Well, at last night's meeting, it turned REAL Ugly, and it started with Item 21, the one mentioned above.
I think everyone knew it would pass, since the 5 person majority wants it.
Well, Dr. Moreno (D) decided to play word games to confuse things and make life difficult. Also political gamesmanship that was designed by UNITE HERE 11. That was OK and to be expected.
But what shocked everyone was when Councilmember Denise Barnes (R), supported in 2016 by Mayor Tait and not S.O.A.R. called the council majority Racist. (Yes, THAT word) because her and Dr. Moreno happen to be Latinx. That shocked everyone, even Dr. Moreno was left speechless, and called for a recess.
At the end of the meeting, Councilmember Barnes (District 1) during her closing comments complained on how the 2 people outside of the 5 person majority was being treated, that set off Councilmember Brandman (District 2), who gave Ms. Barnes an earful about how she acted and how she voted with the mayor in her first two years, and saying people in glass houses should be very careful when throwing stones.
Thank goodness the next meeting is in three weeks. I have been dealing with the fallout ever since the meeting ended shortly after Midnight.
One of my political roles is a West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council (W.A.N.D.) Executive Member, one that is more than likely the next President. So Districts 1 and 2 is West Anaheim. So I have two councilmembers that need some fence mending. It is an very challenging issue.
Last Saturday, WAND hosted its yearly BBQ, a big deal at Maxwell Park. Councilmember Brandman came up and chatted for awhile, Councilmember Barnes avoid me. No big deal, I was dealing with State Senator Ling-Ling Chang and others, so it wasn't anything unexpected.
But in hindsight, I think that Denise Barnes has been totally adopted by Dr. Moreno as a replacement for Mayor Tait.
Using the term "Racist" is being used a political tool, but usually in the media, or in comments outside of the political chambers. But directly saying that in chambers to other members, well, that crossed a very big line.
The 2020 elections in Anaheim is about a year and a half away (no primaries in the city), and it looks like it will be very messy. I do think UNITE HERE is planning a recall of Mayor Sidhu, which will then also be on the 2020 ballot, and a way to drive their voters to vote in District 1, 4 and 5's elections.
If we look at the SOAR/Disney slate of 5 (everyone except Barnes/Moreno), The 3 Council seats, District 1 is Ms. Barnes seeking her second 4 years. She was very quiet on the dais when Mayor Tait told her how to vote, and did very little, and has a high risk of losing her seat. Her handlers, mainly her Husband, some of Mayor Tait's group, including James Vanderbilt's former chief of staff (now her chief of staff) have her speaking up and doing more things in the community, to make her stand out. District 4 will be Lucille Kring's seat, who is termed out, that race is a toss up depending on who runs, and District 5 Steven Faessel, also seeking reelection, he is a strong favorite to win.
So then we have the Recall, basically the 2018 election, the vote was split between a few known candidates, UNITE HERE is planning to have ONE Good Candidate to try and not split the vote, and somehow retake the majority. A long shot, but a fight they think is worth spending over $1 million of Union Members dues to do. (Once again, not official yet).
So what could 2020 bring?
District 2, 3 and 6 are not up for election (2 SOAR/1 UNITE HERE)
District 1, now UNITE HERE, unknown outcome
District 4, now SOAR, unknown outcome
District 5 Now SOAR, likely to remain SOAR
Mayor, Now SOAR, likely to remain SOAR
So without recalling the Mayor, SOAR will almost be guaranteed to regain control, aka good for Disney and getting its projects approved.
So for UNITE HERE and stymieing any growth that doesn't include their union demands, the need of the recall is pressing.
So be prepared for a very nasty situation in Anaheim politics, which is NOT GOOD for anyone.
I hope that some olive branches can be found before the next council meeting.
I think everyone knew it would pass, since the 5 person majority wants it.
Well, Dr. Moreno (D) decided to play word games to confuse things and make life difficult. Also political gamesmanship that was designed by UNITE HERE 11. That was OK and to be expected.
But what shocked everyone was when Councilmember Denise Barnes (R), supported in 2016 by Mayor Tait and not S.O.A.R. called the council majority Racist. (Yes, THAT word) because her and Dr. Moreno happen to be Latinx. That shocked everyone, even Dr. Moreno was left speechless, and called for a recess.
At the end of the meeting, Councilmember Barnes (District 1) during her closing comments complained on how the 2 people outside of the 5 person majority was being treated, that set off Councilmember Brandman (District 2), who gave Ms. Barnes an earful about how she acted and how she voted with the mayor in her first two years, and saying people in glass houses should be very careful when throwing stones.
Thank goodness the next meeting is in three weeks. I have been dealing with the fallout ever since the meeting ended shortly after Midnight.
One of my political roles is a West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council (W.A.N.D.) Executive Member, one that is more than likely the next President. So Districts 1 and 2 is West Anaheim. So I have two councilmembers that need some fence mending. It is an very challenging issue.
Last Saturday, WAND hosted its yearly BBQ, a big deal at Maxwell Park. Councilmember Brandman came up and chatted for awhile, Councilmember Barnes avoid me. No big deal, I was dealing with State Senator Ling-Ling Chang and others, so it wasn't anything unexpected.
But in hindsight, I think that Denise Barnes has been totally adopted by Dr. Moreno as a replacement for Mayor Tait.
Using the term "Racist" is being used a political tool, but usually in the media, or in comments outside of the political chambers. But directly saying that in chambers to other members, well, that crossed a very big line.
The 2020 elections in Anaheim is about a year and a half away (no primaries in the city), and it looks like it will be very messy. I do think UNITE HERE is planning a recall of Mayor Sidhu, which will then also be on the 2020 ballot, and a way to drive their voters to vote in District 1, 4 and 5's elections.
If we look at the SOAR/Disney slate of 5 (everyone except Barnes/Moreno), The 3 Council seats, District 1 is Ms. Barnes seeking her second 4 years. She was very quiet on the dais when Mayor Tait told her how to vote, and did very little, and has a high risk of losing her seat. Her handlers, mainly her Husband, some of Mayor Tait's group, including James Vanderbilt's former chief of staff (now her chief of staff) have her speaking up and doing more things in the community, to make her stand out. District 4 will be Lucille Kring's seat, who is termed out, that race is a toss up depending on who runs, and District 5 Steven Faessel, also seeking reelection, he is a strong favorite to win.
So then we have the Recall, basically the 2018 election, the vote was split between a few known candidates, UNITE HERE is planning to have ONE Good Candidate to try and not split the vote, and somehow retake the majority. A long shot, but a fight they think is worth spending over $1 million of Union Members dues to do. (Once again, not official yet).
So what could 2020 bring?
District 2, 3 and 6 are not up for election (2 SOAR/1 UNITE HERE)
District 1, now UNITE HERE, unknown outcome
District 4, now SOAR, unknown outcome
District 5 Now SOAR, likely to remain SOAR
Mayor, Now SOAR, likely to remain SOAR
So without recalling the Mayor, SOAR will almost be guaranteed to regain control, aka good for Disney and getting its projects approved.
So for UNITE HERE and stymieing any growth that doesn't include their union demands, the need of the recall is pressing.
So be prepared for a very nasty situation in Anaheim politics, which is NOT GOOD for anyone.
I hope that some olive branches can be found before the next council meeting.
