Showing posts with label Candidate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Candidate. Show all posts
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Fox 11 News - John Schwada Nails Weiss in Lie
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
In case you don't have time to read the detailed report into Jack Weiss's fundraiser hosted by a convicted felon (see below), here's Fox 11's investigative report by John Schwada.
The really enjoyable part is at the begining where Weiss tries to lie his way out of the entire interview by saying "It's the first I've heard about it."
The look on Weiss's face tells the whole story; Weiss is caught red handed and doesn't know where to go. You also get to see the really nasty side of this arrogant failed politician.
It's not hard to understand why Weiss is so roundly hated and despised by everyone who knows him.
In case you don't have time to read the detailed report into Jack Weiss's fundraiser hosted by a convicted felon (see below), here's Fox 11's investigative report by John Schwada.
The really enjoyable part is at the begining where Weiss tries to lie his way out of the entire interview by saying "It's the first I've heard about it."
The look on Weiss's face tells the whole story; Weiss is caught red handed and doesn't know where to go. You also get to see the really nasty side of this arrogant failed politician.
It's not hard to understand why Weiss is so roundly hated and despised by everyone who knows him.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Voters Call Jack Weiss on Missing 33% of Council Meetings and 1500 Votes
Many thanks to the Mayor Sam Blog for reporting the following:
Jack Weiss' poor attendance at Council Meetings was reported months ago by Zuma Dogg. But now it's gathering steam as a respected group of his constituents call him on the carpet.
The La Brea Willoughby Coalition has filed a Public Records Act request with Councilmember Jack Weiss’ office after learning that he has missed over one third of all Council meetings and 1,500 votes. The document requests immediate access to inspect Weiss’ calendar, correspondences and all other documents that may explain his whereabouts during those important votes.
Leader of the La Brea Willoughby Coalition, Lucille Saunders, states, “I am deeply disturbed to learn that you have neglected your role as a Councilmember in keeping our community safe by missing nearly one third of your council meetings and skipping 1,500 votes…[and] you have canceled an astonishing total of 43 Public Safety Committee hearings.”
Saunders, questions Weiss’ commitment to public safety by asking, “What possibly could you be doing that is more important than the public safety of the citizens of Los Angeles?”
Jack Weiss was nearly recalled last year when over twenty thousand residents of his district signed a petition and complained that his neglect of his duties and his support for developers had led to traffic and overcrowding. Weiss received hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from lobbyists and developers — and then voted for their projects. Weiss was fined by the Los Angeles Ethics Commission for past campaigns and has refused to return illegal, laundered campaign contributions from a major developer.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Watching The Last 46,000 Ballots
My day began with a welcome email from Walter Moore. The election isn't over, well not completely, and as Walter's missive reminded me, 46,000 provisional ballots remain to be counted. 
The City Clerk's Election division is also willing to allow members of the public to observe and so, at Walter's suggestion, I went back to where it all started, 555 Ramirez Street in Downtown Los Angeles.
I was met by Lucy, one of the many helpful workers at the Clerk's Office. My first question was "What is a provisional ballot?" Lucy was kind enough to explain (if only the DMV were so helpful) that these are basically
1) postal (absentee) ballots that were handed in at polling stations,
2) ballots that were cast by persons whose name could not be found at the polling station, or
3) ballots cast by persons who should have voted by mail, but turned up polling stations and claimed not to have cast a postal ballot, and
4) ballots that are damaged or unclear.
There are probably more reasons why a ballot might be considered "provisional" but you get the idea.
The first step, Lucy explained, is to check that the signature on the ballot matches a signature of a registered voter. Below is where that process takes place.
And they really check! Here you can see one of the election workers actually looking up a ballot and comparing the signature in their database to the signature on the ballot.
Once the signature match test is passed, the ballots go to this big room where further examination is carried out:
There's even a section where damaged ballots are repaired so that they can be counted:
Then the hard task of trying to discover the voters' intent begins for those postal ballots where, for example, the dot's in the wrong place - perhaps between two candidates, but more over one than the other. Or, a dot for one candidate has been 'x'ed out and another dot placed for another candidate.
It's a painstaking process,
requiring a skilled eye to make determination.
Postal ballots that were mailed after the deadline, but which arrived postmarked before the day of the election are considered "provisional" and will be counted too, as long as everyone is satisfied that the postal voter has not also cast a ballot at a polling station.
Finally, when all the provisional ballots that have passed all the tests are ready to be counted, they will be taken to this sealed room where a number of counting machines will tally-up the final vote.
I left the City Clerk's Election Division full of praise and admiration for the hard work that all the workers put in to ensure fairness in the count. I am satisfied that when the final count is known, it will be a fair and accurate count. Now I also know why it is that we will not know the final count until March 24, as you can see it is fair from a simple process.
Buy the way, I asked if the May 19 run-off election will be counted here and it seems that the County of Los Angeles will actually count those votes as the run-off coincides with a statewide special election.
So there you have it, democracy in action.
The City Clerk's Election division is also willing to allow members of the public to observe and so, at Walter's suggestion, I went back to where it all started, 555 Ramirez Street in Downtown Los Angeles.
I was met by Lucy, one of the many helpful workers at the Clerk's Office. My first question was "What is a provisional ballot?" Lucy was kind enough to explain (if only the DMV were so helpful) that these are basically
1) postal (absentee) ballots that were handed in at polling stations,
2) ballots that were cast by persons whose name could not be found at the polling station, or
3) ballots cast by persons who should have voted by mail, but turned up polling stations and claimed not to have cast a postal ballot, and
4) ballots that are damaged or unclear.
There are probably more reasons why a ballot might be considered "provisional" but you get the idea.
The first step, Lucy explained, is to check that the signature on the ballot matches a signature of a registered voter. Below is where that process takes place.
And they really check! Here you can see one of the election workers actually looking up a ballot and comparing the signature in their database to the signature on the ballot.
Once the signature match test is passed, the ballots go to this big room where further examination is carried out:
There's even a section where damaged ballots are repaired so that they can be counted:
Then the hard task of trying to discover the voters' intent begins for those postal ballots where, for example, the dot's in the wrong place - perhaps between two candidates, but more over one than the other. Or, a dot for one candidate has been 'x'ed out and another dot placed for another candidate.
It's a painstaking process,
requiring a skilled eye to make determination.
Postal ballots that were mailed after the deadline, but which arrived postmarked before the day of the election are considered "provisional" and will be counted too, as long as everyone is satisfied that the postal voter has not also cast a ballot at a polling station.
Finally, when all the provisional ballots that have passed all the tests are ready to be counted, they will be taken to this sealed room where a number of counting machines will tally-up the final vote.
I left the City Clerk's Election Division full of praise and admiration for the hard work that all the workers put in to ensure fairness in the count. I am satisfied that when the final count is known, it will be a fair and accurate count. Now I also know why it is that we will not know the final count until March 24, as you can see it is fair from a simple process.
Buy the way, I asked if the May 19 run-off election will be counted here and it seems that the County of Los Angeles will actually count those votes as the run-off coincides with a statewide special election.
So there you have it, democracy in action.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Election Results - A Champion Comes Forward
It's a long story, but the bottom line is that I scored a major victory last night; Jack Weiss failed to cruise to outright victory and now must face Carmen "Nuch" Trutanich in the May '09 election.
Realistically, the best I could hope for was that my candidacy would do more to make voters aware of the danger Jack Weiss presents to democracy than it would do for me.
This election was never "all about me," it was about my life's mission; public service, and I feel I have done the people of Los Angeles a service in making them aware of the need to demand leadership, experience and integrity from City Hall. 31,556 voters agreed with me. Not enough for an outright win, not enough for a run-off, but a very respectable 4th place and more than enough to make Jack Weiss rue the day I threw my hat into the ring.
In the couple of months I've had on the campaign trail, I've gotten to know my fellow candidates really well. No other candidate impressed me as much as Nuch. Frankly, my worst nightmare would have been a run-off with him, as there's nothing about him that I don't like! He is a man of honor, principal and achievement. In the past he did the same job as I currently do; he was an accomplished Deputy District Attorney who founded our Environmental Crimes Division before embarking on a successful and honorable career in private practice.
So it's no surprise that I'm throwing my support behind Nuch and hope you will do the same.
Keep checking back and I'll be posting news here on how we can help to make Los Angeles a better place by electing a true champion of our values.
Realistically, the best I could hope for was that my candidacy would do more to make voters aware of the danger Jack Weiss presents to democracy than it would do for me.
This election was never "all about me," it was about my life's mission; public service, and I feel I have done the people of Los Angeles a service in making them aware of the need to demand leadership, experience and integrity from City Hall. 31,556 voters agreed with me. Not enough for an outright win, not enough for a run-off, but a very respectable 4th place and more than enough to make Jack Weiss rue the day I threw my hat into the ring.
In the couple of months I've had on the campaign trail, I've gotten to know my fellow candidates really well. No other candidate impressed me as much as Nuch. Frankly, my worst nightmare would have been a run-off with him, as there's nothing about him that I don't like! He is a man of honor, principal and achievement. In the past he did the same job as I currently do; he was an accomplished Deputy District Attorney who founded our Environmental Crimes Division before embarking on a successful and honorable career in private practice.
So it's no surprise that I'm throwing my support behind Nuch and hope you will do the same.
Keep checking back and I'll be posting news here on how we can help to make Los Angeles a better place by electing a true champion of our values.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Election Results - Live as they come in
KABC 790AM will be covering the election.
The City Clerk's Office website will have results updated every 20 minutes starting at 8PM
Here's the link
http://cityclerk.lacity.org/election/
The City Clerk's Office website will have results updated every 20 minutes starting at 8PM
Here's the link
http://cityclerk.lacity.org/election/
The Final Forum
The night before Election Day, KABC hosted a "Pitch Forks & Torches" Tour at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel at LAX.
The room was packed to capacity with motivated voters who gave me an uproarious reception!
My thanks go to KABC's Doug McIntyre and John Phillips for providing all the candidates with a final opportunity to "Pitch" their campaigns to the electorate. It was an important public service and a tremendous boost to all the candidates.
Thanks also to Nigel Skeet from The California Leader for following my campaign and providing me with splendid pictures that really tell the whole story.
The room was packed to capacity with motivated voters who gave me an uproarious reception!
My thanks go to KABC's Doug McIntyre and John Phillips for providing all the candidates with a final opportunity to "Pitch" their campaigns to the electorate. It was an important public service and a tremendous boost to all the candidates.
Thanks also to Nigel Skeet from The California Leader for following my campaign and providing me with splendid pictures that really tell the whole story.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Berger Leads NBC Poll
NBC's News RAW is holding a "Quick Poll" for the City Attorney race.
As of Thursday, I was in second place:
Today, Friday, I'm leading the polls:
If you haven't already taken part in the poll, please use this link to go to the New RAW website. When you see the "Quick Poll" box about halfway down the page, click on my name and you've voted!
I don't know how long the poll will stay open, so be quick!
Here's the link to the poll:
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/City_Elections.html
As of Thursday, I was in second place:
Today, Friday, I'm leading the polls:
If you haven't already taken part in the poll, please use this link to go to the New RAW website. When you see the "Quick Poll" box about halfway down the page, click on my name and you've voted!
I don't know how long the poll will stay open, so be quick!
Here's the link to the poll:
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/City_Elections.html
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
David Berger on NBC News RAW
NBC News RAW let me talk about my campaign for Los Angeles City Attorney
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Campaigning Appeals to Kids
Nina and Emily had a great idea to help my campaign. Watch the video:
Thankfully my good friend Ardy had a video enabled cellphone handy to capture the moment!
Thankfully my good friend Ardy had a video enabled cellphone handy to capture the moment!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
News from the Campaign Trail
Tuesday, Westchester Neighborgood Council
With two weeks to go to Election day, I'm busy attending as many public meetings as possible. Often these meetings go on late into the night, but a couple of things impress me; Ordinary people care enough to come out and see the candidates, and my message - that they can kick out the career politicians and elect real people to do the job, is resonating.
You can see all the places I will be visiting on my website. Hope to see you there!
With two weeks to go to Election day, I'm busy attending as many public meetings as possible. Often these meetings go on late into the night, but a couple of things impress me; Ordinary people care enough to come out and see the candidates, and my message - that they can kick out the career politicians and elect real people to do the job, is resonating.
You can see all the places I will be visiting on my website. Hope to see you there!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Hit The Road Jack!
It's been a busy week on the campaign trail, more details to follow, but the highlight of the week was Friday's interview by Doug McIntyre on KABC 790AM.
'See' the interview here:
Please share this with everyone you know!
'See' the interview here:
Please share this with everyone you know!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Tune In To AirTalk on KPCC 89.3FM on Tuesday Feb 10
All City Attorney Candidates have been invited to Tuesday's live on-air Candidates Forum on AirTalk which 'airs' on daily NPR's KPCC from 10:00am to 12:00noon 
If you cannot tune in live, you can listen to a podcast later in the day from their website. Will Jack Weiss show up? Will he answer hard questions? Tune in and find out!
If you cannot tune in live, you can listen to a podcast later in the day from their website. Will Jack Weiss show up? Will he answer hard questions? Tune in and find out!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
TWTWTW - That Was The Week That Was!
It's been a busy week with Neighborhood Councils throughout the City of Los Angeles hosting Forums and Meet the Candidates events.
I have been blown away by the warm and friendly reception at every event, without exception or reservation. Here are some of my observations and comments. First and foremost, however, I must extend a sincere "Thank You" to all the residents who gave up two or three hours of their time to find out about their choices in the March election. Second, to the officers of the Neighborhood Councils who hosted the events, I truly appreciate your efforts in hosting these important opportunities for voters to be better informed, and for making all of the candidates feel welcome.
Monday, February 2, 2009
North Hills West Neighborhood Council City Attorney Forum
All candidates gave the audience some spirited answers to tricky questions. When I say "all candidates" I have to exclude Jack Weiss, as he could not be bothered to attend. He's either too important for 'ordinary voters,' or he's scared of being confronted by me over his dismal record as Councilmember for CD5, and his unethical conduct in failing to repay tax-payers for the matching funds he received by using illegal money-laundered campaign contributions. The Forum was expertly conducted by David Hyman, the North Hills West Neighborhood Council Outreach Chair, who graciously allowed all candidates to be heard, and all questions to be answered.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Harbor Gateway Neighborhood Council Candidates Forum
Again, Jack Weiss was a no-show. The cowardice and spinelessness of the man who claims to be some sort of super crime-fighter is palpable, and so I used a photo of the tight-lipped disgraced soon-to-be former councilmember to the delight of the audience. Gang crime, graffiti and overcrowded rental housing seemed to top the list of concerns in this neighborhood, all of which are matters I would be delighted to tackle as City Attorney.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council - City Attorney Forum
Guess what? Jack Weiss was a no-show again! Jack's speechless photo again entertained the audience as I questioned the self-professed super crime-fighter's arrogance, distain and utter contempt for homeowners. On a personal note, I truly appreciated the delicious food and coffee provided by Vicky as I didn't have time to eat as I battled the rush hour traffic to get to Chatsworth on time. I also appreciated some pointed questioning from Dan, who should seriously consider a career in politics - I'd vote for him in a heartbeat! I also appreciated the way that Judy Daniels conducted the meeting and moved things along with her inimitable style and sharp wit.
Even though the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council officers were kind enough to let the candidates speak before they conducted their important regular business, all candidates stayed to learn a little about the issues that concern this friendly equestrian community.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
South Robertson & Palms Neighborhood Council
This was a forum for Councilmember candidates seeking to win the seat Jack Weiss is leaving in disgrace. The meeting room at Hamilton High School was packed with standing room only. Of course it now goes without saying that Jack Weiss was not in attendance. While the audience struggled to decide which councilmember candidate they dare to trust to be their voice against over-development and billboard blight, every member of the audience that I spoke to were decided on one thing - they do not want Jack Weiss to be City Attorney. Music to my ears, as almost all the people I spoke to were interested and intrigued by my candidacy.
I have been blown away by the warm and friendly reception at every event, without exception or reservation. Here are some of my observations and comments. First and foremost, however, I must extend a sincere "Thank You" to all the residents who gave up two or three hours of their time to find out about their choices in the March election. Second, to the officers of the Neighborhood Councils who hosted the events, I truly appreciate your efforts in hosting these important opportunities for voters to be better informed, and for making all of the candidates feel welcome.
Monday, February 2, 2009
North Hills West Neighborhood Council City Attorney Forum
All candidates gave the audience some spirited answers to tricky questions. When I say "all candidates" I have to exclude Jack Weiss, as he could not be bothered to attend. He's either too important for 'ordinary voters,' or he's scared of being confronted by me over his dismal record as Councilmember for CD5, and his unethical conduct in failing to repay tax-payers for the matching funds he received by using illegal money-laundered campaign contributions. The Forum was expertly conducted by David Hyman, the North Hills West Neighborhood Council Outreach Chair, who graciously allowed all candidates to be heard, and all questions to be answered.Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Harbor Gateway Neighborhood Council Candidates Forum
Again, Jack Weiss was a no-show. The cowardice and spinelessness of the man who claims to be some sort of super crime-fighter is palpable, and so I used a photo of the tight-lipped disgraced soon-to-be former councilmember to the delight of the audience. Gang crime, graffiti and overcrowded rental housing seemed to top the list of concerns in this neighborhood, all of which are matters I would be delighted to tackle as City Attorney.Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Chatsworth Neighborhood Council - City Attorney Forum
Guess what? Jack Weiss was a no-show again! Jack's speechless photo again entertained the audience as I questioned the self-professed super crime-fighter's arrogance, distain and utter contempt for homeowners. On a personal note, I truly appreciated the delicious food and coffee provided by Vicky as I didn't have time to eat as I battled the rush hour traffic to get to Chatsworth on time. I also appreciated some pointed questioning from Dan, who should seriously consider a career in politics - I'd vote for him in a heartbeat! I also appreciated the way that Judy Daniels conducted the meeting and moved things along with her inimitable style and sharp wit.Even though the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council officers were kind enough to let the candidates speak before they conducted their important regular business, all candidates stayed to learn a little about the issues that concern this friendly equestrian community.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
South Robertson & Palms Neighborhood Council
This was a forum for Councilmember candidates seeking to win the seat Jack Weiss is leaving in disgrace. The meeting room at Hamilton High School was packed with standing room only. Of course it now goes without saying that Jack Weiss was not in attendance. While the audience struggled to decide which councilmember candidate they dare to trust to be their voice against over-development and billboard blight, every member of the audience that I spoke to were decided on one thing - they do not want Jack Weiss to be City Attorney. Music to my ears, as almost all the people I spoke to were interested and intrigued by my candidacy.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happy New Year!
To all my supporters in the Chinese community, I too welcome the Year of the Ox
People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. I think I will need all those qualities for this campaign!
People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. I think I will need all those qualities for this campaign!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Had Enough of Weiss? See What A Real City Attorney Should Be
If you've just finished watching KNBC's Emmy-winning investigative report on Jack Weiss, and feel as disgusted as I do, then take a look at what I can do for Los Angeles. This is my interview on "The Legal File."
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday's Yard Signs
Yard signs are going faster than I can get them!
Perhaps it's got something to do with the campaign logo - some think it reminds them of a recent campaign....
I've asked people to send me digital photos of the "planted" signs, and here are a few of the ones I've received;
If you would like a campaign Yard Sign, please go to my website and send me an email. I'll find a way to get one to you.
Perhaps it's got something to do with the campaign logo - some think it reminds them of a recent campaign....I've asked people to send me digital photos of the "planted" signs, and here are a few of the ones I've received;
If you would like a campaign Yard Sign, please go to my website and send me an email. I'll find a way to get one to you.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Yard Signs Roll Out!
Coming soon to a neigborhood near you:
The striking Nigel Skeet inspired Yard Sign is an eye catcher.
Go to my website, click "Contact" and send me an email and I'll figure out how to get a yard sign to you.
The striking Nigel Skeet inspired Yard Sign is an eye catcher.
Go to my website, click "Contact" and send me an email and I'll figure out how to get a yard sign to you.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
"Pay to Play" & The Press
Both of Los Angeles' leading print newspapers the LA Times and The Daily News published stories on the upcoming municipal election. Both seem completely intoxicated with fundraising. Only those candidates who had raised the most money got a mention, leaving their readers completely uninformed as to the very existence of other candidates.
Is this really the state of news reporting in Los Angeles? Haven't we seen enough of the evils of the "Mega Bucks" attitude that has led to our current economic woes? It's a very worrying message isn't it? Raise the most money and the press will roll over and love you for it without even questioning the source of the money.
Jack Weiss is the hero of the Los Angeles press, it seems, with a special interest warchest of $1.2M. The LA Times article at least mentioned that his campaign manager is non other than disgraced Mayor Villaraigosa, and at least mentioned two other candidates who have raised significant campaign funds. The Daily News article was strange. The Daily News has historically been less behooved to Mayor Villaraigosa and the special interests that fuel his campaign. Yet the Daily News failed to mention the names of any other City Attorney candidate whatsoever.
Worse still is that neither the Times nor the News conducted any analysis whatsoever as to of the source of Weiss's warchest. So here it is:
Yes. The ugly truth is that over $1M of Jack Weiss' money comes from developers, developers' lawyers, and their associated special interests. These figures are based on the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission's figures.
We all know that print media is facing extremely hard times, with newspapers losing money faster than a Bernie Madoff investor.
Could it be that editors overrode their reporters copy? After all, with Mayor Villaraigosa and Jack Weiss poised to spend their combined warchest of almost $4M on advertising, perhaps the Times and the Daily News editors want to make sure they don't upset their political "bailout packages" by printing anything negative about the Mayor and Weiss?
Just a thought.
Is this really the state of news reporting in Los Angeles? Haven't we seen enough of the evils of the "Mega Bucks" attitude that has led to our current economic woes? It's a very worrying message isn't it? Raise the most money and the press will roll over and love you for it without even questioning the source of the money.
Jack Weiss is the hero of the Los Angeles press, it seems, with a special interest warchest of $1.2M. The LA Times article at least mentioned that his campaign manager is non other than disgraced Mayor Villaraigosa, and at least mentioned two other candidates who have raised significant campaign funds. The Daily News article was strange. The Daily News has historically been less behooved to Mayor Villaraigosa and the special interests that fuel his campaign. Yet the Daily News failed to mention the names of any other City Attorney candidate whatsoever.
Worse still is that neither the Times nor the News conducted any analysis whatsoever as to of the source of Weiss's warchest. So here it is:
Yes. The ugly truth is that over $1M of Jack Weiss' money comes from developers, developers' lawyers, and their associated special interests. These figures are based on the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission's figures.
We all know that print media is facing extremely hard times, with newspapers losing money faster than a Bernie Madoff investor.
Could it be that editors overrode their reporters copy? After all, with Mayor Villaraigosa and Jack Weiss poised to spend their combined warchest of almost $4M on advertising, perhaps the Times and the Daily News editors want to make sure they don't upset their political "bailout packages" by printing anything negative about the Mayor and Weiss?
Just a thought.
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