Opponents of

Measure A

Defecate

 on First Amendment

5/9/10

By Marc Garman

text and video

Sometime in the late night hours of Saturday May 8, or the early morning of Sunday May 9, opponents of Vallejo Ballot Measure A damaged or destroyed “Yes on Measure A” signs in several locations around the city. Some of the sturdy plywood signs were cracked or had their corners smashed, while others were flattened completely. Jim Libien, Chairman of Citizens for Vallejo, the group behind the ballot initiative which hopes to remove binding arbitration from the Vallejo City Charter, described the incident as “a pretty disgusting show in a democracy”.

On a personal note, I can only say that it is a sad day when individuals on one side of a political issue take it upon themselves to abrogate the first amendment rights we are all entitled to under the US Constitution.

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Sign Maker   |May.12.2010 Watcher, I doubt that we would take a hammer to our own signs since they are all made at the grassroots level, by hand and take time and energy to make. Besides, we have always had our signs either stolen or destroyed by the other side and for the most part, they have never had their signs destroyed. I saw one of the No on A signs the other day being used as a dustpan though and thought that was funny.

watcher   |May.12.2010 Funny but I received a photo of a guy taking down a No on A sign. This is the oldest dirty trick in the book. I remember in the 1980s a candidate was caught tearing out his own signs after bemoaning the fact that the opposition was playing dirty tricks. All it is is a distraction from the main issue of who do you trust?

Yes on A   |May.12.2010 We have no police force because the VPOA said "CUT STAFF ALL YOU WANT WE WANT TO BE PAID". And you guys getr your 7% in July. Sheesh.

Kim   |May.12.2010 The Horror |May.09.2010 Really! You dummys are worried about signs when people are getting shot robbed and killed. It just shows that when and if you win, things like this are going to seem like nothing. Wake up you live in a hell hole and your worried about signs!!!!! GET a LIFE! Your city is in way more trouble than you realize. You have no police force. Obviously we don't have a police force, we have criminals looting the taxpayers.

Kim   |May.12.2010 Odd that none of the No on A were damaged. Vallejo ground zero for whats wrong with America. We have a front row seat. Who are the criminals? lol

On Fire   |May.11.2010 Our unions are trying to convince the voters that Vallejo is the only city that is being unfair to them. Salaries, benefits and retirement packages are being addressed by most major cities in California. San Diego taxpayers are trying something different. The city of San Diego is suing its retirement system in a dispute regarding how much financial responsibility, if any, city workers should bear for a pension deficit topping $2 billion. If successful, the lawsuit could lead to city workers helping pay for the pension fund�s investment losses rather than the current practice of having taxpayers make up for any deficiencies. The potential taxpayer savings have been estimated at $40 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The lawsuit is based on City Attorney Jan Goldsmith�s interpretation of the city charter. He says that document, essentially a city constitution, states that the city and its employees shall contribute �substantially equal� amounts to pension obligations each year. The City Council unanimously approved the lawsuit in closed session last week, and Goldsmith filed it Monday in Superior Court. He is asking Judge Joan Lewis to force the San Diego City Employees� Retirement System to increase employee contribution rates so workers will pay what he says is their fair share of $80 million. That is the portion of this year�s $232 million city pension payment that Goldsmith estimates can be attributed to investment losses. Taxpayers are fed up and this unanimous vote shows the San Diego city council has gotten the message. Three cheers for the city of San Diego for this move. The next thing the city ought to do is start outsourcing work and firing city employees including the fire department. Mike "Mish" Shedlock http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com

On Fire   |May.11.2010 And for those who think everything is so great in Oakland, the city that took on some of our safety employees, the taxpayers are being asked for increased taxes, again. The people of Oakland were asked for an increase recently to pay for additional police hires. Now the city is coming back for more. This is what Vallejo is facing if we don't gain back control over how our tax dollars are spent. This means Yes on Measure A. Oakland voters will likely be asked in November to approve higher taxes to halve a $42 million deficit, but even if they agree, the city will face an even deeper crisis within months. Ballooning pension costs will push the city's projected deficit to $58.7 million by July 2011. The biggest portion of that budget shortfall is a debt payment of $43.9 million due July 1, 2011, to the old Police and Fire Retirement System. The payment would be more than 10 percent of the roughly $400 million city budget. The looming crisis prompted great concern at last week's meeting from two council members, Pat Kernighan and Ignacio De La Fuente. When the council refused to ask staff to prepare a report on the impending budget woes, the typically mild-mannered Kernighan did not restrain herself. "If that doesn't happen, you guys are crazy and irresponsible!" she exclaimed. Kernighan said voters will not approve an $18.2 million public safety parcel tax, which would require a two-thirds vote, if they understand that the budget problem will only worsen later. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/05/05/BARQ1D7JUI.DTL#ixzz0nh0N6sc7

On Fire   |May.11.2010 Integrity, the truth hurts. No amount of childish tantrums and name calling will change the facts. Unions have drained this city/state dry yet they are still trying to find new ways to make the taxpayers fund their salaries and pensions. I saw an interesting comment the other day, Welcome to Taxifornia, and the home of the heros with hugh pensions.

INTEGRITY   |May.11.2010 Again the mis-info hits full force. So flawed and wrong. NO ON A NO ON LIES,NO ON SCREW BALLS

On Fire   |May.11.2010 Tenacious Dee Bunker, I have to credit Captain for posting the article that highlighted the Stanford University panel that studied California's public employee pension fund and concluded that it was underfunded by $500 billion. And I mistyped the figure per household, and it should have read "$35,700 per household", and I apologize for the mistake. This is what is currently owed by California and the national numbers are estimated at being short 1 trillion dollars for promises made on employee benefits. So while it is easy to point to a report from Channel 2 and say we pay lower taxes for police and fire. But we have to acknowledge the fact that we have not funded the pensions and health benefits for our city retirees and all of that money is going to come due at some point really soon and we will be paying for something that will do nothing to keep us safe or add any police and fire employees. This is all retiree funding. This will go on into our children's lifetimes if we don't do something about it now. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2010-05-03-editorial03_ST_N.htm So now we hear that "we are paying a small amount of taxes" by those who are only looking out for their own self interest. I'm sorry, but I don't need city employees, their family members and apologists telling me how to spend my money. I say to everyone that is No on Measure A, please be sure to sign a petition that says you are willing to pay more taxes to pay for our public employees to continue in the lifestyle they have become accustom to. Because the recent poll that the city took, must have missed these "we pay low taxes" people. The poll results indicated that the majority of people are not willing to pay more in taxes for city services. No matter how low they may or may not be.

Anonymous   |May.11.2010 In 1950 our schools were much better. If I'm asked to pay more taxes, I want it to go to schools. Our young people are being robbed of an education...

Somone Else   |May.11.2010 INTEGRITY, how can you argue that local tax rates are lower than they were in 1950 when Vallejo City revenues have about doubled since the mid-1990's yet we're still in bankruptcy? "Local Taxes" is a way to avoid stating that the overal all tax rate is higher, save from the superrich who benefited from Regan and Bush. The only way to have come up with that number is if you cherry picked which taxes went into it, and the conviently left of any references. The majority of today's populations pays more in total taxes than they did back then. If you want to go back to the 1950's, let's cut the wages by 50% and reduce the pension to what it was back then, and role back medical coverage too. You'll point out that some taxes are less, but not that your wages and benefits are far far more.

YesOnA   |May.11.2010 Ahhh, Channel 2, yes, that's the place I get my facts and information. Typical. The fact is, boys, I don't give a crap what our tax rate is, high or low. As a taxpayer, I won't pay more dime in taxes if it means it will go to your bloated salaries and benefits. Not one more dime. Until we get your salaries and benefits in line, the wallet is CLOSED.

Firebug   |May.11.2010 What was the sales tax rate in 1950?

INTEGRITY   |May.11.2010 NO ON A NO ON LIES!!!!!!! Just FYI to all you tax crazy yes on A people. You pay less than 200 dollars a year for your police and fire protection. That is if you even own a home, I dont think you do Garman. PS your moms basement does not count. Also channel 2 news just released a study that found that local taxes are lower than they have been since 1950. Thats 60 years people. Facts please only Facts. NO ON LIES NO ON A!!!!!!!!!

Horror   |May.11.2010 Garman you little weasal, you removed my post? Why was it too hateful? Was it to over the top. Wait, as you bash those that risk their lives and have people accuse them of breaking signs and the law you let that go. How about the lack of fact or foundation regarding the life expectancy or danger of job. Independant my Butt, and dont get excited when I say butt garman.

Tenacious Dee Bunker   |May.11.2010 It is true that many retirees live only 5 years after retirement. That's because they have to work until they're 70. Ain't true for police and fire who retire at 50. On Fire, those are good points you made about VAllejo taxpayer obligations. Why don't you condense them into bullet points and make it into a flyer? It will make a great handout or as door hangers.

J.M   |May.10.2010 It was great seeing home-made Yes On A signage over the weekend, but not thrilled on the bashing of them. Vandalism of anytype should not be tolerated in Vallejo; VPD should be called so a report can be generated regardless! I have made Vallejo my home for the past 4 years...I am proud to live, represent, make a difference, be part of the solution-not part of the problem and be an active resident to make positive change happen for the best overall interest of our citizens and town. Oh yes, I will need to get a hold on several Yes On A Signs so we can post in front of our yards.

Someone Else   |May.10.2010 No on A, according to CALPERs, Police and Fire live just as long as amy one else, and in some demographic cases several years longer than the average citizen. Police and fire living only 5 years after retirement is a bold face lie. I trust the people who pay your pension for pension data more than those who receive it. If you only live 5 more years, why are pension costs for cities doubling and trippling? If you died that quick we wouldn't need 50% (~the new contribution requirement) contribution to cover your retirement. We could easily cover your retirement with about a 5% contribtion, and the city would have more cops and not be bankrupt. Liar.

YesOnA   |May.10.2010 Well, unlike you, I pay taxes here. And because I pay taxes, I can call MY city employees who are paid extremely well, when I need them. I don't have to justify it to anybody. My taxes pay your salaries. Get to work.

On Fire   |May.10.2010 And to the No on A people, I don't see you campaigning for more taxes. You do realize that what you're wanting, more police and fire, takes money? Don't you? Why are you not advocating tax increases for every household to help pay for the puppet message you carry? The next house you call on, be sure to tell them that at present every household owes about $54,000 to pay for the police and fire pensions, along with the other city employees, and that only covers the money already owed. Then when they write the check to cover that billion dollar unfunded liability, they can keep writing checks to pay for the pensions and health benefits to keep the numbers up that YOU want. I'm sure you are giving out this tidbit of information when you knock on the doors, aren't you? In order for this city to operate in the way YOU think it should, it would mean a hefty tax increase each year for all tax payers. Seniors, retired, working class, everyone. That means closing all other departments and firing those employees to keep just the police and fire numbers that YOU want. So be sure to tell those people who may be losing their job it is bad for them but it will keep the police and fire employees happy. So while dropping those red signs, be sure to give out the correct figures that will tell the person just how much more YOU expect them to pay to support YOUR position and just where then money will come from to pay for it. That makes for a better dialog than simply calling people names and adding to the hype.

On Fire   |May.10.2010 On A and No on A, funny how you think that breaking the law only applies to "others". Last time I checked, breaking the law applies to everyone, not just the ones you deemed to be important. I also find it interesting that you complain about the fact that someone may have called to report a crime but have nothing to say about the people who broke the law. Friends of yours? You both make such a good case for Yes on A. You both seem to think you know best on what my tax dollars are spent on. That is exactly why I want my representatives to determine what my tax dollars are spent on and not city employees and union puppets. We are the people who pay the cost and have every right to have a say on how tax dollars are spent. Yes on taking back control Yes on A

no on A   |May.10.2010 Well, good point Horror, I like you. These dumda$$es with the yes on A signs called the cops. How stupid are you guys, you dumb people are anti police and fire yet when you need them when you need them. Its funny when you white old people are going to call the cops and fire when you get shot for being on the wrong side of the street in Vallejo and no one will come because you are trying to take more police off the street and cut more fire stations. Those fire guys only live an avg of 5yrs after they retire! With that and all the crap they deal with, let them have all there benefits, hell its only an avg of 5yrs! And the police deal with multiple shootings in a shift and have 80 pending calls, but yet they found a way to make it out to your stupid complaint! I hope these guys take more signs out! And why don't you call 911 for something important this time not sign sh!t, someone may have a real emergency!!! Don't waste their time over your stupid lives!

on A   |May.10.2010 well, you yes on a people, it is just so funny that you called the police who you are against to help you out. Wow is all I got to say to that, I'm impressed that they had the time to come out for your stupid sign complaint they are heavily understaffed and you people are trying to take more cops off the street! Not to mention trying to screw the fire dept again, what do you guys want another station closed, didn't we already see a fatal fire last year a couple blocks away from a closed station...And now you want to take more fire stations out and more cops off the street. Remember your signs when you call the cops for something real this time or the fire dept when you or a family member have some type of medical emergency! You fools aren't really for the citizens, if you were you would have No on A signs!

Freud   |May.10.2010 Ah, see it's a moral disassociation combined with a small appendage issue. They must destroy a representation of what is good and right (for the Vallejo taxpayer) and in their impotent rage are compelled to crush the signs. Yes is must be difficult to not be able to, well we know what is lacking, but proving yourselves to be childish men-boys makes your community view you in an even worse light. The good guys (and gals) made these signs by hand. It took time and energy. Why don't you use your hands for something constructive, like baking or scream into a pillow, or...

I Love Vallejo   |May.10.2010 This just shows typical response from the PSU's thugs who have always done the same thing to VIB signs and Gomes signs over the years. They just can't stand to have anyone disagree with their raid on our city coffers. They are worried as they know that they cannot fool us anymore. VOTE YES on A!

Anonymous   |May.10.2010 What is gossip about obviously destroyed signs? I guess you think the statement "individuals on one side of a political issue take it upon themselves to abrogate the first amendment rights we are all entitled to under the US Constitution" is gossip? No on A thuggery is alive and well in Vallejo.

Life from outside Vallejo   |May.10.2010 Speculation, gossip, accusations and assumptions. Great discussions and so enlightening. This website has drifted into the web version of a tabloid outlet. You only need a little more desperation and it would become a soap opera with zero redeeming value.

watchingeye   |May.10.2010 Time to create a Vallejo Police Commission with the authority to investigate police crimes - like vandalism.

Those Signs   |May.10.2010 Hey Ken, I saw someone messing with those No on A signs in my neighborhood. They took them, moved them to the corner, covered them with their own "garage sale" signs and put them back up. One is still sitting on the edge of the yard with the taped on sign still on it. Point being, they weren't as concerned about whose signs they were, they were just convenient. Most of the No on A signs are right on the edge of most of the yards so easy targets for kids and garage sales. There is a big difference when someone carries a hammer in their car or truck with the intent of destroying a sign. I haven't heard that any of the large No on A signs have been touched. These sign thugs went on to commercial property that belongs to a business owner who supports Measure A. What's next from these cover of darkness cowards? They may not be members of our police department but I'm sure they feel like they have their protection if they are caught destroying signs.

Dialog Monitor   |May.10.2010 Just when it seems like we can have a decent dialog... Horror, more than likely your behavior is something that your friends and family have come to expect from you but give it a rest. We do have young people that read our site based on the broad topics and coverage it provides. Either respect the site or take your fantasy with you and go play somewhere else.

Edinator   |May.10.2010 Hey Ken, Hate to see that sort of nonsense from either side. Even back in the day when we were putting Vallejo is Burning signs around town the rule was to never mess with other signs. Of course, teams of the opposition drove around stealing or destroying VIB signs. If anything, that gave us a lot of extra motivation and determination. Winning a political argument by forcibly shutting the other side up is totalitarianism. Glad we live under a different system in America. It's worth defending.

Ken S.   |May.10.2010 Marc,I believe this behavior is going on for both sides. Three No On A signs were pulled out on my block and thrown into the gutter last week. It's a little funny watching the officer in your video act like he is concerned about political signs that are perceived as anti-PSU though.

Horror   |May.10.2010 Gran you miss the point. I need stimulation to get into a witty back and forth with you egg heads(like that one?). So if you could send your wife over for that it would be much appreciated. And dont get excited and day dream about doing it yourself, it just wouldnt work out.

Anonymous   |May.10.2010 Not to mention free speech. I don't agree with No, but they have a right to support it, however misguided!

Anonymous   |May.10.2010 There's a little No a A sign over in our neighborhood that someone keeps pulling up and laying flat on the ground. A while later you see it back upright. Next day it's flat on the ground again, so on and so forth. It would be fun to get video of the sign bandits. The personal Embarrassment for those involved doesn't seem worth it.

Hhmmmmm   |May.10.2010 100% guaranteed, it wasn't the Yes side. We don't roll that way. The No side definitely does. Which is a little unnerving to know the guys sworn to uphold the law are partiipating in vandalism and attacks on free speech. It makes you go hhmmmmm.

YesOnA   |May.10.2010 The cops are getting a 7.5% raise in July! They have free health care. They retire at 50 with 90% of their salary for life. Don't cry me a river. These greedy bastards have done NOTHING to help this city. Opposite, they've spread fear, lies and threats instead so they can get what they want and to he|l with all of us. "Cut our numbers but don't touch our salaries or benefits." So it's ok with them if the city has to reduce the police force to 50 cops, as long as the remaining 50 get to keep their fat salaries.

ktyklub   |May.10.2010 Hey Horror , you live in Horror, we live in city that needs our financial matters put in back in place.

ktyklub   |May.10.2010 After seeing this little story, which was not carried in the V-TH today I'm convinced that YES on A needs our support.I've been a big supporter of unions in my entire adult life. But considering this measure and the needs of he the city to use the best tools it has to emerge from bankruptcy it very apparent the measure needs support.

Mr :)   |May.10.2010 Seems there is some wisdom to using cheapy store bought signs. Too bad there is no video of the massacre. .

G**S   |May.10.2010 First, what proof do you have they broke your signs. I'd bet money your own people did it to bring attention to your cause. And by the way, they havent taken raises in years and have taken cut after cut!

YES ON A - No Fear   |May.09.2010 Ah... the Yes on A flyer has hit the mailboxes -- another intelligent, articulate piece that explains why we should all vote YES ON A. This explains the vitriole, foul insults and sign vandalism from the no side. Their only argument is the "fear factor" and it's not working anymore. VIVA VALLEJO YES ON A!

Anonymous   |May.09.2010 Dickelini? He's a "fan" on the no on a facebook page. Dickelini, who is supposed to "negotiate" for the city's side. Between him and Binding Arbitration this town is fukked.

Anonymous   |May.09.2010 Yeah, I'm sure Dickelini will get right on this one!

Anonymous   |May.09.2010 If the cops had taken a pay cut, the city wouldn't have had to cut the police force 35%. Amazing thing when you add and subtract numbers. Revenues - expenditures = salaries and services. So we're both right. Citizens want your pay cut. You don't want more layoffs. That would mean more cops to protect us citizens. Thanks!

observer   |May.09.2010 "Wrong Again" it would be pointless to ask the police to investigate to find out who is trashing "Yes on A" signs - it be awkward to have the police department investigate itself??

Gran Torino   |May.09.2010 Horror- Well I have to admit you are kind of funny to listen to with your name calling and angry rants. Keep it up, we could use some entertainment around here, but you need to step up your game a little. I'm losing interest. I mean, come on now, can't you do better than "losers" and "zzzzzzz" and "dorks".

Wrong Again   |May.09.2010 have you thought about the fact that if the city didn't cut the PD by 35%, they might have the man power to investigate or catch the perps? Thank your city council for the services you recieve. IT IS NOT THE EMPLOYEES FAULT!!

On Fire   |May.09.2010 Horrid, if you were such a catch, you'd be spending your time with your wife and not dreaming about somebody wanting the short version of you, in your wonderful town with your wonderful life. Lay off the cheap booze and learn when to say good night.

On Fire   |May.09.2010 They stole VIB signs out of our yards. But it didn't silence VIB. They vandalized Gomes signs and made up their own nasty messages. But it didn't silence the voters, Gomes was not only re-elected, but came in number one. So now they are trying to destroy the Yes on A signs. If this is a ~sign~ of things to come, Yes on Measure A will not only pass, but get the majority vote. Thank you "sign thugs"! You continue to help us gain suport for what is needed in Vallejo. Yes on Measure A!

Horror   |May.09.2010 Hey your wives must be longing for a real man. While your out putting up signs (dorks), why dont you let her come by my house, in a beautiful town with cafes and safe neighborhoods. And I can give her a big long reason (thats not a sign) to leave your weak flimsy waste of a weekend A..

Horror   |May.09.2010 And I mean Lahoo Zaherrrs

Horror   |May.09.2010 so disturbing these signs being destroyed, lets call the cops to come and look at us and film it. Wow that was some real good stuff. Very riveting. I was on the edge of my seat. Waiting for the poor cop to go are you serious? Yep he only has 5 calls pending and your dumb A.. to deal with. Thanks for wasting everybodys time losers.

Horror   |May.09.2010 and zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz watch the wackos spin wildly! I love this you guys are so easy. My rights my first amendment blah blah blah Its a freaking sign dummys. Bet none of you were worried when Daryl Edwards had his signs destroyed. Where were you then? Worried about a black guy? Oh thats right your a bunch of white right wing *****s complaining about your taxes going up because your life sucks and you don't make crap for a living. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZing

Viva   |May.09.2010 Scared much? Worried about losing your guaranteed gravy train? Your polling must not be going so well, huh? If Yes on A wasn't a threat, those signs wouldn't be touched right now. Thanks for the encouragement boys! Keep up the good work Yes folks. YES on A! Viva Vallejo!

YesOnA   |May.09.2010 Yes, Horror, I'm sure if the No signs were touched, you all would be stomping and screaming and arresting people left and right! We expected this because we know who you all are -- sneaky cowards dressed in black hiding under the cover of the dark night. Nice heroes.

On Fire   |May.09.2010 The Horror, I suppose you have no problem with people stomping on and trashing your rights? Yes, funny that the location where two of the signs are located are one of the most impacted by the loss of services. Yet the "sign thug" gang can only talk about their loss of salary and benefits and could care less that the rest of the city is hurting. We fully expected this to happen because that's how the cowards operate. In the dead of night, stealing and trashing around our town. That's what these city employees and their apologist do each election year. That's what they think about the citizen's and their tax dollars. Yes to taking back control! Yes to Measure A!

Gran Torino   |May.09.2010 The Horror- This is a first amendment issue. Don't trivialize it as some reaction to petty vandalism. What is so disturbing is the very people that are responsible for upholding laws may be the ones fragrantly breaking them. And fear monger all you want, I'm not buying it. Sickening.

John K   |May.09.2010 The Horror is that binding arbitration cost our City $4 million in a decision made by an outsider arbitrator in 2007. That's 20 police officers no longer patrolling our streets. These signs are giving information that will help voters to choose to end this binding arbitration ripoff. Voting YES on Measure A can help save our police and fire departments.

Abominous   |May.09.2010 WE HAVE NO POLICE FORCE BECAUSE THE GREEDY B@STARDS WANTED RAISES RATHER THAN KEEPING THEIR BROTHERS ON THE FORCE!!!!! FOLLOW THE MONEY AND YOU'LL SEE THE MOTIVATION ON THE SIDE THAT WANTS THIS DEFEATED. YES ON A!

The Horror   |May.09.2010 Really! You dummys are worried about signs when people are getting shot robbed and killed. It just shows that when and if you win, things like this are going to seem like nothing. Wake up you live in a hell hole and your worried about signs!!!!! GET a LIFE! Your city is in way more trouble than you realize. You have no police force. Nevermind this site and these weirdos deserve to live there. Some one shot not interested because my sign was damaged, OMG the humanity.

Gran Torino   |May.09.2010 Sad and disturbing, but does this really surprise anyone? Judging from the comments these people make, they could care less about the first amendment, or anything but their own wallet for that matter (sigh).

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