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Re: Signs of the times - Auburn Reporter

marknjana — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:34:11 -0000

On Friday, Oct. 23rd, a friend of mine who drives a delivery truck in Auburn, noticed a City of Auburn truck parked at the Justice Center. In the bed of that pickup were a large number of assorted campaign signs, including Pete Lewis'. Apparently a number of signs have been placed in areas that are off limits to campaign signage.(one reason the majority of Virginia's are in peoples yards) In light of that, I would suggest to the Gordons that before you judge another campaigns supporters "Ethics", that you should have your facts straight. Being so judgemental and haphazardly pointing fingers reflects a certain type of character that is negative for the entire community.

Re: Signs of the times - Auburn Reporter

marknjana — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:05:25 -0000

Let me make this perfectly clear. No one, I repeat no one, on Virginia Haugen's committee has ever or would ever , damage or remove any candidates signs. Furthermore, it is Virginia's signs that have been removed or damaged on a DAILY basis throughout this campaign. I have personally repaired over 50 knocked down, broken and tossed signs in the last two weeks alone. Not to mention the 30 or more that have disappeared completely. Just today we recieved a tip from a witness who saw someone removing Virginia's signs from private property. That person will soon be having a conversation with the Auburn Police Dept. Before you start publicly questioning Virginia's ethics, and mine for that matter, you sure as hell better get your facts straight and and have evidence to back it up. Mark Silberling

Re: Lewis holds monetary advantage over Haugen, filings show - Auburn Reporter

marknjana — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:23:06 -0000

Thank you for you're question. Although almost all of the people who sent us endorsements have given their first and last names, we didnt feel the need or importance of listing more than a first name at the time we put up the website. If there are specific things you want to know to better help you make your voting decision, perhaps contacting Virginia personally, would be the best way for you to get those questions answered. She's really quite approachable, and would be more than glad to talk with you. Regards, Mark

Re: Lewis holds monetary advantage over Haugen, filings show - Auburn Reporter

marknjana — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:48:05 -0000

Although we are trying to avoid the blogging for the most part, you've asked a valid question that deserves an answer. The ads we have run on the website and in the paper, as well as the signs we have purchased, have amounted to far less than $5000. Spending a fortune on a campaign is just not economically responsible, especially in times like these. Virginia decided in the beginning of her campaign to limit her spending to $5000 and we intend to stay within that amount. As far as the spellcheck; we turned the ad in with proper spelling, but really, that seems a bit petty.

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

marknjana — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:00:46 -0000

In response to Laidback- she used our computer to write her message. Thats why its signed Virginia Haugen. If I had written it, It would have my signature.How unfortunate that these blogs are so easily misconstrued. As far as hiring an administrator, I believe she intends to use someone already employed by the city. If the community would like a debate, then we're all for it. It hasnt come up before now, but Virginia continues to campaign the way she feels most effective, by going out and talking to the people. I apologize on her behalf if she has not yet responded to your calls. She has recieved an amazing number of them, and is trying to answer them as quickly as possible. Mark Silberling

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

marknjana — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:13:34 -0000

I have not responded to the blogging, because I do not feel that it is the best place for real and positive conversation. I will respond to "joeboys " questions this one time. First, I don't see the economy recovering quickly, however I don't believe Auburn has always been a "poor" city. Auburn is a working class town, that, with strong auto sales and thriving small business has always taken care of its own. We need to cut wasteful spending and every little bit helps.
Our current Mayor and Council have spent in the neighborhood of 6 million dollars on a downtown redevelopment plan that is going nowhere. That money could have been going into a disaster plan,roads,traffic signals, more police, any number of things that would have better helped our community. In a two week period the Mayor and Council can easily spend $300 on meals and chit- chat at a Chamber of Commerce function. This is unessesary spending.
If I am not elected Mayor, then of course we will be hit with more taxation. Elect me, and we can certainly find new ways to save money. Cutting travel expenses, an apprenticeship police program, stopping uneccessary and costly land purchases, concise communication systems within the city government, these are just a few ways we can build a better Auburn. Finally, the city will continue to raise utility taxes as long as city administators continue to tap utility funds for general obligations.
If the citizens of Auburn would like a public debate between myself and Mayor Lewis, I'd be more than happy to participate. Thank You, Virginia Haugen

Re: Who’s running for mayor, anyway?

marknjana — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:23:27 -0000

Mark,
You're continued "unbiased" coverage of the election never ceases to amaze me. Please be assured that Virginia Haugen speaks for herself, and has been speaking directly to the citizens of Auburn since she decided to run for Mayor. She will be speaking through your newspaper eventually, but meanwhile, if you'd like to hear what she has to say, perhaps you should try contacting her personally. That way you'll be sure to get your facts straight. Her phone number is 253.833.6205