Disqus - Latest Comments for AuburnTrailers

Re: Forum: Lewis extols city progress; Haugen a no-show - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:41:38 -0000

Pete’s supporter busy stealing Virginia’s signs? This is really getting out of hand. We already know that Pete has twice as many signs around town as Virginia, but for his supporters to go so low as to steal from businesses is too much! I just went out to www.vhaugen.com web site and her site actually shows video and pictures of the guy stealing her sign (looks like he has many in his trunk, so many he has to put it in the back seat!) Is that a Dodge Neon he is driving? So what’s new Pete?

Re: To be on board? Mayoral candidates differ - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:23:35 -0000

Mrk9667 - this is really getting old. Frankly there are less than a dozen people that are active on this blog and we all know who each are in real life. I 've chatted personally with over 200 people regarding this election that do not read the Auburn Reporter nor read this blog, so the point you are making is mute. So go ahead and blah blah blah about Virginia or whatever point you are trying to make? Again, I'll make mine - it's time for change, term limits, and Auburn is not going to hell in a hand basket if Virginia is elected! In fact, let's ruffle some feathers and maybe you, mrk9667, will run for mayor in four years! Then we can blog about you!

Re: Forum: Lewis extols city progress; Haugen a no-show - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:09:45 -0000

Maybe Virginia has a bad back/? I stood on heals for over 10 years and now can only stand 5 minutes on them without taking them off. It doesn't make me less of a woman nor less capable of a politician! Something tells me neither mrk9667 or cgtcpa have ever wore high heeled shoes. Sounds like another lame excuse. I was at the debate and yes both candidates seemed uncomfortable - Pete had his usual diarrhea of the mouth, Virginia hated her shoes and the mic situation, but the fact of the matter is that most of peiople that showed up to the debate had already made up their minds. Seems like a waste of money for both candidates!

Re: Ages apart, Council candidates offer different approaches - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:56:56 -0000

Thanks for speaking up John. It's all about change in Auburn and you 're offerrng a fresh start, yet calling the cards as they really are under Lewis's corruption! Good for you! Shelley, Haugen, etc etc blah blah... just a sly way for Lewis's cling-ons to take votes away and keep the status quo! Keep up the good work! You're going to win!

Re: Let’s debate: Auburn Reporter to put on mayoral debate in 3 weeks

AuburnTrailers — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:06:45 -0000

Thank you for your clarification as to the origin of your information. I have forwarded this on to Virginia’s campaign committee for further investigation. However, with so many rumors, hear-say, misinterpretations of our candidates performance within this community, it‘s best to contact the candidate for clarification or attend a non-biased debate event.

There are many citizens in Auburn that are wearing buttons, stickers, posting signs, etc., who may not have accurate information regarding the mayoral candidates. I have both Pete’s and Virginia’s buttons and can be seen wearing both of them at the same time for the purpose of promoting discussion within the community.

The fact is, as voters, we often make up our mind on our vote for reasons that have little to do with the actual candidate’s platform. For example, look at our last presidential election. Frankly, neither of the candidates stood out stronger than the other. Many Americans voted based on partisan alignment, gender, race, military experience, etc. This is a simple fact for all elections – Political Science 101.

As for the Auburn’s mayoral candidacy, well, the fact of the matter is that any of the council members or community leaders could have run for mayor. For example, Sue Singer might make an outstanding mayor, yet she didn’t run! Well, Virginia did run, and yes, she or anyone else that won the primary against Pete can make it happen if they win this election. The City of Auburn will not shut down and perhaps some "feather ruffling" will benifit everyone.

Pete has been in office for two terms. As mayor he has done many good things, but some other projects didn’t turn out so well. So why not give someone else a chance? I’ll save this topic for another blog.

Regardless Laidback, let’s keep this upcoming debate clean and free of gossip and hear-say. And keep in mind that posting under multiple guises not only goes against the ethics of this newspaper, but also hurts the candidates and can bring about legal implications. It can happen; the threat is very real and should not be dismissed lightly.

Re: You can participate in the mayoral debate; submit your questions now - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:58:59 -0000

The downtown redevelopment plan has been severely criticized. Today is a new day, without discussing the past, what will you do to change the current situation and make it a win-win opportunity for all prospective businesses ?

Re: You can participate in the mayoral debate; submit your questions now - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:54:44 -0000

As of the news recently from the Army Corp of Engineers, there is a 1:3 chance that the greater Green River Valley will suffer serious devestation in the next 6 monthes. What priorities in protecting and informing the comminity do you see most important? Please refrain from talking about current existing measures that are in place and discuss your main concerns.

Re: You can participate in the mayoral debate; submit your questions now - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:11:20 -0000

As a state worker, I have endured severe buget cuts that not only include hiring holds, layoffs, and pay freezes, but also simple belt-tightening actions that include cutting out travel, training, meal provisions, and even small purchases such as some basic office supplies have been halted . What have either of you done to belt-tighten, or what will you do if you are elected mayor?

Re: You can participate in the mayoral debate; submit your questions now - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:57:51 -0000

The greater Auburn community and business owners are composed of a wonderful diverse pool of minorities that includes Women, Hispanics, Asians, American Indians, Eastern Europeans, East Indians, etc. The current administration (City Council, Chamber of Commerce, and City Hall), and community support organizations (Eagles, Lions, Rotary Club, etc) are weak in representation of these vital ethnic communities. What do you plan to do if you are elected as mayor to provide incentives for these minorities to become active citizens in our community and government administrations?

Re: Let’s debate: Auburn Reporter to put on mayoral debate in 3 weeks

AuburnTrailers — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:13:34 -0000

Laidback, as an independent supporter for change and a registered voter in Auburn, I am very aware of the laws that this city council and state abides by in reference to disclosure. The information that you revealed in this blog is questionable as to its origin and confidentiality.

Any and all candidates have a right to refuse debate regardless; in this case, Mayor Pete Lewis is strongly aligned with the Lions Club. Certainly Ms Haugen’s campaign focus would be better spent elsewhere. There is nothing unusual about this type of campaign strategy.

However, the information that you exposed on this blog was privy to only her supporters and certain council members at the time of your posting. If indeed you are a council member or the mayor himself, you have violated the agreement of privacy and confidentiality. Be assured, that every blog on the Auburn Reporter is subject to subpoena and you will be investigated in due accordance.

Again, fortunately, the refusal of this debate is simply common practice for candidates (just as you have the right to refuse debate), but your blog is out of order and worthy of investigation.

As an independent supporter for change in Auburn, I am prepared to not only reveal my identity, but also to push a subpoena to the Auburn Reporter that will publicly reveal your identity.

So, please respect this blog, let’s all be big girls and boys, and abide by the City of Auburn’s council agreements and those of Washington State.

Re: Candidate forums to be held in Auburn - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:27:18 -0000

Maybe Gregoire should come and address the discontent with the current Auburn administration and wasteful spending? --

Re: Candidate forums to be held in Auburn - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:25:33 -0000

Just got home from the WFSE/AFSCME Council 28 convention! Goodness - lots of issues, especially as they affect King County - Kent, Auburn , Rention. Nice to see that Gregoire was able to make it despite her hurt back! Can't say that she recieved more than mediocre response from the state's largest union. Wassup with that ?-- Gregoire is from Auburn?

Re: Local candidates square off at forum - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:12:41 -0000

Sounds like you guys have something against these women? Is it because they are women? What if Shelley and Virginia were men - would you be so harsh and judgmental? BTW - have either of you been in the council chambers and noticed the great wall of white guys that represent Auburn's mayoral history? How about the fact that the only picture of a woman in the chamber is that of a beauty queen on the apposing wall facing the wall of white guys? Is that sexist or what?

Re: Let’s debate: Auburn Reporter to put on mayoral debate in 3 weeks

AuburnTrailers — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:26:01 -0000

Exactly "what people" want the debate, Laidback? Frankly, this debate is an opportunity for Pete and Virginia's friends, family, and brown nose’s to fill the theater and heckle the opposing candidates. In fact, I would bet that 95% of the people that attend this event will have already made up their minds on who they are voting for … seems like a waste of time and space. If you have a question for the candidates, why not just call them or email them?

Re: Local candidates square off at forum - Auburn Reporter

AuburnTrailers — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:53:22 -0000

It's time for change! Does anyone believe in term limit?

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

AuburnTrailers — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:00:00 -0000

Certainly it’s up to Virginia to use discretion when hearing the complaints and frustrations towards Mayor Lewis, whether it’s Erickson or any other business owner in Auburn.

Unfortunately, this article makes it sound like Virginia is washing her hands of any association with Erickson, but frankly that's false. In fact, Erickson and many other business owners in Auburn are behind Virginia 100% as a result of the perceived corruption and bullying under Mayor Lewis’s leadership.

As far as truth or untruth, the fact of the matter is that it is not just Erickson who has lined up a list of questionable activities within the city government under Mayor Lewis, but past and current employees, other local business owners, and community support systems, and various other private concerns.

Frankly, it's just a matter of time before the Brian Sonntag and his team turn our city hall inside out and hold Mayor Lewis accountable for his past corruption.

BTW – the Whistleblower Program is a great tool:
=================================
Whistleblower Program for Washington State

The Whistleblower Act provides an avenue for state employees to report suspected improper governmental action.

Improper governmental action is defined as any action by an employee undertaken in the performance of the employee’s official duties which:
• Is a gross waste of public funds or resources.
• Is in violation of federal or state law or rule, if the violation is not merely technical or of a minimum nature.
• Is of substantial and specific danger to the public health or safety.
• Is gross mismanagement.
• Prevents dissemination of scientific opinion or alters technical findings.

The law prohibits retaliation against people who file whistleblower assertions. The Human Rights Commission investigates retaliation cases.

The Whisteblower Act -- Chapter 42.40 RCW -- was enacted by the Washington State Legislature in 1982 and amended in 1999 and 2008.

Here is the link:
https://www.sao.wa.gov/EN/I...

It is completely confidential and you do not have to worry about any repercussion.

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

AuburnTrailers — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:13:20 -0000

Thank you Mayor Lewis for coming forth and taking ownership of your comments in this blog. Again, they appear to be somewhat random in their composition and structure.

And thank you Virginia for contacting your campaign manager with your recent comments. In the future, please indicate that these comments were submitted in your name and not directly by you.

Having a public debate makes sense in the fact that both candidates are physically present to answer questions and concerns from the citizens of Auburn. However, the debate could end up leaning in favor of Mayor Lewis simply for the fact that he has held the mayoral office for almost 8 years and can answer many of the day-to-day city management issues more readily.

Obviously, just because Mayor Lewis is familiar with the duties of the mayoral position, does make him more or less qualified to continue being mayor. However, the interpretation could easily be misconstrued if the questions were not carefully constructed.

One suggestion is to limit the structure of the debate questions to current issues and concerns rather than the mechanics of city government. In fact, both election committees might agree to the core questions, format and structure of the debate, a neutral moderator and time keeper, etc. ahead of time in order to make it a level playing field.

As it stands now, have either of the candidates and committees seriously considered a public debate up to now?

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

AuburnTrailers — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:17:15 -0000

First of all, why has it taken Virginia this long to comment on the reporter’s blog and why isn’t she writing to it personally? Probably because this blog it is not a creditable space to discuss issues or debate. She has, however, made public her Facebook, Email address, and telephone number – all of which are personally monitored by her.

To make any assumptions that the person writing the plewis comments on this blog is in fact Mayor Pete Lewis commenting is a farce. Be assured that he may approve or disapprove some of these comments, but he is not be writing them. In fact, the writing style, grammar, and tone is different in each comment.

Do us a favor, Pete, and follow Virginia’s example - either get real on this blog or stay off it!