Consider the case of Republican mover-and-shaker Jon Bagatelos of Sacramento, who until recently was relatively unknown at City Hall. Bagatelos, along with his relatives and his family’s commercial glass businesses, has been particularly kind to Kevin Johnson – including sponsoring fundraisers and doling out $15,150 in contributions to his mayoral race. When Johnson launched his strong mayor power grab, the Bagatelos clan once again was generous, handing out $10,550 to the effort in December 2... sacdems midtownchair comment-23634 2010-03-22T06:07:50Z 2010-03-22T06:07:50Z ? midtownchair 2010-03-22T06:07:50Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23552 2010-03-19T04:34:25Z 2010-03-19T04:34:25Z bbbbmer I agree with your post. I believe we get back what we put out- the same way you get it is how you loose it. - If you get something through deceit changes are you'll loose it due to deceit. I truly believe what you wrote that people who seek goals by doing harm have to answer for it. Heck sooner or later what's done in the dark will come to light and all giants must fall. Heck, no one can be bigger than the Creator of the Universe who many of us are crying and praying to. No weapon formed against us shall prosper when we give it to God and labor in the spirit of love and truth Thanks bbbbmer. My son is doing a little better. My brother came by to spend time with him today. This is the first friend he has lost and I hope it will be the last premature death he will know. I went through this with my older son and I don't want to do this again. But it is what it is from pain comes strength and without pain we wouldn't have a warning that something is terribly wrong and action has to be taken. Heck, the pain is merely the symptom the disease has to be tackled. So we must work through the pain. Ah, I can't believe you are far too controlling or impatient to ever have children- lol . I have an aunt who couldn't have children and she's the best aunt always extending her heart to others heck she doesn't have that much patience either- lol but she's a good person. Some people have kids and aren't the best parents some don't have kids and are always there for others. Thanks for being here for me and those like myself. Heck, I've been told I'm controlling and impatient at times too. Only recently have I learned patience is a virtue--lol but there are times I still get ants in my pants. lol Have a great evening. Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-19T04:34:25Z bbbbmer comment-23543 2010-03-18T23:45:58Z 2010-03-18T23:45:58Z I don't get what the big deal is... Looks like KJ's crowd making yet another issue out of nothing, just as he did in the campaign against Heather Fargo, blaming her for everything from the mortgage meltdown to world hunger... as if she had responsibility over either issue... This type of campaigning tactic is pathological and stems from the warped personalities of the candidates, in KJ's case, no doubt guided by the likes of Frank Luntz and that crowd of deformed GOP mobsters that twist language worse than any Orwellian nightmare to suit their aims at cynically fooling the voters and playing passive/aggressive with issues like the race card... But, there's a special place in Hell for such people, witness the late Lee Atwater, who confessed his campaign dirty tricks and sins just before he died of a brain tumor that had distorted his cranium and facial features to the point of being unrecognizable from when he managed GHWBush's campaigns of the late 80's and early 90's... I truly believe that people who seek goals by doing harm have a considerable karmic (if not legal) debt to answer for, and KJ and his ilk of urchins are among them... Btw, Rhonda, I hope all is well with your family -- I am far too controlling and impatient to ever have children, but I can imagine the angst and worry a parent sustains should their kids find themselves in harm's way... Take care..... bbbbmer 2010-03-18T23:45:58Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23540 2010-03-18T23:25:52Z 2010-03-18T23:25:52Z heck bbbbmer, my guess is if he doesn't work for him he's working hard to get a position- lol But who knows... I'm learning what's good for the goose is not always good for the gander. I'm seeing lots of double standards. It's funny to see some want disclosure and they don't always disclose their association, affiliation, relationships....themselves. But I'll be honest it should be disclosed in an article. If someone wrote something pertaining to youth violence I'd want to know who they were and their affiliations. I can see people expecting the same courtesy. This to me just looked like an oversight not a deliberate attempt at manipulating folks. Also, I've often wondered of Runge possible relationship with KJ. Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-18T23:25:52Z bbbbmer comment-23509 2010-03-18T20:29:11Z 2010-03-18T20:29:11Z TYPICAL of KJ's suckups and sycophants -- PLAY THE RACE CARD at every opportunity, as if THAT would curry favor with this DINO mayor.... What a farce this mayor is!!! He should be prosecuted and resign in shame!!! bbbbmer 2010-03-18T20:29:11Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23508 2010-03-18T20:34:14Z 2010-03-18T20:34:14Z Devin, Thank you for clearing this up… Personally, I knew it was an honest mistake....it just didn't have the trickery I've seen many use written within it... I'm just glad that it's now taken care of and perhaps more will comment on the material in the article. I'd be interested in learning how more people feel towards the contents of the article.... Heck, I'm kind of glad it took this route I learned something from all of this, some, myself included, will avoid, become distracted, overlook... the point - a valued point- you are trying to make, heck even dismiss the valued information you can share if your opponent can find one flaw even if it's an honest mistake..... I also learned we, myself included, are so suspicious now of nearly everyone and everything and in my opinion since Johnson has been in office we just have so little trust and so much suspicion aiming at everyone. Heck, again, I'm glad it went this route--THANKS for the lessons!! Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-18T20:34:14Z bbbbmer comment-23507 2010-03-18T20:17:38Z 2010-03-18T20:17:38Z What's racist about exposing the character and culpability of a candidate or incumbent??? Facts are facts, honey, and it's apparently your side just can't deal with the FACT that KJ is one big fat liability after another -- with no doubt more shoes to drop.... bbbbmer 2010-03-18T20:17:38Z bbbbmer comment-23505 2010-03-18T20:14:36Z 2010-03-18T20:14:36Z Wouldn't it be equitable for Ronald West to disclose HIS relationship to KJ (half-brother and staff of both St. Hope and SAG)???? bbbbmer 2010-03-18T20:14:36Z Devin Lavelle comment-23500 2010-03-18T19:27:44Z 2010-03-18T19:27:44Z I don't disagree -- Evan originally tried to sign up for an account as the Democratic Party of Sacramento County (or something to that effect), but they don't allow that ... I'll ask him to add a little line at the bottom clarifying. Devin Lavelle 2010-03-18T19:27:44Z Stella M. comment-23498 2010-03-18T18:10:35Z 2010-03-18T18:10:35Z Devin -- I want to echo Ronald West's comment. I think if articles are being published by the Democratic Party, there should be a note at the bottom indicating that. I'd expect that of any political group. The reader needs to know the source. To attribute the article to one individual masks the inherent bias. I would say the same if the Republican Party or any other political party began posting news items here. I'm not saying I don't appreciate the information--I'm just saying I want to know where it came from so I can evaluate it accordingly. Remember how much flak Steve Maviglio got for posting political articles here without disclosing his affiliation? Stella M. 2010-03-18T18:10:35Z fifthgensacramentan comment-23493 2010-03-19T20:26:59Z 2010-03-19T20:26:59Z In a response to Jim Knapp, SacPress 11/30/2009 “Opponents say strong mayor initiative faces lawsuit” I asked Jim the following question: “Which City Planning Com. Nominee & family contributed the most to both SAG and the council person who nominated them? B) How much collectively did they contribute to both committees? Here’s 2 hints-watch last week’s city council meeting at the end…then pull out those campaign contribution statements-It’s more than $10,000.00...& More than $20,000.00 It could also be a harbinger of this city under the proposed SMI” I guess others are now asking the same question. BTW that CC meeting was 11/24/09 and the nominations came just before Council Comments & Questions at the end of the meeting. Thankfully we have a City Clerk’s office, under the authority of City Council, that makes the availability of campaign contribution info a basic principle, unlike our County Sups. In fact SacBee just had an excellent editorial on that very subject. http://www.sacbee.com/2010/03/10/2595394/supervisors-need-to-join-computer.html So who were in the pool of candidates that submitted their applications to the city clerk’s office. How do their list of backgrounds and experiences compare? To see the entire list and their applications, resumes & qualifications- here is the link from the 11/10/2009 City Council Agenda: http://sacramento.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=22&clip_id=2139&meta_id=187074 How many were involved in developing the GPAC 2030, you know…our new General Plan? Some pretty stellar resumes there…along with a few less so. Here’s one for Tom Runge, one FPPC watchdog: Tom, you were at the forefront of demanding an FPPC number on the SAVE website, which appeared within 15 days of their qualifying as a committee, unlike SAG which took over a month. So is KevinJohnsonformayor.com subject to your same scrutiny? As of 1:30PM 3-19-10 …it still wasn’t there, 2+years. The website does have a “donate” link attached to it…and I’m not talking "time" donations…you can’t put that on a credit card! Now we're back to where this story started Campaign Contribution$, Rewards and the $-greening-$ of Sacramento City Hall Access. You might also find “Bites” interesting in today’s SNR, RE: use of discretionary funds by the Mayor’s office for the "Year 1" pamphlet that had too many campaign literature overtones for Cosmo. I wonder if that pamphlet has the FPPC # on it, since it “contains a prominent link to the website”? Not his official city website...but his campaign committee website. The mayor's staff initially said there was no problem with using the discretionary funds... "Well, a couple of days after Bites started asking questions about the booklet, McPeek called back to say that the mayor and his staff had done some thinking, and that Johnson has now decided to pay for the booklet out of his own pocket, “just to be on the safe side.” http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=1388221 fifthgensacramentan 2010-03-19T20:26:59Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23484 2010-03-18T08:58:56Z 2010-03-18T08:58:56Z My bet is Tom's concern isn't with racism his concern appears to be doing damage control on this article. It appears THIS ARTICLE hit a NERVE. He spent all this time trying to get people to focus on race. He created a distraction. This is one of several reasons why I don't address youth violence using race- it causes a distraction so many will look at race and NOT see the subject at hand. Even I fell for it and I try and steer clear of distractions. Their have been many articles with some highly suggested comments where he could have posted his fight racism literature but he chose this one. That causes me to dig deeper, read the article again, and see what it is that he tries to shield with discussions of race. I've attended many racial profiling meetings I don't recall seeing or hearing of a Tom Runge in attendance. Does he only consider race a factor or feel strongly against racism when it applies to Johnson? It does appear Tom is unable to fight/ dispute the contents of this particular article and pulled a race card out his hat in efforts to do damage control and change, redirect, the subject matter. That's sad. And worse, I bet Johnson will condone his behavior Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-18T08:58:56Z William Burg comment-23483 2010-03-18T07:42:03Z 2010-03-18T07:42:03Z Here is the text content of the NoWayKJ.com homepage, via archive.org: Slumlord Violating City Codes Failures to Appear Allegations of sexual misconduct with underage girls Cover-up? Federal Investigation KEVIN JOHNSON - No Answers. No responsibility. No remorse. No way, KJ! Sexual Misconduct - Failure to Appear - Property Citations Kevin Johnson - The Measure Of A Man Should Be Taken By His Actions, Not By His Words It's easy to do the right thing when you're an NBA star. It's easy to say the right things when you're running for Mayor. But what matters in a person is what they do when they think no one is watching. What they think they can get away with when no one will find out. Take the measure of a man in the way he treats his neighbors. In the way he runs his business. Take the measure of a man in the way he takes responsibility for his actions. KEVIN JOHNSON - No Answers. No responsibility. No remorse. No way, KJ! Listen to the WIRETAPS KJ in the Headlines Public Docs: Police and Child Abuse Reports No Way! KJ Authorized and paid for by Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 447 Federal Political Action Fund a committee independent of any candidate http://web.archive.org/web/20080609231514/http://www.nowaykj.com/ William Burg 2010-03-18T07:42:03Z William Burg comment-23482 2010-03-18T07:39:43Z 2010-03-18T07:39:43Z TomRunge: The Bee link you posted is a one-paragraph blog post, not exactly "wide coverage." I think you're lying about this, Tom, and throwing around charges of "racist" because you think it will shut people up. You're wrong about a great many things, and/or you're lying about them. And again, are you claiming that KJ didn't have code violation cases? William Burg 2010-03-18T07:39:43Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23481 2010-03-18T09:58:27Z 2010-03-18T09:58:27Z Tom, I recall the efforts during the Mayor's race. I wrote "-I'm not stuck on the 2008 literature" I don't need you to keep a record for me nor was I asking you for it nor do I care about it. You're the one so desparate to keep revisiting it. WHY would I go to the Plumbers union and ask them to share it with me? I DON'T CARE. I DON'T need to use RACE. I don't need to fight racial battles- their are people who will. It's not a tool in my toolbelt. I can stand without it. I don't have to fight yesterday's battles when I need to look at today. I've attended MANY FUNERALS of people WHO WERE BOTH BLACK AND NOT BLACK and our tears are colorless. As far as your last comment I don't value your opinion nor am I trying to lead the way I'm trying to get the BLACK MAYOR who bragged of being the first African American Mayor to FIND HIS WAY to SEE the PEOPLE- all PEOPLE. Now, you put this burger on the grill and you might want to be careful because I WILL FLIP it and Mayor Johnson will be the one coming out on the loosing end and looking so much worse when I'm done cooking this up. This is not a threat - IT IS A PROMISE- you're playing with a mother in labor- in pain and you won't win! and neither will Johnson because their are more LIKE ME, in PAIN, who will identify with me, agree with me, long before they identify or agree with Johnson. I've never shared with the hundreds who responded to my emails from 2005-2009 that I write on this site. I wasn't looking for people who already know my heart... But if I wanted to I could fill the site with people that agree with me. I've been in the "field" a long time while Johnson is playing in the "house", I've met many people in PAIN and people not in pain that care about us, while Johnson opens his heart to developers... I've opened my heart to all people- especially those in pain- you really don't want to put a racial burger on the grill because I can and will FLIP IT and become Johnson's worse nightmare. Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-18T09:58:27Z TomRunge comment-23478 2010-03-18T06:49:03Z 2010-03-18T06:49:03Z I guess you didn't read the Bee article or care enough to pay attention to the wide coverage of the story during the campaign. I know the DPSC is getting money out defending the racist Plumbers, but what are you getting out of it? TomRunge 2010-03-18T06:49:03Z William Burg comment-23474 2010-03-18T05:53:02Z 2010-03-18T05:53:02Z So far, I haven't seen much in the way of proof, and from past experience I don't trust your assertions. Are you claiming that KJ didn't have code-violation cases against him? William Burg 2010-03-18T05:53:02Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23473 2010-03-18T05:15:36Z 2010-03-18T05:15:36Z William is not sticking up for "the racist" It appears when he sought to go above and below the surface of your post asking you to back up your accusations you can't do it. And therefore suggest he shares "their sentiments." I am black and I'm not stuck on the 2008 literature you appear bent on revisiting. I didn't think this article was about the Plumbers and Pipefitters....or race or racism or racist - I thought it was about what appears to be the quickest way to the Mayor's office, Strong Mayor Campaign... Your comment is a distraction. I didn't see Mayor Johnson in a pimp suit but heck, if he doesn't address youth violence with more than suppression I'll put him in one. create a web site, post it and call him a poverty pimp. And you shouldn't call me a racist! Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-18T05:15:36Z TomRunge comment-23472 2010-03-18T04:33:31Z 2010-03-18T04:33:31Z William....why are you sticking up for the racists? From your comments you seem to share their sentiments. TomRunge 2010-03-18T04:33:31Z William Burg comment-23470 2010-03-18T04:09:38Z 2010-03-18T04:09:38Z I'd like to see examples of this "No Way KJ" campaign literature you're talking about. As to "slumlord," he did have a bunch of active code-violation cases while he was running for mayor. Hm. The only thing on the Bee site that matches that description is a blog post...there doesn't appear to be an editorial to go along with what the Bee purportedly said...so who is the blog poster quoting? A Google search doesn't find any hits either...what editorial does this blog post refer to? William Burg 2010-03-18T04:09:38Z TomRunge comment-23469 2010-03-18T03:50:24Z 2010-03-18T03:50:24Z http://www.sacdems.org/content/our-sponsors DPSC took in AT LEAST $5000.00 from Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 447 at their most recent fundraiser. You surely remember the Plumbers and Pepefitters and their incredibly racist "No Way KJ" campaign that used the vilest images of a black man as a pimp and slumlord. "Earlier this year, the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 447 launched an independent expenditure campaign that smeared Johnson with glossy mailers and a Web site. "Never before have Sacramento voters seen such a despicable independent expenditure campaign," The Bee said in an editorial at the time." Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/the_swarm/2008/10/pipefitters-create-new-committ.html#ixzz0iUquDvfH Most people were rightly repulsed at the time. The DPSC, instead of shunning the Plumbers went to them with their hand out. That's not the Democratic Party I'm a member of. TomRunge 2010-03-18T03:50:24Z William Burg comment-23468 2010-03-18T03:10:35Z 2010-03-18T03:10:35Z You have to admit, Ronald West always steps up to defend Kevin Johnson, like a good brother should, and to defend the Strong Mayor Initiative, like a good paid consultant should. William Burg 2010-03-18T03:10:35Z William Burg comment-23467 2010-03-18T03:09:25Z 2010-03-18T03:09:25Z Got any facts to back that accusation up? William Burg 2010-03-18T03:09:25Z TomRunge comment-23466 2010-03-18T02:43:30Z 2010-03-18T02:43:30Z Yes William, racism turns my stomach. It's a shame that the DPSC has turned away from one of the core principles of the Democratic Party in order to grab some $$$$. Given the choice between racists and Republicans, I would go with a Republican. Wouldn't you? TomRunge 2010-03-18T02:43:30Z TomRunge comment-23465 2010-03-18T02:26:48Z 2010-03-18T02:26:48Z It's interesting that you claim to be open at the DPSC because when I've posted my concerns on Facebook about the DPSC getting into bed with racists, they are immediately taken down. TomRunge 2010-03-18T02:26:48Z thsas comment-23463 2010-03-18T01:53:43Z 2010-03-18T01:53:43Z I agree. Any traces of it in Obama's team? thsas 2010-03-18T01:53:43Z William Burg comment-23461 2010-03-18T01:39:14Z 2010-03-18T01:39:14Z Tom: So, you're throwing your hat in with the Republicans? William Burg 2010-03-18T01:39:14Z Devin Lavelle comment-23460 2010-03-18T01:24:47Z 2010-03-18T01:24:47Z Hi Ronald, To clarify -- this article and any that are published on the website you referenced are researched and written by several folks, including myself, on behalf of the Democratic Party. Evan is the Executive Director for the Party. SacPress requires a specific individual to be named, which is why it says it was written by Evan. I hope this clarifies the situation. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. We aim to be entirely open and transparent at the Democratic Party. Devin Lavelle 2010-03-18T01:24:47Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23459 2010-03-18T01:20:50Z 2010-03-18T01:20:50Z Well while you're throwing your hat in with Friedman and Bagatelos did you have to pull that 'racist" rabbit out your hat??? Gheez, silly rabbit tricks are for kids. Not every member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 447 is racist. Heck, racist people can be found anywhere and everywhere and people who are not racist can be found everywhere and anywhere- co existing both for and against the SMP- give me a break. My bet is if you felt a racist union / person was supporting Johnson and the SMP you'd overlook calling them racist because it's not about race is it??? Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-18T01:20:50Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23458 2010-03-18T01:16:01Z 2010-03-18T01:16:01Z Yes, Richard I know West and it appears your issue is journalistic integrity. But I'm more concerned with the integrity - or lack thereof- of the Mayor. I do know the name of the person who wrote the article should be accurate/ transparent. Since West failed to provide a link to the blog site where he read it I don't know that his statement is correct. I don't care how many times it is written (yes, I agree, we should know who wrote it,) BUT I want to know if the contents are correct? Seems some are making a mountain out of a mole hill - a distraction-- overlooking the integrity or lack of integrity of our MAYOR. Are the contents written in the article correct???? Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-18T01:16:01Z William Burg comment-23457 2010-03-18T01:04:28Z 2010-03-18T01:04:28Z It's not uncommon, but just because it's not uncommon doesn't mean it's ethical. It's called "cronyism" and doing so basically advertises that your position and support as an elected official is for sale to the highest bidder. William Burg 2010-03-18T01:04:28Z RichardRich comment-23456 2010-03-18T01:00:35Z 2010-03-18T01:00:35Z Rhonda, the issue is called journalistic integrity. RichardRich 2010-03-18T01:00:35Z TomRunge comment-23455 2010-03-18T00:52:32Z 2010-03-18T00:52:32Z The Democratic Party of Sacramento County (SPSC) is taking money from the racists at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 447 to fund their anti SMI efforts. Given the choice, I'd gladly throw my hat in with Friedman and Bagatelos any day. TomRunge 2010-03-18T00:52:32Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23454 2010-03-18T00:47:36Z 2010-03-18T00:47:36Z Personally I care more about the contents of it than who wrote it. Are you saying the contents aren't correct? Perhaps it has several authors and each contributed..... On your previous post didn't you share Mayor Johnson's blog link of "his accomplishments" and haven't you shared information from his blog on this site? So information was on another site who cares I'm glad it found its way here for me to read and learn what's going on. Since it appears you are selective in what information you will share. Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-18T00:47:36Z Ronald West comment-23447 2010-03-18T00:01:16Z 2010-03-18T00:01:16Z I read this same blog on a different website. On the other site, Devin Lavelle is credited with writing "Is the Quickest Way to the Mayor's Office through the Strong Mayor Campaign?" On Sac Press, the author is Evan Hawkins. Ironically, neither Devin nor Evan wrote this article. Sac Press should investigate... Ronald West 2010-03-18T00:01:16Z Rhonda Erwin comment-23441 2010-03-17T23:00:17Z 2010-03-17T23:00:17Z Wow, thank you for the article and the information you provided. I love to follow the money to see where it goes, what direction and favors that come from it. Perhaps if Bagatelos was interested in youth violence Johnson would see his way to find the direction to significantly address youth violence and show favor towards the youth fighting to live and living to die. ... Back to the subject, I am really impressed with your article. Again, thank you. Rhonda Erwin 2010-03-17T23:00:17Z thsas comment-23439 2010-03-17T22:16:29Z 2010-03-17T22:16:29Z Is it uncommon for supporters of campaigns to sometimes get positions within the organization? thsas 2010-03-17T22:16:29Z