Very Pathetic for you to comment in this manner. Mayor Walker did a superb job and conducted the meeting
with the utmost dignity. How dare you!
She hasn't even gotten her feet wet and you have attacked her, your pathetic and sick.
Obviously you are a closed minded person.
Mr. Farrell open your eyes for this community. You need to stop thinking about the money that is in your pocket with City Hall and look into the pockets of those that are barely making it. Those who are paying $140.00 water & sewer bills and so on.
Or has it been the fact your $100,000.000 Loan with the City was forgived!

LOL, you are ignorant beyond belief. I would say watch the meeting on channel 10; but I'm sure you were there and saw how Jamey Brooks made a fool of himself. Oh, and thanks for showing up again to spew more hate and lies. Were all getting pretty sick of it. please just shut up.

In case your new to the blogs, LOL is a proven liar.

Dear Martin,

You are entitled to your opinion however over emphasized or over dramatized. When I asked for copies of contracts I did so knowing that the majority of people voting for me wanted the same fiscal accountability that "I want". This country, this state and this city need financial restructuring. I asked for information on items that are of the most cost to the city. In the past, I stated financial statements at budget workshops (the proper time and place). The place on the City Council agenda to ask for specific information is 10D (other discussion/information from Mayor, City Council and City Staff). I asked then because I wanted a consensus of the council. Then staff was directed after discussion from the whole council. That was the proper time and place to bring it forth. There is a group of people who will not like any direction of change I may propose. There is a large group of people who voted for me who are expecting a closer look at the finances of the city. You and I have two different opinions about how I should proceed as a city leader. You have dramatically said I was grinning like a three-year-old and acting like a little Caesar. I do not recall grinning at all (it might have been a grimace). I am short, but I am no little Caesar. Throughout the recent campaign, some people attacked others with name calling. I find it a pity that you would use this tactic. As "the Editor" of Fillmore's only newspaper, if you disagree with things, state your case without the name calling. We all can respect that.

Jamey Brooks

Jamey Brooks,
As a long time resident of Fillmore, I've watched many council meetings and members over the years. I can tell you that you do need to take Steve Conaway's advice. As a "Councilmember" for Fillmore's only city council, you should learn more about how this and other cities conduct business. I think you have a lot to learn. I would suggest watching an LA County supervisors meeting.

I appreciate your desire for financial responsibility; but get off your high horse to do it.

Roberta! Ditto to you.
I watched the Council meeting the only ones out of control was Conaway and Hernandez. Out voted and loud to say the most. They seem to be running scared about Councilman Brooks wanting to review contracts and where our tax dollars are going. Being the state and nation is under financial problems, I applaud Councilman Brooks in looking into all matters that concern our tax dollar. If you don't like that, I question your sanity.

LOL,
My fear is that too many other like-minded voters will place this city in a dire financial situation. Our new Katzenjammer Council coalition has little knowledge of finance, business, or the value of experienced city staff. No doubt you will all soon learn, the hard way. Let's have a little less emotion and a lot more common sense.

Your odd comments, being entirely unrelated to facts, make it difficult to respond.

Martin Farrell, Little do you know of their knowledge, background and volunteer assistance.
More you will learn of common sense and reality.

Holy hot tamale's! Jeeze..what's going in Fillmore tonight? It was not too long ago that we were all together and rooting for the Fillmore Flashes winning the games which led up to the Twentynine Palms game, and all the comments thereafter were up-tight and "on" with one another. Now, as (and I will not name the particular City official who blogged this direct to me) someone told me, not verbatum, wait until the City Council of Fillmore starts to meet after the elections and watch the discontent begin again, and you will start to see more comments! Did not a Fillmore resident, Mrs Reyes-Deutsch just post a letter today on this web about website bullying? I'm not going to referee, because I'm not a Fillmore taxpayer anymore, and not even should initiate this comment, but cannot we just be a little kinder to each other and wait and see how these new city officials can merge themselves into their new positions and workflow? Maybe some ARE inexperienced, then if that is the case, check out and read the City Charter or Bylaws to see if position termination and Removal is an optional choice. Sure, opinions do have a place on this web. I'm speaking not for the Gazette, either. That is my opinion. The Gazette operators have also mentioned that in the past...several times. Martin, this is your paper and website, and if my comment is out of jurisdiction, just remove it, please. It is okay. I won't be mad. It is just that "civility" is also in the dictionary for everyone. So isn't "professionalism", I guess.

City council members should focus on city issues and let National Leaders focus on national issues. Due to past conservative fiscal policies the Fillmore City Budget is balanced and 100% funded. The General Fund Reserve (savings) is currently at 39%. In total as a city we have 139% of our needs.
As I talk to people on the street and business people in town they're shaking their heads wondering how the city got into such a positive financial situation if the budget and city was managed so poorly? The numbers speak for themselves and speak to sound management.
During the silly election season I mentioned that the past council was investing in Fillmore's future. The fruits of those investments are now coming into season. President Elect Obama speaks of "investing in America" to get it back on track and here is little Fillmore doing just that.

Steve Conaway

Right-on, Steve! Maybe some people are rocking the boat, instead of trying to stabilize it. Actualities in numbers do not tell untruths! Books can be opened. There is seemingly nothing to hide. Maybe some people did not listen and pay attention to what was and is going on. I'm sure it will get even-keeled in the near future, and with the advent of the new Council and Committee Members on board, some good folks should learn lessons first before they begin to go off and make comments on their own. Best of luck to everyone in this after-electoral process. Now, it is down to good and best business practices. Looks like the new operators have a great head-start for their management control of Fillmore. They, and some others, best count their Blessings!

John King

Steve, it's late for you...or early! After 12 midnight! For me, it is almost 4pm in the afternoon and my son will come home at 4:30 from school. We eat, shower, and are in bed, as always, by 7pm, after we say the rosary. We have a grotto in the home. Catch up with you guys tomorrow!

I'm sure Mr. Brooks had the best of intentions but his delivery certainly was in need of some work. To use a cliché, It's not what you say but how you say it. I'm all for asking tough questions but I was left with the impression that Mr. Brooks was perhaps presenting himself in a manner that was not really his true personality. I've been told Mr. Brooks is a man of religion but I saw no compassion in any of his delivery. Numerous times Mr. Brooks interrupted and spoke out of turn, I was glad to see Mayor Walker correct him when he interrupted her. His failure to acknowledge a standing ovation on several occasions for outgoing officials was embarrassing to say the least. If he was attempting to make a statement, it was one of disrespect. On a positive note, I felt Ms. Washburn conducted herself in an extremely professional manner and I'm very happy to see all of her efforts finally come to fruition. Hopefully Mr. Brooks can catch the replay of the meeting and learn from Ms. Washburn's conduct.

Fair or not.I feel Steve and Laurie should be required to wear their Nascar jackets on the Dias so we know who their sponsors are.

As usual, Martin seemingly forgets prudent details and facts of Steve Conaway and Cecilia Cuevas' tenure as Mayor and Mayor Pro-tem. What I remember is the immature note passing between Conaway and Cuevas. Making fun of certain citizens during oral communications,which Martin will never mention in his editorial pieces and the notorious eye rolling and the head shaking.I also will not mis Cecilia Cuevas and her nasty hiccups, cracking of pumpkin seeds, eating her dinner up at the dais, and her loud belching.What happened to manners? Maybe it's a cultural thing.

As for Mr.Fennell: Your correct,Council member Washburn did a excellent job as did Mr.Brooks.

Put it on record that I am pleased that Patti Walker is our mayor and Cuevas is GONE FOR GOOD (hopefully).

Hey pebblesfan, nice spin on my comment. Just in case you missed it, "On a positive note, I felt Ms. Washburn conducted herself in an extremely professional manner and I'm very happy to see all of her efforts finally come to fruition" Honestly, I'd have to say I was extremely disappointed with Mr Brooks. I find it interesting that the past criticism of council members and their attitudes is completely overlooked when the presenting attitude agrees with your viewpoint. I'm hopeful Mr. Brooks can rise above the “Claire Kennedy” mentality in future meetings.

pebblesfan=Sippes/Reynolids

I rarely agree with martin, However Tuesdays meeting with our new mayor and 2 council members reminded me of a bad Jerry Springer show. Our new mayor had no control over the meeting,except to remind Mr. Brooks several times he had another commit, oh wait maybe it was the mayors commits coming from Mr. Brooks. As far as Mr. Brooks and Mrs Washburn, MR. Brooks showed us what he has to offer, Not much. And it appears the Mayor forgot to give Mrs. Washbern her script. if this is what we have to look forward to for 2 years, (maybe less if they keep it up) we will be the laughing stock of the County. Also if Mr. Brooks can't afford the attire the job requires, those of you who elected him should take up a collection and buy him a suit

Jamey,
My criticism of your demeanor in the first hours of your new job was not meant to be a personal attack, as such. I have known you for many years now, and know you to be a person of exceptional integrity. However, your eagerness to engage "the enemy" so quickly, with scarce understanding of council procedures and protocols was at least unseemly, and at most offensive.

You have 4 whole years to impress your own "constituency" with your ardor for change. I do not disagree with all of your goals, but I do disagree with your apparent self-righteousness and lack of prudence. Everyone knows you mean business - but let's try to remember you are now about every-one's (residents) business.

It would pay you to learn something about the existing staff workload before piling-on such huge research demands that the regular course of city business must be postponed (according to our city manager) to accommodate those demands.

Your personal disdain for outgoing council members and staff should have been kept to yourself - remember, you're on TV, setting an example for public demeanor for our younger viewers, and establishing precedent for future council behavior.

Again, I certainly have no qualms about your honesty, integrity, or good nature. But, you're in a new public environment, maybe you should show a little humility, and deference to those who have already served on the council for many years, at least until you learn the ropes.

Lastly, I did not engage in "name calling" for frivolous reasons. I attempted to characterize your behavior as unacceptable and problematic for any hope of future council cooperation and civility. You are greatly respected for your admirable personal character. Why not slow down and practice a little humility as you do your "due diligence" on the job as all those who know you expect.

I apologize if my remarks were taken as being purely personal. They were not.

Martin

LOL,

Sorry, I overlooked your last remark.

Would you please publicly establish your lack of credibility by citing this mysterious loan which was allegedly "forgived!" I know you meant "forgiven".

It's best not to let our passion cloud our thought processes. You must have mistaken me for some fund manager.

LOL,

I know more than you may believe. I wish education were always a true indicator of competence on the job. Unfortunately, it is not.

pebblesfan,

Please. If all you object to during the past 4-8 years of council procedures are a few personal foibles why make such a big deal about them now? Did these highly occasional incidents effect city business? Are they possibly gross exaggerations?

No one has been more critical of Councilwoman Cuevas during the past 8 years than I have been. I thoroughly hated many of her votes, and am her political opposite. But your remarks seem purely mean, nasty, and deplorably personal. I have explained the reasons for my criticisms of Councilman Brooks (someone I personally hold in high esteem).

pebblesfan, Pebbles would not approve of your post - she's a sensitive lady.

"pebblesfan", when you bring "culture thing" into the mix, at 12/11/08 @ 4:26pm, that is a low blow to anybody. I doubt there is any room to mention anything concerning what cultural heritage anybody comes from, and relate that to your triad which posted about Councilwoman Cuevas. You came off as not being funny whatsoever or whatever you were attempting to state, you did not make your point very well.

John King

For those who do not know who the "Katzenjammer Kids" were, they were cartoon characters back in the 40's and the 50's, and syndicated in nationwide newspapers. They were of German origin, and had hair that was unruly, wore loose clothes, spoke (in printed form) in Yiddish-German dialect, and these kids always got themselves into some trouble or some kind of compromising situation with their father and mother. Sometimes, in their stupidity, they were actually smart! I did not try to Yahoo or Google this cartoon, but you may be successful if you try. I know that "Winky Dink" is there, so maybe the "Katzenjammer's" may be, also. Life is a laugh-a-minute...'know that?

John King

Sidebar note: Yup! They are on the Internet! From 1897, these cartoons of the "Katzenjammer Kids" have been printed in newspapers. They depict children's stories from the 1860's. Now, how can we visualize this in relation to our new City Council? Take a look. Maybe Martin has something there. No irreverence intended, Fillmore City Council. Please see the stupidity of humor involved here.

John King

"one of them"

In my opinion, I think your remark about Ms. Washburn is way off mark. Even though I've only had a few interactions with her, I was left with the impression of an extremely intelligent person capable of her own opinion and not shy about expressing it. What has really impressed me about Ms. Washburn was her refusal to speak poorly of persons who had absolutely raked her over the coals. She may disagree with an opinion but she has never brought it to a personal level, which by the way has been done to her time and time again. I think the city missed an opportunity years ago by not taking her seriously.

Tom, Good Morning! It is almost 11:00 pm here in the Philippines, and I'm way overdue to go to bed. This is John King. Does Fillmore Channel 10 have a website, or some electronic means that I can reach this channel via Internet? It would be nice for me way out here near Vietnam and China to use my Internet for some research into Channel 10's broadcast of events in Fillmore once in awhile. I have a 140-channel Dream Satellite system at my home, but I can get only designated channels with it. Maybe the Internet is the answer. If I know the time Channel 10 broadcasts or Internet broadcasts the replay of City Council meetings, or has available internet use for replays, maybe I could be more justified in making comments on Council meetings, etc. Thanks!

John King

John,

At this point all I see is an audio stream.

http://www.fillmoreca.com/how_to.htm

Tom

OK, Tom. Thanks. But I will definitely go to the web you typed-in.

John