Patterson Irrigator

WANTED: Issues
written by fred ross , October 23, 2008

What did we learn from this article?

When your in college you do things that you regret and wish you could take back.

Now back to the issues.

Issues?
written by John Chamorro , October 24, 2008

It seems that Molina had found the easy way out. It wasn't a crime of opportunity . He had to have planned well in advance to try and get away with it. I don't think that Patterson needs any more potentially corrupt leaders to take them into the future.

...
written by Sam C , October 24, 2008

Wow! He stole the money while he was president of the student body from the student government and then when comfronted, lied about it! Unbelievable! This happened after he served in the military when he was 30 years old. Clearly, duty, honor and county didn't take. Yes, we do things in college that we regret but not when we are 30 yrs. old. He knew better. He should not have lied about it when it happened. How can we trust him to be our Mayor when he was in a position of leadership and stole and lied? It clearly speaks to his character. I can not trust him to be my mayor.

What happens next time
written by Debbie Santos , October 24, 2008

Mr. Molina, What happens next time you need money to help out your family. It may have been in the past, but you were an adult and should have known better. Honor is something you have instilled in you. I can not vote for someone who lacks honor or judgement.

wooooow
written by what say you , October 24, 2008

you know i spoke with mr.molina a year ago at a meeting over at creekside. he got up and made a pa*sionate speech about getting the jr.rotc in the high school. he went on about being a marine and that he and his family would help get it off the ground. i was interested in what he had to say so i went up to him and spoke for about 15 min. i told him i had a family member in the service figthing in the war. he went on about gangs, drugs, and how the jr.rotc would help kids who need leadership. i was and still in agreence with that idea. however mr. molina would have had my vote if this news had not come to light. i know folks make mistakes but he should have warned his supporters of this and disclosed upfront. i have an issue with people who hide important issues such as stealing money from a school to pay bills! where is the marine code of honesty in that. i've been down on my luck with a family and worked in a hospital around petty cash. i would have never stolen money no matter what bill needed to be paid. im sure there were other options. a good leader is not about what you do when times are good, to me it is about when times are bad and hard. i wanted to believe in the change that mr.molina was talking about.
mr.molina will NOT get my vote! not b/c he stole but b/c he was not upfront about it. he should have admitted when caught and he should have disclosed this mths ago. i would have still voted for him if he had done so. he could have pitched his im a changed person,i learned, i made a terrible choice,don't make mistakes like i have.
now we have another person with a questionable past and for that i will sit out this mayor election. how can you mr.molina say it wont affect you as a mayor? i can hear the snide remarks now and can only imagine the wise cracks in the paper. what message does this send to the young adults in this town. steal,lie,hide,dont disclose and you to could be mayor! sorry, not even jedi mind tricks would win the folks over on this one. a tid bit of advice as they say in real estate "disclose,disclose,disclose!"...i guess a congrats to mayor becky campo!

Who is This Guy
written by Union City Guy , October 24, 2008

Who is Luis Molina and His connection to Fred Ross?
1.Fred Ross is not a registered voter of Patterson.
2.Fred Ross is not listed in the phone book.
3.Fred Ross answers every story about Luis Molina with a positive response.
4.Fred Ross is a deceased activist (much like the Acorn registrants whose organization was patterned after his example to the Californis farm labor movement)

Fred Ross's work in California led to the formation of the Community Service Organization (CSO), largely Mexican American, and the identification and training as a precursor to the ACORN model.

He may not be the same Fred Ross who blogs on this site, however, he shares the activism as his predecessor. Could it be the nom de plume of one radical Luis Molina supporter. I think so. How unfortunate that Molina got caught about a previous indiscretion (theft) not to mention any of his arrest records (2 DUI) as late as 1997.

If this isn't bashing and digging than what is?
written by WHO Cares He is still a better Candidate , October 24, 2008

Come on people..are we really going here? $500 is not 8 million dollars in someone's desk..Its also not a like he owned a bar in a neighboring town where someone got murdered and then the body dragged outside so the bar wouldn't get fined..a mistake is a mistake. Show me someone who doesn't go down to mil's every weekend and have drinks. show me someone who doesn't have a family member who gambles..we all make mistakes! Sure it is not the best judgement, but we need to think in the best interest of this city..Do we really want to loose our downtown to discounts stores and beauty salons, do we really want to see a city that expands to the river including parks near the sewar plant?? Do we really want the same landowners who have run this city for the past 100 years to get richer and while a struggling majority gets raped by predatory lending..what is mrs.campos line of business?? we can go on and on about the judgements that people make and the how they own up to those mistakes or take credit for things they have not started (Youth Development Committee/ Youth Action Committee). It would be a sad sad mistake especially when half-way through her term Mrs. Campo decides to finally disclose that she is now going to live (as she is not now)in her beautiful new country home and hand the reigns over to the Smith Camp..hmm lets think about the issues and not the past...how convenient that this anonymous person dropped these Union City (guy) papers off, at the irrigator a week and a half before elections...If i knew this was coming down the pipe, i wouldn't need a debate either..for what we never had one patterson anyway..The dictators always have an easy way out!!!!

...
written by BC , October 24, 2008

I have to agree that what we need now is a change because Becky Campo promised a lot of stuff and yet we have not seen anything during her term not to mention all the comments she makes regarding her business competitors to her own clients. I think that she is falsely accusing Mr. Molina regarding the sign defacing because she does not want to admit that this could have been done by a teen(s). She (or her supporters) claim that this is not happening to Mr. Molina but has she taken into account that he does not have as many signs or as big as she does around town. Most of her supporters are older Patterson residents who are afraid of change and are not willing to do for the community, they are only thinking about their possible losses should the Crows Landing Project be approved.

Yeah, more fast foods and more of the same........nothing
written by 9 Lives Mayor , October 24, 2008

I can't wait, Del Taco, Wendy's(again), maybe Pizza Hut? That's what we can expect from a potential DEFAULT mayor, right? By the comments written in these blogs it appears only the pious will be elected mayor of the town I have called home my entire life. It's appropriate that skeletons are uncovered before halloween, how about your's Mayor, anything you would like to disclose before its uncovered? Karl Rove would be proud of this campaign, distract the people with negative attacks on your opponent while never exposing your own agenda, ie afraid to debate the issues. Mr Molina made a mistake, who has not! And with all of this, he stil stands ALONE before the people of Patterson, an open book, wanting to talk about the issues facing our city. That my friends is true character, he is not ducking a debate, running away, nor hiding, waiting for this election to finish. So if these blogs are correct in proclaiming a victory, our Mayor will now have won another race by DEFAULT.....Now that's confidence in our Mayor! Let's be smart people, vote for someone who cares about our city and not the privileged, chosen($$$) few. VOTE MOLINA FOR MAYOR!!

You People Just Aren't Getting It!
written by Ali B. , October 24, 2008

I don't understand how some of you are ignoring the facts, Molina STOLE money!! Then he lied about it, and frankly I don't care how much or how little, in my opinion A THIEF IS STILL A THIEF!!

I have no affiliation with either Candidate, but it is obvious that some of the posters do, however I would like to remind them that the rest of us can base our decisions on facts and each Candidates record.
So far Mr. Molina's record leaves me cold.

Molina
written by Vote Molina , October 24, 2008

"A THIEF IS STILL A THIEF?" What and where were you 15 years ago? You are obviously not running for Mayor! Why would Mr. Molina need to disclose this information? I am sure it is somthing he has put behind him for a good reason. People make mistakes and he has "lived" he must know what it's like to hurt! Molina you definatly still have my vote! Your actions and follow through are incredible! Keep up the good work!

Mr. Molina
written by Colleen , October 24, 2008

Nowhere in the article does it say that he was charged with breaking any law, sentenced etc. Yes, he was an adult. Yes it was stupid that he lied. It's been 14 years. That's 20% of someone's life if they live to be 70. That is a long time. Mr. Molina has taken what he learned from his past mistakes. He probably is much more cognizant of how his actions will be perceived today because of it and probably thinks twice before acting and speaking; more than likely this would make him an even better public servant. Yes it was his fault that it happened but believe him when he says it made him a better person.

woooow
written by what say you , October 25, 2008

oh and and for the record i highly doubt campos hands are clean!!!

You have got to be kiddiin' me
written by YadiYadiYadi WahWahWah , October 25, 2008

All you Pattersonites better understand the REAL issues here and not let your vote be an emotional vote. From the looks of these comments this IS as ugly as it gets...WAKE up...Every entity of government all the way up to the Federal level has bad elements in it...The real worry is, those that keep their double-standards hidden...C'mon, ask yourself this simple question...Do you really believe Molina would run for Mayor thinking this would not be known or that it would not surface if he was to be elected?? The last time I checked we lived in a country that your innocent until proven guilty...If we all did not have second chances in life where would we be? I seriously doubt anyone here really knows what truly happened besides Molina and the Investigators. Why not just take out the noose and let's have a lynching... Oh, wait,... this is a lynching ... Personally, I had not decided who I was more incline to vote for until I read this article... It is very obvious where the agenda is...Becky....Shame on your supporters...I admire Molina for having the guts to run for Mayor knowing very well, his publisized mistakes that were in the past would always be out there. That says more about his integrity than anything else does...Becky,... your supporters just helped me make up my mind...thanks..

If you believe
written by Debbie Santos , October 25, 2008

Excuse me, IF you believe in what you are saying, you would not be embarra*sed to put your name down( mayor has 9 lives, what say you, vote molina. These people are so quick to change the subject about what Mr. Molina did and talk about Mayor Campo, well this is about the theft and lying of Mr. Molina and do we want a Mayor like that for Patterson. Our city is growing and Mayor Campo has done a fine job. Things don't change and get done over night, it takes time and Mayor Campo AND the city council all work together to get things done.

Thanks for the History Lesson - Your no Mr. Bettencourt
written by fred ross , October 25, 2008

Why we shouldn't vote based primarily on past mistakes:

1. If we did, our current mayor wouldn't be in office.

2. If we did, our current supervisor wouldn't be in office.

I'll save the allegations for a later race.

You see its easy to pull out skeletons, hell, anyone who actually enjoyed their younger years has them.

To Union City Man, thanks for the history lesson. Fred Ross was a great individual who groomed Cesar Chavez to advocate for farmworker rights. I happen to think Chavez was a transformative figure who helped not only mexican farmworkers, but people of all colors who suffered from unfair working conditions and employment practices. Quick note, most bloggers do not use their actual name (insert light bulb). But be damn sure, I lived here my whole life, and I will no longer support the current leadership that is slowly allowing our city to crumble. Fred Ross has already voted, and like many across this nation, that vote will be for CHANGE. Lastly, I actually wanted another individual to run, (see prior posts) given the two options, I think our choice is quite simple. If you like the direction in which Patterson is headed vote for Campo. If you think our direction is headed the wrong way or can do better, vote for Molina.

Both candidates don't have a squeaky clean past, anyone who has lived here long enough knows that. I just find it hard to believe that a person would change their vote for a $500 mistake, when the current leadership allowed $8 million to sit in a drawer. At 4%, that huge mistake cost the city of patterson over $400,000......yet no one seems concerned.

Fred Ross
Founder CSO

Deleted entry & slumlords
written by fred ross , October 25, 2008

Note to PI:

What happened to my first entry. Did the slumlord come down and complain?

What is the Big Deal with both Mayors?
written by Randy , October 25, 2008

I haven't chosen who i want to chose as mayor but i think that everything that is being written about Mr. Molina is going to far. In my Opinion, why is it all about Mr. Molina lets look into somethings that Becky has also done. I have lived in patterson all my life(over 30 years), I understand that Becky is already our mayor and wants to continue but I think that she has made so many promises that she has just lied about. I would like to see someone else that could make a difference in patterson that has many different was in improving patterson. I rather vote for someone that could make a difference in our lives and most important my children's lives as well to many others. But after reading all the comments and the news paper articles I think that I have made my choice. Mr. Molina you can count on my Vote on Nov. 4 with along with all my family and friends that have lived in patterson and are ready for a greater improvement.

Randy

You are only as clean as the people you surround yourself with!
written by :( ;) :p , October 25, 2008

Well in this next chapter of digging and bashing..it seems like there is a pot calling the kettle black. As this story broke in the irrigator on thursday people wondered what, if any, involvement Mayor Campo's camp had to do with the digging and breaking of the story. Mayor Campo denied any involvement from her camp, but now it seems that one of her Major Endorsements had a bit more to do with the breaking news. Supervisor Jim DeMartini, who has endorsed Mayor Campo, actually broke the story to the Modesto Bee. The anonymous Lady who dropped it off at the irrigator had supposedly dropped off the same articles on DeMartini's Porch. Now is it a bit of a contradiction for a man who himself has just bought..oops..come off a Credit Scandal involving an alleged affair with a woman he worked with, to be the person to deliver the articles to the bee hmmm...I have been taught that your character can be represented by the people you surround yourself with! So for those who have called Mr. Molina's character into question, for the $500 he took and then returned, what do you call Mr. DeMartini's character knowing that he was involved in alleged adultery, misuse of funds and Credit, as well as then wiping his hands clean by pushing all accusations to the woman (victim) of his lust and promiscuity? Is that the kind of Character, type of Person you want to Endorse your "CLEAN" Candidate? Remember you are only as clean as the people you surround yourself with or in this case who you want to get ENDORSED BY!

...
written by what say you , October 26, 2008

hey you with the lynching!!!! know one is tying a rope around anybodys neck and hanging them!! thats a pretty strong nasty word that is not applied to this situation. molina's past may be in question but is he being lynched for it....no. i really have no clue why some people feel the need to throw the word lynched around so easy.

Don't be misguided
written by Councilman Sam Cuellar , October 26, 2008

I want to be very Clear that i am still fully supporting Luis Molina for Mayor. This Race has become very nasty, and want be sure people know that i am still behind Molina and not supporting Mayor Campo. If there are any ethics to these blogs, please use names that people wont confuse with others and possibly change the vote..SAM C..could you please make your name more clear. I dont appreciate the tactic used that misrepresents my beliefs or who i back.
Thank you
Councilman Cuellar

DeMartini was the VICTIM
written by Ali B. , October 26, 2008

If the poster would read newspaper articles correctly, before spewing off Foolish and Ridiculous statements, they would learn that Supervisor De Martini was the Victim and the woman was the SCOUNDREL!!!
It had nothing to do with his credit, he was a victim of Identity Theft.

Support for Molina
written by Jeff Realini , October 26, 2008

I want to be on record as supporting Mr. Molina for Mayor. I started my campaign as being against the current administration, and that position still stands. Mr. Molina is the only choice for the change Patterson needs.
Jeff Realini
Canidate for City Council

Hey Fred Ross I Was There.
written by Union City Guy , October 27, 2008

Since Fred Ross has lived in Patterson his whole life.

The Facts Are....

Money was Stolen by Chabot College Student Body President Molina, a 30 year old in September, 1993

Student Body Vice President Benroya asked Molina for receipts and the money. For six months Molina LIED, claiming no knowledge, then claiming that all monies had been returned.

March, 1994 Molina was given an ultimatum by the Student Body Council: Return the money & resign or face impeachment.

Late March, 1994 the money was returned by Molina.

Mid-April, 1994 under pressure by his Council Colleagues, Molina FINALLY admitted to the theft and resigned.

Mid-May, 1994 The Fremont Argus newspaper's headline : Student Leader Owns Up to Theft of $500
The story goes on to state that "In doing so, he may have hurt his one dream - to run for Mayor of Union City in the year 2000 on a platform of increased services for schoolchildren, Chicanos and migrant farm workers." (sound familiar?) Also, the article points out that he had led his own father into believing that the stolen money was his.

This is a man that had to be FORCED to do the right thing by Council Colleagues much younger then he, and still continued to LIE until he couldn't get away with it anymore.

1997, Molina arrested for his second DUI, 2 days in jail and 3 years PROBATION. This repeated occurrence was the water thrown on the fire of political ambition for Mayor of Union City in the year 2000.

This is the same man today as he was in 1994. If he lied to his colleagues, his father, and those that trusted him who is to say he's not lying to all of us now. Great example to the youth of Patterson and indeed Stanislaus County.

Down with Molina
written by Thomas , October 27, 2008

How on earth can someone vote for Molina with his background!! YOu can not vote for someone who is dishonest and breaks the law.

As for Sam Cuellar, get off your high horse with your scolding of Sam C. One mild comment and you think he is impersonating you. You are the problem not the solution.

By default, Campo would be my candidate of choice.

...
written by Sam Chapman , October 27, 2008

My post under the name Sam C. had NO intention of representing myself as Mr. Cuellar. I tried to enter just Sam and it would not let me so I entered Sam C. Since my last name is Chapman I used what came to mind which was my initial. There was no tactic used or considered. I am not involved in anyone's campaign. I just call them as I see them. I stand by my comments. Mr. Molina's lying after he stole the money is a big probelm for me. Bottom line is that I don't want someone that stole money and lied about it representing me and my City. I just can't trust him.

To the Irrigator Staff: "Lowly Rated Comment"
written by Jeff Realini , October 27, 2008

What is a "Lowly Rated Comment". The comments are being suppressed. Who decides what they are and why they are suppressed(censored)?

"Lowly Rated Comment"
written by James Leonard - Managing Editor , October 27, 2008

The "ratings" are the +/- votes, which are made by readers using the "Vote up" and "Vote down" buttons under each comment. I imagine if the ratings get low enough on a certain comment, that comment is "hidden" and must be unhidden by each individual reader who wants to view it. To be honest, this is the first time I've seen this since I've been here.

Proud to be from Patterson
written by Patterson Elder , October 27, 2008

For those of you who missed it, the Bee did an article on the 60 cities of the valley and how they rank to one another. Here is the on line address for this article. http://www.modbee.com/smartgrowth/

Here is a brief quote from the article.

"PattersonPopulation: 20,875
City's Overall Rank: 2 of 60See complete audit
Final Score: 77.25&#xOu;treach: 63%
Development: 71es: 88%
Design: 100 m;enities: 84%
Affordability: 87 g; & Open Space: 74%
Infrastructure & Transportation: 63onomic Planning: 74%
The Bee
No city scored higher than fast-growing Patterson in design, affordability and fees charged to developers. Patterson's comprehensive landscaping, street furniture, building, thematic and color design standards are second to none. The city could feel pain in the future, however, without water and sewer improvements."

We have much to be proud of.

Regarding the water and sewer issues, they are being addressed by our city council at this time.

To Union City Guy. Thank You for your comments. I feel you have our best interests in mind. If you are not a resident of Patterson already come on over and see why we ranked so high, only outdone by Oakdale.

wow
written by Concerned mom , October 27, 2008

I have to say I was ready to put Mr. Molina on my ballot and now I must think twice. I do not care for Campo and what she has done with our city and promises not followed with honestly I do not want someone with a criminal history running our town. I love Patterson and believe we can be more than just the butt of people's jokes or the town no one wants to move to for being in the middle of nowhere. Hopefully next election we will have someone that is experienced also run for mayor that will give eveyone pause.

LOL.
written by Tha Truth , October 27, 2008

LOL. What a dumba*s.

Molina
written by Tammy S. , October 27, 2008

After reading all the comments, I can't help but feel sad. I have known Mr. Molina for about 6 years. I have seen his work in Stanislaus county and am so proud to give him my vote. He has worked hard in his career and deserves to be recognized for it. Just because someone decided to bring this to the attention of the city at the last minute doesn't mean you should change your vote at the last minute. We could all dig up bones from anyone's past. Stick to the real issues and give Molina a chance!

...
written by Concerned mom , October 27, 2008

yes we can dig up bones in most people's pasts but that does not mean I want someone with those kinds of bones running my city! Everyone makes mistake this I understand. But when you make mistakes such as legal items and spending time in jail....there needs to be a line drawn somewhere. The mayor of a city should be someone our children can look up to. I do not want my kids to see that you can steal and you can get DUI's but look you can still be mayor. What kind of example does that set?

To all you ignorant "blogger"...
written by Francine Ross , October 27, 2008

Ok, so I tried to fight the temptation of ripping all you retards a new one but I just couldn't help it. So here it goes...
First of all, How many of you "informed" voters have an education higher than H.S.? I highly doubt any of you...except Fred. I suggest you pick up a text or two and learn about what it actually takes to run a government agency. What you will find out is that what Patterson currently has wouldn't even suffice to run a pigs pen.
I am not saying that what Molina did was the correct thing to do but you folks need to look at the real issue at hand...the future of your so called "community". I am sure your Mayor has stolen more than $500 one way or another...I highly doubt she can say she has never lied on an individuals income tax returns (which would mean she's stealing from the Federal Gov't), or that she or her company did not put people in some of those mortgages that have placed the City in such a horrible situation. The City could actually use a WHOLE new Council not just a Mayor...None of our council members, except one (which I believe is Shelton) has a real job, not to mention one that knows what the bureaucratic process of government is. You can't have a Mayor who just takes into consideration the needs of a few land owners, but one who looks out for the future of ALL the residents. I have stopped watching the council meetings because it's like watching a comedy show, but I guess it's the next best thing since sliced bread for you uneducated individuals.
Well, that's it for now.
Peace out Fred and I'll catch you on the flip side

p.s. It's very unfortunate that this election will be affected by the "Uniformed, Media Fed Voter" which includes the majority of y'all on here ~ with the exception of a few, which you know who you are

...
written by someone who cares , October 27, 2008

Councilman Cuellar
I wish you had your eye sight back then you would see right, through Mr Molina.

Sad
written by THAT IS SAD AND HEARTLESS , October 27, 2008

It is one thing talk about issues and talk credability..but when you bring a man's disability to play that is truely the sign of a weak person and one who doesn't care about much...Someone who cares..cares more about being the head of all jokes and puns, you could only hope to be as gifted, as smart, or even half the person that Mr. Cuellar is..truely a new low, a grade A A**hole in my book! Congratulations

This is not Patterson
written by fred ross , October 27, 2008

It never seems to surprise me where certain individuals will go to pursue or further their political will.

To everyone reading this blog, while politics are important because they help make up our social fabric, they should not reach the point to where individuals or neighbors stoop to the point of belittling an individuals disability. Mr. Cuellar has served this community far longer than most of us have been alive. I think this campaign bottomed to a point that I thought was unreachable in Patterson.

We are not a community of hate, we are an inclusive community....for those of who think this is just part of the political process, your wrong, and you should be ashamed to call yourself a resident of Patterson or the world for that matter.

My education is relatively advanced compared to the average resident in the 95363, however, I don't think a university degree is required to run this city........common sense, sound values, and willingness to speak up when it may be unpopular is what this city needs.

Sorry for the ramble, just disturbed by the Sam Cuellar comment.

Lets break down this so called smart growth audit
written by fred ross , October 27, 2008

The following is a list of either disingenuous or false misrepresentations. Please if you can support any these claims, I would love to hear from you.

1. Patterson has a defined city core.
2. Most newer lots are smaller than old lots. Hmmm.....that 4 units per acre density proposed by the GPAC doesn't back this claim.
3. Our fees are comprehensive. Yeah, after 15 years of getting screwed by developers you finally realized that your fees didn't cover your costs. Just because you fixed it recently doesn't make it smart growth.
4. City development fees updated every year? Just reaffirms that local leadership was asleep at the wheel for fifteen year +.
5. Answers to wastewater and water are answered as other. The truthful answer would have been, "we're running out of capacity". Again, extra smarth growth points for avoiding the truth.
6. Art in public spaces is optional? More like non-existent.
7. Please point me to the homes that fit the "very low" category, YOU CAN'T COUNT HOMES THAT HAVEN'T BEEN BUILT.
8. I could go on and on, this report is borderline bogus, any smart growth organization would get near this report.

FRED ROSS'S UNOFFICIAL SMART GROWTH REPORT FOR PATTERSON:


Create Range of Housing Opportunities and Choices
Providing quality housing for people of all income levels is an integral component in any smart growth strategy.GRADE: D

Create Walkable Neighborhoods
Walkable communities are desirable places to live, work, learn, worship and play, and therefore a key component of smart growth. GRADE: D - How many of us walk to the supermarket, job, or church....I honestly think only Lee Scoles does all the above

Encourage Community and Stakeholder Collaboration
Growth can create great places to live, work and play -- if it responds to a community’s own sense of how and where it wants to grow.
Grade: C - at least they attempted to get community support on the GPAC, could have got a B if not for the presence of individual landowners who seek to gain from land designations

Foster Distinctive, Attractive Communities with a Strong Sense of Place
Smart growth encourages communities to craft a vision and set standards for development and construction which respond to community values of architectural beauty and distinctiveness, as well as expanded choices in housing and transportation.
GRADE: F - the city of stucco, downtown core = save mart...need I say more?

Make Development Decisions Predictable, Fair and Cost Effective
For a community to be successful in implementing smart growth, it must be embraced by the private sector.
Grade: B

Mix Land Uses
Smart growth supports the integration of mixed land uses into communities as a critical component of achieving better places to live.
Grade: F - Once again, there is no place in town where I can live, shop and work....it doesn't exist b/c of our failure to promote smart mix land uses.

Preserve Open Space, Farmland, Natural Beauty and Critical Environmental Areas
Open space preservation supports smart growth goals by bolstering local economies, preserving critical environmental areas, improving our communities quality of life, and guiding new growth into existing communities.
Grade: F - Current leadership doesn't: 1. understand buffers 2. understand ag easements 3. Doesn't understand farmland mitigation 4. THINKS OPEN SPACE IF AG LAND

Provide a Variety of Transportation Choices
Providing people with more choices in housing, shopping, communities, and transportation is a key aim of smart growth.
Grade: C - not entirely Patterson's fault, we are a little isolated from the rest of the county. However, in the city, we drive, drive, drive, and drive some more. Alternative forms of transportation are nonexistent

Strengthen and Direct Development Towards Existing Communities
Smart growth directs development towards existing communities already served by infrastructure, seeking to utilize the resources that existing neighborhoods offer, and conserve open space and irreplaceable natural resources on the urban fringe.
Grade: n/a

Take Advantage of Compact Building Design
Smart growth provides a means for communities to incorporate more compact building design as an alternative to conventional, land consumptive development.
Grade: F+ - no LEED bulidings.....leadership thinks proper density is 4 to 1.......laughable.


FREDD ROSS's FINAL SMART GROWTH GRADE FOR PATTERSON: D+

Francine Ross
written by Thomas , October 28, 2008

Ms. Ross, I am a college graduate, summa cum laude, and am a Chief Financial Officer for a medium size company. So, I am not a retard and I have more than a High School diploma. Thanks for the insult, but using the word retard, makes me wonder about your morals.

Francine Ross
written by fred ross , October 28, 2008

Please note: Francine is not my wife, nor is she related to me in any way.

Let's get back on topic / Modesto Bee Report = Marketing Spin
written by Jeff Realini , October 28, 2008

We have gotten off topic here, but since we have someone trying move us back to thinking Becky's team is doing a great job, I help show this is a fallacy.
I think we went to college (maybe, hopefully even in high school) we were taught to see where the facts and figures were from. In this case the figures were from Rod Simpson, Community Developement Director whose job it is to sell Patterson to the world. It is also from the end of last year when this down turn was still believed to be a blip. Rod did his job, which is make Patterson look good. To those of us who live in Patterson, we need the truth, not a marketing spin.
On paper the questions answered were true, but I doubt under an independent audit we would score a pa*sing grade on compliance with our own rules.

I would like to know who Patterson Elder really is, so we can determine that person's intentions. Are they truely saying "Hey, I love Patterson", or "Becky is doing a great job" or "I have some land to sell. Patterson is great."

Ms. Ross, my son is developementally delayed (ie Retarded), and would be insulted by being included with some of these fools.

...
written by someone who cares , October 28, 2008

I am not a mean person I just can't believe he can sit in her office and act like he's on her side then turn his back on her!!!
Mr Molina a coment you made to me at a dinner that those people on the eastside of ward need to unite with your side (bay area people) of town how about them uniting with them!

someone who cares
written by fred ross , October 28, 2008

What in the hell are you talking about?

If anyone has something positive to add to this discussion, please feel free to do so.

Irrigator - Has your Endorsement Changed
written by Thomas , October 29, 2008

Since you officially endorsed Molina for Mayor and with the recent revelations, has the paper make any changes to its endorsement? It is a very fair question.

Enough with padding the votes
written by fred ross , October 30, 2008

Election day is on the horizon, and while you pundits pad the comment votes, it appears that Molina will be padding the ballot box. Why you ask?

1. The people of this city are ready for change;
2. They're ready for someone with new ideas, not retreaded boilerplate dialogue that a rock could speak to.
3. They're ready to be steered down a more positive path.

The most amazing (and sad) thing is that we never had a debate for the candidates for mayor. During what could be called a tipping point in Patterson's history, the residents of this city for some reason is okay to vote for folks without hearing them elaborate on the issues. If not for PI's videos, well we would know nothing about these two candidates. A major thank you to PI for providing us with some sort measure to evaluate those who seek to be mayor.

there's more
written by ****Anonymous , October 30, 2008

I spoke to someone who worked with Molina way back when last weekend in regards to the money he stole. He did it twice apparently...I did not pay much attention but I recall that there were no charges brought against him that second time.

Ready for Change...Please Vote
written by Kelly , October 30, 2008

I have to say for the 4 years I have lived in Patterson, all I have heard from Becky Campos is talk. I am ready for change and keeping her in office is not going to do it. All I can say is I hope everyone gets out there and votes.

Enough already
written by Jon Partridge , October 30, 2008

It seems that elections bring out the worst in people, and the upcoming mayoral race is no exception. It's sad to witness all the nasty comments flying back and forth among PI readers.

Is there a way to discuss the issues without all the name calling and self-righteous rhetoric? Regardless of who wins this election, it seems that the community has become the big loser. My guess is the comments on this site are representative of a community rift that may not be quickly healed.

I would imagine that if both candidates were scrutinized, there would be things that no one wants revealed. Has anyone delved into what kinds of home loans Patterson Financial signed off on prior to the current foreclosure crisis? Maybe there were no problems, but it would be a relevant question to ask of any politician who has been involved in the mortgage industry. It's clear that one candidate's life has been scrutinized more than the other in this race -- and that's not necessarily the fault of the Irrigator. They were only acting on information given to them, as any responsible publication should.

Of course, voters should take each candidate's distant past into consideration, but it would seem that Campo's and Molina's most recent decisions and activities would be most relevant to this election. It's also important to consider how the candidates feel about the issues.

I confess that I'm observing all this from a distance and may not have the most clear perspective on the matter. However, when it comes to politcal nastiness, I can say without a doubt that Patterson can be its own worst enemy at times. And that's a shame. For who wil transcend all the muck when the election is over? Who will bring the community together?

Godspeed to those who work toward reconciliation. The city has ma*sive challenges ahead, and it will need a unified front if it is to fight off outside pressures.

All the best to y'all!

Predatatory Lending
written by fred ross , October 30, 2008

I must preface this comment by saying that I don't know if that was in fact Mr. Partridge's comment, but I think this is a fair question for the debate. Wait one moment, I almost forgot..........the Mayor doesn't think debates are necessary in campaigns. Bottom line, the people of Patterson lose again. Thanks to all that used their money and political will to make sure we continue to be represented by "leaders" who have absolutely no fresh ideas, and even if they had some, we wouldn't know because the public was never given a formal chance to ask.

To briefly address the predatory lending issue, I would say this. The question shouldn't be how many bad loans Patterson Financial issued, the question should be:

Why hasn't anyone asked our Mayor to address the fact that she stands to benefit from "front load" growth? Why hasn't anyone asked our Mayor about her residence issue? Why hasn't anyone asked our Mayor why she has sold the people of Patterson short for a few meals and a pat on the back? Why hasn't anyone asked our mayor about her vision for the city?

The sad answer to all these questions is that she doesn't have an answer that she can articulate into a three second sound bite...and even if she had one, again, there is no public forum to hear it.

No substance, No Progress, No Hope.

DEBATE: Sunday 5:00 P.M. @ Creekside
written by fred ross , October 30, 2008

Let this comment formally offer both candidates for Mayor to a debate moderated by the PI.

Whereas, both candidates would be allowed to ask each other five questions.

Whereas, each candidate will have five minutes to respond to each question propounded by the opponent.

Whereas, the debate shall not last longer than 90 minutes in length.

Whereas, both parties agree via confirmation to the PI, to be present at 5:00 P.M. at Creekside Middle School.

Whereas, both parties agree to not exceed the allotted time to answer a question propounded to them.

Whereas, upon completion of the question, each candidate will have 10 minutes to articulate why they should be elected Mayor of the City of Patterson.

Will the candidates answer my plea?

Please no questions regarding logistics, I'm completely sure that PI and PUSD will accommodate.

Trick or Treat - Pizzagate Style!
written by Sick of this Clown , November 03, 2008

The Thug Candidate, Mr. "M-16" Molina thinks it's okay to pay CHILDREN off in Pizza's to go pull down his opponents signs on Halloween. For each sign removed and replaced with a Molina sign the child earned a Pizza. Whose idea was it yours or Dennis M's?

Just what else have you been encouraging others to do on your behalf?

Pizza????
written by Seperate but not equal , November 03, 2008

Where did you get this from about Pizza?

Mayor's Fat Cat Landowner Friends
written by fred ross , November 03, 2008

It's kind of funny how things work. I can't call people slumlords, but other fat cat landowners can continue their a*sault on Molina view this comment board.

For most of us who have lived in Patterson for some time, the word slumlord generates one sole landlords name. Look for the most run down and dilapitdated buildings, those are his properties. Who does this model citizen concerned with the "quality of life" of patterson, of course the current mayor becky campo.

A vote for Campo is a vote for the slumlord. Again, we can't expect to fix these REAL problems if the people who we put in office are funded by the likes of the slumlord.