Let common sense rather than ego fill vacant Poway council seat
By Dick Lyles
Now that California’s June primary is behind us, the November general election looms on the horizon. It brings significantly more consequence for Poway voters on a number of levels.
Dick Lyles
Therefore, before the airwaves become cluttered with the battle for the presidency and what promises to be a slugfest over Governor Brown’s proposed tax increase, I’d like to suggest to Powegians that we join forces in a collaborative demonstration of common sense that befits our history and serves our future.
Merrilee Boyack has announced she will not seek re-election to the Poway City Council this November, thereby creating an open seat. Although she ruffled a few feathers along the way, by and large she served Poway with dedication, passion and a commitment to high standards of governance for our city. Thank you, Merrilee, for your accomplishments and leadership.
Several people have mentioned they might seek Merrilee’s seat in November, but one person in particular stands out as the ideal replacement. Jeff Mangum, who previously served on the Poway Unified School District Board of Trustees, has stated he will run. I suggest that we all unite behind him from the beginning. We can’t possibly find a better replacement than Jeff to meet the needs of the City of Poway today.
As a school board member, Jeff was tested with the toughest fiscal challenges local government entities have faced. Many school districts failed the test (think San Diego Unified) while Poway passed with flying colors. Virtually everyone who worked closely with the board and with Jeff admires his work and exemplary leadership through these difficult times. Poway is still recognized as one of the top school districts in the country. Such recognition doesn’t come without steady, sustained leadership at the board level.
During most of his tenure on the school board, Jeff served as the board liaison with the City of Poway, finding ways to collaborate and work together to solve community problems. His efforts are one of the main reasons why the collaboration between the city and the school district is the envy of other local governments. It also means Jeff understands the city and its needs.
Penny Riley and her staff are doing a great job of managing the city. But the loss of redevelopment agency revenues, combined with future economic stagnation present huge challenges to our future — challenges similar to those Jeff battled with the school district. They are complicated, with far-reaching implications. No one else who has expressed an interest in running comes close to being as qualified to deal with these issues as Jeff Mangum.
So here is my simple proposal. Let’s put egos aside for this November’s election and let’s all work together to elect Jeff Mangum to the Poway City Council. If you are thinking about taking out papers in July or know someone else who is considering doing so, stop (or stop them). Before taking out papers take time to meet with Jeff Mangum and discuss the challenges the city currently faces and what it will take to meet and overcome them. You’ll be impressed by his humility, his honesty and his acumen and you’ll learn why so many people trust him. Afterward, if you honestly believe you can do it better, then go for it. We all embrace the democratic process. But if, in all honesty, you can’t really offer a better alternative, then put the old ego aside, choose what’s best for our city, and help elect Jeff.
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There are two seats open on the council this election.
I'm hoping that there are some candidate debates so we can decide FOR OURSELVES among the potentials. Really disappointed that in the 2010 election the only debate was held in a non-public forum where the focus was business and the mayors seat and two council seats were on the line. I guess the cost of renting a hall is too much to spring for out of pocket.
Anyone know of any candidate debates scheduled for Poway?
Wow, I ask for candidate debates and get thumbs down. Apparently there's no need for debate in the upcoming election? Please, if you're going to TD me, let me win and put more on there.
Attention Joe and all interested Poway voters–
F.Y.I……. There will indeed be a candidate forum in Poway for the City Council candidates!!!
This forum has already been scheduled for Thursday, September 27th at 7pm. The forum will be held in the BILL BOND AUDITORIUM at Poway's Senior Center located within the Community Park complex (this is just south of the Poway Library at the west end of Civic Center Drive — Plenty of free parking in the main parking lot).
Arrangements have been made for THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS – SAN DIEGO CHAPTER to provide a well-trained moderator team to run this forum. All council candidates have been invited and are planning to participate. This is a free event and the public is welcome to attend and submit written questions for the candidates.
The POWAY DEMOCRATIC CLUB has generously donated funds to sponsor this special community event for ALL Powegians.
Please stay tuned to THE CHIEFTAIN for further info on this forum.
I agree with you Mr. St. Lucas. It would be nice to have some debates/forums so that the public could judge, for themselves, the virtues of the candidates. As a candidate I would embrace the above. I would like to get on the record and add this idea that's been floating around in my head for some time now and was published on my Facebook page a couple of days ago. Here it is; Well we're getting closer to the July 16 filing for City Council for Poway and I'll be there bright and early.
I got to thinking that there's a lot of hot air being blown around and that as far as I know, in the history of Poway as a city, no council person, man or woman, has ever GIVEN UP any of their pay…so I think it's time to start now…When elected I will give 25% of my City Council pay to charity…and that's 25% of my gross council pay for the entire four years!
If all the city council people in the past only gave up 25% of THEIR pay think of the tens of thousands of dollars they could have given to charity right here in Poway!
Please feel free to pass this along to your friends and family whether or not they live in Poway (Maybe we can get some of the other cheapskates in other cities to do the same). Thanks and let me know what you think of this idea…
First off, you spelled your last name wrong. Otherwise I like it, even if it does ruffle a few feathers.
Sorry Gary, but it sounds as if you are trying to buy the election. Don't you have some better ideas? Perhaps it's a bit early for you to spring them. I , and I am sure many others, will be eager to hear your arguments. I am sure you must have more to offer.
Note that as a council member, you are REQUIRED to accept the city health insurance plan. If you currently have a plan at your work or are covered on your wife's insurance (don't know your situation), your work might drop you now that you have another insurer, even if you don't like the city coverage vs. works coverage. You might need 100% of that gigantic thousand bucks a month for coverage. How about the car allowance, going to give that up? That's something that you can do.
I was thinking the same thing about this article. Seems a bit presumptuous not to mention a little early. I mean I don't even have my claws fully filed yet.
As your reputation score continues to plummet.
Well it's a good thing I don't set my self esteem by that score then, huh?
Fortunately, a firm faith in God and a loving family prevent me from being just devastated by the random likes and dislikes of unknown "raters."
But if it makes you feel empowered by all means click away.
Thanks for giving me the go ahead to click away. Seems I'm not the only one who noticed.
I seem to recall your piling on to a comment about all my thumbs down a few weeks ago Clariece. Just sayin'
Have you noticed there are only 6 people that ever leave comments?. I own what I write and I have no problem articulating a position nor do I take the personal attacks personally. At least 80% of the time with you I feel there is at least an attempt at understanding a position. But heaven help the person in this town if they don't follow lock step with a particular, narrowly defined group. But I'm a big girl (literally) and I'm ok with the negative comments. And I'm sure Steve Dreyer is just tickled pink with the internet ratings when this stuff goes sideways. I wonder if I win anything for having the single largest negative number in the history of the Chieftain. A toaster maybe?
And yes I know I'm still talking – but Amy deserved a response.
I think we six should all get together for some coffee. I'd suggest a beer, but I think a bar room brawl might break out. Anyway, we'd probably all like each other better in person than we do in the ether. Thanks for your kind words that I'm 80% sane. Not many in Poway would agree with you…but I appreciate the sentiment all the same.
Perhaps you could take time to enjoy your humble pie, if that's possible. Try looking on the bright side once in a while.
Hey "Guest" you seem to be the cranky one. One slap after another without a lick of "bright side" anywhere.
Looks like we beg to differ.
I'm not sure what you mean by that "guest". But I do love pie and my face is always pointed toward the sun! Too bad there are those clouds who cover it sometimes…
My apologies. That comment wasn't meant for you Amy.
I agree with Dick Lyles that Penny Riley and staff are doing a great job managing the city.
Penny presents a balanced and realizable budget each year and it is carried out in an, apparently, effective manner. I know there must be glitches and "office politics" at city hall just as there are in all environments, but when you don't often see someone's name in the news I think you can assume they are doing a good job. My compliments, Penny and staff.
I would never presume to know what Mr. Lyles is thinking, but seems to me the gist of this column is that we all want the best representation on our council and let's not forget that our council members not only deal with the city's business, they also represent our city at various regional meetings, and I personally want someone we can be proud of speaking on behalf of our city. I have met Jeff Mangum and he does seem to meet that criteria.
In some previous elections, we've had so many candidates, it sometimes seemed more like a circus. Since this is a non-partisan position, I would agree that we need to collectively get behind a good solid candidate with experience and professionalism who has Poway and its citizens' best interest at heart.
Getting "collectively behind a good solid candidate" is what we do when we vote and choose from a slate of candidates. To suggest we all just rally around one guy seems to skip the process. Some candidates are better than others and that's what we are going to learn in the coming weeks. I don't know enough about Mr. Mangum at this point to know if he's good or bad choice. As far as a circus, I think there is nothing healthier than a good (and civil) political discussion and the ideas it brings forth. And as an earlier poster pointed out there are two seats open at this election. Let's fill them both with new faces.
Thanks for your comments Clariece. With the utmost of respect to both you and "Guest," most people involved in politics would not agree with you that there are two "open" seats. It is my understanding that they would say, "there are two seats on the ballot, one is open (the seat Merrilee filled) and the other is currently filled by Jim Cunningham (and therfore not considered "open" using commonly accepted political vernacular. In other words an open seat is a seat that not currently filled by someone who will be running for re-election.
I'm disappointed you don't know more about Jeff Mangum, because he has been in the mainstream of Poway public service for more than sixteen years, is a former columnist for Pomerado Publishing and has had quite a bit of positive coverage in the press for the past couple of decades.
It's easy enough to Goodle him, or better yet, why don't you give him a call? I'm sure he'll answer any questions you have in a straightforward manner with the utmost of integity.
I actually know a bit about Mr. Mangum but have preferred to not say much about him (he may be happy about this). I do know who my preference for Merrilee’s spot is and that is Steve Vaus.
I think a better option is to support Mangum replacing Cunningham. This particular option of replacing Cunningham should make term limit supporters happy. First because it removes an incumbent and second, it would bring two new perspectives to council. Groesch and Mullin have shown to be excellent new additions and provide fresh ideas. I would expect the same from Vaus and Mangum.
I 'Goodled' Jeff Mangum. I used http://www.goodle.com. I got a home decor site. So Jeff has a lot of decorum. Those who know him know that. I'm going to Gooble him now. I'll let you know what I find.
Thanks for pointing out my typo Dan … Next time I'll be more careful. :)
As for Clariece …. It didn't take too long to get the claws sharpened, did it?
I'll stick by my original column, which simply suggested we back Jeff Mangum and avoided saying anything negative about anyone else.
Contrary to the belief of some I really believe we can keep this campaign positive . I believe we can enjoy some healthy banter and hopefully learn something along the way. However, your column did not simply suggest we put egos aside – it suggests we dismiss other candidates out of pocket and discourages others from filing papers and march along with the guy you like.
And trust me, my claws were neatly retracted. Ok. Maybe one claw came out. Possibly two. But let's enjoy the process and hyperbole and whatever else comes along with the upcoming election.
And to quote Tom Yarnell "that's my last word."
Clariece,
Review the prior posts and you’ll see that everyone was engaged in “positive banter” until you came along. Your drive-by assaults on the other candidates dragged the conversation into the muck. Your negative innuendo against one candidate and outright attack on Jim with incorrect information are exactly what Poway DOESN’T need. Steve gained entry into Poway politics by bullying Betty Rexford this way and unfortunately now he, you, and the rest of his gang believe that acting this way and then pretending you didn’t is a formula for political success. It’s not. That’s why Steve loses every time he runs for office himself. Everyone sees through these cheap shots and ultimately resents the shooters. Like “Guest” said below, I also hope this will be your last word as you promised. I also wish Steve would take a ten year break from the Poway political scene until he can shed this angry mean streak of his. It would benefit him and all of Poway.
Dick,
Thank you for writing a column that caused people to reveal their true character before the campaign has even started.
Funny you were one of Steve's biggest supporters during the recall now he's a bully? Personal attacks on me won't change truth or facts. The difference is I don't play games and I don't mince words. You on the other hand have been a bully as evidenced by your recent attack on the Chamber. Not to mention your personal verbal attack at a recent community event on a close friend. I may pop off in blogs but in the real world there is a clear and defined line in the sand about what's ok to say and do and what's not.
Your attitude seems to mirror Steve Vaus' personality and m.o. This negativity, which Steve so blatantly exhibited during the B.R. recall, is EXACTLY what we do not need in Poway. Kevin, I don't think 10 years is a long enough hiatus for Steve!
Kevin, You sir are spot on. Well said.
Thank you Guest.
Clariece, it appears your previous post was NOT your last word as you promised. Does that mean this latest post is your last word? Or did you mean the next post will be your last word? Or, God forbid, will you never have a last word?
You and your friend Steve Vaus have the same problem, which is making promises you don’t keep. When campaigning for the recall, Steve promised EVERYONE that he wouldn’t run for city council himself, then turned around and did so DURING the recall election itself! It is pretty clear that neither your word nor his means much to you or him and therefore should not mean much to anyone else either.
I about fell off my chair when I read that you believe ( we ) can keep this campaign positive. And if I may, I highly doubt " that's your last word. "
I replaced Jeff Mangum on the Poway School Board in 2010 after his 16 years of service. Wherever I have gone throughout PUSD in the last 18 months, those who knew Jeff and worked with him have spoken of his integrity, competence and leadership. The accolades given to our PUSD schools over many many years have Jeff's fingerprints all over them. In spite of the fact that there are other honorable citizens considering running, if we want a proven leader with a proven track record of service to the Poway community, Jeff is the clear choice.
ClarIece, wrong Kevin. I haven't said anything about the election yet. I haven't been to a community event this year. Had major back surgery and don't get out much. Don't even know who you are. Yes I did write the letter about the Chamber. Please keep me out of your drivel.
Kevin, she can't help it. If she's not complaining, or in someone else's business, her day is incomplete. Rather sad actually.
After reading Mr. Lyle's opinion the other day I wondered about a few of his ideas which Penny Ranftle seemed to quote nearly, if not, verbatim. I think what was most curious was that Mr. Lyle seems to be of the opinion that Mr. Mangum works his arse off with absolutely zero ego BUT the rest of the folks who have pulled papers are presumably egotists seeking office only to satiate their inflated egos. One person writes that Mr. Mangum has dedicated 16 years of service to the PUSD which is admirable chunk of time and I applaud his service and dedication. I might add at this point that I have dedicated over 25 years of service to the city of POWAY and thousands of dollars out of pocket…without the apparently requisite fanfare. The public in general doesn't know of this commitment because my "super ego" has not published the results of my work for the city. Thanks for your time in reading my reply. Gary Vineyard.
I think you just made Mr. Lyles' point about ego. OTHER people are recognizing and applauding Jeff's service and leadership and here you are, tooting your own horn!
I'm sure that if other people felt the same about your work that they do about Jeff's they would say similar nice things about you.
For the record, Jeff's service to the community extends way beyond his sixteen years on the school board.
Gary – just give up and roll over. That's really what they want any opposition to their newly annointed one's candidacy. There is a hateful little group that unfortunately has way too much pull in this town. You could have developed the cure for cancer, but unless they recognize it and applaud it, it never happened or you're bragging. Keep up the good fight.
Kevin, Mr. Vineyard has earned the right to toot his own horn. 25 years of service to his community say's so. It's more than obvious your'e tooting Jeff's horn, so what's the difference?
Clariece, usually when a person goes into a character assassination mode they do so because they have nothing logical to say, or a response worthy of consideration. You should wear many of these comments as a badge of honor.
You Tom are always my favorite. Maybe I should learn to just say "ditto what Tom said."
Nah. It would deprive Steve Dreyer the endless hours of screening comments.
Having read the news elsewhere of PUSD's BILLION DOLLAR BOONDOGGLE it certainly looks like Dick Lyles words in this column and Ms. Rantfle's 'me too!' a week later in support of coronating 16 year schoolboard member Jeff Mangum onto the City Council have come back to bite them.
Lyles wrote "As a school board member, Jeff was tested with the toughest fiscal challenges local government entities have faced. Many school districts failed the test while Poway passed with flying colors."
Flying colors?? The only color any of us will see for the next 40 years is red, as in ink.
Magnum was President of the school board as this ponzi scheme was concocted and Prop C was readied for the ballot. CNBC has called the resulting bond issue "the worst loan ever."
I don't expect a retraction from Lyles but that sound you hear is probably everybody jumping off the Mangum bandwagon. If you love Poway you'd have to be crazy to let Mangum anywhere near the City Council.