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Newcomer joins city council race

By Eiji Yamashita
eyamashita@HanfordSentinel.com

He calls himself a "breath of fresh air." John Murrisky, a Hanford resident of nearly 40 years and a registered nurse, is a political novice. But he sees his relative inexperience in public service as an opportunity, not a challenge.

"I'm a refreshing face for the community," said the 61-year-old Murrisky. "I have quite a bit of military, federal, state government experience and management supervision. I feel I'll bring a new attitude to the city council for citizens of Hanford."

Murrisky, who pulled the nomination paper on Monday, officially announced his run for the District B seat of the Hanford City Council. Sue Sorensen, city planning commissioner, had declared her candidacy last Friday.

The position is up for grabs in November as incumbent Marcie Buford, who has held the seat for 20 years, said she would not seek re-election. Robin Mattos, a community advocate who has often fought west side developments along with her husband, also pulled her paper Monday but has yet to announce her candidacy.

Murrisky is a complete newcomer in the city political scene.

An RN by profession, Murrisky says he has 20-plus years of military service, including four years in the U.S. Navy, five years in the California Army National Guard and 12 years in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. He is a past member of the Hanford Jaycees and Hanford Breakfast Lions. He is a member of the Kings County YMCA.

His professional experience includes working at Sacred Heart Hospital (now Central Valley General Hospital), the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Hanford Community Medical Center.

Murrisky says he has a "broad-based knowledge" of the community's needs through his close contact with his hometown on the job. Naturally, his platform is broad.

"I talked to a lot of people in this town who want to stop the development and get back to the basics -- recreation, police and fire protection and do more to improve our mass transit system," Murrisky said. "Increasing the bus times or the number of buses would help knock down environmental pollution. We also need to push the recycling program more and try to save the earth."

Murrisky is also against redeveloping the city property currently occupied by the public pool, skate park, the old fire house and Serpa Automotive. The city has recently signed an agreement to give a developer an exclusive right to negotiate the purchase and the redevelopment of the property. But some residents oppose the idea, saying that the old fire house should be used as a senior center and that the pool and skate park are fine the way they are.

Murrisky, a small-town sentimentalist, also argues that the city of Hanford has catered too much to the developmental interests in the name of improving amenities.

"The city council needs to serve the people of Hanford, not the interest of outside people," Murrisky said. "What I see now is just a mini-concrete jungle going up in pockets, which is good for employment and tax bases. But when is it going to stop?"

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(July 16, 2008)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of the Hanford Sentinel

H. Ramirez wrote on Jul 16, 2008 12:45 PM:

" It's good to see more interest in the open seat for the city council. The problem is going to be if more citizens decide to run for office for the same seat. If only we could get someone to run for the other seat which is occupied by Mr. Chin. How about it, people? If we can get another fresh face on the council, maybe then the council can get back to making sensible decisions. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 16, 2008 1:25 PM:

" Come on now this is what I'm talking about, let's get some more interested in taking back our city for all the people instead of an elite few. I'd like to hear more or this man's ideas for developing the Industrial Park instead of the Cheese Plant for example. A moratorium on tearing down the historic part of town sounds good too. What does this candidate consider the basics as far as the overpaid City Attorney is concerned. If we are gonna clean house we may as well clean it up right. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 16, 2008 1:26 PM:

" Murrisky, a small-town sentimentalist, also argues that the city of Hanford has catered too much to the developmental interests in the name of improving amenities.
Amen brother I couldn't have said it better myself. "

Announce Robin wrote on Jul 16, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Run Robin run, time for a change. "

Alan G. wrote on Jul 16, 2008 2:25 PM:

" It's nice to see a candidate who wants to serve the people of Hanford as opposed to outside special interests. It's so crazy, it just might work! "

To Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 16, 2008 3:24 PM:

" I'll have to admit that I am in agreement with just about everything you post here - I like your way of thinking and you obviously have Hanford's best interest at heart. So......how about throwing YOUR name into the mix ? PLEASE! "

Dont Dilute wrote on Jul 16, 2008 4:20 PM:

" The two that have indicated that they are running represent both sides, let them go at it. I think it is great that there may be a change happening! "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 16, 2008 6:03 PM:

" I don't think we need a small-town sentimentalist. In case the candidate hasn't noticed, we are not a small town anymore. Maybe Armona or Kingsburg is what he needs. What we need is someone forward thinking to figure out where Hanford goes from here. We need to improve quality of life issues - nice parks, riding and jogging trails, bike lanes for commuting, updated libraries, landscaping and trees that are actually maintained, streets that are not torn up, street lights that work. We don't need to hold back growth, it just needs to be well designed and not hodge-podge as we have now. More master planning of large blocks of land. Development does not need to stop, we just need higher quality in what is built and more diversity.

Visalia is a great example of where we should head. "

EHR wrote on Jul 16, 2008 7:56 PM:

" so hes basically anti-development? hhhmm?!? not a good idea, by him saying he wants to stop developments in town? he should focus on the new developments and improve amenities equally. "

To Carl S. wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:10 PM:

" We don't need bike lanes. Nor do we need softball diamonds, a Humvee for police, chain stores, or a Lowes to put Hoffman's out of business.

What we need are services for the population we have. Not just as a bedroom community servicing the prisons. Fast forward to 2028 and we'll be walled in by barbed wire for those who can not afford gated communities.

Unless we take care of the people that we have and build on their strengths, we lose the potential and then become a city where the poor are in prison or on drugs or out pan handling, Like we NOW have., only an explosion of worsening situations.

Our seniors, many of whom have been contributing citizens in their middle age, but in this town now, there is no place for them. They are in Section 8 housing if they are lucky, but they still can contribute. They could mentor, there could be Senior jobs programs for part time work, a recereation facility just for them, etc.

Wouldn't it be great if everyone had a part in our City, instead of only the developers and the City/County government? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 16, 2008 10:27 PM:

" Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 16, 2008 8:03 PM:
Visalia is a great example of where we should head. "
Carl,
Although I do have to admit we do have the best of three worlds here in this little community, you soon will have your choice of West Hills, College of Sequoia and Chapman all in one little community. Most of todays youth aren't thinking college they are thinking technical or medical employment. More of the San Joaquin Valley type of education. So we have overkill of available colleges. We have a perfectly good swimming pool and they want to cement it in and build the million dollar pool they promised the Sports Park and Colleges in it's place far from the kids who really need and deserve a pool for their own use. We've built out third High School while the enrollment is falling each year. We have less people graduating than ever before in the history of education. We have the highest teen pregnancy rate here in the San Joaquin Valley than anywhere else in the state of California. We have a faltering economy and need industrial employment not retail. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 17, 2008 8:06 AM:

" Fred and others: the hardest thing Hanford has to deal with in the future is the tendancy that mediocracy is good enough. "

Working Man wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:01 AM:

" There is a lot of negativity on this forum, a few people writes here with loads of nonsense and racism. I have been a Hanford resident for 15 years now and I love it, the sense of a small community with the services of a big city, nice friendly people and a very nice feeling of a successful American small town. Am I missing something?
O yeah the councilmen and the major...is it really them? Or is it that we really do not get involved in our community? Ranting and raving online seems to have little or no effect. Last night me and some friends were mowing the lawn of some elderly neighbors (which we do every week) and we alternate helping them buy their groceries, i suggest some of the people that writes in here those negative comments (and you know who you are) to invest their time in make things better for at least one person, that is what it takes one person at a time to improve the quality of life in this town!!! "

YES wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Carl, I like the way you think. Wow, another progressive in Hanford. I'm not alone! "

Inbreeding wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:03 PM:

" I'm new to this community. Perhaps I don't understand the small town mentality. Why are the people who post here so angry about everything? I see a wonderful environment, one which seems to have found a balance between quality of life and growth. One with parks, recreational facilities, shopping, solid community services and strong moral values. So I really don't understand the universal negativity. Is it due to inbreeding? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 17, 2008 3:39 PM:

" Working Man wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:01 PM: Your comments about helping others are to be complimented. I've done it all my life a bill of groceries, diapers, formula baby bottles, bibs, infant clothes for a pregnant mother, who obviously was about to have the baby. I had just met the lady, she asked for some money to buy those things and instead I bought them and took them to her. I've fixed many cars back when I could fix cars for people who couldn't simply because it was the thing to do. I've helped strangers, family and friends all my life and they have helped me, I thought that is what living on this planet is all about. But many need to help theirselves before they can learn to help others. "

To Inbreeding wrote on Jul 18, 2008 10:43 AM:

" You must have missed some reality. The water has higher than acceptable levels of arsenic. But don't worry, the City tells us not to. But Culligan makes home delivery. Unless you are poor living on Social Security, and can't afford to have good water delivered. Or work in the fields or minimum wage as high percentage of our citizens do.

Then there is air quality, some of the worst stats in the United States. But aren't those fireworks great?

Then there's the high numbers of people who do not finish high school or get a trade or go to college. Again, worst in the nation- a recent report says that the San Joaquin Valley is worse than the Appalachian region of US.

Then there is lack of City services, even though tax assessments just went out and many are getting higer assessments, even though property values have plummeted.

Perhaps you can't figure out that this adds up to a community that's in crisis. Maybe you think because you live in a nice air conditioned house , can afford to go to dinner, that homeless beggers are negative complainers, too. "

I Get It wrote on Jul 18, 2008 2:07 PM:

" I think I now understand the point nearly everyone posting here makes daily. Hanford has no redeeming qualities and is a horrible place to live. Bad water, bad air, poor government, poor educational system, high pregnancy rate - nothing good about it at all.

It makes sense, therefore, to seek a better quality of life elsewhere. When you pack to leave please let those of us who like it here know you’re leaving and we’ll gladly help carry your bags to the train station. That is if we’re not too busy doing instead of complaining. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 18, 2008 3:11 PM:

" Nope I'm staying not leaving but if you want to carry some baggage I've been wanting to get rid of how about you carry the cost of Welfare Rats in Kings County can you handle those bags all by yourself?
When you pack to leave please let those of us who like it here know you’re leaving and we’ll gladly help carry your bags to the train station. That is if we’re not too busy doing instead of complaining. "

To I Get It wrote on Jul 18, 2008 3:48 PM:

" I see how you think, the famous quote, "Let them eat cake" applies to you. "

To Inbreeding wrote on Jul 20, 2008 12:34 PM:

" The problem is in part inbreeding, also nepotism commonly known as GOB (good ole' boys) and then there's the arsenic and sulfur in the water. Look, if you originate from So. or No. Cali, you'll be floored when you really get to the heart of the problem which is... it's the big fish in a small pond mentality. Problem is, you can't keep approving new commercial retail projects and houses when the market and the low wage economy of this area cannot, I repeat CANNOT support the growth they (GOB's) keep pushing for approval. These projects I speak of are a chess game all planned out 20 years ago, those in the "know" called their friends and advised them to invest and speculate because they "suspected" the growth of the city would head in a particular direction. A few people (about 10), names long standing to the beginning of this county and the Mussel Slough Tragedy are profiting by this trend. The bubble has burst, they hit pay dirt and now they are living it up by investing in the next parts of town. Does that help with anger issues voiced here? Go new blood! "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 21, 2008 10:12 AM:

" To Inbreeding: You have hit the nail on the head. You have noted on this thread the chief inbreeders, a merry band of malcontents that oppose any new development in Hanford and want to keep it as a quaint little town. Old and quaint-good. New and large-bad. There is always a conspiracy and the secret society of powerful good old boys are constantly keeping them down. (I think the real truth is that they can't win any elections.) Just your typical small town stuff. "

cynic wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:39 PM:

" Come on Henry, I mean "H" - throw in your name. I've told you before I'd campaign for you. We need some common sense on the City Council. "

Enrique R. wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:48 PM:

" To the blogger Carl Spackler, sounds like times are a' changin. The To Inbreeding person did hit the nail on the head and you are the spackle in the dry wall. I agree, get some new blood on the council. These old timers and those following the old ways have long past their prime. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:21 PM:

" To Enrique: You inability to put together a coherent thought is confusing me.

I thought the old timers on the council vote for new development, which seems like they are operating the new way.

We need new blood to resist the old ways?

Or do we need old blood to resist the new ways?

Maybe you can run as the new blood/Old Hanford candidate, as in "VOTE FOR ENRIQUE, I AM FOR NEO OLD HANFORD." "

To Carl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:18 PM:

" Can I be your campaign manager? Carl for Mayor. You've hit the nail on the head. They keep campaigning and Hanford voters issue "the smackdown". Fun to watch the balloon pop after elections.

Build and bring in revenue. Progressive Hanford 2008! "

Joe Friday wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:35 PM:

" I am glad to see new faces willing to step into the spotlight. We certainly need new ideas by first we need a new majority on the city council. Failure to build a new three vote block on this council will mean that the status quo will continue. "

know whats up wrote on Jul 21, 2008 7:31 PM:

" Jon Michael Hice is running and he will be the best choice. He is the Hanford equivalent to Obama-fresh; new; fair; divergent and not governed by either Gob or Gog. Go dude, go! "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 21, 2008 7:31 PM:

" I'm a refreshing face for the community," said the 61-year-old Murrisky. "I have quite a bit of military, federal, state government experience and management supervision. I feel I'll bring a new attitude to the city council for citizens of Hanford."
Then how do you weigh in on the fact that Sheriff Jordan wants to place several re-entry locations around the county for California State Prisoners. These are prisoners on their last year of confinement, they will be placed in facilities that do not contain barbed wire or watch towers in the community. This principle suggests it is a bonding time for the inmate and his relatives to adapt for a smoother release. But doesn't thia also mean convicts from other area of the state will have their families move near them here in our community. This mix does not sound cohesive to a safe environment for those of us law abiding citizens at all. Sheriff Jordan must locate many of these locations in order to facilitate the grant money to build on to the new jail. I say put the reentry pointts where the prisons are Avenal, Corcoran and Coalinga. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 22, 2008 2:01 PM:

" Fred: I'm going to take a contrary opinion on the re-entry facility. We need jobs. This facility brings 200 good paying state jobs. The facility brings $30 mil in construction to our area. The facility will be attractive. It looks more like West Hills College than Corcoran II. I think it might as well be in Hanford since most the workforce will be coming from there. Less gas and less commute time for the workforce. However, more than likely it will go Corcoran or Avenal as Lemoore has already said no. If you notice, no factories are coming here. In fact they are leaving. We need something more than jobs at IHOP. Convict families are already living here. Hell, some of the manson ladies were here. I think we have to keep an open mind about this no matter how distateful it seems. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:07 PM:

" Carl made this simple statement:
"We need jobs."

And my response would have to be:
"Yes, but at what cost?"

Many things to consider.

Like toxic waste and byproducts. Environmental impact to the area and the like.

Anyone think that by bringing more felons and miscreants into the area - the so-called rehabilitated ones - and their families (if they have them), is an uplifting thing for us all?

Anyone here want to use Kings County an a ‘socialization device' to re-expose these people to a normal healthy law-abiding environment? Anyone here know what recidivism is? The re-offending rate in California? Incarcerated individuals that don't ‘take' to rehabilitation and choose the career criminal path?

We know what the Sheriff gets from promoting this venture (a few more jail beds outside his budget), but what will the community get in return?

The people's voice needs to be heard on this.

Is it really worth a few jobs, Carl? "

Joe Friday wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:17 PM:

" I must agree with ALEJANDRO and Watchdog Fred on the wisdom of building a prison reintroduction center in Hanford. Currently the county is looking at two sites in Hanford and one in Armona. What is especially disturbing is that two of the sites are on either side of Koinonia Chruch which just broke ground on a new preschool facility. Anybody think putting these felons next to a preschool is a good idea? "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:21 PM:

" To Joe Friday: They probably won't end up in Hanford and definitely not on Hanford-Armona. Probably in Corcoran. I just think it is something that should be considered in our economic climate, assuming a suitable site can be found. 200 jobs cannot be ignored. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:59 AM:

" Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:01 PM:
"Charlie Mansons" guards are replaced as a matter of routine so he can't work his devilish karma on them, are you aware of that Carl. The man is so bad they can't leave the same guards watching him for a long period of time, because of the effect he might have on them. Isn't one of these animals in our community enough to satisfy you Carl? The people on the reentry are known felons who associate with other felons who are not locked up, do you want them here planning their next crime? Do you want your kids or grandkids going to school with their kids, the guards certainly don't. That is why they live here and Lemoore instead of Avenal and Corcoran. Now you want them on the job worrying about what's happening to their kids at the hands of these criminals, I don't! Jordan is after these locations to take advantage of a grant that he can point at in the next election and claim he built us additional beds in our jail with grant money. Are you that naive? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:15 PM:

" The below comment was taken from the contractor's licensing board site. Here are two previously convicted felons who claimed they were rehabilitated to society. They were released and look what happened, Carl.

"Among the nine people arrested and taken to jail was Roy Thomas Pickering, who is no stranger to the CSLB. Pickering has been arrested by the CSLB three times since February for contracting without a license. Pickering showed up at this week's sting with another man, Timothy Glenn Kent, who is a licensed contractor (#733695). CSLB investigators determined that Kent was convicted in the past year of burglary. He was also wanted on two "No Bail" warrants from Placer County for Sexual Battery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Assault with Intent to Commit Rape, False Imprisonment and Burglary".

Do you want to hire this contractor to work on your house while your wife is home alone? It isn't magic it's called common sense. Why expose yourself, your wife and family to such horrible circumstances in the name of 200 new jobs and a few new jail cells? The Parole Board makes mistakes on a yearly basis. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:21 PM:

" Carl, ask yourself this question? Sheriff Jordan took an oath to protect this community, does placing up to three early release reentry facilities within the county sound like professional crime protection? You are containing California State Prisoners in a less protected, contained area than the law requires.
Secondly, ask yourself the prisoner has been here a year, his family has been here a year what is the chances of that family moving back to Southern California or Northern California where it is more expensive to live? 9 our of 10 they are gonna stay right here and commit more crimes and go back into the system along with their family members and friends. So what is the benefit of this re-entry program? Thirdly, there are not enough jobs to support the 51,000 people that are already here, now you want to throw thousands more into the mix to fight over a few underpaid jobs. When IHOP opened it had 1,028 eligible applicants apply for work, Carl. That should tell you something about the unemployment in this area. The rest will end up on Kings Counties rate of Welfare, Carl. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:27 PM:

" Carl, the San Joaquin Valley already has the highest rate of teen pregnancies in the state now you want to move more children into the mix with parents that have proven they have no morals, by committing crime. The Welfare System is overloaded as it is, we are trying to get people off of it in five years time. Now you want to recruit a whole new group to take their places in the Welfare line.? I mean no disrespect toward anyone, I know what is real in the world and what isn't and I am convinced Sheriff Jordan does not know the difference. I've heard that over and over again on these blogs and now he has opened his mouth and proven it. Lemoore City Council has told him no, I pray that Hanford's City Council is at least that wise. But we all know the possibility of them turning down 200 good paying jobs, from an outside source? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:43 PM:

" To: " Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:01 PM:
Carl,
I apologize for using your moniker on a couple of blogs, I simply forgot to put the To in front of your name but it lists it from the Dawg. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:54 PM:

" Fred: Last time I checked Charlie Manson is not a candidiate for the re-entry facility so the scarey stories about Charlie do not belong in this argument.

These prisoners and familes are not coming to Kings County because of a re-entry facility - they are already here. No training, no job skills, no drug and alcohol treatment or mental health care. In prison one day, on the street the next.

We are throwing money down a rat hole if we do not do a better job of giving people what they need to get straight, clean and sober, and to stay out of the system.

An influx of professional, well paid, steady union jobs can't hurt.

Listen to me I sound like a bleeding heart liberal. I guess I am just weighing the economic impact against the minor downside. "

Joe Friday wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:11 PM:

" The prison reentry facility was going to be placed in Avenal when Coalinga backed out of the project. The state rejected both Avenal and Corcoran citing concerns over Valley Fever. This left the Hanford/Armona/Lemoore areas as the only remaining candidates.

Unlike Lemoore the Hanford City Council gave the county the go ahead earlier this month to purchase property within the city for this facility. The city wants Caltrans to modify the 13th Ave overpass and correct the alignment of
the street. If this prison were built in that area the state would pay for the improvements. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:35 PM:

" Looks like other counties are getting the reentry facility rammed down their throat too, with similar community outcry:

"Re-entry facility
The report from state corrections officials is expected to include details regarding the proposed 500-bed re-entry facility, to be located in Monterey County, that would be designed to provide state prison inmates with counseling and vocational training as they near the end of their sentences. The facility would reportedly be restricted to only inmates who are slated for release locally."

"County officials promised state corrections officials they would find a site for the re-entry facility as part of a deal to secure an $80 million grant to expand the aged, overcrowded county jail. But community protests in Salinas and Soledad have greeted efforts to find sites in those locales for the facility. County officials are recommending the facility be built near the old Natividad hospital."

(Source: http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_9957131)

And Carl, the 200 jobs aren't locals to be trained and certified; the state transfers established State employees first into the area and hired also in a Statewide job competition, so the 200 local resident jobs is a myth. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:09 PM:

" Bringing this thread back around full circle, I wonder how Mr. Murrisky feels about the proposed re-entry facility? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:33 PM:

" To Scott Tucker, dandre', Jeff et al have you seen the latest news article from Newsmax regarding your candidate:

Of the 311 fundraisers who bundled more than $100,000 in donations for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, only eight are on the list of contributors to Barack Obama’s campaign in June.

Their total for the month: just $19,250.

“The fact that fewer than 3 percent of Clinton’s donors have donated any money directly to Obama in his first month as presumptive nominee is likely to raise the eyebrows of some leaders in the Democratic Party who are hoping to see signs of unity,” the Huffington Post observed.

Less than 3% support and all the forecasts say he needed all of Clinton's supporters to beat McCain.
Whata ya think his chances are now boys. You Demobrats can't even orgainize your own party backing. Doesn't do any good to have that war chest if you aren't called up for the fight. I would not be surprised to see Hillary reverse this nomination and end up with it at your convention. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:46 PM:

" To: Carl Spackler, you say these families are already here, then why do you want to encourage them to stay. So they can commit their repeat offenses here, instead of San Francisco, or Los Angeles? How redundant your argument is, sacrafice the safety of the community for union jobs. Do you work for the California Department of Corrections, or the union by any chance?

These prisoners and familes are not coming to Kings County because of a re-entry facility - they are already here. No training, no job skills, no drug and alcohol treatment or mental health care. In prison one day, on the street the next.

But it doesn't have to be our street traditionally prisoners are returned to the county in which the crime happened. Are you telling me all the criminals in Corcoran committed their crimes in the valley, then how did we get Manson? They aren't all from the valley in Avenal either.
My ex-wives nephew was locked up in Los Angeles Prison and he was from Indio, do you know where the prison for Los Angeles is located it is in Lancaster, California. I rest my case. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:02 PM:

" To: Carl Spackler, Joe Friday wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:11 PM:
Let's be the first city in the state to have a mass murder commited by a reentry program being built in our community. Can you guarantee it won't happen, and be responsible for the damage caused by the placement of these facilities and their families.
Yes the prisoners are here, but their families and friends aren't so now give them a state program to enable them to live and be here with their felonious friends and family. That's a sure way to reduce crime and protect the community.
Please tell me you don't serve on a Parole Board somewhere?
Community: it is up to us, we need to take the decision on this away from the City Council and Sheriff Jordan or suffer the consequences. I would rather a full blown razor ribbon Prison be located next to the community than this misrepresented attempt at rehabilitation and reentry. Criminals earn year for year credit for good behavior they earn nothing once released. Of course they are going to behave to get set free, but once free then what happens. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:13 PM:

" Thanks Joe for the insider information here, I appreciate it. Now I know they not only want to build it, they want to build it a stone's throw from my home. That is great news. Maybe I'll get lucky and Caltrans will buy me out then I can go buy next to Bobby Dowd, Marcie Bufford or Dan Chin. "

To Joe Friday wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:52 PM:

" Where in the world did you get the idea that the city wants the state to pay for the 13th Avenue improvements? It's the other way around. That area is outside city limits and outside the city's sphere of influence, but the state is REQUIRING city projects to pay to re-do that off-ramp and the street alignment. These comments are off track from the article, which is about someone "new" running for city council. But this thread got started because Fred wanted the candidate to address the re-entry facility issue (like he would do that on this blog) and I wanted to correct mis-information.

Also, IF the city says they are willing to have the re-entry facility (and there would only be one, not multiple facilities) within city limits, the site will still have to be zoned correctly. It can't just be located anywhere. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:42 PM:

" Let's see Carl, Lowe's isn't gonna pay enough to suit you, Home Depot absolutely won't, Target evidently doesn't either and for sure Wal~mart Super Center doesn't why because these are all successfuly businesses operating without the aid of any unions. I see what you mean by changing the quality of life it's called unionization.
Your quote: your words: An influx of professional, well paid, steady union jobs can't hurt.
We had union jobs here it was called Armstrong Rubber then Perelli Tire and all the union jobs moved to other locations, why because they weren't union.
Union's are fighting to stay alive today, sure California Corrections has a strong union but they are greedy like all unions and one day a Govenor like Arnold will transfer all the prisoners out of state to facilities that cost less per day to house these criminals and then where will the strong union be? You doubt it, so did the Air Controller's back in the 1970's. Remember what President Reagan did to them, "PERMANENT WORK REPLACEMENTS" are the Air controllers any better off today, no is the government, yes. So think hard what you ask for? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:48 PM:

" Let's see Carl, What do you think should the City Worker's all go on strike for higher wages, should they shut the city of Hanford down so they too can have a better quality of life, ah heck include the county too, shut the whole darn valley down and see what it does for your quality of life, kind sir! I worked for a union too for eight and a half years you know what they told me when I retired I needed to work another year and a half to get my pension, since I didn't they were keeping it. Was it my fault the company I was working for went out of business, I hardly think so. So today that measley $430 a month goes to the unions interest bearing bank account instead ot the employee it was earmarked for, don't ask me my opinion of unions, I just might give it to ya. Had that money been invested in a 401k I would have only needed five years to get the full vested worth of the plan Carl. You see what the union did for me? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:54 PM:

" You see Carl, my story isn't the exception it is the rule. Unions take advantage of employers and employees alike and do so all in the name of making it better. What they don't confide in you is that they are working to make it better for them, not you, not the employer. As long as they can drive around in nice automobiles with cell phones installed in them at union members expense and have their fat traveling and expense accounts, they are happy campers. But the minute someone talks going non union their corruptnous shines like a freshly polished pair of shoes. The Government has been calling them corrupt since Bobby Kennedy was United States Attorney General the only thing that has changed is Bobby Kennedy like his brother was shot and killed. So don't bring your the union brings good jobs to town message, cause I am not buying it. Do you know why you never hear of another union taking government employees out on strike cause the union knows they can't win, that's why. They have been losing power on a daily basis across this country for years. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:01 PM:

" Alejandro - can you believe this Carl guy he's joined forces with dandre' and his group, that's all we need is one more liberal crier to shout unfair and tell us how messed up Bush is. It isn't Bush that is back peddling on the Iraq War now it is Obama. He's gonna end the war in Iraq and escalate the one in Afghanistan, he isn't bringing troops home he is just moving the firing line.
Much like we did in our island hopping campaigns during WWII. Doesn't he have any ideas that are his own? Did you read my blog from earlier regarding only 3% of Hillary's supporters supporting Obama financially. She's a smart cookie she gave up 3% of her support to get Obama to pay off all her campaign debt. That was a slick move, she must have consulted with Bill Clinton on that deal. You notice Bill Clinton has not given his approval nod and until he does Obama doesn't stand a chance.
McCain 849 Obama 40 electoral votes I can see it coming down the pike. Just like Reagan did to Carter. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:25 PM:

" Fred: I respect your opinion and no I don't work for corrections or a union. Like you, I am concerned for our community from an economic standpoint. I guess we will need to count on the Tachi Palace and IHOP to keep us going. $30 mil and 200 jobs get my attention. I don't have anything more to add so I'll get of my soapbox now. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 24, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Fred: I just noticed your last post. I'm no liberal, voted for Bush twice. I'm not sure why you would say that and who is dandre? If you want to resort to name calling and sarcasm, I am quite fluent in that. So let's keep it positive. Thanks "

Agree Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 24, 2008 2:41 PM:

" You're 100% right about Unions. I stuck my head in a hotel where a convention was going on. It was SEIU courting home care workers. I absolutely agree that these workers get the short end of things, but going with SEIU is not going to help.

So this Union brings these people who are accustomed to living on minimun wage, to a large hotel, all expenses paid, gives them an all day rah-rah, with food and drink you would not believe. They sign up in droves.

What these people don't have the experience to see is that SEIU wants DUES! With their DUES, they finance political candidates without the Union Members knowledge or approval. When election time comes, SEIU pumps the money in to campaigns that will benefit the Union, not the workers.

Then they members go out door to door for these candidates. When the person is elected, the Unions jack up their dues, strong arm government agencies to go "agency shop" so that even people who are NOT Union members have to pay dues. And the newly elected "official" helps make this happen.

The SEIU monster is getting bigger and bigger. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Jul 24, 2008 3:47 PM:

" Hey Carl,

You didn't respond to my "At what cost?" post and yet you energetically say again:

"$30 mil and 200 jobs get my attention."

Just why does it ‘get your attention' Carl?

Brings in local money and jobs to the area? Re-read my post(s) to see that there may not be all those jobs awarded to local folk at all.

It's a fact that contractors will have to compete for the facility construction job and can bid from anywhere in the State. It's not a given that all those bucks will be granted to a local company.

Please Carl, tell us exactly why you believe that bringing in more criminals and their families and using Kings County to basically rehabilitate them is a darn good idea for all of us who live here.

And it's not name-calling Carl; not by me. No excuses please. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 24, 2008 3:47 PM:

" To: Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 24, 2008 1:05 PM:
First off the liberal was your post, I just pasted it.
If you align yourself as a liberal that is part of your team, dandre' dose' jeff' Scott Tucker Mrs. D' et al.
You selected the statement I didn't.
I just don't happen to agree with your growth without circumstances involving the placement of reentry facilities here. Plain and simple. We have gained very little by having three California Prisons within drviing distance to this city. "

Jasper wrote on Jul 24, 2008 3:57 PM:

" 7/1/08Resolution in cooperation with the County of Kings in attempting to site a Regional
Reentry Facility in the City of Hanford.
City Manager Misenhimer stated reentry facilities are authorized by AB 900 and are to be
operated by the CDOCR. Their goal is to improve the successful reintegration of adult offenders into the community. Kings County has applied for funding under AB 900 to expand the jail. Their application received points for siting a facility in Coalinga; however, the city of Coalinga has withdrawn from the process. In order to keep the points, they need to site property for a 500 bed Regional Reentry Facility. There are several sites located in Hanford that are of interest to Kings County. Staff recommends the city council approve the resolution in cooperation with the County of Kings in attempting to site a Regional Reentry Facility in the city of Hanford. Motion was made by Vice Mayor CHIN, seconded by Council Member BUFORD, to approve the resolution...cooperation with the County of Kings in attempting to site a Regional Reentry Facility
in the city of Hanford. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Council Members CHIN, BUFORD, AYERS, THOMAS, GONZALES "

Jasper wrote on Jul 24, 2008 4:08 PM:

" To Joe Friday wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:52 PM:
" Where in the world did you get the idea that the city wants the state to pay for the 13th Avenue improvements? It's the other way around. That area is outside city limits and outside the city's sphere of influence, but the state is REQUIRING city projects to pay to re-do that off-ramp and the street alignment. These comments are off track from the article, which is about someone "new" running for city council. But this thread got started because Fred wanted the candidate to address the re-entry facility issue (like he would do that on this blog) and I wanted to correct mis-information.
Also, IF the city says they are willing to have the re-entry facility (and there would only be one, not multiple facilities) within city limits, the site will still have to be zoned correctly. It can't just be located anywhere. "
I guess my prior post clears up your incorrect information. Also, please note, STATE facilities do not require ANY zoning. (Resolution No. 08-27-R - Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hanford in cooperation with the County of Kings) "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 24, 2008 5:39 PM:

" Alejandro: Thanks for your comments and I will be happy to discuss my thoughts.

$30 mil in construction will have a trickle down effect in our economy even if a local does not get the job. I'm sure someone like Bush Const. will be bidding. There will be engineering services needed, vendors, labor drawn locally. Workers stay here and they eat here. The economic impact is large.

Employees for the facility will be drawn from the state but locals will also get a chance. It doesn't matter if they are drawn from the state, they locate here. The trickle down from having 200 high paying jobs for this region is large. We are one of the lowest income communities in the state. Further, its not like there are a lot of factories moving here. Quite the opposite. We need high paying jobs badly and despite what Fred thinks, the corrections industry in this are has made an immense impact on our economy.

Fred: I have no idea what you are talking about. It sounds delusional. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Jul 24, 2008 9:53 PM:

" JASPER:

WOW . . .

Did something just get rammed down our throat?

How can these people live with themselves?

Wait a minute:

Maybe this is the Chin and Co. plan for the land that the Plunge and old Fire Station now occupy? Rehab outside criminals and next of kin in downtown Hanford. Why, those local businesses will just LOVE that extra secure income.

What can we do about this?

Isn't it a county-wide jail expansion we need, not a Hanford city urban plan?

I'm just sick, man . . .

It's a good thing S-Tuck and Alan G. don't live here anymore. "

To Jasper wrote on Jul 24, 2008 10:26 PM:

" I wrote the post "To Joe Friday" and he didn't respond, but you did. You claim that "STATE facilities do not require ANY zoning. (Resolution No. 08-27-R - Resolution of the City Council of the City of Hanford in cooperation with the County of Kings) ". However, the resolution was simply to cooperate with the County to try to locate a facility in Hanford. The only way for the state or county to not follow the city's regulations is if they own the property. And then they have to take action to exempt themselves from regulations. If they want the city's full cooperation, a facility would need to be located on a mutually agreeable site. I can't imagine that even this council would want to site a facility like this in a residential zone. I'm not saying I'm for the project, just that 13th/198 is outside the city's control and the project would still need to be in an appropriate zone. So I don't see how any of your comments "corrected" my original post. Try again to explain it to me, but make sure your facts are accurate. "

Jasper wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:16 AM:

" Okay, how's this, the APN's from the BOS meeting were for 2 sites for the re-entry (AB900 facility) on Hanford-Armona Road, Both were on either side of a church and about a 1/4 mile of 13th Ave. The resolution of the City of Hanford stated they were okay with 3 sites, 2 of which were on.... Hanford Armona Road on either side of a church. See study session 7/1/08(power point not provided to public). Those properties are for sale and the county will purchase a site. Question: how does the city have the authority to pass a resolution for property NOT within their boundries? The real issue is the county will not relinquish $30 mil (for construction costs only) and the city getting a free bridge out of the deal. So, I too want to know how Mr. Murrisky feels about this facility? Would he make certain properties are annexed and nearby owners are made aware of a re-entry prison before voting to approve? Also, Kings, Fresno AND Madera County prisoners will be at this re-entry prison, not JUST Kings Co. BTW "To Joe Friday", I AM RIGHT, STATE FACILITIES DO NOT REQUIRE ZONING! You fail to acknowledge. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:03 PM:

" Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 24, 2008 7:39 PM:
Carl, (Continued)
The Correctional Officers and their wives do not want their children going to the same school as a prisoners child and I think you can reason that one for yourself. So if we now locate these centers in the safe haven of Hanford and Lemoore does that not reason that the C.O/s and their families will most likely relocated to Visalia and Fresno and then their goes possibly 1,000 high paying union jobs to the surrounding communities and away from Hanford. What does that leave Hanford with Welfare Families who provide nothing to stimulate the economy, they suck it dry. So now that all the C.O.'s are bailing out of Hanford how many of those 200 new employees are gonna get the word and settle elsewhere too. Furthermore the building of the facilities might take what a year max and then all those additional labor jobs are gone also and we are back to less than we had before. You are absolutely correct this is gonna have a major effect on Hanford, on property values that have already spiraled down, welfare increases & crime. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:11 PM:

" Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 24, 2008 7:39 PM:
Carl,
I forecasted this as Hanfords next big business before it ever appeared on line here in the blogs. I said if we weren't careful and didn't develop the Industrial Center with Industry Jobs this is what we would end up having forced upon us.
It is wonderful to want growth but you have to have specific plans that incorporate the safety and well being of the community as well as the new 200 union jobs that are brought here. But you do have a point all those high paid employees who don't brown bag will have to eat out in the community. Wrong all facilities will contain their own lunch rooms, Carl. The officials and Deputies at KC Jail eat the food the prisoners eat. That is the other troubling part to me, send the Clint Calhoun's to prison and open up spots for reentry in the facility Hanford already has for people serving less than one year, it's called the Kings County Jail. This is gonna end up being the biggest nightmare Hanford ever indulged itself
in, you mark my words . "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:19 PM:

" To Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 24, 2008 7:39 PM:
Carl,
Prisoners even receive and traffic drugs in the California Prison System with razor ribbon fences, armed tower guards and all the other searches and rules to prevent it. Now what kind of control do you think the guards will have when those same prisoners are transferred to a house with no barbed wire, watch tours or other safeguards. You will house RAPIST, MURDERERS, THIEVES, AND GOD KNOWS WHAT! You are allowing repeat offenders every chance in the world to rape again, kill again, steal again and you say this is all in the name of progress. We are not getting just citizens of kings county who have committed a crime and went to prison, we are getting people who may have started their sentences in Pelican Bay, Folsom or Corcoran Maximum Security Prisons. Corcoran as you have said houses Charles Manson, for crying out loud, no he may not be up for parole. But other people who think it's just to take anothers life will be here. Do you want to put your wife and children exposed to such evil destruction? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:25 PM:

" To ALEJANDRO wrote on Jul 24, 2008 11:53 PM:
You've got every reason to be "sick" my brother. The City Council has pulled some whoppers but I think 2008 is gonna go down in history as the worst ever in the entire history of Hanford, California. Mr. Hanford is turning over in his grave saying" "What the hell are you people thinking"? They continue to let the Weasel be wound up and then pop it out on us, if this isn't conclusive evidence that they all must be removed, I don't know what is. We already have enough felons in our community. The Sheriff Deputies were going to the Palace and driving around checking out suspicous people and the Sheriff pulled them off and tole them to quit. Why because the jail was already full, the prisons are already full and there is no where to put them. What happens when they start an early release program and we get prisoners that haven't been rehabilitate. "

To Jasper wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:53 PM:

" Thank you for taking the time to further explain. However, I re-checked the Council's resolution and there were NO properties listed in the resolution. Were you at the meeting and did they mention it there? All I have to go on are the agenda and minutes and neither of those refer to specific sites. IF the state owns the property, they can exempt themselves from city requirements, as can the County - but ONLY IF they own the property. If the properties were indeed identified as being on Hanford-Armona on either side of a church, the property would be zoned Service Commercial and the only allowed use that's even close is "public buildings and grounds" and that requires a conditional use permit, with a public hearing. I am also interested in how the new candidate will weigh in on this item.

BTW, I never stated these properties were not in the city, just the 13th/198 area. That's outside the city's jurisdiction and they cannot even annex it without an amendment to the Sphere of Influence (have to be approved by the County and "precleared" by DOJ). So maybe we're both right on some things. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 25, 2008 1:22 PM:

" Fred: So much material I don't know where to start.

First of all, the 200 people are not just CO's, they are vocation and medical people also.

If you think the sheriff deputies all brown bag, you should go out to the mall area and eat lunch once in a while. Quite the contrary.

Remember Fred, these prisoners are coming out. They will be let out on their last day from their prison or they will spend the last year in a re-entry facility according to the state's plan. (Whether there should be re-entry facilities is another argument.) Now they are going to be built somewhere because the state says so. Why not here and take advantage of it economically, assuming a proper site can be found. I understand your concerns and am not trying to minimize them. I just don't live in fear of prisoners, it is a non-factor to me. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 25, 2008 8:08 PM:

" Carl Spakler: once again you glaze over my arguments and pick a few snippets, I didn't say the Sheriff Deputies from the Jail brown bagged I said they ate what the prisoners eat. Secondly how do you know the Deputy Sheriff's in the mall are from the jail and not office personnel of patrol officers for the Sheriff's Department don't they all wear the same uniform?
"If you think the sheriff deputies all brown bag, you should go out to the mall area and eat lunch once in a while. Quite the contrary".
Again another visionary who knows it all and is afraid of nothing as long as other people put their lives on the line to protect him. You continue this path and I hope you never find yourself needing protection from one of these escaped prisoners. People have done far more stupid things than escape minimum security when they only had a year left to do, Carl. Again you celebrate the bringing of RAPIST, MURDERERS AND THIEVES here to our little community and you can head the first manhunt of the escaped prisoners, we'll put you in the front lines. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 25, 2008 8:14 PM:

" Carl Spakler: a group of people arrived in the desert in Southern California. A friendly sort wanted to help the owner of the property make his land valuable and help him to devize ways to improve his property and bring him an income. The group was led by Charlie Manson and I bet Sharon Tate and all the others who became their victims felt just like you. What could allowing those people to help this old man hurt their community. Well be in Corcoran when Charlie comes up on parole and talk to Sharon Tates sister and see what she has to say about this band who never had a record before and how they cut the baby from her sisters stomach and wrote on the walls in her blood. Ask her how safe they felt in their community when all this transpired, Carl. Paranoia no, common sense yes, you never know what your gonna get dealing with felons other than more crime and murder, count on it Carl. You're not getting the point, when police pull over a car suspected to contain felons they go into an entirely different mode. "

Dont get it yet wrote on Jul 26, 2008 9:10 AM:

" To inbreeding... as you can plainly read we have people here that cannot/will not stick to the subject. The story started about a new guy running for office and it quickly turned into a "whats your opinion about Unions, Hillary, Arnold, Welfare Rats, rubber plants that aren't here anymore, teen pregnancy rates and of course, Charles Manson." I hope that answers your question about small town mentalities and grumpy OLD men who instead of going out into the community to better it, instead of RUNNING for office they'd rather sit at their computers and complain, complain, complain. That is Hanford in a nut shell. Welcome to our town. "

ALEJANDRO wrote on Jul 26, 2008 3:49 PM:

" Carl,

Thanks for answering part of my question about jobs and construction.

However, I wish you would answer my question:

"At what cost?"

I meant to say " At what cost to the community, to the residents of Hanford and Kings County?"

Then you wrote this:

"I just don't live in fear of prisoners, it is a non-factor to me."

Carl, that sounds like an extremely selfish answer; one that concerns only you.

Do you not have a sense of community, of the many residents in the area who perhaps just might not want an extra double-dose of criminality injected into the vicinity?

Did you forget about inmate criminal recidivism and their dysfunctional families moving into the area, Carl? To open your eyes, try going here: http://www.ojp.gov/bjs/crimoff.htm.

Think about others and not just yourself and then answer the question of how this will be a good thing for ALL of us, not just Carl Spackler. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 26, 2008 10:13 PM:

" Alejandro: Can you name for me one case in Kings County wher a prisoner from Corcoran, Avenal, or Coalinga has escaped and killed anyone in Kings County?

It's a non-factor to me. I don't live in fear of state prisoners. If you want the truth, I would rather live next door to a re-entry facility than a low income apartment complex.

I do have a sense of community sir and that is the only reason I would endorse this venture. We have a job problem here. With no jobs out community dies a slow death. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 27, 2008 1:29 PM:

" Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 27, 2008 12:13 AM:
I wish you were as serious about getting off this soap box as you are about spreading propoganda for the Sheriff, City Council and the California State Prison System. Do you have any children, are you married?
Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 24, 2008 1:25 AM:

" Fred: I respect your opinion and no I don't work for corrections or a union. Like you, I am concerned for our community from an economic standpoint. I guess we will need to count on the Tachi Palace and IHOP to keep us going. $30 mil and 200 jobs get my attention. I don't have anything more to add so I'll get of my soapbox now. " "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 27, 2008 1:50 PM:

" To: Carl Spackler
It's a non-factor to me. I don't live in fear of state prisoners. If you want the truth, I would rather live next door to a re-entry facility than a low income apartment complex.

That's funny if you have your way the entire community will be like living next to a low income apartment complex, Carl!

Carl are you aware the large complex located near the YMCA is a low income apartment complex? "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 27, 2008 10:34 PM:

" Fred:I am not union (quite the opposite), corrections or pro-sheriff. I am pro jobs. As much as you would like to tar and feather me as a liberal I am not. I am slightly to the right of you I would imagine.

Yes, I am aware that the apartment complex north of the YMCA is low income. It was financed with state tax credits, as was the complex on Hanford-Armona west of 12th. What's your point?

Fred, I am aware that the vocal critics will likely shoot this project down for Hanford. There will be scarey talk of prisoner families, Charlie Manson and mass prison breaks. It will be short sighted and a shame to lose the economic impact. On the bright side, we do have that new 99cent store paying $9 per hour. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 28, 2008 8:20 AM:

" Mr. Murrisky, how say you on this issue of reentry facilities, please let us know if you still feel as strongly about your quoted comments?

"The city council needs to serve the people of Hanford, not the interest of outside people," Murrisky said. "What I see now is just a mini-concrete jungle going up in pockets, which is good for employment and tax bases. But when is it going to stop?" "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 28, 2008 10:43 AM:

" To: Carl Spackler whatever happened to the High School graduate working his/her way up in the private sector? Now they want to come out of school with a $18 an hour job with all the bennies and retirement. I certainly didn't begin with jobs like that, I had to work my way up and prove myself to my employers to make the good money I made in my career. Have you had everything handed to you Carl? It makes me wonder, that is the other problem, unless you are one of those that could accept a job with the state as a professional, I don't know where we might come up with qualified people here in Hanford. They could go to C.O. college I guess. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 28, 2008 10:53 AM:

" To: Carl Spackler, as for the laborers, they pretty much follow all the jobs Carl. Most are hired through temporary services with no benefits and low wages and I realize the state would probably want union scale paid, but how many union skilled laborers are here in Hanford. Since the unions aren't here I doubt very man, so now the laborers and skilled union labor will have to be brought in from Fresno or maybe Visalia. So once again there go those jobs you forecasted for the local community down the drain. The average contractor in Hanford hasn't built anything the size of a 500 bed facility before so that will probably be bid out to someone who has as well. Again leaving the local talent out of the equation. So Carl, I don't see this being the landslide saveall for Hanford you claim it will be. Most construction people travel in trailers and live and cook in them so their goes the restuarant thing. So doesn't leave much left, other than some permit money and tax base, but being a State Project it will probably be exempt from that too. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 28, 2008 11:01 AM:

" To: Carl Spackler, just so you know Wal~mart has a specific crew they hire in each state that does all their building throughout that state. They use very few minimal laborers to complete a building project. They use the same crews for all their projects and that is all that crew does is work on Wal~mart projects. Same with Home Depots since Wal~mart owns them as well. So new construction doesn't always mean new jobs in the community the construction occurs. Just thought you might want to know that. The next venture Wal~mart will be participating in is Neighborhood Markets, a smaller more condensed version of the Wal~marts. If you travel to Arizona and Nevada you will see the businesses already in operation there. The busiest Wal~mart Super Center is at Bullhead City, Arizona, right across the river from Laughlin, Nevada. But the busiest Wal~mart is down by Mexicalli, because they have all the Mexican trade from across the border. They use to pay bonuses to the Store Manager there based on sales until he started making more than his District Manager and they quit giving the bonuses. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 28, 2008 1:28 PM:

" Fred: Do you think $18/hr. is a lot of money? That is $2900/month. After taxes, you could barely buy a house. I want better for my kids, so no that does not cut it. We can do better here than $9/hour at 99 cent store.

It's funny because you couldn't be more wrong about me in your posts. I've never had anything handed to me. Been working since I was 11 mowing lawns, paid my way though good old Fresno State driving harvesters, put in my time and now have my own business.

You don't really know who will get the re-entry contract or who will be working on the jobs site. It may be locals or it may be out of towners, or a combination. As for where laborors eat, I just had luch at Round Table and there were no less than three construction crews in there, all with difffernt colored company t shirts on them. Fred you should get out more.

As for the rest of your Walmart info, I'm not sure how relevant that is but whatever! "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 28, 2008 8:09 PM:

" To: Carl Spackler with a degree from Fresno State and you make the below spelling errors Carl. You should go ask for your money back and I hate to tell you this but your kids with High School educations are not going to make $18 per hour anywhere in this valley. There isn't an employer dumb enough to pay that kind of money for an 18 year old without any experience.

As for where laborors eat, I just had luch at Round Table and there were no less than three construction crews in there, all with difffernt colored company t shirts on them. Fred you should get out more.

As for Wal~mart you make it sound like those people never have a chance to make money and I was giving you an example of where they were. But the College Graduate District Manager got upset because he had a Store Manager who was getting paid more than he was, so he had his bonuses taken away.
If you are such a successful business man hire your children straight out of High School and pay them maximum benefits and retirement "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 28, 2008 8:21 PM:

" To: Could it be you are one of the businesses or Professionals who would be able to take advantage of the state reentry programs? Now it is starting to make sense, no wonder you want higher paying jobs coming to Hanford. What us local yocals don't make enough to afford your services/wares so now you have to blog and recruit a higher clientel? Perhaps what you might consider doing is moving your business, your children and your butt to another community which is open to having reentry facilities and thus your problems and ours will be settled. The below comments are straight from the officials at Contra Costa County who are thinking of maybe putting reentry cites in and these are the questions already arising.

"There are still a lot of questions the state has not answered as far as funding, liability and control issues," Julie Enea, senior deputy at the Contra Costa County Administrator's Office. "It's just too early in the process to give a good idea where we're going."

If the funding isn't in place and they get it built, who do you think is gonna furnish the funding? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 28, 2008 8:25 PM:

" To: Carl that build it and they will come approach doesn't work when you are working with the state Carl. You have to have all the answers prior to any agreements, you don't get it. Yeah they want you to sign on the dotted line and not ask any questions where better for that to happen than right here in our community.
This gets built, we will be paying the staffing charges, including expensive mental health issue bills, we will be charged with housing the families through our Welfare System. Just like I noted initially we get stuck and you get a higher class of clientel. You see here is the prblem with your scenario, things go south you just pick up your family and move them and your business on down the road. Many of us long time residents can't afford that same luxury, but we let people like you force this on us and then we are stuck with it forever and a day.
Nice try their Donald Trump but I don't think people are buying what your selling, and you are grabbing at straws to make them. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:56 AM:

" To: Carl Spackler,
You are correct and even can do simple math, but I bet if you asked around the Sentinel Staff and employees, they'd be quite satisfied with $18 per hour as starting pay, Carl. I'm glad you can make that sound like peanuts, since you are so successful but many in this town would revel in making $18 per hour. So just who should get this wage Carl straight out of highschool, cashiers at mini marts, fast food types, I hope you know what that will do to the further cost of gasonline and big mac's? I think you need to be the one to get out more, and come back to reality. Where you ever got the idea the average person in this town had such a large spendable income is a falacy. Most of the people in this town are in the baby boomer age bracket and they are more concerned with their retirement than your success as a businessman in the community. So perhaps you should have chosen a town with a different age demographic. Because we are either to close to retire or don't make enough. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:27 AM:

" Fred: So far you have put forth the following straw men to discredit me:

Carl the corrections man, Carl the union man, Carl the liberal, Carl the freeloader, Carl the rich guy. All wrong

Now you crticize my spelling? Now that is the pot calling the kettle black, LOL!

When all else fails you tell me to pack my family and business and move. Nice.

When we scare off every potential high paying employer because it doesn't suite us, then we are left with the 99 cent store, IHOP and the Tachi Palace and being the lowest income county in the state is perpetuated. The people here deserve every opportunity to improve themselves. I salute the city council for at least taking a look at this issue. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 29, 2008 1:00 PM:

" Fred: Keeping up with you is hard work!

I think you projecting a little bit too much of yourself in your arguments.

The majority in Hanford are not boomers or retirees. The average age is 30, which is below the state average. Check the census.

You are mixing the minimum wage law argument into this argument. Minimum wages are fine for entry level jobs. We do need an influx of new jobs on the upper end also. If we don't have that there is stagnation and no opportunity for our young people.

Fred, do the math, at $20/hour, how can you ever expect to buy a house, save money, buy a car? This is not 1970. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 29, 2008 1:26 PM:

" Fred: Read today's lead story, then read it again. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:40 PM:

" To: Carl Spackler are you referring to the union trying to bankrupt this city?

The late spring headlines about labor negotiations in the San Bernardino County city of Rialto were absolutely stunning, considering the context. "Rialto pension plan OK increases city obligations," blared one local newspaper

You are what's wrong with this picture you applaud this action and you know the union is looking to make a power play at the citizens expense and now they have done it. You applaud this action, but know no matter where you move once this ball starts rolling we will all pay dearly through the nose. So it won't matter how much a person makes because retired City, County and State employees are gonna end up with it. Is that what you want to happen with your kids future Carl.
Carl in 1969 I earned $2.10 an hour and I could have afforded a house in Hanford. As my wages went up I wish I would have bought two or three in fact.
1970 dollars are not 2008 dollars. Earning $20 an hour in 1970, you were a Doctor or a Lawyer. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:54 PM:

" To: Carl Spackler, I don't know what fantasy world you are living in but the baby boomers were the largest number of people born in the history of the United States. We are all within eight years of retirement and many of us are already there. Within that time frame Carl, there will be more people on Social Security than off of it, for the first time in the history of the entire United States. When we all get there, you and all your thirty somethings will be picking up the tab for that, just be glad we paid in what we did and took care of our parents and you didn't get saddled with that bill as well. So enjoy your big business and your kids will probably not make it to retirement age by the time they pay for yours. What was reasonable and cost effective when I was 30 certainly isn't today and the prices are not going down, Carl. My entire point is yes everyone needs more money but where is it going to come from? We keep printing it, but it never seems to be enough. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:01 PM:

" To: Carl Spackler, my dad made a prophecy before he died and it is certainly ringing true. He stated there will be another recession in my lifetime he said the difference between the one his went through and mine is in mine people will be shooting other people to get to the head of the soup lines. Carl, I've always taken that to heart and I believe my father was correct. We live in an inpatient society and we are raising a spoiled generation of children who don't know what it is to work and work hard from sunup to sundown for a $5 bill. That $5 was a nickel in my Grandfathers time. We won't drop to our knees and pray a prayer of thanks, we will grab a Saturday night special and go take it away from someone else who has it already. That's what our society has come to and you fail to recognize it, because it hasn't happened to you yet. There are already gangs of kids on the southside of Hanford performing armed robberies on citizens walking the streets of Hanford. Wake up! "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:18 PM:

" To" Carl Spackler, When we scare off every potential high paying employer because it doesn't suite us, then we are left with the 99 cent store, IHOP and the Tachi Palace and being the lowest income county in the state is perpetuated.

Did you know the new IHOP in town provides medical benefits to their employees. Probably the only restruant in the area doing so.

99 Cent store offers some products that are of higher quality than many discount stores and offers them in abundant supply. A feature the town could use. Not everyone owns their own business.

Tachi Palace is probably the second largest employer in the area the only one with more employees is the Naval Air Station Lemoore.

What can you possibly have against these businesses? Do you realize how bleak it would be without them in this valley? Tachi Palace probably without a doubt is the biggest source of donations this valley has ever seen. They recently stepped up to help out the senior center in Lemoore, because they have enough sense within their tribes to respect their elders. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:24 PM:

" To" Carl Spackler, show me one donation the State of California has made to the valley. There is not one, everything they put forth money into is a direct benefit to the state. Oh by the way Carl before you write off the military base for not having any money an E-4 makes as much now as an E-7 use to, which isn't bad money even in today's dollars, certainly better than when I was an E-4. Oh that brings up a question Carl, you said you saluted the City Council what uniform do you wear/worn that makes you capable of saluting anything? Perhaps a poor choice of words?
Your contribution to stand up for the City Council discredits so much of what you have had to say it isn't even funny. You say you aren't a list and a half of things and then lend your support to the City Council do you realize how redundant that is for this community and how they see right through your pro City Council crap. If I didn't know any better I'd swear you are a speech writer for Bobby Dowd. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 29, 2008 8:08 PM:

" Fred: Do you understand the concept of inflation. Your $2.10 wage in 1969 is equal to $12 in 2008. Wages here are barely covering that. We have made no progress in terms of wages here. We need good paying state jobs here.

Fred, I think you are a good guy and we are going in circles here so I am going to bow out of this one now. I was nice debating with you. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:47 PM:

" To: Carl I fully understand inflation, but do you recognize time in service and expertise regarding salary and making your worth before you make big money in the job market?

Carl Spackler wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:08 PM:

" Fred: Do you understand the concept of inflation. Your $2.10 wage in 1969 is equal to $12 in 2008. Wages here are barely covering that. We have made no progress in terms of wages here. We need good paying state jobs here.
I'll be talking to you soon, I remember how long you stayed off your soap box last time you made that comment. You seem like a good guy to Carl, just aren't gonna convince me this is Alkatraz and it's time to make it the rock. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 30, 2008 11:54 AM:

" Oh Carl! please heed and read!

By 2030, Social Security's caseload will be 84 million people, up from 50 million today. Medicare will go from 44 million beneficiaries to 79 million. That will leave barely more than two workers paying payroll taxes for every retiree.

Now tell me this isn't a bleak picture Carl? After paying in for 35 years and the burden falls on your shoulders, why? "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:19 PM:

" This challenge goes out to Dan Chin; you say you care, prove it. Put the proper crosswalks in place at the new Pioneer School. Show some initiative for a change, show Marcie Bufford you aren't her or Bob Dowd's puppet. You want to build a parking garage downtown, how about building some safety to 40% of the student body at the new school, instead?
Show this community you mean what you say, keep those children in that school from becoming handicapped like you and I. Don't let this be another after thought once a child has been seriously injured or killed. It's time to show this community that you truly care about it's children, instead of voting to destroy what little recreation is available to them. "Mr. Chin" build those "safe crossing walks" for our children! We can give an entire block away to a cheese plant, but we can't mark off a few square feet for a safety zone for our children.
How sad this is, as "Man of the Year", I would think this would be a no brainer. You shouldn't need a voter to tell you this. "

Watchdog Fred wrote on Jul 30, 2008 12:23 PM:

" This challenge goes out to Mayor Gonzales, put those crosswalks where needed near Pioneer School to protect the children. They are yours and our future. Mayor you may be able to save a future Mayor by doing your job. Providing safety to our children. Show you care, you, Dan Chin, and Mr. Thomas have all been challenged that's three votes to two, make it happen or be ready to explain why, when your time comes up for reelection. You are the Mayor of this city, take the initiative and start reversing all this anti-child crap coming down the pike. I can't say this enough our children are our future.
Do your job or resign. "

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