Few voters — 10 to 15 percent of the electorate — will actually cast ballots in the Council District 2 despite the lavish spending by Chris Essel and the explosive, if specious, charges her campaign has leveled against Paul Krekorian in a barrage of mailers and ads.
Hers is the most expensive campaign ever run for a City Council seat with DWP union bully boy Brian D’Arcy and construction trade unions leading the big-spending pack. D’Arcy even went so far as to go to court in a futile attempt to get rid of all campaign spending limits and even the feeble pretense of ethical controls in this or any other city election.
This is a race that started out with as a contest between eight citizen candidates and two carpetbaggers who were financed by various interests that make up the City Hall political machine — a double entry that showed just how desperate the developers, unions and other special interests are to retain near absolute control of the LA’s political machinery.
They got away with it and the runoff was set with Krekorian, an Assembly Democratic leader, facing Essel, a former Hollywood studio lobbyist and head of the influential pro-development Central City Association.
It didn’t seem like much of a contest from the viewpoint hoping for change at City Hall until an old letter surfaced showing what pals, politically speaking, Essel and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are and have been for many years.
Since the mayor is such a negative in most parts of the city, the Antonio-Chris connection — something that had been vehemently denied despite its obviousness — stirred interest in the race, especially when Essel called the cops and claimed Krekorian stole it from her house (outside the district) and the mayor himself went berserk.
Throw in her charges that Krekorian is a woman-hating devil incarnate and a million dollars in dirty campaign money and suddenly the election took on a whole new significance.
Desperation had become hysteria. But why?
These are both Democrats who will for the most part support the same
old politics at City Hall, sign off on sweetheart deals for unions,
contractors and developers and perpetuate this failed experiment in
municipal socialism and its war against the middle class.
The
biggest difference between them is that Krekorian actually represents
part of the East Valley district while Essel has no core constituency
whatsoever. He also is known as a hard-working legislator who pays
close attention to his constituents while she is an adequate
representative of the special interests who employ her.
So the
million-dollar question is this What’s at stake that would prompt the
power structure to tilt so strongly for Essel when their voting records
will largely be the same?
My theory is that it has nothing to do
with Brian D’Arcy’s rapacious demands for more money from DWP
ratepayers for himself and his union. It’s clear the mayor, the
council, the DWP Commission will give D’Arcy anything he wants even if
it means doubling and tripling rates in the next few years and making
utility bills larger than many people’s mortgages.
No, the big
money in CD2 is in development. That’s Essel got the IBEW and trade
unions to cough up 90 percent of the million dollars in independent
expenditures outside city campaign finance limits..
Billions of
dollars in massive projects are on the line from Universal City to
Victory Boulevard, thousands of acres of wide open space are available
for development in the Sunland-Tujunga region.
The opportunities
for so many to profit so handsomely is intoxicating even to the varied
special interests already drunk with money and power from living so
well for so long off the corruption of City Hall.
They look at
Krekorian with his impeccable environmental credentials, his
sensitivity to his constituents’ concerns, his ambition to reach higher
office and they see trouble ahead, obstacles to green-lighting
developments that will destroy the quality of residents’ lives, bring
traffic to a standstill and exhaust the city’s limited resources.
And
they look at Essel and they see somebody who has spent her whole career
carrying out orders from above, somebody who do what she’s told no
matter what.
So they are pouring a fortune into her campaign, squeezing money everyone who does business with the city.
It’s
not a 15th unanimous vote they are seeking but the one vote that
matters in CD2 on development matters, the Council member’s.
So
that’s the issue voters will decide on Tuesday: Do you want massive
over-development without a say in what happens or a fighting chance to
mitigate some of the worst impacts and even block some of the most
destructive projects?
Nothing else explains why the machine’s
win-win situation in this election has turned into such a bruising
winner-take-all affair.
The mayor is off in Copenhagen saving
the world from global warming while his city has the dirtiest air and
worst green energy record in America. He lost on his billion-dollar
Measure B ripoff in March. He lost on getting a stooge in the City
Attorney’s office in May.
Make him a three-time loser and defeat Essel on Tuesday. Vote for Krekorian, that’s my advice.
Sorry Ron but your WRONG on this one. Krekorian is another recycled career politico who is the WORSE choice for our district.
Sorry Ron but your WRONG on this one. Krekorian is another recycled career politico who is the WORSE choice for our district.
Sorry Ron but your WRONG on this one. Krekorian is another recycled career politico who is the WORSE choice for our district.
Ron, you are right on the money on this one. Sock it to ‘em. Power to the people’s voice. Vote Paul Krekorian on December 8th. They say the rain will stop just in time to get voters to the polls.
if they’ll spend a million, it’s over already
Why would PPL – who has done the majority of the IE spending – care about development? If you think the Republican PPL is part of some kind of Villaraigosa/D’Arcy machine, you’re either crazy or being intentionally dishonest because of your IBEW obsession.
The facts: the mayor doesn’t have a horse in this race, and the big labor players in town are placing bets. PPL and IBEW on Essel, SEIU and UFLAC on Krekorian.
Why are they spending so much? Because the City is going to be completely overhauled over the next few years and this is their last chance to influence that process.
Comparing the list of endorsements for Krekorian verses Essel is the single most damning evidence I’ve seen about Wendy Greuel.
The support for Krekorian among REAL PEOPLE, actual constituents of CD2, citizens who are active and aware of local governance issues, is overwhelming. Their endorsement of Krekorian over Essel is a direct reflection of their anger at Wendy Gruel and all that she stands for.
These are people who have had years to get to know the real Wendy. Many of them (like me) may have voted for her, in her initial CD2 run, believing the slick packaging that portrayed Wendy as a non-career politico, blah-blah-blah. Then, over time and experience, these people got to know the real Wendy, and now they know better.
They do not want Essel because Essel would be even worse than Wendy. Wendy, meanwhile, bailed on CD2 out of personal ambition, and is now using the Controller’s office as a platform to make a name for herself that will (she no doubt hopes) lead to bigger state-wide or even nation-wide ambitions. God help America if that happens.
I used to think the worst thing San Fernando valley politics unleashed on the outside world was the lizard-lidded Alex Padilla. Now I’m afraid the worst thing might be a pert little blond pink-martini sipper named Gruel.
NO on Essel, the Gruel-redoo !
For the honest truth about this election,see
http://thejennerjahnreport.blogspot.com/
At least one blogger is not drinking the Kool Aid.
I’m a CD2 resident who volunteers more than 800 hours a year in our City parks doing a lot of the hard stuff….
I voted Krekorian and urge everyone to do likewise.
Thank you.
Good write up Ron.
I think Krekorian will be better than you think.
This last few months have really changed the guy into far into our mode of thinking.
There Phil goes again: Using big words like “socialist” when he does not even know the meaning of the word. Pathetic.
ACORN has been out in force for Essel the last few days. The guys with the red shirts where in my neighborhood in Sun Valley.
This women HAS TO BE STOPPED. Say no to the Essel ACORN thugs and vote Krekorian tommorow.
Ron have you also been drinking the Hacopian cool aid?
Don’t pay any attention to Phil. Ignore the lunatic.
Great post Ron, very balanced IMHO. As one of Paul Krekorian’s current constituents I can say, without a doubt, that everything you say about his caring about and listening to his constituents is absolutely true. He has an excellent staff and he is an active participant in our community. Even if he is a so-called carpetbagger (I have never felt that term to be correct when it comes to Paul because of how actively engaged and involved with our community he has been throughout his tenure as our Assemblyman), he has real genuine concern for the people of CD2. He has already proven what he can bring to the people of CD2 and in my mind that should be what people should be concerned about, not who can raise the most $ etc and bombard us with useless mailers. Essel is not about the people and quality of life here in CD2, Krekorian is. I heartily support him for our CD2 representative. I will be sad to lose him in Sacramento, but I think he can actually do more for us here in LA.
Shallman is a political genius.
You will learn about it tommorow.
Ron Kaye
You must be on Krekorian’s payroll.
John Shallman WILL NOT FORGET THIS.
What’s funny is all the political bloggers are split between the two candidates and whatever side they choose, they’re adamant the other side is corrupt and has a conspiracy behind them.
Example – Zumadogg is backing Edsel and his old friend Mayor Sam is choosing Krekorian. So they’re both mad at each other and claiming the other one fell for the machine or whatever
Internet nerds are funny
After extensive research on both candidates and reviewing their supporters, the choice for homeowners/residents of CD2 is clear: Krekorian is the absolute BEST choice for Council.
Essel is all bound up with downtown interests and unions, while Krekorian’s supporters largely represent PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY LIVE IN THE DISTRICT and have concerns about its future.
The mere fact that Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association’s Richard Close is supporting Krekorian was enough for me. I met and worked with Close long ago on community-based issues such as the idiotic ‘plan’ to stick a giant train on top of the Ventura Freeway. Thank God that failed!
Don’t make a huge mistake on 12/8 — vote Krekorian
!!!!!
neither of these candidates is the *best* candidate, but from the choices we have left, Krekorian is the *better.*
neither of these candidates is the *best* candidate, but from the choices we have left, Krekorian is the *better.*
I think the funniest part of Phil’s tirade is calling a politician an ego maniac. That is sort of like calling a horse a four legged creature. Or perphaps, Phil thinks that most politicians are like Gandhi.
Ron is right on the money! The following question cannot and should not be avoided: Why would these entities bend over backwards to get Essel elected? Are they enchanted by Essel’s past stellar community service, her deep understanding of public policy, her penetrating wisdom regarding CD2 issues? Hardly! Simply put, there is a quid pro quo involved; Essel has been designated to carry their water.
The establishment needs to be slapped in the face, and Essel should be defeated, otherwise the charade will continue for years on end.
9:04AM.Have you noticed Greuel is more visible in the TV commercials and on the mailers than Essel, the empty vessel? Wendy is using the stupid Essel and that`s a good reason to elect Paul. We don`t need another stupid ass on the Council.
Hi Ron,
I hope all is well with you. Our good friend Marie Harris passed away last week. I would appreciate it if you would broadcast something about Marie’s contributions to the Valley on RONKAYLA.COM. As the managing editor of the Daily News, I know you or your staff talked with her over the years on various issues. Help us get the word out.
Marie worked on behalf of the community and gave nearly 50 years of outstanding service to the community. You might remember that she was one of the three who signed the petition to put the Valley Independence measure on the ballot.
Her family asked me to help put together the program and reach out to those who Marie worked closely with. Let me know if you would like to say something about Marie’s work in the community at the service December 10th at 11:00AM. The services will be at the Lakeview Terrace American Baptist Church on Foothill Blvd. and Terra Bella and the Repast will be at the Boys and Girl Club on Glenoaks.
In the near future I will would like to call on you to help many of us in the community who will be working on a permanent tribute to Marie’s legacy.
Hi Ron,
I hope all is well with you. Our good friend Marie Harris passed away last week. I would appreciate it if you would broadcast something about Marie’s contributions to the Valley on RONKAYLA.COM. As the managing editor of the Daily News, I know you or your staff talked with her over the years on various issues. Help us get the word out.
Marie worked on behalf of the community and gave nearly 50 years of outstanding service to the community. You might remember that she was one of the three who signed the petition to put the Valley Independence measure on the ballot.
Her family asked me to help put together the program and reach out to those who Marie worked closely with. Let me know if you would like to say something about Marie’s work in the community at the service December 10th at 11:00AM. The services will be at the Lakeview Terrace American Baptist Church on Foothill Blvd. and Terra Bella and the Repast will be at the Boys and Girl Club on Glenoaks.
In the near future I will would like to call on you to help many of us in the community who will be working on a permanent tribute to Marie’s legacy.
Hi Ron,
I hope all is well with you. Our good friend Marie Harris passed away last week. I would appreciate it if you would broadcast something about Marie’s contributions to the Valley on RONKAYLA.COM. As the managing editor of the Daily News, I know you or your staff talked with her over the years on various issues. Help us get the word out.
Marie worked on behalf of the community and gave nearly 50 years of outstanding service to the community. You might remember that she was one of the three who signed the petition to put the Valley Independence measure on the ballot.
Her family asked me to help put together the program and reach out to those who Marie worked closely with. Let me know if you would like to say something about Marie’s work in the community at the service December 10th at 11:00AM. The services will be at the Lakeview Terrace American Baptist Church on Foothill Blvd. and Terra Bella and the Repast will be at the Boys and Girl Club on Glenoaks.
In the near future I will would like to call on you to help many of us in the community who will be working on a permanent tribute to Marie’s legacy.
Your point is well taken, with unanimous voting, aka “the rule of 15,” the only Mega-Project related vote that counts is the one (1) vote of the Councilperson whose district the project is set in.
Get educated and Vote!
One issue that no one has thought about yet is redistricting.
In 2010 a new census is being taken and the powers to be will begin negotiating over the re-alignment of districts. Even after constant pleading by community members, the smaller Sunland-Tujunga community was sliced and diced and wound up with not enough booty (voters) for any of the FOUR Fed. Representatives for S-T to be bothered with them.
They were sliced up by the state as well. The City Council Rep is the only person S-T has that is totally within the community. But, I must say that Cameron Smyth did not abandon them and made an effort of stay in contact and attend to there needs when thety requested service. But, the point I want to make is, it didn’t matter how much their community fought, they were sold out and lost out to people like Richard Close, who was on the re-districting committee and promised to help them , but instead, were sacrificed so other selected communities would stay intact and the results are what they have today. No clout with State and Fed.officials.
Paul Krekorain has a clear understanding of the how the process works and already has a working knowledge of Sacramento. He also understands our district and will work to protect not only Sunland -Tujunga, but all our communties in his district (CD2)as well, in order to prevent this type of tragedy from re-occurring.
Bottom line, I don’t trust Essel!
I attended one of the first debates with ALL the candidates sponsored by the Sherman Oaks Homeowner’s Assoc.
Christine Essel was the ONLY candidate who did not stay after and talk to the people. Everyone else, even Zuma Dogg, stayed and listened to the concerns of the people.
If voters are fooled into electing Essel that’s exactly the kind of representation they will get: a good show, but no real contact with or understanding of residents.
To: Ron Kaye.
I agree 100% with Mel Wilson regarding Marie Harris and her contribution to the Valley.
I recall how she would always save me a seat when i would arrive late to the Valley Vote board meetings.
Marie was a grandma to me and many other valley young people.
See you thursday Mel.
I’d definitely recommend that you write a lot more often.
This is an epic post, maybe I should add add this blog to my blogroll?
Real good info can be found on blog .
Hi! I’ve gone ahead and bookmarked http://ronkayela.com/2009/12/the-milliondollar-question-why.html on Digg so my friends can see it too. I just used The Million-Dollar Question: Why Is Chris Essel So Important to the City Hall Political Machine? – Ron Kaye L.A. as the entry in my bookmark, as I figured if it is good enough for you to title your blog post that, then you probably would like to see it bookmarked the same way.