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Lobbyist Runs for Council Seat Has anyone noticed how many endorsements Wendy Bucknum has from elected officials? These are folks she’s been lobbying – it’s her job. Newcomers running for office usually have few endorsements, but Bucknum’s list runs off the page. Bucknum presents herself to Mission Viejo voters as a mom and community volunteer. She doesn’t describe what she does for a living, but her job at Professional Community Management (PCM) is to lobby elected officials. Bucknum knows elected officials – not as a mom and community volunteer in Mission Viejo, but as a lobbyist for her employer. Citizens are sick of lobbyists and the elected officials who sell their votes instead of representing constituents. Check the following links, particularly the first one, to learn about Bucknum’s background: http://ww2.pcmintranet.com/pr/2010/10-0503-PCM_CAI_CLAC.pdf From the first link, lobbyist Bucknum in 2010 presented Assemblywoman Diane Harkey with her industry’s Legislator of the Year award. In return, Harkey in 2012 lobbied members of the GOP Central Committee to endorse Bucknum for a city council seat. However, the Central Committee on Sept. 17 didn’t endorse her. (Only Cathy Schlicht and Ed Sachs received the endorsement of any Republican organization, the California Republican Assembly. http://www.missionviejoca.org/html/article233.html ) By the Sept. 5 OC GOP meeting, Bucknum had lobbied four of the six members on the endorsing committee. They were so “sold” on supporting her, nothing fazed them, including photographs of Bucknum campaigning in two elections for a Democrat and pictures of her house with a Democrat’s sign next to a union sign in her yard. Mission Viejo residents will have an opportunity on Nov. 6 to vote for one of the finest lobbyists in the housing industry. Bucknum won an award for lobbying in 2012 (second link above). Presenting the award was Bucknum’s fellow lobbyist, Andrew Fourtin ( http://www.opensecrets.org/revolving/rev_summary.php?id=25092 . Bucknum even teaches seminars on how to lobby elected officials. Her employer should be so proud. Bucknum brags about defeating Measure D in Mission Viejo, claiming it was an anti-business initiative. Measure D was defeated in the 2010 June Primary when more than $100,000 was donated by special interest to fund a campaign of lies. Measure D was on the ballot to protect property rights of individuals. Special-interest mailers convinced Mission Viejo voters they should have no vote in rezoning. With Measure D’s defeat, the power to rezone major parcels of property remains in the hands of the Mission Viejo City Council. A developer can get a zone change (e.g., from open space, recreation or commercial use) to high-density apartments with three council votes. No developer has had any trouble getting three Mission Viejo council members to sell their votes. Developer “campaign donations” to Mission Viejo council members have ranged from $1,500 to $11,000 per vote. Bucknum says she participates in Republican organizations. For years, she’s been a member of the Capo Valley Republican Woman Federated. Here’s the catch. Working women join groups that meet at night. CVRWF meets on Wednesday mornings from 9:00 to 11:00. Does anyone think Bucknum takes half a day of vacation to hear a guest speaker? She also goes to Friday meetings (during the day) of the Laguna Woods Republican Club. It’s her job! Her employer, PCM, is the property manager of Laguna Woods. Watch for a stream of nasty mailers from Bucknum’s supporters – real estate agents, “South County protectors of business” and a one-man organization in San Juan Capistrano, Reed Royalty of OC Taxpayers Association, who tried to promote an airport at El Toro. Anyone who knowingly votes a lobbyist into office either has screws loose or is waiting at the trough. |
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Nov. 6 Recommendations Following are my final voter recommendations for the Nov 6 election. While I have attempted to make correct recommendations, I would urge everyone reading voter guides to do your own due diligence in making your selections. While we have some key ballot Measures, this year let me focus on three. If we want to reel in the power of organized labor in this state, it is vital that we pass Prop 32 with a strong YES vote. On the others to oppose are Propositions 30 and 38 which are each tax increases. It is unconscionable that our state legislature and Gov. Brown passed a bogus balanced budget contingent on passage of Prop 30 to pick our pockets to the tune of $6-billion dollars should 30 pass. And these people were elected by us to represent our interests? If you have a home mortgage and are due to make a payment, do you ask the institution to sit tight as you wait to see if you win the lottery? President. Mitt Romney U.S., Senate Elizabeth Emken CD 4 Rep. Tom McClintock State Senate SD 37 Mimi Walters Assemblyman Chris Norby 65th AD City council and school board races: Aliso Viejo. There are three open seats this year. No recommendation at this time Dana Point. There are two open seats. I am recommending Carlos Olvera and Ed Stevenson Irvine. For mayor I am recommending Steven Choi Irvine City Council Christina Shea, Lynn Schott Laguna Hills. There are two open seats. Conflict for me to make a recommendation Laguna Niguel. There are three open seats. I am recommending Laurie Davies, Jerry McCloskey and Jerry Slusiewicz Laguna Woods. There are three open seats. No recommendation at this time Lake Forest. There are two open seats. I am recommending Dwight Robinson Mission Viejo. There are two open seats. I am recommending the two California Rancho Santa Margarita. For the 4-year seats I am recommending Mayor Tony Beall and Carol Gamble Rancho Santa Margarita. For the 2-year seat I am recommending Brad McGirr San Clemente There are two open seats. I am recommending Michael Mortenson San Juan Capistrano. There are two open seats. I recommend Kim McCarthy Brea. Steven Vargas Fullerton. Councilman Travis Kiger, Barry Levinson, Mayor pro-tem Bruce Whitaker Placentia. Mayor Jeremy Yamaguchi CUSD Trustee area 2 Jim Reardon |
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Voter Guide on Props Proposition 30: Gov. Brown's income and sales tax increases. Increasing our sales and income taxes is not the answer for out-of-control state expenditures. And to think he approved our high speed rail project. LG Vote NO Proposition 31: [Two-Year State Budget Cycle.] Vote NO Proposition 32: "Ban on payroll deductions for political contributions; ban on contributions to candidates from unions and corporations." Dan Walters SacBee. Organized labor has too much power in our state as evidenced by out-of-control and unsustainable public sector pensions. LG. Vote YES Proposition 33: "Car insurance rates based on driver history of coverage." Dan Walters. Forces competition by the carriers. Endorsed by GOP. LG. Vote YES Proposition 34: Repeal of the death penalty. Vote NO Proposition 35:" Increased penalties for human trafficking." Dan Walters. No brainer initiative. Endorsed by both CA Democratic and Republican Parties. LG Vote YES Proposition 36: Changes the "Three Strikes" law. Stanford Professor David Mills and George Soros together have contributed $1.5 million for this repeal. Crimes are down as a result of three strikes. I agree with the Republican Party. Vote NO Proposition 37: Genetically engineered food labeling. "It's a deceptive, deeply flawed food labeling scheme that would add more government bureaucracy and taxpayer costs, create new frivolous lawsuits, and increase food costs by billions--without providing any health or safety benefits." Text. Ballotpedia. Opposed by Republican Party and myself. LG. Vote NO Proposition 38: Molly Munger's tax increase plan. School funding/debt reduction. Vote NO Proposition 39: Increases taxes on multi-state companies to fund clean energy. Opposed by Lew Uhler, president of the National Tax Limitation Committee and the Republican Party. Caution. Use caution in reading the slick sound bite Title of this job killer initiative. LG. Vote NO Proposition 40: Referendum on state Senate lines. Should be removed from the ballot. Trumped by passage of Prop 11 in 2008. As such, even if passed, could not impact this November's General Election. Proponents of this Proposition have ceased their efforts. "If voters study the propositions, factoring in their personal beliefs, they'll be fine. But the propositions can be tricky, especially if you rely on 30-second ads and don't do outside research." Above text source: Dan Walters SacBee, where quoted, and myself. |
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Non-government Events Following is a sampling of events and activities that are not funded by taxpayers or promoted by the Nanny State. Please support private enterprise and non-profit groups. Big Bucks Bingo, Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. early bird and 6:45 p.m. regular games, Mission Viejo Elks Lodge, Marguerite and La Paz, Mission Viejo, 949-830-3557. http://www.mvelks.com/ First Thursday Art Walk, Laguna Beach, Thurs., Oct. 4, 6:00 p.m., member galleries throughout Laguna Beach, including the Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive at North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 494-8971, http://firstthursdaysartwalk.com/ Huayucaltia concert at Soka University, Sat., Oct. 6, 8:00 p.m., fusion of the Andean, Afro-American, Jazz, Classical and Rock influences, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://soka.reachlocal.com/?scid=2695430&kw=19071058&pub_cr_id=16539318546 Italian Festival, Sat.-Sun., Oct. 6-7, Laguna Niguel, Italian food, wine and beer, entertainment and play land, El Lazo Road between Alicia Pkwy and La Paz Road, (949) 340-5770, http://www.ladolcevitafestival.com Mount of Olives Church, “Share – Food Collection,” Sun., Oct. 7, bring non-perishable food donations and place them in marked bins around campus, collecting for South County Outreach and Southwest Community Center, Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 837-7467, http://www.moochurch.org/ Armenian Festival, Sun., Oct. 7, noon to 7:00 p.m., Costa Mesa, Armenian food, live music, fun zone, shopping, St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 148 E. 22nd St., Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8367, http://www.stmaryarmenianchurch.com San Clemente Sea Festival, Sun., Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m., San Clemente Pier, chowder cook-off, surf contests, arts and crafts, (949) 492-1131, http://www.scchamber.com Lake Eeerie Halloween activities, Fri.-Sat., Oct. 19-20, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, Lake Mission Viejo. Limited to lake association members and their guests. Call or visit the website for information, 949-770-1313, ext. 311, or http://www.lakemissionviejo.org Old World Village Oktoberfest through Oct. 28, German bands, dancing, beer, German food, Old World Village, 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, (714) 895-8020, http://www.oldworld.ws |
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Political and Government Events Calendar Orange County Board of Supervisors will meet on Tues., Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m., Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 834-3100. http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Government/Board%20of%20Supervisors/Meeting%20Schedule Wake Up America! Sun., Oct. 7, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tea Party and other conservative and reform-minded groups are presenting speakers and live music: Dennis Prager, Bill Whittle, Stephen K. Bannon, Mark Meckler, Alfonzo Rachel and rock band Madison Rising at the West L.A. Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd, West L.A., 90024, http://www.WakeUpAmerica2012.com Concert at the Richard Nixon Library, Sun., Oct. 7, concert pianist Ann Patrick Green. Doors open at 1:15 p.m., and concerts begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Concerts are free and open to the public. Schedule is subject to change. Richard Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1161, http://events.nixonfoundation.org/concerts/ The Registrar of Voters will begin mailing absentee ballots on Mon., Oct. 8. Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees regular meetings this month: Mon., Oct. 8, and Wed., Oct. 24, 7:00 p.m., district office, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, agenda and supporting documentation are published on the website 72 hours prior to a meeting, (949) 234-9200, http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com/ Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT for America, Mon., Oct. 8, guest speaker Jackie Rogers presents her experiences with sharia when living in Islamic countries. The group meets on second Mondays of the month at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veteran’s Way, Sycamore B Room, Mission Viejo. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Saddleback Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees; on Tues., Oct. 9, the district will hold a board workshop to discuss board policies (open to the public) at 4:30 p.m. and a regular board meeting at 6:30 p.m. A board meeting will be held on Tues., Oct. 23, “if necessary.” District office, 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us/ Moulton Niguel Water District meetings: Investment on Wed., Oct. 10, 9:00 a.m.; Engineering and Operations on Mon., Oct. 15, 9:00 a.m., Finance and I.T. on Wed., Oct. 17, 9:00 a.m., Board of Directors on Thurs., Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m., 27500 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, (949) 831-2500, http://www.mnwd.com/board-of-directors/agenda.aspx Santa Margarita Water District meetings this month: Engineering Committee meets on Fri., Oct. 12, 7:30 a.m.; Finance Committee on Fri., Oct. 19, 7:30 a.m., Board of Directors will meet on Wed., Oct. 24, 7:00 p.m., 26111 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, (949) 459-6420, http://www.smwd.com Meet Larry Elder at the Nixon Presidential Library, Thurs., Oct. 18, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Live KABC radio broadcast, free admission. On Oct. 15, Meet Edward Klein, and on Nov. 1, Meet Dinesh D’Souza. Richard Nixon Presidential Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, (714) 364-1120, http://nixonfoundation.org Saddleback Republican Assembly, Thurs., Oct. 18, 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will Assemblyman Allan Mansoor. SRA meets on third Thursdays at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Jacaranda Room-B, Mission Viejo. For information call (949) 360-1717. Last day to register to vote: all those wanting to vote in the November election must register by Mon., Oct. 22. El Toro Water District meetings: Engineering, Finance, Insurance Committee on Tues., Oct. 23, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.; Board of Directors on Thurs., Oct. 25, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ETWD, 24251 Los Alisos Blvd., Lake Forest, (949) 837-0660, http://www.etwd.com/ South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees, Mon., Oct. 29. Meeting times unless otherwise posted: open session convenes at 5:00 p.m., followed by adjournment to closed session, open session reconvenes at 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m., adjournment by 9:00 p.m. Ronald Reagan Board of Trustees Room, Room 145, Health Sciences/District Offices Building, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, (949) 582-4999, https://www.socccd.edu |
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The Buzz Save the date – Taste of Capo, third annual event, Thurs., Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Capo Valley High School Mall. Taste great food from 20 local restaurants, shop at local vendor tables, participate in a silent auction and listen to live music by Jerry McFarland and many talented CVHS students. Buy tickets now for $20 ($15 for students under age 19), or pay $25 for all tickets after 3:00 p.m. on Oct. 17. Check out the vendor websites at http://www.cvhsfoundation.org. To purchase tickets, send your name, email address, phone number and $20 adult / $15 student per ticket to CVHS Foundation, P.O. Box 3713, Mission Viejo, CA 92690. (Do not mail after Oct. 12.) Tickets may be purchased at CVHS by dropping an envelope as described above at the front desk, or pay at the door on the date of the event. *** The Mission Viejo Chapter of ACT for America will hold a General Meeting on Mon., Oct. 8. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The meeting starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Bring a friend. This is a great opportunity to share your concerns with others. The Oct. 8 guest speaker Jackie Rogers will present her experiences with sharia when living in Islamic countries. The group meets on second Mondays of the month at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veteran’s Way, Sycamore B Room, Mission Viejo. *** There’s more bull than usual in a city campaign: On Sept. 27, Councilman Frank Ury made a rare appearance by campaigning in public. With no grassroots or anyone to stand on a corner with him, Ury’s campaign relies on mailers funded by special interest. Last week, he showed up to hand out his flyers at Capo High’s Back To School Night and promptly got kicked off campus when parents complained about him to school administrators. The reaction to Ury is fairly uniform, and those who know him don’t like him. Ury apparently couldn’t find anyone to hand out his flyers, so he stood with Wendy Bucknum. Dave Leckness joined them for a short time to spread the Bucknum-Ury-Leckness message (B-U-L sheet). *** Ury doesn’t care about Mission Viejo, its residents or much of anything beyond himself. So why does he put up with council meetings twice a month and continue to run for such a lowly office? Ury is now telling politicians in other cities that he will run for Assembly when Diane Harkey terms out. He’s always had his sights on higher office: Uryville today, Urynation tomorrow. *** Message from Kris of Mission Viejo: Dear Conservatives, If Obama and his mainstream media propaganda machine win, welcome to Soviet Russia. Please take the advice of Mark Levin: right now, make sure your young voting-age family members are registered and ready to vote for Romney. I’m not asking you to go to IRAQ to save our country but just get four people, family members or friends registered and ready to support Romney. Send this message to every conservative you know. You and I own this country and the ball is in the air. Are you going to do everything you can to catch it? We won’t drop this one if we focus, despite all the nasty yelling and taunting from our opponents. |
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