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Our View: Is it time for new blood on the Hanford City Council?

Alright. Now this is what we're talking about. Over the last year or so, HanfordSentinel.com has been inundated with criticism -- OK, and some praise, too -- of the way the council has been running the city. Now, with Nov. 4 a little less than three months away, some local folks are putting their money where their mouths are.

So far, five Hanford residents have thrown their proverbial headgear into the political ring in a bid to effect change. And we think that's a step in the right direction.

Two council seats are up for grabs in November: District B, being vacated by incumbent Marcie Buford, and District C, held by Dan Chin, who is seeking re-election to another term.

Four people so far have expressed interest in Buford's seat -- John Murrisky, a political novice; Sue Sorensen, a city planning commission member; Jon-Michael Hice, spokesman for First 5 Kings County; and Robin Mattos, a consultant and business owner.

Lone challenger Mike Spicer, a security manager for Kaiser Permanente and a longtime resident of Hanford, is stepping up against Chin at the polls.

But this slate of council-wannabes doesn't have to stop here. There's still time for others to get involved. With Buford out of the race, the nomination period has been extended until this coming Wednesday, Aug. 13.

Once the deadline for filing papers has passed, we're sure the campaigning will be in full swing. There will be plenty of opportunities for voters to find out how each candidate stands on different subjects, through forums and door-to-door campaigning.

The Sentinel will be partnering with the Hanford Chamber of Commerce to hold a forum in October that will allow candidates to debate the tough issues.

It takes a strong person to enter the political arena, even if it is in a relatively small city like Hanford. But the reward is great: An opportunity to improve their hometown for all its residents.

We encourage those who feel the call to service to file their papers before Wednesday, and encourage all voters to go to the polls on Nov. 4. For sure, that's also the time to cast your ballot on other important issues -- choosing the next U.S. president, and weighing in on the same-sex marriage proposition -- but there are just as important voices to be heard closer to home.

(Aug. 8, 2008)

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

Question For Sentinel wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:30 PM:

" Can an employee of the Sentinel run for a position? Assuming of course they live in a district with a seat available? "

Randy Rickman wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:35 PM:

" No "

zenmom wrote on Aug 8, 2008 2:05 PM:

" Why couldn't a Sentinel employee run? I can think of no legal reason. "

Randy Rickman wrote on Aug 8, 2008 3:14 PM:

" Legally it would be ok but it could be perceived as a conflict of interest. "

FRANCISCO RAMIREZ JR wrote on Aug 8, 2008 9:17 PM:

" Where do you go filed the paperwork? "

Thanks Randy wrote on Aug 8, 2008 10:29 PM:

" I agree,we do not need anymore perceived conflicts. "

Researching wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:28 AM:

" Cannot find the district boundaries on the city's website, nor anywhere. Anyone have a link? "

Randy Rickman wrote on Aug 10, 2008 8:41 PM:

" We have a map that will go up on the website within a week It shows the boundries and other information about each district. "

Sentinel wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:42 PM:

" Once again not sure where you guys come up with this stuff.....Randy you said "No", yet there is no leagal reason holding any employee back. I say you should run, you guys have solutions. Not sure if they are all good ideas, but you sure offer a lot of skewed articles that lead the readers in town to think you have the answers. If someone runs from the sentinel it would show you really care about our community. "

Paul wrote on Aug 11, 2008 3:09 PM:

" For as much as WDF complains and whines about everything under the Hanford sun when its out or when its not, then its funny that his name is NOT already listed. Or maybe he's one of those people listed, in which case sorry dude! Or others of that intelligentsia group. Funny how when the mustard needs to be cut, so few are willing to put their keyboard where their mouth is. Yet, the only time they yap and yap is when you can hide behind a computer screen. Sorry guys, but real change can only be done from within the system not shots from the peanut gallery. I'm happy with life in Hanford and as long as I can go to Superior Dairy for ice cream, life is gooooood! "

Randy Rickman wrote on Aug 11, 2008 4:35 PM:

" To - Sentinel- - -
I probably should have said more than just “No”. We encourage and support our employees in many community-involved things. Service groups, boards, events, fund-raising, etc. An elected position is something quite different. It wouldn’t be illegal for an employee to run for office but it wouldn’t be a good idea. If an employee informed me that they were running for an elected position I would tell them that I think that is a bad idea. There are too many ways that it could/would create a perception of conflict. You already stated that you think articles are “skewed”. Now imagine a sticky story that involves an elected official that is also a Sentinel employee. I apologize if the “No” seemed too "Terse" (Thanks Al). Our interest would be to protect the paper and the employee in a “No” recommendation. "

Hey Randy wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:09 PM:

" Better answer, where's the map? "

DL wrote on Aug 11, 2008 10:38 PM:

" New blood on the Council? This headline sounds like what happened to Carrie after she won homecoming queen. Gory. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:43 AM:

" To: Paul wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:09 PM: although your gracious offer seems so tempting as I have stated had you paid attention. There are some very legitimate reasons why I myself don't run.
The first and most important of which is I think too many people are already approaching their dedication to the City Council as a part-time or secondary commitment. I realize we all have to earn a living, but I think as much time should be spent in serving the community as you might spend supporting your family. As a City Council Member in effect you are commiting to the community to take them into your decisions voting on their behalf. In order to do that, you have to be in tune with what the community wants for this city. The current Council misses on that category every week, every meeting, every month. It's like they are living in Visalia or Clovis and thinking in that mentality. Yes, we have grown but we still are not a Visalia or a Clovis. I think Hanford has to have the senseability to be Hanford. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:49 AM:

" To: Paul wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:09 PM: Another point Paul, is I don't set behind my computer complaining without getting involved. I made a sizeable cash donation to get the cannons refurbished by simply walking up and tossing cash in the bowl. I don't need a receipt, I didn't do it for public recognition, as I contribute and provide what little I do have to causes that I think are near and dear to this community. I learned along time ago, my most important vote was with my cash. Yeah I might mention some bad service somewhere or something but my complaint isn't how I vote, I vote by not contributing my dollars to that business any longer. So far that has worked best. However, if I were to run, I don't think it is any secret the City Attorney would be placed out for bid again ASAP. A review of Managements credentials and education from the City Manager on down would be up for review. I also would approach the safety of our children in this community a lot differently than it is now being handled. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:58 AM:

" To: Paul wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:09 PM:
When we build a school for example and we already know 40% of the student body is going to have to access that school from a subdivision, then based solely on those numbers and common sense I would put a crosswalk in a convenient location for those children to cross safely and attend school.
I would look into developing the old Fire House into a new location for the senior activities and teen activities as well. You put those two age groups together and even organize joint social events and you might be amazed by what both groups could learn from one another.
I would actively seek out from every state in the union industrial businesses looking to locate to California and I would do my best in my term to fill that industrial park south of Hanford.
I would immediately work with other council memebers to have safeguards put into place that make it illegal for the City Council to give a way any part of the community to anyone without first polling the electorate. This is our community, not the CC's personal monopoly game. "

To Paul wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Are you saying that comments or complaints aren't welcomed by the city??? My first question is are you on city council or hold any office in Hanford???

While we may only be throwing peanuts, they seem to carry the strength of boulders and while I am sure people like you and other members out there would love to go under the radar and not be questioned about anything, well our little gripes and comments only show that we are watching and paying attention.

I on the other hand choose not to live under a rock and if I feel my city council isn't performing up to par then I am sure am going to complain and if it is from the peanut gallery, fine with me but my suggestion to you is heads up cause I have a bag of nuts ready and aimed. "

Paul wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:00 PM:

" To WDG... "I learned along time ago, my most important vote was with my cash." So does that mean you BRIBE elected officials?? I vote with my conscious. I look at a person or an issue and ask myself "what is morally right" NOT what will my cash get me. No wonder you don't want to run for office, someone would probably catch you with your hand in the cookie jar and then where would you be?
Your other reasons for not running sound like Obama's ideas. I'm shaking up this and I'm changing that. Scary. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 7:34 PM:

" To Paul wrote on Aug 12, 2008 8:00 PM:
So change bothers you, but you probably support tearing down all the activities for the kids in town, right?
You probably support the giving away of 5th street to a business capable of paying for it?
What are they gonna give the rest of the bueinesses in town when they bring a class action law suit against the citizens of Hanford for not giving them like treatment?
To: Not so mad in nevada, I made a trip to Las Vegas this weekend and I am happy to report I didn't see a single business flying a foreign flag anywhere I went. The only flag I saw was the Stars and Stripes of the good ol US of A. Why don't I move there some might suggest, I just might do it. Las Vegas the largest tourist attraction in the world and they don't have to support their tourisim by flying foreign flags. What a great tribute to the United States of America, but then Nevada, Arizona and some other states have had it right for years. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:09 PM:

" Paul,
What do you have against utilizing what we have at our disposa? Why does everything coming to town have to be from foreign interests, other cities and states. What happened to local people investing locally. We have allowed so many of these other groups to come here, local people can't afford to compete. They come in to the CC offering special services, special loans and all these other methods they lock the local people out of receiving and participating in and then wonder why people don't invest in local growth.
We should have someone on staff to do the job Paynter is doing, who has a vested interest in the end result. Not the ability to simply move on and do the same down the road for another city when all else fails here in Hanford. Somebody with their own money invested in a longtime successful business who can possible advise others on how to be a success here in our community.
What's next do we tear down the payday loan place healthcare distribution center, Burger King and McDonalds to expand retail and office space downtown? Do we end this retail monster? "

WATCHDOG FRED BITES BACK wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:59 PM:

" Just found this little blurb in reading the responsibiities of the City Manager. You know I don't like to point fingers but this is the clown responsible for the disrepair of the Fire House! Read it and weep Misenhiemer.

J. Public Buildings. It shall be the duty of the city manager to, and he shall, exercise
general supervision over all public buildings, public parks, and all other public property which is
under the control and jurisdiction of the council.

So when crosswalks aren't placed, streets given away and Public Property not repaired, you now know where to point the finger. What say you Misenhiemer is this how you repair existing city property, put it on the chopping block. No wonder he suggested this deal with Paynter. It's less work for him, and he likes not having to work for a living, he's done it for all these many years. He just keeps showing up for a paycheck and the paychecks keep getting bigger.
So is it time for change, no it is long over due. "

Paul wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:12 PM:

" To WDF.. never said I was against change, you did. And if you want to move to Las Vegas go ahead be my guest. Let another city endure your book length responses to any and all subjects. And You say Hanford lives in sin?? GEE.
I just wanted to know WHY with all your IDEAS you haven't run for office. Making a "sizeable cash donation to get the cannons refurbished will get " the City Attorney would be placed out for bid again ASAP. A review of Managements credentials and education from the City Manager on down would be up for review." That would be your platform?? I'm not afraid of change, you are. That's why you are thinking of running to Las Vegas. The SIN city has all these American flags but WDF, IT has a SPANISH name. Not a smart move, you go from a state with a Spanish name to a city with one. "

Carl Spackler wrote on Aug 14, 2008 11:03 AM:

" Fred: You would have hard earned city tax dollars spent taking care of a vacant building that the city has no plans for? What a waste. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:12 PM:

" Paul wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:12 AM:

" To WDF.. never said I was against change, you did. And if you want to move to Las Vegas go ahead be my guest.

I said; "I was thinking about a possible move". I didn't say it was for sure, and besides my blogging would continue just like not so mad in nevada and Scotty Tucker in Switzerland and Alan G. down south. I've never said; I absolutely not might run, just not in the next few elections, I have other committments and things to do. If I held office, I would want that to be my primary interest fulltime. Plust I have to see where and in which direction my health issues are gonna take me. Why run, if I might not live long enough to complete the term of office. Who would I have helped by doing that, kind sir?
There are a lot of people who like some of my suggestions, if you are not one, that's on you Paul. Furthermore, I don't see your name for new candidates as well. You are very opinionated. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:21 PM:

" Paul wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:12 AM:
Let's get the record straight I am not against change. I am against insane change that doesn't contain common sense judgement for making it. ie; building a new plunge and skate park when we just did. How many times must taxpayers pay for the City Council's wild hairs? If the city sells that property they relinquish all rights to it for ever more and it is in the heart of the downtown city area, how ridiculous. Does Paynter want the library next or Superior Dairy? Why do the children have to suffer for poor judgement on the part of adults in charge of this city? I don't know who you are trying to kid, there are expenses involved with the sale of property, it is never all tax free money to reinvest in wild haired City Council schemes. Just so you know this upcoming election has been a crusade for me, and we have more candidates engaged in capturing two seats than we probably have had in the history of the City Council. If Buford and Chin are gone, mission accomplished! "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:27 PM:

" Paul,
It is amazing to me that you can try and belittle my contribution to the restoration of those cannons in front of the Veteran's/Senior Center Building. Once again you fall short on the passion that made those refurbishings possible. You evidently didn't play on them as a child nor had your children play on them. My oldes son climbed on those just like I did when I was a kid. So they had specific sentimental meaning to me and that is why I donated. You quite obviously do not have a vested interest in very much in this community at all.
Quite obviously, you didn't donate or care that they were salvaged. But then I knew that before I even asked the question about you.
You flip flop on issues more than NObama does, so that is not surprising to me.
You are probably setting back with baited breath waiting with your credit card in hand to purchase the first retail item for sale on the plunge property once it is lost forever. The only problem the City Council has and Paynter is I am not the only one against them. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 14, 2008 2:34 PM:

" Paul,
Although Nevada may have a Spanish name they don't promote flying any other flag than that of the United States of America.
Furthermore, Paul if you'd get off the strip in Nevada and stay out of the brothels, you'd find an entire city dedicated as much as any in California to making a quality life for their citizens. There is more job opportunities for my wife, since Las Vegas has eleven hospitals and we have two owned by the same organization. Not to mention hundreds of Doctors Offices throughout the community. Gasoline is almost 35 cents a gallon cheaper there than here. Smog and tags are paid every two years at much less than what we pay. There is no income tax, because the gambling tax pays for everything, from schools to healthcare. An extra $1400.00 per year. So yeah Paul there are a lot of things to consider that would be benificial in a move there. But then it would require moving away from family and friends again. Which is the biggest drawback. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 15, 2008 5:25 AM:

" Paul wrote on Aug 14, 2008 1:12 AM:
I never said Hanford was a sinful city. What I did say is the County Health Department contributes to the sins of many throughout Kings County. With their mobil medical facility, follow it someday to a labor camp and watch as individual after individual is brought up from the fields and treated for syphillilus and many other STD's because they can't be celibate or monogamous in anyway shape or form. All the while passing out flavored condoms/dams to promote oral sex amongst our teenagers and young adults. While abortions are being performed without the knowledge of their parents or their consent. I call that a morally broken community. You'd be better off to take your teenagers to a brothel where the women are checked for STD's regularly. Anymore comments about sin city there Paul. Perhaps you are living in it and didn't even realize because it is all behind your back and perpetrated on your children without your knowledge. I don't understand how anyone can call the killing of a fetus family planning. I advocate women's right to choose, WOMEN! "

Paul wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:27 PM:

" Do you realize how you don't know what you say?? Listen to yourself, " I don't understand how anyone can call the killing of a fetus family planning. I advocate women's right to choose, WOMEN! " How can you SAY that you are for a woman's right to choose and not understand how they can call the killing of a fetus family planning" in the same breath?? And you are full of these. Frankly, by the time you finish writing your chapters, I don't remember how you started.
And are we to feel sorry for you because you have health issues. Gee. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
WDF... you need to admit that YOU ARE AGAINST CHANGE. The world changes everyday, sometimes for the good, sometimes for the bad but it changes. You are stuck somewhere between the 40's and 50's and YOU ARE mad because it's 2008. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:39 PM:

" To Paul wrote on Aug 16, 2008 1:27 AM:
I don't understand how anyone can call the killing of a fetus family planning. I advocate women's right to choose, WOMEN! "

Let me try and put this in a context even you might be able to understand Paul. I am for free choice by women, not abortions for children. Now do you understand what I meant? I don't think any child should be allowed to decide this issue without first consulting her parents. If that makes me stuck in the 40's or 50's then sobeit. I think government has tried to replace parents on such decisions which is the biggest mistake government can make. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 17, 2008 12:04 PM:

" To: Paul wrote on Aug 11, 2008 5:09 PM:

" For as much as WDF complains and whines about everything under the Hanford sun when its out or when its not, then its funny that his name is NOT already listed.

Well Paul first off I don't live in a district that is up for election this time, but next election when my area is included, I'll probably talk my wife into running for a seat on the City Council. She has the youth and common sense that is sorely lacking on the current City Council. She is well educated and a very professional person which is also lacking anywhere in the current Council Meeting Hall. Most are simply promoted beyond their own capacity and following past minutes of the City Council to determine a plan of action. That is why we are dealt 1930's era politics in this town. "

Warden Bob wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:07 PM:

" WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 17, 2008 2:04 PM:

"Most are simply promoted beyond their own capacity and following past minutes of the City Council to determine a plan of action. That is why we are dealt 1930's era politics in this town."

Wow WDF sounds like shades of the famous Frank Cappra movies from the 1940's. Would you pick John Zumwalt or Dick Jacques for the Mr. Potter role in It's a Wonderful Life. They seem to be ones pulling the strings in this town. "

Paul wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:27 PM:

" To WDF... ahhh, come on, I want you to run since you are the one so angry and disappointed with our local, state and federal gov't.You have a bone to pick with just about everyone here except AL.
I've mentioned before that I am happy with the way things run here in Hanford. As long as Superior Dairy is open, the Thursday market is on and the parades run through downtown, I'm ok. "

WATCHDOG FRED BITES BACK wrote on Aug 18, 2008 7:27 AM:

" Warden Bob wrote on Aug 17, 2008 9:07 PM:
Did you realize the City Manager has the power to discharge everyone working for the city except one position? Do you have any idea what position that might be? It is City Attorney, that is the only position he cannot fire. If you doubt me go to the Hanford City Website and look up the duties of the City Manager? It states he cannot discharge/fire the City Attorney. Everyone else is fair game. So you tell me in the power structure of this city, who is really in charge? None other than Bob Dowd. "

WATCHDOG FRED BITES BACK wrote on Aug 18, 2008 7:43 AM:

" It amazes me we take over a little parcel of land from the county and we need to ask the state for $500,000.00 to refurbish the area. Why do we need a new Hanford sign, people have been finding the town by that sign for decades. Furthermore, why not turn that project over to the Jaycee's, Lion's Club, Elk's Lodge a lot of these service clubs would love the chance to take on a project like this one. But the idea never ocurred to our City Council to try something like this, when at the same time the American Legion members were revealing the refurbished cannons for the city and town square of Hanford. A task that was promoted by them and paid for through donations from members of the city of Hanford.
No one in the City Council Chambers thinks outside the box anymore, everything is rifled with grants and extra dollars which come from our very own pockets as taxpayers. The community is becoming more and more aware of the dated City Council and the cost to taxpayers their decisions are mounting up to in just this last year. "

WATCHDOG FRED BITES BACK wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Paul wrote on Aug 18, 2008 12:27 AM:

I've always been told that the one's lacking motivation and unchallenged were the easiest to keep satisfied.

What are you not working at Superior Dairy today Paul? Perhpas BK will hire you, then you can bathe in their double sink and make a video of it. "

WATCHDOG FRED wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:37 AM:

" Paul wrote on Aug 18, 2008 12:27 AM:

Actually I get along quite well with most on here other than a few liberals who have their tongues blocking their eye teeth so they can't see the forest for the trees. Other than that everything is just peachy.

Now what sense would it make if I wasn't fed up with a bunch of City Employees who are on the take and making each other richer at every City Council meeting. That's common sense Paul. "

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