Howard Jarvis group drops Piepho, endorses Houston
March 25, 2008
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayer Association announced that it is endorsing Assemblyman Guy Houston for Contra Costa County Supervisor, District 3. According to a knowledgeable source in Martinez, incumbent Mary Piepho had received the Howard Jarvis endorsement during her first Supervisorial race but her poor performance on the County’s financial problems made another Jarvis endorsement impossible.
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15 Responses to “Howard Jarvis group drops Piepho, endorses Houston”
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Judy Says
I’ve heard a few loudly claiming the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer endorsement in the Dist 3 Supervisor race is a big deal. I beg to differ. . This is just one more example of Sacramento politics being brought down to our county in an effort to undermine good, strong, effective leadership by Supervisor Mary Piepho.
It is no surprise that Kris Hunt of the CC Taxpayer’s is a regular blogger on this site and is very close to both Jon Coupal and Guy Houston. Kris is doing anything and everything to undermine Supervisor Piepho in her own personal vendetta. The HJ endorsement is therefore a political maneuver versus one based on sound policy and what is best for Contra Costa.
An endorsement that does not ask a single question of Supervisor Piepho, including the significant accomplishments Piepho has spearheaded over a brief 3 year period in county government, that uphold the HJ taxpayers philosophy, goals and objectives, is strike number 1. Additionally, an endorsement that is based entirely off of ONE Contra Times article by Ryan Huff, one article, is strike number 2. The third strike is that no typical candidate interview process took place for the candidates to speak personally and directly to the organization to discuss ongoing efforts and actions to repair decades of abuse of county finances. There is actually a strike 4, which is the most obvious question shockingly ignored by HJ, what has Houston done directly in Sacramento to address OPEB, adopt and implement policies that limit government spending and increase the state’s reserves? Nothing. Yet the HJ group claims GH has a better record than Piepho. Again, I beg to differ and know many other local people that agree with me.
The “Good ‘ol Boy’s Club” is alive and well in CCC, and the few that belong want you to believe they know best. Strange, because they’ve been around a lot longer than Piepho, yet the Good ‘ol Boys accomplishments are naught. Piepho’s accomplishments are tangible, practical and effective. She has earned my endorsement, and I actually get to vote!
Judy Judy Judy
Not only did Houston receive highest marks from the the Howard Jarvis organization this year, but he earned same last year, too, so your appeal to Mary’s multi-year record is a day late and $300 Million OPEB dollars short.
It is laughable that you would pin these endorsements on Kris Hunt or an article by Ryan Huff, when the CCTimes has done nothing but grumble at the joint responsibility of the BOS for the OPEB problems, including the current chair, for more than a year now. Why even the Contra Costa Council admits there’s a problem that has not been dealt with effectively in recent years.
Note the trend, Judy. The writing is on the wall. BTW, Houston also earned endorsement of the California Taxpayers, too. You make it sound like there’s some conspiracy or would have people think this dissatisfaction with Piepho’s so-called leadership happened because she didn’t get to fill out the same survey Guy Houston did? Lady, I got a bridge for you!
Sorry to break up your little girls’ club, Judy, but to paint this picture as the mean old men from Sacramento vs. the virtuous, local Mary Piepho is absolutely hilarious.
In four years, Piepho has done absolutely nothing to earn a second term. She has bailed out to play paddy cake with John Gioia instead of representing the best interests of Contra Costa County after “decades of abuse” in part encouraged by Gioia and other liberals more interested in representing the interests of public employees instead of taxpayers.
Amused Reader said it all and in great style. I wish I had written such an erudite piece.
Just how Judy relates the HJTA to Sacramento politics is beyond me. Being a statewide organization with no connection to either the administration or Legislature it is hardly “Sacramento politics” (in the pejorative sense) just because it is headquartered there. This shows a lot of ignorance on Judy’s part.
Gosh, Judy, why are you picking on poor old Kris Hunt? Kris has been effectively taking on the BOS because of it total inability (or unwillingness) to effectively manage the county’s finances and continuing to drive the county faster toward bankruptcy. Piepho was the Chair last year and the Chair is always in the hot seat. So, Judy, you and Mary should remember the words of Harry Truman, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”. So Mary, guess it’s time for you to get out of the BOS kitchen.
Every time someone like Judy mentions the “significant accomplishments Piepho has spearheaded,” and one asks for specifics, the well is dry. I guess we can list among her “spearheaded accomplishments” things like the approval of many egregious new labor contracts, the unwillingness to address the OPEB debt except with “fairy dust,” her willingness to kowtow to John Gioia on all issues, the lack of political will to face up to the unions, etc. With that list, I admit she has achieved a lot, too bad not for the betterment of the county.
I could go on with comments on Judy’s rant, but Amused Reader said it better than me. If there are any vendettas out there to get Mary, she has brought them upon herself.
And Judy, I’m glad you get to vote. Remember the old adage, “Vote early and vote often”. Maybe you can do that and keep Piepho from crashing and burning. But with her abominable track record, even that won’t help.
And, oh yes, I should apologize to Kris Hunt for calling her old. I really didn’t mean that Kris. Mea culpa!
Ken (countywatcher),
You and your posse have become very transparent. Your facts are stale and one sided, especially when you speak negatively of Mary Piepho. The fact remains it is your candidate who is the poster boy funded by the “special interests” that drive you mad.
Maybe that is why you have a reputation as a frustrated individual and people for the most part, have tuned you out. It may be time you consider a new hobby.
~ Editor says…Judy Judy Judy…This sort of name calling is classic “ad hominem” (to the man) and not serious argument (to the issue). You will have to do better and back up your claims with facts or you will lose your toady privileges here.
Judy must be too high in the sky. I have asked before without a legitimate response and here again,
What has Mary Piepho done positive for the taxpayers and communities of her district ?
MY observation is ” Nothing “. That does not mean she is a bad person. She is actually quite nice. However. we do not need nice people spending our hard earned tax dollars. We need movers, shakers, and doers. A person not afraid of the unions, a person that would say no to 1/4 Million dollars of furniture and a new office to lavishly please the newcomer supervisor ( who should also be dropped like a hot potato for doing so ),
a person who would not tolerate a raise of 60% because they serve the public and not thier own selfish interests, a person who truly believes that a public servant is just that and enjoys working in the public sector for love and not money.
Again, how am I benefiting from Mary’s tenure so far ? What has she done to make life better in her District ?
Dear David, woops! I should have said Judy. Nice nom de plume, David.
I guess the Piepho campaign and supporters are now spiraling down into character assassination as an act of desperation. While I am completely disappointed in Mary’s performance as a Supervisor I have never lowered myself, as you have, into calling into question her character.
Mary is a nice lady. She’s just been a failure as a Supervisor. I believe she is an honest person and most likely believes she is right in joining forces with Gioia. But we are all entitled to our opinion on that.
I will say this one more time so maybe you can understand it. I have never spoken negatively about Mary as a person. Yes, I have spoken negatively of her performance as a Supervisor and the facts are on my side.
As to your comment about my candidate, I would support anyone who has a chance to bring better management skills to the BOS, especially financial skills and experience. Houston was the only one who tossed his hat into the ring so I guess I have to support him.
One more question for you, David, why do the top elected financial officials of the county support Mary’s opponent? Even for you the answer should be obvious.
Countywatcher (Ken)
Disco Man appears to be right on track. As does Countywatcher (Ken). Though I have seen Mary personally be rude to and disregard constituents, the main issue at question is does she have the abilities to lead the County. I along with many say no. Her lack of management skills, education and experience has shown throughout her term. This County is worse off than when she came into office. Remember she was not going to money or gifts from the Developers. The Supervisor and her husband have consistently complained to the Sheriff about the coverage in Discovery Bay particulary on the 4th of July. I find it very ironic that while the Sheriff was putting xtra deputies all over Discovery Bay last 4th of July protecting the Piepho’s property our Supervisor and her family was on top of Bishop Ranch garage attending the lavish party thrown by Sunset Developers. Disco Man is correct, I cannot recall anything our Supervisor has done or accomplilshed to make her/our District better. Example: The Town of Knightsen has been asking for years for help from our Supervisor just to get the sidewalks repaired so someone does not get injured. However her priority is getting 25 mph painted on all the streets in her own community, Discovery Bay. That tells you where her priorities are. It’s nice to have stuff painted on our streets, however protecting the citizen from harm is the priority Mary. Houston will be a refreshing leadership with priorities in the proper prospective.
How arrogant can Guy Houston’s people be to assume that the only person in the entire district to disagree with him would be his opponent’s husband.
DB Woman, Houston’s 460 reads like a who’s who of Developer’s and special interests including banks, credit card companies and Indian Gaming. Which part of that is the “priorities in the proper prospective”? Lets not forget the Maui jetski expense item. Somebody’s gotta foot that bill!
If you need some visuals of his handiwork, just drive 580 through Dublin and look to the North. See all that nice urban sprawl? How many folks in DB signing up for that?
I see lots of yelling fire in a crowded theater over postmark dates, but no compare and contrast of campaign contributors in the 460s of Houston and Piepho. How much money has Houston raised locally for his campaign(I’m speaking DB area)?
Does 1 Sheriff’s Deputy per 10k residents seem like adequate police services coverage to you? Are you aware that Disco Bay contributed in excess of $468k last year alone for “enhanced police services” via P District monies. That is over and above regular tax monies. Do you see any evidence of that money coming back to the community in the form of additional Deputies?
I have no idea where you’re going with who celebrates where on the 4th of July. More Deputies to protect their property?? Knowing the history of tension between Rupf and the Piephos, does a rational thinking adult really come to those kinds of conclusions?
Piepho has made the tough, but unpopular decisions that have brought County spending inline with revenues. It’s a first step toward addressing the OPEB issue. It didn’t get this bad overnight and the solution won’t come overnight either. So why are the top finance guys backing Houston? Because Piepho is holding their feet to the fire and I don’t think they are too comfortable with the fact.
If you haven’t read a paper lately, there’s a revenue problem because the economy is in the tank. That loss of monies will hit County departments across the board and the sooner people start being honest about the factors in play here, the sooner we can get on the road to real long term solutions.
For those who can’t “find” any accomplishments during her tenure, have you bothered to visit her website? Pretty substantial amount of information with a simple look-see. You could also watch the re-airing of the debate she had with Houston on the community channel Apr. 2 at 8pm. This is the debate which Lisa Vorderbrueggen moderated. I believe BGR has the details here: http://halfwaytoconcord.com/?p=1323
Hi D B West View, very interesting comments. What you are saying is a good leader and supervisor would
#1) Let’s give ourselves a 60% raise
#2) Lease from the private sector a new office and furnish it with 1/4 Mil $ of furniture ( when an existing county owned office is already set up )
#3) Say we fixed and take credit for VASCO Road when actually the previous regime put the current improvements in place.
#4) Do not build on hills like Dublin ( where nothing grows ) and build out our prime farm land like Brentwood ( so we can import our food from foriegn countries)
#5) Place A BART Station in the AG CORE so Discovery Bay Residents can commute to it ( as proposed by MP ) yet not mix commercial and residential ( like Dublin ) to save fossil fuel consumption, reduce traffic and commute time ( like Dublin ).
#6) Put a few million payment against a 2.6 Billion Debt ( like bankrupt credit card users)
#7) Blame the Sheriff for less service yet cut his budget 5 plus million $.
#8) and so on…………..
If these are great ideas and accomplishments, what school of idiocy did you attend ?
Let’s counter for Jeff:
1) 51% was recommended by the Grand Jury and the current rates are still inline with comparable Counties. I realize some folks here suggest Supervisors should work for the pure enjoyment of being belittled by folks like you, but in the real world a salary is appropriate
and so onto another red herring issue??
2) Haven’t looked at it to comment, but wouldn’t be so foolish as to blindly accept your interpretation.
3) Check your facts again. Mille Greenberg gets credit for a very small portion while Mary Piepho has expanded the effort exponentially.
4) We’re not living in Dublin now are we? There is a finite amount of space available within the urban limit line for any POTENTIAL new housing projects in DB. In the winter we import fresh fruits and vegetables from places like Mexico and South America. It’s called reality. Deal with it.
5) Where are you suggesting we mix commercial and residential within DB to any significant commuter offsetting level? And coming from someone who would be fine with ripping out the existing Safeway shopping center and going back to an even more rural situation, that’s contradictory.
6) You first have to stop spending more than revenues allow. That has been done as has some progress toward the unfunded liability. Unless you’ve got a really full mattress you’re willing to donate to the issue, where do you suggest they get those funds? BTW, County reserves have increased from ~$40m to over $100M in about 2 years during Piepho’s tenure which doesn’t support your innuendo.
7) You keep harping on last year and blame the BoS. Here’s a reality check for you, the largest threat to the Sheriff’s overall budget is and will likely remain for the foreseeable future the ugly budget situation in Sacramento. The State is almost certainly going to withhold funds which he is counting on(who’s asking Houston what he intends to do about that?). Only the poorly informed will claim it’s all at the Supervisors feet and this fear mongering over police services in the other thread is just shameful. Still waiting for that excuse list for why we didn’t get increased services for the previous 19 years when the Sheriff’s budget was ever increasing. But that wouldn’t support your speech, would it?
Attended a school where they taught common sense, simple courtesy and respect. I’m guessing we weren’t classmates.
This is for ugly Judy and the DB West View Point who wanted to see examples of Mary’s lack of education in her writing. Read the most recent quote from our “lack of education” Supervisor. ” Now, the state is throwing us a curb ball with their $16 billion deficit both in last year’s budget and the upcoming 2008-2009 budget, and looking at local government to carry the weight.” DAH! If she didn’t overdraft her account so much, she would have a lot less “balls to curb”. I am sure ugly Judy and DB View will find the perfect excuse to attempt to cover up her lack of knowledge of the English language and blame it on someone else. And for “curbing” the County’s spending ball , it took her years to figure out the County was out of money? Spending more than they were taking in? There’s some real school of “common sense”, she must of cut that day. Our under achiever keeps giving out over the top raises and benefits she still doesn’t have and will not have available in the future. She still gets an “F” in common sense and being our Supervisor.
Bob (DB West), If you were referring to me in your post #11, sorry to disappoint but I always opine under my own name. If I have something to say I do not hide behind a screen name.
Since I have taken this opportunity to sign on how can I not make a comment. I believe the BoS and specifically MP, continue to be negligent with the tax payers money by not taking significant action to reign in retiree health care costs. I recently read a commentary that suggested $30M+ in annual savings could be achieved without really taking anything away. Why has this not been done?
I also read that MP was patting herself on the back for a new LAW having to do with west county schools and business buying east county produce. What is our highly paid supervisor doing holding the schools and the farmers hands. Let them figure out how to buy and sell local produce by themselves or through their own trade groups. How much staff time was used for this? I wonder how many fat labor deals slipped through while this was going on. Just what we need…another law, more government, more big brother. I know Goia is a socialist but I thought Piepho claimed not to be. Sure this county grows good stuff and sure the less privileged should eat better but I for one believe the County Supervisors (and their large staff) have far better things to do with their well paid time.
Well said Jeff,
I am the hider behind the screen name but I do agree with Jeffs comments. Time should be spent finding excess fat in the county not peddling tomatoes and making nonsense new laws. Hopfully the next several months will put the pressure on results or we might see some new faces in Martinez.
Halfway to Concord from Historical Byron puts me in the middle of far East Contra Costa County District 3. A County Rich in History and core business opportunities for all. Let us not forget that this county is one of the Richest and largest in California. We should also realize that our Gross National Product from our County is Agriculture along with tax dollars that follow. I’m making this comment because of the last posting, the remark about peddling tomatoes. I was taken back and offended. The next time any of you go to the grocery store for produce think about that comment and and where did it come from.
As for Supervisor Mary Piepho and the negative comments I’ve read on this site you may want to visit info@marynejedlypiepho.com for the real truth as documented and recorded as facts.
As a farmer she was able to reduce the road fee taxes from 70K dollars to $2,900 on Wine Grape & Olive Growes in our county who plan on building new Wineries and Olive Mills. This alone means new jobs for our county.
As for protecting the greater Brentwood Farm Lands and expansion from developers Supervisor Piepho has been instrumental in working with B.A.L.T (Brentwood Agriculture Land Trust) to keep that from happing and to a minimum.