Will the Real Steve Francis Please Stand Up?
Posted by: Vito Andolini | 03/26/2008 8:49 AM
Will the Real Steve Francis Please Stand Up? (Part 1 of 2 parts.)
Taxes
In 2005, Steve Francis ran on a strict "no tax" pledge and blasted opponents who refused to rule out new taxes unequivocally. He aired a television commercial that predicted Jerry Sanders and Donna Frye would "tax you more," citing instances in which Sanders declined to completely rule out an eventual tax increase and in which Frye voted in support of tax increases on the city council (The San Diego Union-Tribune, "Francis, Sanders Trade Fire Over New Political Ad," July 16, 2005).
But in 2008, Francis said that a tax increase is ultimately possible because of the city's financial situation (The San Diego Union-Tribune, "Francis Says He Will Run for Mayor," January 16, 2008).
"Francis was asked twice if he would consider raising taxes as mayor. Initially, he basically ducked it by saying he couldn't say until he got into power and looked hard at the real picture of city finances. When the questions continued, he blinked. 'I'm not leaving the door open for taxes.' "Well, you did initially, with lengthy, equivocating answers" (from The San Diego Union-Tribune Opinion Online, "Steve Francis Debuts Mayoral Bid with Wildly Mixed Themes," Posted January 15, 2008).
Steve Francis' only "record" regarding taxation comes from his two terms in the Nevada state Assembly. During that time, Francis voted for or sponsored at least 13 tax increases or extensions of tax increases. Francis twice backed property tax increases, backed a measure allowing counties to increase the gas tax and supported new taxes on soft drinks, alcohol, tobacco, used cars, insurance premiums, hotel stays and jet fuel. He opposed a state constitutional amendment that would have required a legislative supermajority to raise taxes (Journals of the Nevada Assembly, Legislative Roll Call Records, and Summaries of Legislation, Nevada Legislature, 62nd and 63rd Sessions, 1983-1985).
Spending
In 2005, Francis argued that city employees should be laid off and their benefits slashed (The San Diego Union-Tribune, "Steve Francis," July 3, 2005).
But in 2008, Francis said that firefighters and possibly other city employees should receive pay raises (The San Diego Union-Tribune, "Francis Says He Will Run for Mayor," January 16, 2008).
City employee pay raises proposed thus far by Francis in his 2008 campaign would amount to over $170 million in new city spending, not including the corresponding increase in employee pension fund liability ("Steve's Vision" posted at www.SteveForMayor.com).
Donna Frye
In 2005, after finishing third in the mayoral primary, Francis endorsed Sanders over Donna Frye, deriding Frye as an "insider" and criticizing her position on taxes. During the campaign, he accused Frye of helping to create the city's fiscal crisis and demanded that Frye, along with other councilmembers, "apologize to the citizens of San Diego for what they have done to us" (The San Diego Union-Tribune, "Sanders Is Endorsed by Francis, Recent Rival," July 29, 2005; The San Diego Union-Tribune, "Gay Rights, Talk of Taxes Stir Up Debate," June 18, 2005).
In 2008, Francis said he should have endorsed Frye over Sanders (The San Diego Union-Tribune, "Francis Says He Will Run for Mayor," January 16, 2008).
Political Affiliation
The San Diego Union-Tribune's Chris Reed wrote that Francis "appears to be trying to divorce himself from the Republican Party that he has so loyally served" (The San Diego Union-Tribune Opinion Online, "Steve Francis Debuts Mayoral Bid with Wildly Mixed Themes," Posted January 15, 2008).
In an article entitled "The New Steve Francis," San Diego CityBeat reported that Francis had "spun himself around 180 degrees" to position himself "to the far left" of Mayor Sanders. The newspaper, which suggested Francis' shift was poll-driven, speculated that voters listening to Francis "were probably wondering who this imposter was and what he'd done with the real Steve Francis--you know, the conservative rich guy who sauntered to the right of Sanders three years ago" (San Diego CityBeat, "The New Steve Francis," January 29, 2008).
Voice of San Diego reported that "the brand-new Francis" had run in 2005 "from the right" but, in 2008, "sounded more like Barack Obama" or Donna Frye (Voice of San Diego, "Francis Jumps in From the Left - and Right," January 16, 2008).
Living Wage
In January 2008, in front of a progressive audience, Francis pledged his support "for a living wage and universal broadband in underserved communities" (San Diego CityBeat, "The New Steve Francis," January 29, 2008).
"For his part, Francis says he supports the living-wage law and favors managed competition only because he believes it will result in increased productivity. "`I'm not for bringing in low-wage workers for low benefits,' he says. `What you want to do is you want to mandate that certain city employees have a certain wage level and benefit package. You want to mandate that for the private companies coming in--or close to it--so when they come in, they are competing on productivity, not on wages and benefits.' "In his interview with CityBeat, he couldn't support that sort of policy fast enough. `Would you back that up with a specific policy...' he was asked. `Yes.' `... that would mandate...' `Yes.' `... that you have to...' `Yes, yes and yes.' `... you have to have benefits to get that contract?' `Yes! Absolutely' (San Diego Citybeat, "The Two Faces of Steve," February 26, 2008).
At community meetings, Francis has repeatedly expressed support for inclusion of a Living Wage policy applicable to all local businesses in the city's General Plan. But in August 2007, Francis' think tank, the San Diego Institute for Policy Research, issued a policy brief critical of San Diego's Living Wage Ordinance. According to the brief:
"The San Diego Institute recently obtained the following City of San Diego report that measures SOME of the additional costs imposed upon taxpayers by the City's 'Living Wage Ordinance'. This report examines the costs incurred between July and December 2006. Since the cost of the ordinance on City taxpayers is only apparent when contracts are renewed, re-bid or subject to readjustment, a final tally could be as several millions of dollars" (San Diego Institute for Policy Research Web site, "Policy Research," www.sandiegoinstitute.com/policy).
In June 2007, SDI senior policy analyst Vince Vasquez derided the efforts of some cities to provide high-speed Internet access for every resident, arguing that city officials should instead "embrace market forces" to "lower the cost of Internet access for all" (The Pantagraph, "Why Fi? How to Avoid Pitfalls of Government-Run System," June 3, 2007).
Part 2 in the next couple of days.
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That was a nasty spanking.
I'd love to hear the Francis team put their two cents in and get the dialogue going.
Weather bug is reporting 8mph winds from South/Southwest in San Diego. I only mention that because it seems Steve goes whereever the popular winds take him. Talk about laking ANY beliefs, conviction or spine.
Steve Francis is the WORST kind of politicitian, the kind that will do anything for power and doesn't care what he needs to promise or do to get their. I honestly believe he would oppose his own mother if the polling showed it to help him.
Considering this is his starting off point, i wonder how much worse he will get IF he gets in office. Talk about a rich man who feels entitled.
i'll take him over the cry-baby union goon any day
I will be excited to see the Don post a similar article on Mayor Sanders. To help I suggest he look at the flip flop over gay marriage, the raising of sewer and water rates prior to reforming the pension system for the 2000 employees in those departments, the slowness of implementing managed competion and Mayor Sanders originally running on the idea of bringing in private sector experts to help managed City Hall and then abandoning that idea the second that Jim Warring went cowboy on him and now surrounding himself with deputies drawn from municipal government. For those scoring at home, it has been 869 days since Sanders the bureaucrat took office and STILL the city's bond rating has not been restored. At some point, you can't continue to blame the dog for eating your homework.
Because date calculators are easy to find and use on the www...did readers know that by June 08 San Diego primary, more time will have passed since Bureaucrat Jerry's election then elapsed between December 7, 1941 and the invasion of Normandy? Hmmm...I wonder if the greatest generation would have taken so long before getting a single contract for non essential services out to the private sector or taken that long to roll back gold plated pensions. It takes a career bureaucrat to believe that this "pace" is acceptable.
lol in re the WWII example.
i think fairplay would be to let Francis or his people or his supporters respond.
reading this pretty much every week though ive seen posts on both sides. this one just happens to have been particularly well written - even spell checked for a change of pace.
I find it Ironic that the red county can take the time to drag Francis over the coals but conveniently looks the other way when it comes to DeMaio. Your homework has already been completed for you just go to dirtydemaio.com and take a look at what your poster child has been lying to the community about. I know some of you die hard DeMaio lovers will fire back at me without reading it but for those of you on the intelligent side of the equation please dispute his dishonest behavior after viewing this website, I'll be waiting.
We'd much rather talk about Marti Emerald!
Where the hell is she? I hear labor is so worried that Marti is going to blow up (you know she has a temper) that they have almost put her under house arrest.
I think I saw Marti recently...
there was a meeting of union goons and marti was talking about how Prop 13 needs to be eliminated.
How is that going to go over in D7? Hmmm.... not well.
I saw Marti too! She had a temper tantrum because she only has $3k left to spend on her campaign. Labor leader Lorena Goon-zalez was there. She tried to reassure Marti that the labor unions had tons of money to spend for Marti. No worries needed.
I think they spent the rest of the day talking about tax increases and ways to spike salaries and benefits for city workers.
I saw Marti Emerald too!
It was in a Tierresanta parking lot.
She was addressing a group of about 15 people who had Marti Emerald door hangers. I came mid-year through the little meet up, but she was talking about how they had to walk for at least four hours to be paid. and for six hours of walking they got extra. But they could not walk more than that or they would have to be paid overtime and benefits--something the union (err...campaign) won't allow.
I was totally confused as to what was going on. But then one of the workers said "At least this is better than holding the signs on the street in front of offices for four hours."
Then i figured it out. I saw a bunch signs in the back of a red truck. One say "Shame on Doug Manchester." Another "Shame on Dennys" and another "Shame on Estelle Getty."
I guess if you can't get real volunteers you have to hire them...
I know where Marti is. She's at a labor candidate's briefing.
You see, Labor requires as part of every contract where they buy a politician that not only do they get all of their votes while in office, but they have to "pass on" the dirty tricks of the trade to newly bought candidates in a training school.
i saw the agenda for the training class myself.
9am Union Thug Tactics
Presented by Lorena Goon-zalez, Union Boss
10am Spiking Pensions and Leaving Taxpayers Holding the Bag
Presented by Scott Peters, environmental attorney
11am Deny, Dodge and Deceive: Covering Up the Mess You Make
Presented by Mayor Dick Murphy, coffee shop patron
1pm Careful of What You Say, Your Office May be Bugged
Presented by Ralph Inzunza, inmate 52721924
2pm Brainstorm Session: Raising Taxes and Fees
Presented by YOU
Some cool stuff was presented.... Marti took copious notes!
I don't think Marti is doing much precinct walking. I hear she thinks it is beneath her.
This is a dishonorable hit piece by the Unions and Mayor Sanders campaign who are running scared. It is very similar to the attack on Carl DeMaio. Now they know what Aguirre has to go through everyday with these smear tactics by the Unions and Mayor Sanders who believe government exist only for their benefit. Taxation without representation indeed.
Mayor Sanders and the Unions tried to get rid of the City-owned Montgomery Field by letting Sunroad create a Navigation Hazard. The plan was when Montgomery Field was shut down, the plans were going to be redirected to Lindbergh Field, using a the new "Overflight Easement and Compatibility Map."
http://www.laplayaheritage.com/Documents/AIRPORT/Overflight_Easement_Compatibility_Policy_Map.pdf
Our Councilman Kevin Faulconer stopped the "Overflight Easement" over private Chain-of-Title records for "noise, vibration, current and other effects of air illumination and for consumption [for]... operation of aircraft... for navigation of or flight in air."
Remember Mayor Sanders left the City on a Disability Claim because of "stress." We want a "Strong Mayor" not a "Wimpy" one.
The Unions and Mayor Sanders also tried to attack the 30-foot Coastal Height limit in the name of the poor. Next, the Unions and Mayor Sanders are trying to get rid of Coastal Development Permits in the Coastal Zone by making projects ministerial, and not subject to CEQA. Ministerial projects bypass neighbors and do not have to pay for offsite mitigation for roads, police, and fire. This scam taxes existing neighbors and lowers the quality of life for all San Diegans.
I don't think Marti is getting around much these days. You see, with only $3k left on hand, the poor lady had to give up her car and driver. I hear she is now riding the bus...
Yes, the BUS! with all those common people.
Makes me feel so sad for her that I might even give her $99 to help the girl step up a notch to cabs.
oh wait, then people would know...April DID shame Marti into reporting all her contributors, even the sneaky ones under $99.
A shame...
99% chance its either Lorena Gonzolez or that reporter they hired from the voice.
Hillarious posts above about "Where is Marti Emerald?"
we should start a whole discussion thread on the topic.
Where is she?
Which union goon is she taking money from?
What is she promising the union goons in return?
Why won't she walk precincts and talk to real people?
Where IS Marti Emerald?
Fair winds the Francis office said:
"Steve Francis is the WORST kind of politicitian, the kind that will do anything for power and doesn't care what he needs to promise or do to get their. I honestly believe he would oppose his own mother if the polling showed it to help him."
And he is different from any politician, and opperative? How? Please explain.
Dishonorable hit piece? Please, it is based on factual information. It is not about Jerry Sanders, it is about Steve Francis. Any one of the other several Red County bloggers can write about Jerry if they wish. I can't control what others do, but I will write about Francis if I darn well please. Leave the gun, take the canolis.
Yes. Dishonorable hit piece.
Vito Andolini Corleone is a fictional character in Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vito_Corleone
Just as Lorena Gonzales hit piece for the Labor Council on Carl DeMaio was slanderous, this type of anonymous and malicious content on a fellow Republican is unnecessary.
Anonymous quoting other new articles out of context is mean.
“The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose." Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice", Act I, Scene III.
Mayor Sanders only wants to debate Mr. Francis twice on issues important to the Citizens of San Diego like the taxes, the pension mess, the economy of San Diego, etc. Mr. Francis proposed eight debates, one debate in each council district.
Red County, please do not allow anonymous hit pieces, it damages your credibility.
Regards, Katheryn Rhodes and Conrad Hartsell, M.D.
www.laplayaheritage.com
Let's see, we're asking the anonymous Mighty Thor to ban the anonymous Don Corleone from posting anonymous content on Red County? Did anyone notice that most of the content on Red County is anonymous AND opinion? We need to ban opinion, unless everyone agrees with it.
I thought Francis was an independent? Why is someone refering to him as a Republican. From what i understand, he ditched the party...
TAXES
“I'm not leaving the door open for taxes.”
What part of “I'm not leaving the door open for taxes” do you not understand? The way the sentence was written was confusing and tried to imply the exact opposite of the quote.
SPENDING
“But in 2008, Francis said that firefighters and possibly other city employees should receive pay raises.”
Correct. On Mr. Francis’ website he believes one of the core values of government is Public Safety. That means police and firemen are respected for their dangerous work.
http://www.steveformayor.com/steve_vision/Public_Safety.pdf
According to the Union-Tribune, the pay raise Mayor Sanders gave the Police Union last June cost taxpayers $29 million additional dollars. From where in the Mr. Francis’ published Public Safety plan did you come up with the estimated figure?
DONNA FRYE
Exactly which of Mrs. Frye’s City Council vote did you not like, and why? Specifics please.
I didn't write the sentences. This is from other articles and quotes from Francis, all of it. It's not about Donna Frye or what I think about her votes. It's about a series of published statements that contradict each other and articles that suggest the same thing.
The problem Vito is that you are using quotes from COMMENTARIES BY OTHERS and then attributing them to Francis to try to demonstrate contradictions. That is like me pulling a quote from a positive editorial about McCain, a negative one from McCain and then saying "FLIP FLOPPER!!!"
Specifically....
You use Chris Reed's commentary or your own summary of articles squishiness on taxes. You should use direct quotes which, as La Playa points out, do not show much of a change.
Regarding spending. Your first and second paragraphs do not really contradict each other. In Paragraph 3 you take a figure that came directly from the Mayor's campaign without attributing its source (indeed, you mislable the source).
Regarding Frye. No quibbles. Though the full quote is that Francis, after watching Bureaucrat Jerry operate, thinks that Donna would have been a better mayor. Not sure it is a flip flop (and also not sure I agree).
Regarding Living Wage: I can find no place on the SDI web site where they say they oppose living wage. What I found were a couple of op eds. that said the City should figure out how it will pay for it because there is no free lunch. I don't see the contradiction. And as an aside, Francis and Sanders have precisely the same position on it. And Sander's staff put out a GLOWING report about the progress to date on the ordinance.
It is fine and appropriate to take DIRECT quotes from candidates to show contradictions. But taking the COMMENTARY of reporters, putting them side by side, and using that as the basis of your argument is just bad journalism - not even up to the standards of decent blog contributions.