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Jimmy Hennessy's Blog

Jimmy Hennessy's thoughts and ruminations on LB government and politics. Flag as Inappropriate

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That's interesting May 22, 2013 at 09:03 pm
I have to say thank you to Jimmy, cause at least someone is trying to keep an eye on this. Say whatRead More you will but this type of analysis and detective work is time consuming and thankless. Voter Apathy will be the downfall of our once great society.
Al May 22, 2013 at 07:41 pm
Mr. Hennessy I am glad to answer your questions but first I think it is important to address what aRead More budget surplus actually is, as I do not think you are aware. A budget surplus is the amount by which a government's, company's, or individual's income exceeds its spending over a particular period of time. So, if you were spending money from the reserve ( again, a reserve is NOT a surplus just FYI) to pay the difference from what was budgeted to what things actually cost there is no surplus. That is called a budget deficit. Moving on to your questions. 1. Do I think that this administration would use surplus funds to offset a tax increase? Yes, I do. 2.Are you saying that the government should hold on to taxpayer and rather increase taxes on people while they hold millions in taxpayer money? I don't know that I fully understand this question because the wording doesn't make sense but if you are asking me if I think there should be a govt surplus and a tax increase at the same time, my answer is no. Now I have a question for you, please answer. What is the difference between capital reserve and reserve capital and how could knowledge of said difference have been useful while you were City Council President?
Jessica May 22, 2013 at 04:26 pm
After the democrats lied to us they did say the sky was Falling the city was in a fiscal crisis theyRead More all got nice raises beginning in July 2013. The unqualified administration has no clue what's going on. They think they can talk circles around everyone with their fancy power point presentation means nothing look at the financial statement it's not what Schnirman is showing us, his numbers aren't even in the financial statement. City comptroller has no accounting experience what do we expect..
Will each member of the Police Benevolent Association really get a $50,000-$70,000 retro-active taxpayer-funded paycheck???
Wobbly Jones May 21, 2013 at 11:32 pm
Jessica: You could have been a cop if you bothered to take the test. If you are too dumb to showRead More up for a 200,000 dollar job then you are REALLY dumb.
Publius May 21, 2013 at 09:05 am
Just seeing this article. Glad you are addressing this critical issue. Will you be at City CouncilRead More meeting pressing the Council on this?
Jessica May 20, 2013 at 09:25 pm
Can I be a cop? No college and $200,000 salary who has it better?
Right to Left: Warren Vegh, Jack Schnirman, unknown, Len Torres, unknown, Fran Adelson, and Mike Tangney
Longbeacher May 20, 2013 at 08:48 am
paul u are such a d..k ,why do u care so much about spelling ?,point is are streets are moreRead More dangerous ,and we will be backed up to LB road ,u must be a over paid ex -teacher
paul.d.spellman May 19, 2013 at 03:42 pm
Apparently those that were speeding down Olive and Walnut were aware of the change, thank you forRead More pointing it out to the rest of us. PS - http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/threw-through-thru.aspx
Longbeacher May 19, 2013 at 01:47 pm
I KNOW THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH POST but does anyone relieze they changed the timing of theRead More traffic lights on park . NOW WE HAVE CARS SPEEDING DOWN EAST OLVE ST AND WALNUT .cars are backed up ..wait till summer grid lock ,now our side street s will become more dangerous ANOTHER BONEHEAD MOVE BY THE CITY ,NOT THOUGHT THREW
Goggin is throwing taxpayer money out the window to fund her political career
Jimmy Hennessy May 13, 2013 at 03:44 pm
Mr. Spellman, for what its worth, you have my word. But more than that, if the team I supportRead More breaks its promise to bring real reform to LB City Hall & Government, I will be one of the first to criticize them or anyone in office who continues the practice.
Publius May 13, 2013 at 12:54 pm
Mailers from City Council, if they need to be sent at all, should be from The Council and have aRead More stock photo of the entire council or no photo. Whether it is this postcard mailer or the glossy about the City's great financial condition put out by the prior admin right before 2 elections' back, it is blatant politicking and we cannot afford it. Legislate the rule and let's move on.
Sea Bee May 13, 2013 at 10:17 am
Eddie hit the nail on the head. I left this out of my initial post because I didn't want to addRead More speculation to the posted facts (see Hommel firing posts) You don't need a crystal ball to see this coming.
MikeC. May 4, 2013 at 10:24 am
Sadly, the truth seems to be that the job at hand is beyond the capabilities of the people we haveRead More chosen to manage it. I had high hopes that after the last administration imploded we would get a higher minded group, but that does not appear to be the case. I won't call them corrupt, just in over their heads.
Jessica May 3, 2013 at 03:21 pm
Can you tell me what they did with $24m? Who got raises? New cars? Why isn't the daRead More investigating? Where is the transparency and accountability? Why isn't gordie and jack publicizing that?
Wanttoknow May 3, 2013 at 09:24 am
Will the FBI be knocking on former administration doors as well?
According to the data above LB is Paying on average, $14.2 million more per mile than anyone else to reconstruct its boardwalk. Why?
mom in town May 15, 2013 at 04:48 pm
Take note that Spring Lake, a well managed and wealthy town, has the lowest cost per mile. ARead More similar straight run of boardwalk in nearby Asbury Park, poor and corrupt, is $12 million per mile. Trust me the corruption exists.
Jessica April 28, 2013 at 11:15 am
How appropriate $44m boardwalk to be completed by November just in time for Election Day... Can'tRead More wait to see the first $1m change order to come in for something unpredicted... Lets take out the wallet and start contributing.
barry greene April 25, 2013 at 10:44 am
well said Tideline. doesn't seem to be any cognitive or cohesive plan here. just a mad dash toRead More look good before an election. so many photo ops around town with Jack and Gordie, but little in the way of the plan. at the last few board meetings mandel just brushed questions off at an alarming rate. either he is clueless or actively covering up the real facts. at the heart of the matter are two things, 1-why is there no real effort to help the homeowners whoare still not home (many) and 2-why was the entire boardwalk ripped down and a $44 million contract given out before fema and the army corps gave the town confirmation of funds and planning? this is alarmingly similar to last year's budget folly when they sent out mailers thanking politicians for the deficit relief when they never had it. will slimfast mandel bring petitions against fema and the army if we come up short? will he refuse to answer those questions? are there funds budgeted for Frans next fall? or Happy Len's next generator? very sad
L to R: Councilman Len Torres, Friend and Democratic Donor Stu Banschick, City Council President Scott Mandel, and Councilperson Fran Adelson
SeanyA April 17, 2013 at 10:16 am
I think we need a common sense coalition. That should assure us that none of the usual suspects winRead More a council seat. I still think dumping the council for a mayor is the way to go. One man or woman to praise or blame.
SeanyA April 16, 2013 at 01:50 pm
What are the qualifications needed to be a member of the ZBA? Mr. Hennessy, I do appreciate theRead More information in your blogs even though I believe you are a bit biased. One thing I have asked you time and time again is what is the answer? How do we go about getting Long Beach back on the right path?
paul.d.spellman April 16, 2013 at 10:48 am
Mr Hennessy, I was asking about the applicants appearing before the ZBA, not those applying to beRead More anointed member of the board. If a landowner goes before the ZBA are they represented by an attorney or expeditor? Is that representation publicly available? Any chance you can list each of the representatives and their batting average over the years?
MISSING: City's Independent Audit
Candygram for Mongo March 24, 2013 at 08:05 am
Surplus? Excellent - tax rebate please!
Jessica March 21, 2013 at 09:20 pm
All the money they borrowed they definately have a surplus. All will be exposed one day and theyRead More will have mud on their face.
Eddie March 21, 2013 at 09:58 am
How does one "exercise an audit". I don't know how to do that.
Beachguy April 18, 2013 at 07:29 am
Fagan a curmudgeon and roundly disliked in City Hall gets convicted of getting half the amount butRead More this gets swept under the rug?!?! I'm not justifying what he did but I think he got sucker punched for not toeing the party line and antagonizing the opposition. As someone posted not too long ago where is the mob ,like the one in Frankenstein, torches and all, that should be descending on City Hall?
Beachguy April 18, 2013 at 07:23 am
Where's the $30,000? Has she been prosecuted? That was $30,000 not $30 or even $300. A very seriousRead More felony. Re FOIL why hasn't the lone Republican council member been heard from?? is this a bipartisan coverup? Why hasn't the media gotten their teeth into this? Then answer is simple. TILB! Repeat TILB!
really guys April 11, 2013 at 04:49 pm
I hear they're putting the blame for the missing $30,000 on some young kid who has been working forRead More OBP for years. Not giving her her job back and not answering her calls or giving a reason. Can't wait to see what cronys kid gets her job. Win win blame it on some poor kid and give her job away as a kickback
For a guy who was supposed to save taxpayers money, Commission of Public Works Jim Lacarrubba has coast taxpayers plenty!
AEA President May 4, 2013 at 06:50 am
Y HE B ASKED to stop talking to the person who he has no reason to talk to? What is your role in allRead More of this? You will answer me now. NOW!
Lori March 14, 2013 at 02:08 pm
Mr. Bauman.Good guy? For bullying a fellow firefighter and his wife? For subsequently being asked toRead More simply stop talking to someone he has no reason to see anymore? And he can't do that? Where does the good guy part come in? If that was happening under any circumstance to you or your brother or your son... Would you say... "Hey...that's a stand up guy! He just pokes a little fun at other people's expense? I am not sure I see any correlation to the discussion of his voting preference.
Candygram for Mongo March 14, 2013 at 06:58 am
What he be stalking them for?
Stu Osnow is the LB Democrat Clubhouse's highest paid employee and he appears to have been appointed  by the Scott Mandel Administration to a position on a new city board, exactly like those currently under review by the State for "nepotism"!
paul.d.spellman April 2, 2013 at 10:50 am
Mr Hennessy, Is there any relation between Stuart Osnow and the Osnow getting recognized by theRead More city council this evening? How did he get chosen to "represent" our city?
Candygram for Mongo March 10, 2013 at 05:29 pm
Y U post with such bad grammar?
cabbage patch kid March 8, 2013 at 08:26 am
Hey Jim I have your back let's take these pigs to the slaughter house
mindy April 8, 2013 at 01:39 am
The City of Long Beach need a competent person to be the Comptroller. Doesnt have to be a CPA butRead More has to have a business head and can efficently do the job. Not some political clown who was owed a political favor. ZAPSON, MANDEL, ADELSON, TORRES you gotta go. Need to run this CIty by the people who support it and who care about it. TIME TO TAKE THIS CITY BACK BEFORE IT BECOMES A GHOST TOWN. The current government of the CIty of Long Beach is only interested in its family and friends. I thought they were about being up and up with the people of the CIty of Long Beach. LIKE THE BOARDWALK DEAL $44 MILLION DOLLARS HOW ARE WE GOING TO PAY FOR IT JACK AND THE COUNCIL HAVE NOT ANSWERED THAT QUESTION? BET THEY ARE GOING TO BOND BUT THEY HAVENT ANSWERED THAT QUESTION EITHER. THEY HAVE THE VOTES TO DO IT AND ONCE AGAIN THEY WILL STRAP THE COST ON THE TAXPAYER WHETHER HE OR SHE IS A HOME OWNER OR RENTER OR COOP /CONDO OWNER. REMEMBER NOVEMBER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
Jessica March 27, 2013 at 08:49 am
Heard they are hiring a friend and family member to deputy position. The comptroller still sittingRead More in the dark reading newspaper.
Jessica March 1, 2013 at 10:15 pm
I thought the city has no money yet they hiring for a deputy! That's outrageous! Lies lies lies!!
Mandel Administration failed their first year report card based on the promises and pledges they made in 2011.
mindy April 8, 2013 at 02:01 am
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING 2012. HOW MANY NEW HIRES HASRead More THIS ADMINISTRATION HIRED ESPECIALLY IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. LACARRUBBA IS NOT EVEN AN ENGINEER WHY THIS DEPARTMENT NEEDED EMPLOYEES TO RUN IT SHOWS HOW INCOMPETENT LACARRUBBA IS. ALSO IN THE COMPTROLLERS OFFICE WHY NEED A DEPUTY TO THE COMPTROLLER ONE COMPETENT PEROSN CAN DO THE JOB. SANDRA CLARSON WASNT A CPA EITHE AND SHE COULDNT EVEN PASS THE ACCOUNTANT EXAM FOR CIVIL SERVICE. THIS IS THE WORST ADMINSTRATION I HAVE SEEN. THERE NEEDS TO BE MASSIVE CUTS TO THIS POORLY RUN ADMINSTRATION. NEED BUSINESS PEOPLE TO RUN THIS CITY NOT POLITICAL PAWNS OUT TO ROB US. SCHNIRMAN NEEDS TO GO!!!!! ENOUGH WITH YOUR ARROGANT CHILDISH BEHAVIOR! IF YOUR DADDY WASNT SUCH A BIG POLITICAL CONTRIBUTOR YOU WOULD BE NOTHING! LACARRUBBA NEEDS TO GO. NOBID NEEDS TO GO. ROBINSON NEEDS TO GO. THE WHOLE COUNCIL NEEDS TO BE VOTED OUT!!!! THEY DONT HAVE THE COMMUNITY'S BEST INTEREST AT HEART!!!!! AND FOR THE FORMER ADMINISTRATION THEY WERE NO DIFFERENT THE BLAME GAMES HAVE GOT TO STOP START REALIZING WHAT THE PROBLEMS ARE AND WORK TO CORRECT THEM NOT CREATE MORE. IF IT MEANS CUTS THEN MAKE THE CUTS. IF IT MEANS FREEZING SPENDING THEN DO IT. IT DOESNT MEAN BORROW BORROW BORROW..... IT MEANS SPEND WITHIN YOUR MEANS. LOOK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX TO MAKING THINGS BETTER!!! HAVENT WE SUFFERED ENOUGH WITH HURRICANE SANDY HELP THE PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY WITH THEIR INSURANCE ISSUES AND REBUILDING THEIR HOMES SO THEY CAN GET THEIR LIVES BACK AGAIN! MORE AND MORE HOMES ARE UP FOR SALE EVERY DAY!!!!! THIS ISNT WHAT THE PEOPLE OF LONG BEACH WANT TO SEE BUT WITH OUT OF CONTROL GOVERNMENT SPENDING YOU MIGHT JUST TAX THEM OUT OF THE CITY!!!!
Jimmy Hennessy April 3, 2013 at 05:28 pm
Elizabeth, what questions would you like me to answer? I'm still waiting?
Jimmy Hennessy April 3, 2013 at 05:26 pm
John, to your points one by one: 1) you show me the independent audit that shows there was a $10-15Read More million deficit at the end of fiscal year 2012 and ill retract my statement. The audit was due in October but has not been released yet despite FOIL requests. What are they hiding? 2) holding LB Speaks session around town is nothing new to our city government. In fact it was my administration that began them in 2004 and they continued through the years including the charettes that were conducted around town when we wrote the city's master plan. Mandel is simply following a precedent we set. 3) paying down the debt? This administration came in and there was a total city debt of around $40 million, one of the lowest of any similar municipality in New York State. In short short 15 months this administration borrowed an additional $35 million!! That is outrageous and the interest on that alone erases any savings they claim to have made. 4) the Mandel administrations hiring of the, now, 25 family and friends will cost year to year over $1.4 million each year, that's a fact and you can wiggle your way around that. Bottom line, they made a promise, and they broke it. You are entitled to your opinion but not your facts.
Tideline November 27, 2012 at 07:29 am
Looks like no word from Jimmy in almost 6 weeks. Anyone know how he made out with the storm ?
Barbara J Lee October 18, 2012 at 09:16 am
Of all of your grievances against this administration, what most piques me is politicalRead More cronyism/nepotism re Robinson (not qualified) & Cruz (put in charge of the BOA? with what credentials?) Ok, yes, I believe we do better when the talent comes from within the community but the standards need to be equal to a true vetting. I would love to give Torres the benefit of the doubt with some of the blunders you fact-checked, like: perhaps he's being fed inaccurate info by sources he trusts to have his back? Basically it appears this whole administration is in the deep way over their waders.
Jimmy Hennessy October 17, 2012 at 08:38 pm
If you have evidence please contact me personally. The more the better.
Len Torres Has a habit of not being honest with residents
Eddie October 19, 2012 at 06:28 am
The saddest part of this misinformation is that it affects every property owner in this City byRead More reducing the value of his investment in Long Beach. Is this ignorance or is it intentional block-busting? If you wanted to reduce real estate values to steal homes of city residents, this would be the way to do it.
Candygram for Mongo October 18, 2012 at 11:36 am
I haven't seen any incidence of leadership in this city that seemed up to the task in a very veryRead More long time. This admin, the last, the one before that, etc.
Barbara J Lee October 17, 2012 at 09:20 pm
Of all of your grievances against this administration, what most piques me is politicalRead More cronyism/nepotism re Robinson (not qualified) & Cruz (put in charge of the BOA? with what credentials?) Ok, yes, I believe we do better when the talent comes from within the community but the standards need to be equal to a true vetting. I would love to give Torres the benefit of the doubt with some of the blunders you fact-checked, like: perhaps he's being fed inaccurate info by sources he trusts to have his back? Basically it appears this whole administration is in the deep way over their waders.
The ghost of Saint Brendan October 17, 2012 at 04:28 pm
Heard Jack is leaving very shortly. Do tell
Leonard Bauman October 9, 2012 at 11:52 am
Am I surprised? No. Schnirman did not send anything other than call his fried Harvey Weisenberg.Read More Weisenberg's job was to convice the Assembly and Senate to vote for Long Beach. However, when the fact is Long Beach's 2012-13 budget represents a $5 Million increase over last year's budget. So, costs have increased and not decreased. Schnirman is claiming he saved $1.5 Million this year by laying off some city workers amongst other token cost cutting measures. So, the case for our State lawmakers is this-- The City of Long Beach budget was not cut from 2011-12, but increased $3.5 Million with Schnirman's claimed reductions; so where's the cut from 2011-12 budget. There was no budget cut from 2011-12 where the budget was $82MM, and now is $87MM - $1.5MM= $85.5MM. Lawmakers can see through Schnirman's fuzzy math that the City of Long Beach did nothing to get its out of control spending addiction in order. For if it did, the 2012-13 budge would be $75 Million, not $85.5 Million, and there would be no need to call Albany for help.
John July 27, 2012 at 02:12 pm
according to a July 13th letter in newsday, skelos says, "We were in near-constantRead More communication with officials there, in an effort to find a real, long-term solution.". Huh, now that doesn't fit into Jimmy's narrative at all. What gives?
This chart shows last year's general fund total verus this years'. Where are the cuts Schnirman and Mandel keep talking about?
Candygram for Mongo October 18, 2012 at 09:25 am
let's hear more abou this beer pong tournament - the people demand to know!
Mary birnbaum October 17, 2012 at 05:29 pm
ok but isnt this the same person Piazza that allowed a beer pong tournament at the rec for underageRead More drinkers? Isn' t he also a long time friend of yours? Politically appointed and now going after the fired rec employees.
Jimmy Hennessy October 17, 2012 at 03:06 pm
I FOILed the information about the missing beach park money however, I was told they would not giveRead More me any information because there was an "active investigation" going on. I also heard the investigation was being done by Bob Piazza the very man who is in charge of the recreation beach park money. So the person who may be investigating is the same person who may be responsible for overseeing the money. More questions than answers on that one. I have a blog coming out about that issue and a few more "investigations" people should know about in the coming week or so.
Albrecht, Viggiano, Zureck & Company was the city's auditos when we discovered taxpayers were paying $1 million for dead people to have insurance!
Jimmy Hennessy September 29, 2012 at 06:05 pm
The council who uncovered this was in 2004, it was Hennessy, Sofield, Goodman, Kelly and Remo
Jimmy Hennessy September 29, 2012 at 06:04 pm
The contract for this form was just a few weeks ago and the council members were Torres, Adelson,Read More Mandel, Fagen, and McLaughlin. I believe the measure was adopted in a 5 to ) vote all yes votes, but I am not 100% sure how McLaughlin voted.
Elizabeth Treston September 29, 2012 at 09:59 am
Could you let us know everyone that was on the Council during these dates? I'm assuming it was aRead More majority of Democrats but it would be fair to know who voted for what when you "report". Council members change a lot but I too notice the same names popping up for years from both "parties". If you have a way of finding out who served when that would be great. Google doesn't seem to like the question. Thanks in advance. :-)
LB Dem Leader Steve Kohut, Gov. Cuomo, and Kohut's son Matt  on Matt's Front lawn talking about LI's high taxes!  How ironic- since he was been hired in LB  and they raised our taxes!
LB TAXPAYA September 30, 2012 at 02:31 pm
Does Kohut Sr. pay to use the rec? If not, he needs to remove his sweaty ass from theRead More steamroom!!!!!
Candygram for Mongo September 29, 2012 at 08:33 am
How does one afford a house in Merrick on $45k per year?
Barbara J Lee September 29, 2012 at 06:54 am
It's always easier to hire whom you know rather than vetting viable candidates who respond to jobRead More ads... plus since the hiring parties are not terribly secure in their own jobs/positions skill/intelligence wise why hire from outside the "incestuous family bed" to be threatened by interlopers? It's a more local form of the business/banking/financial world's "club" associations. In other words, it happens because we don't trust ourselves and, thus, the "others" and too the gene pool is definitely geographically limited and limiting. What's missing is honesty and the best qualities of "noblesse oblige".
anna July 30, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Has the justice Dep't or FBI begun an investigation into this scandal yet. LOL. I wish this was theRead More biggest problem facing our City right now
TruthSquad July 27, 2012 at 07:28 pm
In speaking to high-ranking members of the Police Department, I was informed that no such policyRead More exists for preferential parking. I was told that officers are encouraged to always use discretion when ticketing, which may indeed favor a delivery person or realtor over the average shmoe. What does "discretion" mean here?: A cop might see the situation and take note. If the car is still there in 10 minutes, they'll ticket. This is perfectly reasonable, and is far more believable than your conspiratorial caprice.
Brendan July 27, 2012 at 04:37 pm
"when macys has a sale u stay away???" Doreen, not to derail the conversation, but ifRead More this is what your sales approach is going to consist of, it doesn't bode well for you or anyone else in real estate. The investment of a large portion of a person's lifetime accumulation of wealth, as well as entering into agreements that bind people to tax obligations for large swaths of time are being compared to MACY'S? It smacks of desperation, which doesn't exactly lead me to believe that the prices have quite bottomed out yet.
Candygram for Mongo July 7, 2012 at 08:40 pm
That is whack
Leonard Bauman July 7, 2012 at 01:57 am
Put LB Cops on DECOBIKES, god knows they are way overpaid and need to lose about 60 pounds each cop.Read More We'll call them DECOCOPS.
Candygram for Mongo July 6, 2012 at 05:49 pm
umm, in that example, quite possibly
Robert Ryan July 3, 2012 at 01:36 pm
Credibility Mr. Levy? I think Jim has shed some light on a portion of the backdoor deals that areRead More happening underneath all of our noses. If you don't have a problem with handing someone a job that doesn't have the greatest track record in the world when it comes to working with children, a job that solely deals with children then you need to take a look in the mirror. Whether Jim has it own agenda or not, wake up and look at what's going on. Not as someone who has a political affiliation but as a taxpaying citizen of Long Beach.
LBLocal July 3, 2012 at 03:51 am
Checks and Balances, I think we are all in agreement that things could have been better under theRead More coalition but being a Monday Morning Quarterback doesn't help. We elected a new party for a change and I think most points on this blog are that nothings changing and its actually looking worse. We can't change the past, the power we had were used in November but what we do have is the ability to hold the people CURRENTLY in office accountable for their decisions and promises- and unfortunately for all of us, there decisions are based on behind the scences old clubhouse politics and their promises went out the window the day they were elected. Let's stop harping on the past because there is absolutely nothing we can do about it and live in the present because that is all we have the power to change now
David Levy July 2, 2012 at 06:58 pm
Mr. Hennessy: The listing of your articles on this site says it all. You're a partisan critic withRead More no credibility.
Laura McCabe Brandt May 26, 2012 at 10:23 pm
That's misplaced blame. Clearly, he is talented enough that he remains in place whileRead More administrations change. That being said, it is up to the administration to 1) take his advice which he has most likely given and 2) enforce their own rules. It is the administration's managers and supervisors who have to act and who have to be consistent. It is they who need to inform City Counsel when action needs to be taken on an employee level. He can't be expected to babysit every person and every action taken by every person who works for the City. The focus needs to shift from one of blame to one of action. Preferably, action in a civil and professional manner.
Mr. James May 26, 2012 at 01:37 pm
Mad21 he hires his friends from these prestigious firms. Prime example over $500,000 defending theirRead More actions not to give James Hodge his job back.. Talking about tipping the Bank Account... All inside jobs.
Mad21 May 25, 2012 at 11:23 am
I totally agree Laura McCabe. The city's attorney Corey Klein should be dismissed and replaced withRead More a competent hire he has been playing both sides for years. He is not looking out for the city but for himself. Ever look at the cost of hiring outside consultants to handle cases?
Nathan Jessup May 12, 2012 at 04:17 pm
Mr.Gusler are you kidding me ,the council president took money on the downlow for tripping on sandRead More in long beach at the same time shes proposing to layoff workers including your department ,tax increase of 40 percent over three years and your defending this,72 hours before she took office,lol. I guess the rumors of ufa and csea attending democratic meetings is a ploy to save your jobs .
Nathan Jessup May 12, 2012 at 04:10 pm
Mr.Gusler , nobody is saying that any of the ufa,pba or city workforce dont do a good job but comeRead More lets be honest here.The salaries listed above are unsustainable and the payouts are costing the taxpayers 3million more.Its time for all the unions to step to the plate then and take pay cut so we dont have our taxes raised 40 percent over the next 3 years. If the unions give back there is no need for this ridiculous tax hike bottom line. All i keep hearing is pba has binding arbitration,csea has contract and the ufa evryday is attending democratic clubhouse meetings.All unions need to stop playing politics and give back .Again those salaries are unsustainable period and the taxpayers have had enough.High six figures salaries and payouts of over 500000 have to stop.
MikeC. May 11, 2012 at 02:13 pm
Speaking of lurking lawsuits, what ever became of the sunbather who was run down on the beach by theRead More police officer who was allegedly using his cell phone while operating his SUV on the beach?
Nathan Jessup April 29, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Hey mr.hennesey what would freeport charlie and sofield done with this hole in the budget. WouldRead More they raise taxes ,layoff workers,tell us.Its easy to run your mouth and complain what this administration is doing wrong. I think your administration hired and promoted people full well knowing there was no money and now these employees are getting hurt and will be fired, at the same you were touting moodys and how good we were while the city couldnt make payroll in december but still found it in your heart to vote for sofields payout. I hope you guys sleep well at night because from what i was told mr.hen is that you and sofield knew 8 months ago about deficit and hid it from people and there are emails to prove it. The truth will come out,spin stops here. I challenge you to argue my facts............
Eddie April 26, 2012 at 09:38 pm
Misty, you said: "The city cannot sell this land to the homeowners or anyone else because ofRead More the riparian water rights of the homeowners". What are you talking about? The owners have no "riparian rights whatsoever". Are you kidding? What do you think gives them these rights?
Misty April 26, 2012 at 07:09 pm
Dear "Who cares". At least 74 homeowners care because if they bought their home in theRead More early 90s, they paid $50-$75,000 more for their home then say people in the President streets, Westholme, West End, and the walks because of the location. As such, the tax base has been higher then other locations. The city cannot sell this land to the homeowners or anyone else because of the riparian water rights of the homeowners. Incidentally, homeowners paid nearly $20,000 for the replacement of the bulkhead. Because of the city's fiscal mismanagement, they should not look into screwing 74 homeowners. Think of another way to generate revenue. I've suggested several ways on the patch and plan on bringing some ideas to the city council. Why don't you try that?
Jay Gusler April 23, 2012 at 08:27 pm
Enough already Jim. No one but you is interested in the average $100 per taxpaying unit that wouldRead More be saved by eliminating the paid force. Where were your cries to eliminate us when YOUR administration was hiring 5 new FF's and promoting 4 more LT's? It is only since that 'bribe' attempt failed to secure our endorsement that you now call for our elimination. I guess when we backed the Coalition we were vital, but since we backed the Dems this time around we're now a "lot of waste". You can call for eliminating the paid FD under all the false names you want (and there have been dozens), it's still not getting any traction. Maybe you should just let it go already, no? Hell, a year and change from now you'll be seeking our endorsement for your slate yet again. Good luck with that.
Publius April 23, 2012 at 06:34 pm
john p. -- it not a party issue. it is a politics as usual issue. both parties have layered onRead More jobs for years and years and years. changing parties is not the issue. changing the attitude and what they do are the issues. go to city hall for the next two meetings and offer your suggestions. offering it here will not affect the city council. they need to hear that the taxpayers will not stand for tax raises with no effort made to address the structural infirmities with the City's cost structure (headcount, compensation level, benefits).
john p April 18, 2012 at 11:12 pm
every time the dems are in they raise taxes.sometimes 25 sometimes 40 percent.any moron can doRead More that.show me the real savings that you make and that your not hiring friends and family.lol i guess some people here dont care how much you raise there taxes as long as there taken care of.i would get rid of the paid firemen first.lot of waste there
Dan April 6, 2012 at 02:19 pm
It is not a fair charge to make unless you are not involved in Long Beach politics. That charge hasRead More zero credibility coming from a Republican. If you are an outsider looking in, I can see that being legitimate. However, nothing will change in this city in terms of hiring friends and family. I have simply come to accept this fact.
joe April 6, 2012 at 10:51 am
Join the Club. You are not the only supporter that has been turned off by the actions of theRead More present City Council. They think we are stupid. Sounds like the North Park group are not happy campers either. Dan, I don't want to wait two years to get them out. I want to point out the lies and political tricks that this group is involved in now. Maybe just maybe they will realize that their political future is over if they don't straighten out NOW.
sam weintraub April 6, 2012 at 04:26 am
Dan, the charge against this current admin about hiring friends is a very fair charge- Their mainRead More election platform, along with their biggest promise was to end the hiring of friends and family and as soon as they are elected, that is all they do. I voted for a change, but after seeing their campaign promises broken time and time again in 3 months in office, I will not vote for them again.
Joel April 27, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Well here's some insight into the dems track record recently... • Democrat Clubhouse CityRead More Councilman, 2002- 2003, Guilty of embezzling $150,000 from a labor union. Served federal prison time. • Democrat Clubhouse District Court Judge, 2002-2005, Guilty of money laundering. Served federal prison time. • Democratic Clubhouse City Councilman, 2010- Present. Arrested and indicted on 38 counts of grand larceny and faces up to 7 years in prison for stealing from the LB citizens…
Candygram for Mongo April 27, 2012 at 05:55 pm
buts its just the dems right? how ignorant
jane z April 27, 2012 at 04:34 pm
who ever voted for these guys should never complain.remember the saying becarefull what you wish forRead More you might get it.i have to say i liked the other guys and they kept taxes down and felt there heart was for the good of long beach.i always read something bad about them from a few people here but its the dems that seem to always get indicted or jail from long beach not those guys.should make us all think a little.