Disqus - Latest Comments for youngauburncitizen

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

youngauburncitizen — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:19:38 -0000

This is great! Thank you for making the forums and debate available on channel 21. This makes it much easier for people that have small children, and other scheduling obstacles to get informed. I appreciate this very much.

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

youngauburncitizen — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:57:34 -0000

Wow! a total of 270 out of 29,000 registered voters are going to be able to attend! I calculate that as 9 tenths of a percent of registered voters. I guess we will have to leave it up to that 270 to get the word out on what happened at the debate. We all know how word of mouth works in this town. By the time the facts get to me they will be twisted and turned so many times I won't know what happened. We all know that Mark Klaas cannot report the facts without putting his bias spin on it, so we can't count on the newspaper, of all things, to report the facts. Will this be a televised event? If so, please let me know what channel to watch as the odds are stacked against me getting a ticket as I will be competing with 29 thousand other voters to get one. What about the PAC or an outdoor venue at the Auburn football field? This would be much more reasonable and would give more voters a chance to attend. I think it is a great to have a debate, however the venue could have been a little more accomodating to the citizens of Auburn as this is who the debate is for, right? At least there will not be a fee ( for the 9 tenths of a percent) to get in as the citizens already pay $5600.00/month to lease the building. While we can't say we are getting our money's worth on this lease at least we can say it served a fraction of a fraction of the Auburn citizens for 1 night. That is a plus. Its all about the citizens getting the most for their buck right? How early would one need to show up to get a ticket if they are competing with 29,000 voters? Will there be crowd control? Where will everyone park? Maybe since we are paying so much to lease the building, the owner could provide valet services. Since we as citizens of Auburn are being so generous to pay a large sum of money to lease a building (that we don't and won't ever own) that should have been torn down, and we are remodeling it so the owner will gain equity (we will never get back), maybe he might be generous back to the citizens that have been so generous to him. Just a thought. Just a few concerns...but I'm sure all this has been thought of as I'm sure whoever is setting this debate up only has the Auburn citizen's best interests at heart. If anyone can answer any of these questions that would be helpful.

Re: City to receive $250,000 for downtown redevelopment - Auburn Reporter

youngauburncitizen — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:40:53 -0000

Thanks Pete...the added information you gave makes more sense. So as I understand this correctly, this money is in addition to other funds that will be used for the development right? I can't wait for it to be finished so we can enjoy downtown!

Re: City to receive $250,000 for downtown redevelopment - Auburn Reporter

youngauburncitizen — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:29:05 -0000

This all sounds great, however...how far will $250,000 go to help redevelop four blocks?

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

youngauburncitizen — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:11:51 -0000

Thanks Mayor Lewis for the helpful information regarding the possible flooding that we are facing as a community. Please keep us posted with any new developments or useful information. I have already taken your advice on getting flood ins and it is a little helpful knowing that the area that I live in isn't at high risk. Thanks again for your speedy response.

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

youngauburncitizen — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:30:02 -0000

Yes, you and I both agree that the internet would be a bad place for a debate as we have seen how things can play out. I'm in as far as a live debate goes. Just tell me whenb and where and I will be sure to be there...that is if I am not working.

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

youngauburncitizen — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:08:38 -0000

Hello Mayor....
I wanted to ask about the current flood issue that Auburn is facing. I have tried to do some research of my own but have had a hard time getting any clear info.
My family lives in the Les Gove community. Is this area at high risk for flooding? I called my insurance agent to purchase flood insurance after I was informed that my current insurance does not cover floods. They informed me that the coverage does not take effect until 30 days after payment. My question is: do you have any information as to when the flooding may occur? I know that probably sounds like a stupid question but I am genuinly concerned about the next 30 days as I am not covered. Also what are the plans for the families that are displaced if the flooding occurs. Are we (the city) prepared? If so what steps has the city taken to become well prepared for the flooding? Are there steps being taken to prepare for the flood, such as placement of sand bags...etc.

Thanks

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

youngauburncitizen — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:53:11 -0000

I agree. A public debate would be a great way to get the citizens out to hear each candidate's point of view on critical matters that Auburn is facing as a community, however I don't think the internet is necessarily the best place for that. I have learned a lot from reading posts from both party's supporters on here, however it would be great to see them in a debate in person with an unbiased mediator doing the asking. That way we know we are getting the answers straight from the horse's mouth. (No pun intended). While I find it very informative to communicate via internet, I feel that face to face live debate will be the most informative to the citizens. Maybe we can get this debate set up in a neutral environment where everyone can agree to behave themselves and engage in civilized conversation which is what adults are supposed to do.

By the way...I wanted to thank Pete for his post on the economy. I found it to be very informative and insightful.

Re: Mayoral race update: Challenger Haugen speaks up

youngauburncitizen — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:58:35 -0000

Good for Haugen for standing above the negativity and keeping a positive spin on her campaign. I know it is unrealistic in any campaign to expect all the supporters to remain positive, but it is great to see that the two candidates are trying to stand above it.

May the best man/woman win.

Re: Who’s running for mayor, anyway?

youngauburncitizen — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:36:47 -0000

Thank you Shelley for being brave enough to share this information with the public. It has been very eye opening and insightful. I have always been envious of your ability to stand up and do what is right by others. You have provided this information as a selfless act, as I am sure you will be attacked numerous times for this post as well as the preceeding post.

The fact that you provide all of this information to the people of Auburn using your own identity will surely show Auburn citizens that you have nothing to hide and that you back up every word.

For all you reading out there...I know Shelley personally and I can tell you that she really is concerned for the citizens of Auburn. She is always one to put herself out in order to serve a greater good. She has done so for myself personally on numerous occasions.

Re: Who’s running for mayor, anyway?

youngauburncitizen — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:57:41 -0000

Thanks for the invitation. I will keep that in mind. I have many ideas that I think will attract people to Auburn, residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Re: Who’s running for mayor, anyway?

youngauburncitizen — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:26:33 -0000

Thanks Pete for your timely response to my questions. I think it is great that you are speaking directly to concerned Auburn citizens on this site. I think that it is a great way for people to get to know you and what you have to offer as mayor. I am happy to know that your concerns for Auburn reflect the concerns of so many young families that are wanting to stay in Auburn and be proud to say we live here.

I have to say how wonderful it is that you have chosen to stay above the negativity on this site and draw in potential voters in a positive manner. It really does say a lot about your character as an individual.

Re: Who’s running for mayor, anyway?

youngauburncitizen — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:53:30 -0000

I guess you would have to address that last question to Virginia and not me, as I do not speak on her behalf.

I do not support or endorse any party. I have not hidden the fact that I am close with Shelley and her family, but that does not necessarily mean that I share the same beliefs as her. I do have a mind of my own and would like to get the facts for myself without this cloud of negativity about both parties getting in the way. I want what is best for myself as a citizen of Auburn. That is my agenda here. Whoever can offer that sincerely will ultimately get my vote.

If you look at my posts I have been supportive of Mayor Lewis' efforts. I have applauded the Mayor for his insightful and positive posts that he has contributed. I haven't said otherwise. I haven't said anything negative about the mayor as I have no reason to do so. It is his supporters that I am having a hard time understanding. I believe you can be supportive of one candidate without bashing another.

My point is that it is unfair to hold the Mayor responsible for what his supporters do and say as I don't believe they are speaking directly on his behalf. With that said, it is unfair to hold Virginia responsible for what her supporters do and say as well.

So far my vote is undecided, I do believe that both parties truely believe that they have Auburn's best interests at heart. Their ideas of a "Better Auburn" differ greatly in comparison. Ultimately I believe they both want the same thing....a thriving, safe city that its citizens can enjoy and be proud of.

Re: Who’s running for mayor, anyway?

youngauburncitizen — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:38:41 -0000

When you state that Pete does not resort to the negative tactics of others, do you include yourself in the "others"? I do believe that accusing Virginia of using Shelley as a "mouth piece" would be a negative accusation, wouldn't you?

I do not hold Pete responsible for his supporters. I believe that he has conducted himself in a positive manner. It would be unfair to accuse him of hiding behind his supporters, just as it is unfair to accuse Virginia of the same offense.

Also, like it says in the previous post, there are other ways to reach voters other than this website, so to say that Virginia is hiding just because she is not on this website is ridiculous. What do you think candidates did before the internet, as you seem to think that this internet website is the only way a candidate can be heard, and if they are not being heard here then they must be hiding and using their supporters as "mouth pieces" LOL!!!

Have you called Virginia yourself? She does have her phone number posted for all to see. She has expressed that anyone can call her at this number to voice the comments/concerns. Maybe you can address your accusation of her using Shelley as a "mouth piece".

So tell me again, why is it that Shelley is serving as a "mouth piece", as you still have not given grounds for such an accusation. Did you call Virginia and quote her saying this exact phrase? Did she tell you, of all people, that suddenly she has lost the ability to speak for herself? Do you believe that if one person supports another that one should be held responsible for what their supporter says and does. If so, should Pete be held responsible for your actions as well as the other negative supporters he has out there? If you are concerned about what Virginia has to say, then by all means call her and ask her. I don't understand why if Virginia has a supporter, that this person is a "mouth piece" and she is hiding behind that person, whereas if Pete has a supporter, then they are just simply a supporter, nothing else. Please explain, as you have me very confused. Do your rules and grounds for accusations only stand when it is convenient for you? What is your opinion of the mudslinging and namecalling coming from Pete's supporter's? Would it be fair to say that Pete is having you all do the dirty work for him?

I do not think it is fair to say that about either party, but if the rules apply to one, then why not the other?

FYI...I think Pete and Virginia both have Auburn's best interests at heart and I hold nothing against either of them. Frankly, I kind of feel bad for Pete, as some of his supporters really make him look bad, when in reality he really doesn't seem like a bad guy at all.

Re: Who’s running for mayor, anyway?

youngauburncitizen — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:13:21 -0000

Hello Mayor Lewis...

I am happy to see that you have made an appearance on this website, and it is a positive one at that. I cannot say the same for some of your supporters, however I can say it is nice to see that you do not practice their same methods at gaining votes for you as mayor. Well done.

I want to thank you for your work for a better Auburn. However, I have a few topics of my own that I have needed to address, and I understand you are the man I need to speak to.

I realize that you are trying to make a better Auburn. I do not doubt that. A "better Auburn" may be different depending on whom you are asking. I realize this as well. I do think that you do have the citizens’ best interests at heart, and I do appreciate all that has been done thus far. I am not one to complain, but if I make a complaint I like to address the positive first. Just so you know, I have not missed all the positive aspects that the city brings to us as citizens. I do acknowledge that the City of Auburn has made huge improvements to the parks, which I think is absolutely fantastic. I take advantage of the parks and all the fun activities that are provided free of charge by the city. I especially enjoy "Kids Day", and think it is great that the city has set up this wonderful day free of charge to the children. It is great to see my tax dollars hard at work serving the community best. Myself, as well as my young children thoroughly enjoy all of this. We actually live in walking distance to Les Gove Park and take full advantage of all the summer activities that are offered to everyone. It is a safe fun way to get out there and get to know your neighbors. We especially enjoy the library and museum. The museum was a great learning experience for my children and myself included. I am constantly bragging about the Spray Park in Les Gove, which is within walking distance from my home. I think it is great that the city created such a fun activity for all children from all walks of life to participate in.

So this is what I am asking. Would it be at all possible to consider a downtown Auburn, that families with children can enjoy? I understand that you have brought big development to Auburn. I don’t believe that the development should at all be brought to a halt, but I feel that we need to look at what Auburn citizens are looking for outside of Auburn that we may be able to bring them back to Auburn to enjoy. For instance, during Spring and Summer there are plenty of activities to do with my children in the parks, however when fall and winter come, where can I take them? It would be so incredible to have a downtown that we can park our cars or maybe even walk to and enjoy a full night of fun interesting things to do while feeling safe. For example, I find myself driving outside of Auburn time and time again to find activities for my family during the fall and winter. I go to Federal Way to take them to Laser Quest, Tukwila for Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center, ACME bowl in Southcenter, and Rainforest Café in Southcenter, just to name a few. Why couldn’t Auburn offer all these activities to its citizens as well? It would be great to have some kind of indoor fun center to take my family to, right here in Auburn. A great vision would be me taking my family to downtown Auburn for an evening of fun. First we would start by eating at a wonderful family friendly restaurant (and not McDonald's), then maybe going to an indoor family fun center, then grabbing some dessert, then walking around downtown enjoying the scenery, to burn off the calories, all while enjoying our wonderful city and staying dry and safe. Don't you think that would be great for Auburn? I think so. Having small children, I have many friends that have small children and we all feel frustrated about finding activities to take our families to go do, while staying warm and dry. We all end up traveling outside of Auburn to go and have fun with our kids. It is sad because I love Auburn and I am constantly defending Auburn to outsiders who choose to constantly criticize our city, but when I find myself always traveling outside of Auburn to fulfill my family's wants and needs I can't really argue.

I understand that you are bringing big development to Auburn to improve the city, however it would be nice if the big development wouldn't just include medical buildings, office buildings, and retail centers. It would be great to incorporate a family atmosphere as well. I think having a family oriented downtown would not only keep Auburn citizens in Auburn, but it would also attract outsiders to come and enjoy our city as well.

Would this be possible in your future vision of Auburn? Is there anyway you can start talking to business owners to encourage them to bring their businesses here, as Auburn has a demand for family oriented restaurants and fun centers?

Please consider my requests, as I know that I speak for many Auburn citizens when I say that we need a downtown that is family friendly as well as attractive for potential business owners. By you acknowledging and acting on this request, you may significantly change the mind of some voters out there that share the same interests. If they see that you support this vision, you may just very well be their choice for mayor.

Thank you for reading my requests. I will look forward to hearing from you soon.

Good luck in the November election. If you win, I trust that you will take all of this into consideration, as I trust that you do have the best interests of Auburn citizens at heart.

Re: Who’s running for mayor, anyway?

youngauburncitizen — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:37:32 -0000

"While the Auburn Reporter doesn’t intend to endorse a particular candidate, all indications are Lewis will be the strong front-runner in next Tuesday’s mail-vote primary."

"Virginia, you can speak for yourself? Right?"

"While the Nov. 3 general election is less than 11 weeks away, both candidates will be busy trying to secure the extra vote. Lewis, as expected, locked up one berth with a convincing showing in Tuesday’s primary. No surprise there. "

"Haugen supporters have indicated that she has maintained a low profile in the mayoral race, apparently letting Erickson do her talking."

The previous were all direct quotes from Mr. Klaas himself.

Hmmm...not endorsing? I guess the key word here would be "intend"...just an observation. I didn't know that mocking other candidates and their supporters, while clearly showing positive support for another candidate was unbiased (sarcastically stated). Maybe you should check out all the negative posts coming from Pete's supporters. You could say that they are speaking for Pete as well, but that wouldn't be ethical or fair to Mayor Lewis, would it?

Why does it have to be that Shelley is speaking for Virginia? Could we now say that all of Pete's supporters are speaking for him? Why, now, would Virginia (of all people) have to hide behind Shelley? We all know that she has never been one to hide or keep her mouth shut if she has something to say. Yes, you are right when you say Shelley has a right to speak her opinion, but you are dead wrong, very unfair, and very bias when you put those opinions in Virginia's mouth. That would be stating a personal opinion, not fact, wouldn't it?

Unbiased, I think not.

As editor of a newspaper you should know better.

Re: http://blogs.auburn-reporter.com/auburnskies/3/3/

youngauburncitizen — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:26:24 -0000

"While the Auburn Reporter doesn’t intend to endorse a particular candidate, all indications are Lewis will be the strong front-runner in next Tuesday’s mail-vote primary."

"Virginia, you can speak for yourself? Right?"

"Haugen supporters have indicated that she has maintained a low profile in the mayoral race, apparently letting Erickson do her talking."

Unbiased, I think not.

As editor of a newspaper you should know better.

Re: MAYORAL RACE CLOSE-UP: Shelley Erickson - Auburn Reporter

youngauburncitizen — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:30:55 -0000

Thank you Laidback. I don't have time right now to go into much commenting, however I did want to acknowledge your positive feedback and very insightful information about the mayor. It is positve support for the mayor that will gain the support and trust of others. I just wanted to let you know that I did take the time to read every last word and I appreciate that you took the time to reply to my request for positive feedback. Hopefully the positivity will stick around on this website. As for my attempt to contact the mayor...it was in 2004. I can't really go into the details right now but I can assure you that I did attempt to contact Mayor Lewis to no avail. I can't say that was his fault entirely due to the fact that I left a message with a staff member of his...and it may be possible that the message never made it to him. I will never know. I can tell you that I was very unfairly attacked and mistreated by the Auburn Police department as well as the city attorney Dan Heide. I can also tell you that after 2 years of being dragged through the mudd by the city I won my case and have left that long in the past. The city tried to male an example out of the wrong person and my persistance in the matter is the only thing that got me through the horrible ordeal. In fact, the judge that finally threw out the case against me was ashamed that the city would put such a law abiding citizen through such hell. I don't have so much as a speeding ticket on my record and was treated like a common criminal sitting in court rooms for hours on end for two years. I had been hoping to gain the mayor's support on the matter and was never contacted back. That was what I was referring to. I don't hold it against him. I know he is a busy man...it just would have been nice to have some support from an elected official. After I won my case...I was approached by attorney after attorney to sue the city of Auburn, however I was just relieved to have the ordeal behind me and move on into a new chapter of life. I am not one to dwell on the negative but one to find a positve in every situation. I would like to say that I came out a stronger person because of it and I now know that just because someone is in a trusted authority position of power, that doesn't always mean they should be trusted. I have learned to question anyone in power and always question motives. The city (police officers and Dan Heide) took advantage of a very young person who they thought was too naive and young to stand up against them. I would go into the details of the case however it is a very emotional thing for me to get into and I'd rather not get into a public debate on the internet about it. It is in the past now and I have chosen to move on. I just wanted you to know that I was honest in saying that I did try to contact the mayor and I am not one to make up stories just to prove a point. Thank you again for the positive feedback regarding the mayor and his efforts. I will take it into consideration when casting my vote this November.

Re: MAYORAL RACE CLOSE-UP: Shelley Erickson - Auburn Reporter

youngauburncitizen — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 02:55:53 -0000

Laidback? Is that what you call yourself? You should be called "Shameful" of "Degrading" because that is what you are to Pete Lewis. As mayor I would be ashamed to have you supporting me. Anything that you put out there is so negative that it is frightening that you don't see it. I have not seen one positive comment in any of your posts. It is all negative and very degrading. You have insulted many people in your posts in your attempt to degrade and embarrass Shelley and the other candidates. What ever happened to civilized adult conversation. I am probably the youngest person on this thread and have acted the most maturely. I cannot believe it! I would hope that if Pete was reading all this garbage that he would have asked you kindly to remove some of it immediately. Frankly, you are just making him look bad. You are the company you keep, and if Pete is keeping you in his company, I am scared! You are a bully, so that just proves everyone's point that Pete and his supporters are bullies. Any person on here trying to say something constructive is shot down and insulted by you. You have brought it to a personal level on more occasions than I can even count. The lowest of lows has to be you accusing Shelley and her employees of drug activity in her salon. That is so shameful. I have met every single candidate except for Pete. All of them have been very kind and approachable. On one occasion I did try to contact Pete about a very important matter, and I was never contacted back or acknowledged. I felt that to be very disheartening as a citizen. I cannot judge Pete as I have never met him in the years that I have lived in Auburn...but having you as one of his supporters is leaving a very bad taste in my mouth about him. By the way....you have completely missed the point that Shelley was trying to make about the water in Lakeland Hills. You say that as a candidate for mayor Shelley should have been aware of the critical water issue in Auburn, well as mayor shouldn't Pete be aware of the water issue as well. Maybe he is not responsible for the watering in Lakeland, but like you say as a candidate for mayor one should be knowledgeable of everything going on in Auburn, so shouldn't Pete know what is going on in Lakeland Hills, one of the biggest developments in Auburn? Has he acted on the matter? I feel as a leader it is important to take responsibility for your actions (or lack of action) and act accordingly, which is exactly what Shelley did. So yes you can say she should have been aware of the water issue, but what's more important was that as soon as she was informed she took responsibility and made a change for the better. These are the qualities I am looking for in a leader. I don't want a leader who just says " I didn't do it therefore it is not my responsibility." As mayor it is his responsibiltiy to act on it whether it was his doing or not. You would be a hypocrite if you said otherwise. In your opinion, as mayor, is it his responsibility to know what is going on in Lakeland Hills? I think it is very unreasonable for a candidate for mayor or the mayor himself to be 100% informed of everything that is going on in their city, however it is how they react to the matter that is important. A true leader would say, "You know, I should have known about this matter, and I will act on it" not "Well I didn't turn it on and it's not my yard so it's not my problem, or my fault" Which sounds like more of a leader to you? Frankly I think that all the negative people on this thread are just finding each and every way to attack the other candidates, and the fact that anyone would bring watering plants up on this, is just ridiculous. You missed Shelley's sarcastically stated remark about Pete being responsible for the watering in Lakeland...her point is that who in the world can know about EVERYTHING that is going on in their city, especially watering plants/grass/gardens? I really hope to hear some positive feedback from you in the future. Instead of telling everyong why they shouldn't vote for the other candidates, why don't you share some positive information about the candidate you support. So far I have learned nothing about the positive side of Pete from your posts. Please convince me to vote for Pete...isn't that your job as his supporter. If so you are not doing a very good job...as far as I'm concerned you are fired! If anyone has anything positive to say about any of the candidates (including Pete) my ears (eyes) are open. I really wouldn't mind learning more about Pete and why I should vote for him, as I have yet to hear any positive points about him. I have heard enough negative about the other candidates, however that doesn't make me want to vote for someone else that I know nothing about and have never had any contact with. You keep suggesting that everyone should give good reason why any other candidate (besides Pete) would be good for mayor, but you have yet to give me a good reason to vote for him. Educate me please. You never know...a positive person may be able to sway my vote. I hope you have it in you. Let's see if you can write one post supporting Pete without degrading anyone else in it. Do you have it in you? We will see won't we.

Re: CAMPAIGN '09: Meet mayoral candidate Shelley Erickson - Auburn Reporter

youngauburncitizen — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:37:04 -0000

I am absolutely disgusted and appauled! How dare you speak such bold lies! As a former employee of Shelley I am offended by this accusation as I am sure the rest of the current employees are right about now! Do you know how something being spread about like this may effect someone? You do realize this is a public website and the family members and friends of the employees as well as Shelley may be reading this horrified that their loved one is being accused of such a ridiculous thing. The employees as well as Shelley and John, have children and family. Did you ever stop to think before writing this that your comments could greatly hurt or offend them? Could you imagine going to school and kids asking if their mom or dad brother or sister is involved in a drug house? If I were Pete Lewis I would be ashamed to have someone like you supporting my campaign and if he is smart he would have already cut off all ties of associating himself with you! That was the lowest of lows. I realize that you have some kind of vendetta against Shelley but you shouldn't drag others into it. That is their source of income and their way of supporting and feeding their families. You may have greatly effected their business which has a ripple effect of hurting other innocent people in the process. You should be ashamed of yourself! Karma can be a wonderful thing or it can be devastating. I hope the next time you feel you have been wronged or some unfortunate luck comes upon you, you stop to think about this and how much you have hurt so many people in the process of your hatred and vendetta with Shelley. Leave the innocent out of it!

Re: Kudos to Haugen - Auburn Reporter

youngauburncitizen — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:11:30 -0000

I couldn't agree more! Once again taxpayers money gone to waste in the bullying of Virginia. I can think of a few more ways that the taxpayers money could go to far better use than investigating and peosecuting a woman for a sign. Please....if anyone has a vendetta against anyone in this situation it has been someone in the city with a lot of power that is being abused in this frivilous investigation! I have so much respect for Virginia for standing tall and not letting the bullying take her down! You go Virginia! You have my support in this election...as well as many others!

Re: MAYORAL RACE CLOSE-UP: Shelley Erickson - Auburn Reporter

youngauburncitizen — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:41:01 -0000

FYI...I am a former employee of Shelley. Not only am I a former employee, but Shelley is like a second mother to me. Shelley has a huge heart and is very active in the community. When I was 17 years old in my junior year of high school I was homeless and no where to go. I had a job at the time, but I was getting little to zero hours. Shelley took notice of my desperation and not only opened her home to me, but also gave me a job and let me live at her house (free of rent) until I graduated from high school. If it weren't for Shelley and her kindness, I don't know if I would have ever graduated from high school, let alone went to college.

Over the years I have seen Shelley give back to the community time and time again. She has always been one to help others out in a time of need. I know that she has supported many youth groups and over the years has sponsored many after school programs or activities. If Shelley was not able to donate money, she found other ways to help out, such as donating services at her salon to auction of for proceeds for the groups.

I know it is very easy to point out the negative in a person, but if you stop to look at the positive you might actually find something you like. I believe in seeing the good in people. You should talk to Shelley sometime, and maybe you would see the good in her too.

Before speaking on behalf of Shelley's former employees, maybe you should talk to one.

Re: MAYORAL RACE CLOSE-UP: Shelley Erickson - Auburn Reporter

youngauburncitizen — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:18:07 -0000

Have we come to this? A business owner watering her plants is on the top of the agenda? I don't know if you have ever met Shelley Erickson, but knowing her I'm sure she would have been happy to listen to your complaint about her "blatant waste of water" if you had just simply gone up the stairs (or ramp) opened the front door, and brought water issue to her attention. It is a business, open to the public, and there was nothing preventing you from doing so. You took the time out of your day to stalk Shelley and her business so why not? If you were sooooooo concerned about this matter, then as an active concerned citizen of Auburn you should have marched up there and had a civilized conversation with Shelley bringing it to her attention. No, instead you feel it is necessary to blast her on the internet for watering her plants. Knowing Shelley she would have been happy to listen and even take suggestions on how she can better conserve water and still keep her plants/trees alive.

On a positive note...it is nice to see that you are concerned about water conservation. It is important, however bringing the issue to the internet instead of to the individuals attention is rather distasteful and frankly a waste of time and energy. If Shelley never reads this how will she ever know? How have you helped Auburn by simply doing nothing. You might as well have turned the water up at Shelley's business, because as far as I'm concerned doing nothing is worse than the original offense.

Not to worry...the next time I see Shelley I will do the deed of bringing it to her attention, as I am not a coward, and knowing Shelley she will be happy to listen and act on the matter.

Have a wonderful day!!!!

Re: Support for Haugen - Auburn Reporter

youngauburncitizen — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:32:35 -0000

I believe, just doing the math, that Virginia does have more than one supporter and for good reason! She has been fighting for Auburn citizens for quite sometime now and I wouldn't bet that she is going anywhere now. As a citizen of Auburn it is nice to see someone so passionate about their city and that is someone who will get my vote hands down!