What can I say....I lead a very boring quiet life! LOL http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143906 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143906 Wait! I do exist, but only because of my profile here. That's all the info I've got. What can I say....I lead a very boring quiet life! LOL OMG!  I exist- in bulk!  I googled one of my usernames and found every single message board posting I've written as well as every blog.  Hmm, wonder if I can get rid of those... might be incriminating, lol! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143925 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143925 OMG!  I exist- in bulk!  I googled one of my usernames and found every single message board posting I've written as well as every blog.  Hmm, wonder if I can get rid of those... might be incriminating, lol! I love googling old friends & coworkers, just to see what they've been up to since we last were in touch. You're right, awsmom8, it's sometimes very troubling what you can find out about people through google! My real name is so common that when I google myself I find out I'm: a photographer, a news reporter, a lawyer, a doctor, and quite few more. As for actually finding me, no links to be found, yet. I googled my maiden name in images when that feature first was introduced, & the first picture to come up was of my paternal grandfather. It was a picture of him that I grew up with; it hung on the wall in our house until my father died. The attached article was written by the hospital he worked for in Hawaii before he died. It contained more info about him than my father had ever told me! I found out he was a pilot, & he rode in a submarine shortly after WWI to attend a war buddy's funeral. Quite a news item at the time, apparently... Sorry for derailing the thread, paralegal! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143955 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_143955 I love googling old friends & coworkers, just to see what they've been up to since we last were in touch. You're right, awsmom8, it's sometimes very troubling what you can find out about people through google! My real name is so common that when I google myself I find out I'm: a photographer, a news reporter, a lawyer, a doctor, and quite few more. As for actually finding me, no links to be found, yet. I googled my maiden name in images when that feature first was introduced, & the first picture to come up was of my paternal grandfather. It was a picture of him that I grew up with; it hung on the wall in our house until my father died. The attached article was written by the hospital he worked for in Hawaii before he died. It contained more info about him than my father had ever told me! I found out he was a pilot, & he rode in a submarine shortly after WWI to attend a war buddy's funeral. Quite a news item at the time, apparently... Sorry for derailing the thread, paralegal! Yes I did have a plan for the Term Limits Shane and you are right about the council not discussing it.  They heard "Term Limits" and panicked.  The resolution would have allowed all council members to keep their seats until their terms expire, i.e., Phil Smith until 2010.  If at that time they had served 8 years their term would end.  If they had served 5 years they would have been allowed to run again and, if elected, serve another 4 years for a consecutive total of nine. A council member could serve 8 years consecutively and a total of 12 years over a lifetime.  The details could have been worked out during discussion with the resolution amended as needed to accomodate everyone's sentiments.  But as I have found is typical, on our council the members just make statements and don't discuss anything in public as is proper and constructive for a council to do. By no means would the entire council be new at any given time.  There would be continuation in government.  Also, if a council member was not able to serve out their full term, all former council members would be given 'first right of refusal' to serve out the remainder of that term to insure continuation in our city government. Not as harsh as it sounds when 'reasonable people' are willing to discuss the issues. Onward and upward! Stan http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144031 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144031 Yes I did have a plan for the Term Limits Shane and you are right about the council not discussing it.  They heard "Term Limits" and panicked.  The resolution would have allowed all council members to keep their seats until their terms expire, i.e., Phil Smith until 2010.  If at that time they had served 8 years their term would end.  If they had served 5 years they would have been allowed to run again and, if elected, serve another 4 years for a consecutive total of nine. A council member could serve 8 years consecutively and a total of 12 years over a lifetime.  The details could have been worked out during discussion with the resolution amended as needed to accomodate everyone's sentiments.  But as I have found is typical, on our council the members just make statements and don't discuss anything in public as is proper and constructive for a council to do. By no means would the entire council be new at any given time.  There would be continuation in government.  Also, if a council member was not able to serve out their full term, all former council members would be given 'first right of refusal' to serve out the remainder of that term to insure continuation in our city government. Not as harsh as it sounds when 'reasonable people' are willing to discuss the issues. Onward and upward! Stan awsmom8 - There is no conspiracy theory here.  The council is "keeping you abreast by scheduling the special meeting on the 8th for the citizens of Tehachapi to discuss two possible sites for the new City Hall and Civic Center.  If the citizens don't like either one, then we work on something else to incorporate what they do like.  Yes...Tower Investments has made a presentation to the Land Development Committee and so has Empire Land, LLC.  Everything is preliminary at this point but something needed to be developed so that we would be able to have something to show you folks.  Please note that the meeting on the 8th falls between the regular council meetings scheduled on the 1st and the 15th.Lastly by your previous posting PARALEGAL is feeding you this conspiracy non-sense.  If so, she needs to rethink her campaign stratagy before she does serious damage to the citizens of Tehachapi.   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144036 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144036 awsmom8 - There is no conspiracy theory here.  The council is "keeping you abreast by scheduling the special meeting on the 8th for the citizens of Tehachapi to discuss two possible sites for the new City Hall and Civic Center.  If the citizens don't like either one, then we work on something else to incorporate what they do like.  Yes...Tower Investments has made a presentation to the Land Development Committee and so has Empire Land, LLC.  Everything is preliminary at this point but something needed to be developed so that we would be able to have something to show you folks.  Please note that the meeting on the 8th falls between the regular council meetings scheduled on the 1st and the 15th.Lastly by your previous posting PARALEGAL is feeding you this conspiracy non-sense.  If so, she needs to rethink her campaign stratagy before she does serious damage to the citizens of Tehachapi.   Anyone who fears term limits in a small town like Tehachapi (or anywhere else really) is WAY too full of themselves!  I would love to hear an argument of why term limits would be a bad thing.  How can NOT having term limits be in the best interest of the community?  The answer is simple, it isn't! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144042 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144042 Anyone who fears term limits in a small town like Tehachapi (or anywhere else really) is WAY too full of themselves!  I would love to hear an argument of why term limits would be a bad thing.  How can NOT having term limits be in the best interest of the community?  The answer is simple, it isn't! ReddHerring, I’m not going to waste much time on you.  No I do not own any part of, or personally even know anyone that owns any part of, Tower Investments except through recent business meetings.  I do not own any land in that area. I have heard rumors for years about Indian Casinos but I have seen none develop yet.  That is tribal reservation land and my understanding is that all approvals happen at the federal (Washington, DC) and the state level (Sacramento, CA).  The City may not have any say so in what happens. And just how does Stan feel about a Casino coming to Tee-hyactch-a-pee? Doesn't anyone else find it odd that an elected official can't even correctly pronounce the name of his hometown correctly? It must be the non-indigenous Casino Tribe dialect. For your edification, I pronounce Tehachapi the way I do because those of us who have lived here the longest pronounce the word the way it is spelled.  Another reason is that old advertising signs around here spelled the word “T-hachapi”.  There was even an article about this in the paper a while back but, of course, you would have to be a regular reader and observant to pick that up. By the way your last sentence sounds racially biased and that is why you aren’t worth the time of day. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144049 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144049 ReddHerring, I’m not going to waste much time on you.  No I do not own any part of, or personally even know anyone that owns any part of, Tower Investments except through recent business meetings.  I do not own any land in that area. I have heard rumors for years about Indian Casinos but I have seen none develop yet.  That is tribal reservation land and my understanding is that all approvals happen at the federal (Washington, DC) and the state level (Sacramento, CA).  The City may not have any say so in what happens. And just how does Stan feel about a Casino coming to Tee-hyactch-a-pee? Doesn't anyone else find it odd that an elected official can't even correctly pronounce the name of his hometown correctly? It must be the non-indigenous Casino Tribe dialect. For your edification, I pronounce Tehachapi the way I do because those of us who have lived here the longest pronounce the word the way it is spelled.  Another reason is that old advertising signs around here spelled the word “T-hachapi”.  There was even an article about this in the paper a while back but, of course, you would have to be a regular reader and observant to pick that up. By the way your last sentence sounds racially biased and that is why you aren’t worth the time of day. Scare tactics do a disservice to everyone.  I will make no secret that I am backing Capital Hills because for the money to be spent and the long term investment my business judgment tells me this is the best deal for the citizens of Tehachapi. I don't know who started all of this nonsense about Tower Investments but my research has found that they own 1463 residential lots in Tehachapi, most off of Highline Road and some in Golden Hills.  NONE in Capital Hills and certainly not 12,000! As for casinos they have built, there very few and they are all built in New York state. By the way, Empire is the developer wanting to build the shopping center where JASON CAUDLE wants the new City Hall to be.  As usual Jason has a lack of vision for the future growth of Tehachapi. I find that Tower Investments records are public and their Web site is informative.  What you should be worried about is Empire Land, LLC.  Try Googling them and see what you get.  Very little information.  They seem to be non-transparent, like Jason Caudle. Barb, I apologize for getting off your thread about term limits.  I'll move all this stuff over to my blog. Thanks so much, you are such a dear friend, Stan http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144069 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144069 Scare tactics do a disservice to everyone.  I will make no secret that I am backing Capital Hills because for the money to be spent and the long term investment my business judgment tells me this is the best deal for the citizens of Tehachapi. I don't know who started all of this nonsense about Tower Investments but my research has found that they own 1463 residential lots in Tehachapi, most off of Highline Road and some in Golden Hills.  NONE in Capital Hills and certainly not 12,000! As for casinos they have built, there very few and they are all built in New York state. By the way, Empire is the developer wanting to build the shopping center where JASON CAUDLE wants the new City Hall to be.  As usual Jason has a lack of vision for the future growth of Tehachapi. I find that Tower Investments records are public and their Web site is informative.  What you should be worried about is Empire Land, LLC.  Try Googling them and see what you get.  Very little information.  They seem to be non-transparent, like Jason Caudle. Barb, I apologize for getting off your thread about term limits.  I'll move all this stuff over to my blog. Thanks so much, you are such a dear friend, Stan awsmom8 - You have the bone.  I'm a bit paranoid too and I would love to get these projects out to the public sooner, but look what I have to work with.  Jason did his best to unethically sneak that $30,000 a year 'part-time' EOC job past the council and give it to his buddy Tim MacLaughlin. Tower Investments owns the land and is willing to build the project for the city to the city's liking with no out-of-pocket expense to the city.  The city will then lease back the property for 30 years with a $1.00 buyout at the end.  This is no free lunch of course and I will explain more in my blog.  I hope you will be reading it.  But otherwise I agree with you on no-bid contracts.  I don't like them. Thanks for your time, Stan http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144071 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144071 awsmom8 - You have the bone.  I'm a bit paranoid too and I would love to get these projects out to the public sooner, but look what I have to work with.  Jason did his best to unethically sneak that $30,000 a year 'part-time' EOC job past the council and give it to his buddy Tim MacLaughlin. Tower Investments owns the land and is willing to build the project for the city to the city's liking with no out-of-pocket expense to the city.  The city will then lease back the property for 30 years with a $1.00 buyout at the end.  This is no free lunch of course and I will explain more in my blog.  I hope you will be reading it.  But otherwise I agree with you on no-bid contracts.  I don't like them. Thanks for your time, Stan I thought the "term limits being anti-democratic" statement was so ridiculous.  Doesn't our President have a term limit?  And - I think Tehachapians should vote out these arrogant nincompoops.  I sooooo wish I could vote!  Jimr and Shane ...... please put your names up.  I'd do some campaigning for ya. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144127 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144127 I thought the "term limits being anti-democratic" statement was so ridiculous.  Doesn't our President have a term limit?  And - I think Tehachapians should vote out these arrogant nincompoops.  I sooooo wish I could vote!  Jimr and Shane ...... please put your names up.  I'd do some campaigning for ya. Empire Companies is a business associate of Tower Investments. I looked up Empire Companies and found this in their future develpment plans ........ Empire Companies- Future Plans In Kern County in central California--between Bakersfield and the Antelope Valley--lies the site of these two proposed master plans. Tehachapi One is aimed at entry-level buyers with 134 lots 7,300 square feet in size. Tehachapi Two will be home to second and third-time move-up buyers with more homes on much larger lots. Active parks and a senior community are part of the plans, as well. The area's lifestyle is growing more and more attractive to today's buyers with a small town atmosphere, tight knit community and the experience of all four seasons at its 4,000-foot altitude. http://www.empirecos.com/ASP/land_detail.asp?ID=65 Empire Companies is also assoiated with Presige homes.....they are building the homes off of Curry up past Pinion. Company: Prestige Homes Principal: Paul Roman Prestige Homes, a business unit of Ontario, Calif.-based The Empire Companies, is building first-time homes with luxury amenities and increasing sales dramatically. Prestige found that by building in secondary markets, such as Tehachapi, Calif., they can offer buyers a luxury product at an affordable price. Tehachapi is located on the tip of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, about 40 minutes from Bakersfield. "Prestige Homes understands the need to ... fit the lifestyle of today’s homebuyer,” said Paul Roman, vice president for The Empire Companies. "At Alta Estates, we have developed more than just homes. We have developed a community, interconnected by a 3.5-acre park and paseo system.” In California and Arizona, affordability is an issue, and Prestige is confronting that by building a slightly smaller product. "So on our lower-priced home we’ll do things like a side-loaded three-car garage, and we’ll put in features normally seen in much more expensive homes, like granite countertops,” says Roman. Prestige is beginning what Roman calls the "Greening of our company” in California in its affordable homes. It’s starting a new community in south Corona, Calif., where every home will have solar panels, tank less water heaters and low-VOC paints. It’s a follow-up to a trend it started in Arizona with its Energy Star-certified homes in Flagstaff, for which the company received a U.S. EPA award for outstanding achievement. Homebuyers have the option of choosing Spanish, Craftsman or Tuscan exteriors, which are offered on all three floor plans. A 1,520-square-foot home at Alta Estates starts at $236,990. Note: According to the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance-2007 Economic Roundtable Report, the affordability index of Tehachapi is 36 percent—however that is based on a 2006 median house price of $297,750. Prestige Homes and The Empire Companies came in with pre-model pricing at $229,000. I tried looking up some of their(Tower Investments) business assosiates..many of them are really hard to get info on. Here is the page with their current land listings in Tehachapi. http://www.towerinv.com/index.php/states#California  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144137 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144137 Empire Companies is a business associate of Tower Investments. I looked up Empire Companies and found this in their future develpment plans ........ Empire Companies- Future Plans In Kern County in central California--between Bakersfield and the Antelope Valley--lies the site of these two proposed master plans. Tehachapi One is aimed at entry-level buyers with 134 lots 7,300 square feet in size. Tehachapi Two will be home to second and third-time move-up buyers with more homes on much larger lots. Active parks and a senior community are part of the plans, as well. The area's lifestyle is growing more and more attractive to today's buyers with a small town atmosphere, tight knit community and the experience of all four seasons at its 4,000-foot altitude. http://www.empirecos.com/ASP/land_detail.asp?ID=65 Empire Companies is also assoiated with Presige homes.....they are building the homes off of Curry up past Pinion. Company: Prestige Homes Principal: Paul Roman Prestige Homes, a business unit of Ontario, Calif.-based The Empire Companies, is building first-time homes with luxury amenities and increasing sales dramatically. Prestige found that by building in secondary markets, such as Tehachapi, Calif., they can offer buyers a luxury product at an affordable price. Tehachapi is located on the tip of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, about 40 minutes from Bakersfield. "Prestige Homes understands the need to ... fit the lifestyle of today’s homebuyer,” said Paul Roman, vice president for The Empire Companies. "At Alta Estates, we have developed more than just homes. We have developed a community, interconnected by a 3.5-acre park and paseo system.” In California and Arizona, affordability is an issue, and Prestige is confronting that by building a slightly smaller product. "So on our lower-priced home we’ll do things like a side-loaded three-car garage, and we’ll put in features normally seen in much more expensive homes, like granite countertops,” says Roman. Prestige is beginning what Roman calls the "Greening of our company” in California in its affordable homes. It’s starting a new community in south Corona, Calif., where every home will have solar panels, tank less water heaters and low-VOC paints. It’s a follow-up to a trend it started in Arizona with its Energy Star-certified homes in Flagstaff, for which the company received a U.S. EPA award for outstanding achievement. Homebuyers have the option of choosing Spanish, Craftsman or Tuscan exteriors, which are offered on all three floor plans. A 1,520-square-foot home at Alta Estates starts at $236,990. Note: According to the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance-2007 Economic Roundtable Report, the affordability index of Tehachapi is 36 percent—however that is based on a 2006 median house price of $297,750. Prestige Homes and The Empire Companies came in with pre-model pricing at $229,000. I tried looking up some of their(Tower Investments) business assosiates..many of them are really hard to get info on. Here is the page with their current land listings in Tehachapi. http://www.towerinv.com/index.php/states#California  Thanks for the offer Lori. (And anyone else who wishes to help.) I'll take you up on it. Shane and I are both now committed to stepping up to the plate and can use all the help we can get. I think one of the incumbents will be easy to beat (you know who SHE is) but the other one will be tougher. I have a list of all 3,265 registered voters in the City of Tehachapi and at the proper time they will all need to be contacted by mail and phone. I am NOT accepting any contributions for as much as one cent...from anyone! I am paying for everything out of my own pocket. (I'm just a working guy like everyone else.) I will need as many people to volunteer as I can possibly get. I want to be the Representative of ALL the people in the greater Tehachapi area and not just a chosen few or to address my own personal agenda. I will prove that at the special meeting of the Council on October 8Th. When I stand up to speak, you will know what I mean. Please check out my website at: www.jim-richards-for-city-council.com Underneath my handsome picture on the left (yeah, right!) are all the buttons. Please click on all of them and read them all. Before leaving the site, please click on Volunteer and fill out the info and I'll contact you at the appropriate time. We need to stick together now more than ever in order to protect our future. But, we have to do something positive to ensure that we will BE there! Many thanks, Jim Richards   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144149 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144149 Thanks for the offer Lori. (And anyone else who wishes to help.) I'll take you up on it. Shane and I are both now committed to stepping up to the plate and can use all the help we can get. I think one of the incumbents will be easy to beat (you know who SHE is) but the other one will be tougher. I have a list of all 3,265 registered voters in the City of Tehachapi and at the proper time they will all need to be contacted by mail and phone. I am NOT accepting any contributions for as much as one cent...from anyone! I am paying for everything out of my own pocket. (I'm just a working guy like everyone else.) I will need as many people to volunteer as I can possibly get. I want to be the Representative of ALL the people in the greater Tehachapi area and not just a chosen few or to address my own personal agenda. I will prove that at the special meeting of the Council on October 8Th. When I stand up to speak, you will know what I mean. Please check out my website at: www.jim-richards-for-city-council.com Underneath my handsome picture on the left (yeah, right!) are all the buttons. Please click on all of them and read them all. Before leaving the site, please click on Volunteer and fill out the info and I'll contact you at the appropriate time. We need to stick together now more than ever in order to protect our future. But, we have to do something positive to ensure that we will BE there! Many thanks, Jim Richards   Jim, I'm glad to hear you are running!  Unfortunately I am not a registered Tehachapi voter (yet!), but you do have my support, I think you will be a great addition to the council!  Good luck!  Same goes for Shane! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144152 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144152 Jim, I'm glad to hear you are running!  Unfortunately I am not a registered Tehachapi voter (yet!), but you do have my support, I think you will be a great addition to the council!  Good luck!  Same goes for Shane! Thanks Greg. I appreciate the support and even if you do not live within the voting city limits, you probably know someone who does, so please alert them and ask everyone to check into my website and volunteer. Thanks again, Jim Richards http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144158 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144158 Thanks Greg. I appreciate the support and even if you do not live within the voting city limits, you probably know someone who does, so please alert them and ask everyone to check into my website and volunteer. Thanks again, Jim Richards awsmom8 and countygirl - you wound me.  Even though I dress and act like a hick most of the time and I was raised in Tehachapi for more years than I want to admit to, I have a lot of extensive business background.  After my first tour in Vietnam I went back to Vietnam and worked for a private company for awhile.  I then went to Los Angeles and spent many years working in liaison with the Federal Government for Lloyds Bank.  After I retired from that, I owned my own business in the LA area for many years then retired from that and moved back to Tehachapi to care for my mom and dad. I'm no spring chicken and I have many years of negotiation, investigation, real estate, finance and business under my belt.  I've carefully looked at both Tower and Empire Land.  From what I gather Empire Land is a developer/builder subsidy of Tower. Yes, I saw all the property that Tower owns, as a matter of fact one of the parcels is slated to be the new Loves truck stop off Stuber Rd.  The property that Tower owns in the Capital Hills area is all zoned commercial, not residential.  All of the property that Tower owns that is slated for residential totals the 1,463 homes discussed earlier. More important - look at the list of developments that Tower has done in California.  They have mostly been City projects and sports stadiums. Please keep my motto in mind, "Trust but verify!"  And, common, do you guys really trust Jason Caudle and his business judgment?  Remember he is the one that wants the City Hall in the middle of a shopping center.  And, whatever Jason wants is the way the council will vote unless the public stirs up enough of an outcry and demands something else. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144215 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144215 awsmom8 and countygirl - you wound me.  Even though I dress and act like a hick most of the time and I was raised in Tehachapi for more years than I want to admit to, I have a lot of extensive business background.  After my first tour in Vietnam I went back to Vietnam and worked for a private company for awhile.  I then went to Los Angeles and spent many years working in liaison with the Federal Government for Lloyds Bank.  After I retired from that, I owned my own business in the LA area for many years then retired from that and moved back to Tehachapi to care for my mom and dad. I'm no spring chicken and I have many years of negotiation, investigation, real estate, finance and business under my belt.  I've carefully looked at both Tower and Empire Land.  From what I gather Empire Land is a developer/builder subsidy of Tower. Yes, I saw all the property that Tower owns, as a matter of fact one of the parcels is slated to be the new Loves truck stop off Stuber Rd.  The property that Tower owns in the Capital Hills area is all zoned commercial, not residential.  All of the property that Tower owns that is slated for residential totals the 1,463 homes discussed earlier. More important - look at the list of developments that Tower has done in California.  They have mostly been City projects and sports stadiums. Please keep my motto in mind, "Trust but verify!"  And, common, do you guys really trust Jason Caudle and his business judgment?  Remember he is the one that wants the City Hall in the middle of a shopping center.  And, whatever Jason wants is the way the council will vote unless the public stirs up enough of an outcry and demands something else. awsmom8 - Stan --better look again--I found on Tower Investments website they own: Capital Hills-over 30 acres--some of it "available"  Our City hall project would take up a good portion of this property The Summit -over 26 acres  This is where the new Loves Truck Stop is to be developed at Tehach Blvd & Monolith St.  About 15% of the land is zoned Residential Single Family,  about 10% is zoned Residential Mobile Homes, about 65% is zoned Industrial, about 5% is commercial and 5% is Commercial Overlay. 1423 Residential lots in Tehachapi  Yes, and there are the ranchettes in Golden Hills.  The point is all the "residential development" by Tower is not anywhere near Capital Hills.  And, there are no where near the "12,000" homes that someone mentioned. Golden Hills - over 187 acres-  "good for ranchettes" Curry-over 10 acres zoned commerical Did Tower Investments mention this to the coucil---looks like they have a vested interest in Tehachapi,  and have been buying quite a bit of land  The City Manager aka Jason Caudle is well aware of Tower Investments holdings in Tehachapi.  Did you read the news articles you found?  In both instances Tower was doing its best to work with the parties involved.  Of course they want Capital Hills to be developed.  That is what Tower Investments does.  Does that make it a bad proposition for the Citizens of Tehachapi?  No.  As for the City Council knowing about this, I do not know how much they know.  According to the Article Mayor Phil Smith was involved with the City Mello-Roos bond deal and Tower made a good deal to the City by relieving them of the responsiblity of forclosing on the land in the event of a default. Jason Caudle has tried his best to keep me in the dark about all business dealings, but I can and do go directly to the source if I need information because I remind the source that I am one of Jason's bosses and I repesnt the people.  That is where my information usually comes from.  Very little comes from Jason Caudle. Gotta go do dishes now.  :-) Stan http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144228 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144228 awsmom8 - Stan --better look again--I found on Tower Investments website they own: Capital Hills-over 30 acres--some of it "available"  Our City hall project would take up a good portion of this property The Summit -over 26 acres  This is where the new Loves Truck Stop is to be developed at Tehach Blvd & Monolith St.  About 15% of the land is zoned Residential Single Family,  about 10% is zoned Residential Mobile Homes, about 65% is zoned Industrial, about 5% is commercial and 5% is Commercial Overlay. 1423 Residential lots in Tehachapi  Yes, and there are the ranchettes in Golden Hills.  The point is all the "residential development" by Tower is not anywhere near Capital Hills.  And, there are no where near the "12,000" homes that someone mentioned. Golden Hills - over 187 acres-  "good for ranchettes" Curry-over 10 acres zoned commerical Did Tower Investments mention this to the coucil---looks like they have a vested interest in Tehachapi,  and have been buying quite a bit of land  The City Manager aka Jason Caudle is well aware of Tower Investments holdings in Tehachapi.  Did you read the news articles you found?  In both instances Tower was doing its best to work with the parties involved.  Of course they want Capital Hills to be developed.  That is what Tower Investments does.  Does that make it a bad proposition for the Citizens of Tehachapi?  No.  As for the City Council knowing about this, I do not know how much they know.  According to the Article Mayor Phil Smith was involved with the City Mello-Roos bond deal and Tower made a good deal to the City by relieving them of the responsiblity of forclosing on the land in the event of a default. Jason Caudle has tried his best to keep me in the dark about all business dealings, but I can and do go directly to the source if I need information because I remind the source that I am one of Jason's bosses and I repesnt the people.  That is where my information usually comes from.  Very little comes from Jason Caudle. Gotta go do dishes now.  :-) Stan Stan- My intention of posting that info wasn't because I don't believe or trust what you were saying. I'm sure you are very good at what you do.  I was simply putting the info out there and making it easier for fellow bloggers to see what we were talking about. Besides I like looking up things, gathering info, and learning more about what is going on in my town. It makes me feel like I actually have about this much [] control over what is happening here, but that is better than nothing. Like this truck stop you mentioned...never heard of it, and I hate the idea, but looks like it's a done deal, huh.  I just think the council has to be REALLY careful about all the development here in town. I feel like many people that have lived here a long time are either going to want to plain move out of town OR they will move to the outlying areas.....look out Bear Valley , Alpine Forest, Oak Knolls, etc. Still I know all this development makes me want to run for the hills. I can and will deal with all the new development if I have to because I grew up here and I love it, but I DO NOT want to be smack dab in the middle of it(IOW town) and dealing with it everyday. There are a few things though that I will never go along with and that is a Casino...if one of those comes I'm leaving and I know most of my family will to. I've already lived in a town that had a casino and it was HORRIBLE. The stories I could tell........   Anyway I guess what I was trying to say is I WAS only keeping your motto in mind, "Trust but verify!!" Verify, I did. =) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144238 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144238 Stan- My intention of posting that info wasn't because I don't believe or trust what you were saying. I'm sure you are very good at what you do.  I was simply putting the info out there and making it easier for fellow bloggers to see what we were talking about. Besides I like looking up things, gathering info, and learning more about what is going on in my town. It makes me feel like I actually have about this much [] control over what is happening here, but that is better than nothing. Like this truck stop you mentioned...never heard of it, and I hate the idea, but looks like it's a done deal, huh.  I just think the council has to be REALLY careful about all the development here in town. I feel like many people that have lived here a long time are either going to want to plain move out of town OR they will move to the outlying areas.....look out Bear Valley , Alpine Forest, Oak Knolls, etc. Still I know all this development makes me want to run for the hills. I can and will deal with all the new development if I have to because I grew up here and I love it, but I DO NOT want to be smack dab in the middle of it(IOW town) and dealing with it everyday. There are a few things though that I will never go along with and that is a Casino...if one of those comes I'm leaving and I know most of my family will to. I've already lived in a town that had a casino and it was HORRIBLE. The stories I could tell........   Anyway I guess what I was trying to say is I WAS only keeping your motto in mind, "Trust but verify!!" Verify, I did. =) countygirl - you are to be admired for thinking for yourself.  You are very bright and astute in your observations.  I am just concerned that the information that has been posted might be misinterpreted by most reading the blogs.  I was just kidding you about 'wounding me'.  I'm an old guy with a tough hide.  ;-)) But, I want you to know that I respect your opinions.  You make your statements clearly and I want everyone to feel free to ask me any questions.  If I haven't looked at something you've found, I want to look at it.  I may come back with a different perspective but that is what discussion is all about. You've always been good to me and I wouldn't deliberately do anything to offend you. Best regards, Stan http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144252 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144252 countygirl - you are to be admired for thinking for yourself.  You are very bright and astute in your observations.  I am just concerned that the information that has been posted might be misinterpreted by most reading the blogs.  I was just kidding you about 'wounding me'.  I'm an old guy with a tough hide.  ;-)) But, I want you to know that I respect your opinions.  You make your statements clearly and I want everyone to feel free to ask me any questions.  If I haven't looked at something you've found, I want to look at it.  I may come back with a different perspective but that is what discussion is all about. You've always been good to me and I wouldn't deliberately do anything to offend you. Best regards, Stan The Love's truck stop is not a done deal yet.  The Land Development Committee is meeting on October 9th to discuss the plans.  I personally have several stipulations which include the truck spaces be equipped with electrical and refrigeration so that the trucks don't have to keep running while the driver sleeps and polluting the air.  The other major one is NO LOT LIZARDS!  If Love's has to keep full time security on staff, then so be it. As to the casino thing, again all I have heard is rumors like everyone else.  I would advise soliciting your state and federal representatives and voicing your opinions.  I will be. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144255 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144255 The Love's truck stop is not a done deal yet.  The Land Development Committee is meeting on October 9th to discuss the plans.  I personally have several stipulations which include the truck spaces be equipped with electrical and refrigeration so that the trucks don't have to keep running while the driver sleeps and polluting the air.  The other major one is NO LOT LIZARDS!  If Love's has to keep full time security on staff, then so be it. As to the casino thing, again all I have heard is rumors like everyone else.  I would advise soliciting your state and federal representatives and voicing your opinions.  I will be. Stan I also have only heard rumors about a casino, BUT I don't like it when little things start coming together and it looks bad!! I know I sound like a paranoid freak but here's the thing. Last month I was coming out of Albertson's when a couple asked me if I'd be interested in signing a petition against imminent domain.... THEN they asked If I'd be interested in signing something in favor of the development of Indian Gaming Casinos. When I asked where it was to be built he said, "HERE!"  Fast forward a month...I find out that there is a company(Tower Investments) that owns massive amounts of land here that has also built casinos.  You can see where that gets one thinking......like a paranoid freak! LOL Spam code [ CIRUS ] Made me think of circus! :) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144292 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144292 Stan I also have only heard rumors about a casino, BUT I don't like it when little things start coming together and it looks bad!! I know I sound like a paranoid freak but here's the thing. Last month I was coming out of Albertson's when a couple asked me if I'd be interested in signing a petition against imminent domain.... THEN they asked If I'd be interested in signing something in favor of the development of Indian Gaming Casinos. When I asked where it was to be built he said, "HERE!"  Fast forward a month...I find out that there is a company(Tower Investments) that owns massive amounts of land here that has also built casinos.  You can see where that gets one thinking......like a paranoid freak! LOL Spam code [ CIRUS ] Made me think of circus! :) I will certainly back your right to ask questions and to comment at the meeting.  I just posted my thoughts on my own blog about the Capital Hills site verses the Shopping Mall site so we can quit hijacking Barb's thread. Take a look and please post your comments and questions. Stan http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144319 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144319 I will certainly back your right to ask questions and to comment at the meeting.  I just posted my thoughts on my own blog about the Capital Hills site verses the Shopping Mall site so we can quit hijacking Barb's thread. Take a look and please post your comments and questions. Stan In response to jrmortensen,  The Tehachapi News is always happy to cross-publish Letters to the Editor and other items submitted via this Web site, and it is already a regular practice — as long as the items meet our criteria for publication. Since print space is not unlimited, our Letters to the Editor policy has a 300 word limit. We also require a full name and contact information to verify identity and the person's area of residence, since we reserve print space on our Opinion page for Tehachapi area residents and local issues of interest. For print, we also require that submissions adhere to the same policies as the terms of service for this Web site, including no personal attacks. —Editor   http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144327 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144327 In response to jrmortensen,  The Tehachapi News is always happy to cross-publish Letters to the Editor and other items submitted via this Web site, and it is already a regular practice — as long as the items meet our criteria for publication. Since print space is not unlimited, our Letters to the Editor policy has a 300 word limit. We also require a full name and contact information to verify identity and the person's area of residence, since we reserve print space on our Opinion page for Tehachapi area residents and local issues of interest. For print, we also require that submissions adhere to the same policies as the terms of service for this Web site, including no personal attacks. —Editor   Attn: paralegal39years - Thanks for your scholarly post, but might I suggest that you condense it down and submit it as a letter to the Editor. It needs to get much broader readership than those using the blog.  We need to expose the shallow thinking by some on the City Council.  I think other recent blogs should also be letters to the Editor to bring greater general awareness to Tehachapi Valley residents.  – What are your thoughts? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144335 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/paralegal39years/15016/#c_144335 Attn: paralegal39years - Thanks for your scholarly post, but might I suggest that you condense it down and submit it as a letter to the Editor. It needs to get much broader readership than those using the blog.  We need to expose the shallow thinking by some on the City Council.  I think other recent blogs should also be letters to the Editor to bring greater general awareness to Tehachapi Valley residents.  – What are your thoughts?