A comment from Dirk Lorenz
By Matt Artz
Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 at 5:42 pm in Uncategorized.
I thought this comment was worth posting since he’s asking for feedback and comments sometimes go unnoticed.
It’s from Planning Commissioner, flower shop owner and Fremont lifer: Dirk Lorenz:
OK gang…what if I wanted to take another shot at council? Don’t know if I can afford to… as I have a business to run. But I’m thinking about it. I’m a planning commissioner…and there are those that think we should “hire” from outside the commission. Thoughts? I did vote in favor of the Sabercat Development mentioned above… should a vote one makes on one issue disqualify that person from becoming a council person? I love to engage people and issues…won’t shy away from them. Give me your thoughts….
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May 13th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Good luck to Mr. Lorenz if he is running for City Council again. Competition for City Council seats is good.
But the record of Dirk Lorenz on the Planning Commission speaks for itself when he approved for so many developments irrespective of the size without consideration for impacts on general public Services, Schools, traffic etc. Ex: Irvingtion Housing developments, Sabercat development, Robson Homes, Lurene Town Homes, Colin Vista Homes etc. etc. Residents have gone to the Planning Commission Hearings, sent emails about the need for balanced growth but no one cared to listen but blindly followed the Staff recommendations or considered only the developer proposals.
May 14th, 2008 at 11:11 am
I agree with Matt. The people of Fremont go to the Planning Commision Meetings, City Council Meetings, only to be totally ignored.
Developers ALWAYS get what they want. We do not get a vote on the items, BUT
we get to vote in November, please run on your developer platform with developers money, we will vote for what is best for Fremont and sorry to say, that is not you.
May 14th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Sorry Dirk, you also played a key role in allowing the Sikh Temple in California Terrace to expand. Since the expansion, us homeowners, Fremont tax payers, have done nothing but pay the price. From trash in our neiborhood to rude temple goers parking in front of fire hydrants, disabled sidewalk ramps, and our own driveways. You have allowed them to violate the conditional use permits time after time with no regard for us. I know a lot of unhappy people that will not vote for you. Maybe you can get the temple to vote for you though!!!!
May 15th, 2008 at 9:13 am
I totally agree with the following statement
“Residents have gone to the Planning Commission Hearings, sent emails about the need for balanced growth but no one cared to listen but blindly followed the Staff recommendations or considered only the developer proposals.”
It’s time to clean house in Fremont government. We need to vote out all incumbents.
Furthermore, are these people responsible for losing Navlets? When will they stop selling Fremont to the developer with the highest bid? The deterioration in quality of life in this community is outrageous.
May 15th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Just getting back on this blog after Mother’s Day…sorry for the delay! A couple issues were brought up, so I will provide my thoughts on some of the projects mentioned above. Let’s start with how I “played a key role in allowing the Sikh Temple in California Terrace to expand”. As I recall, the final vote (I THINK) of the commission was 7-0, in favor. My point is that is hardly a “key roll”. Yet.. that is minor to the main point of their expansion. Again, as I recall… the classroom addition over their existing patio opened more parking spaces in their parking lot, which previously had an approval for these classrooms. That, to me, was a step in the right direction…creating more on-site parking. Yet… violations of municipal codes regarding parking outside the temple grounds seems to exist, as I regularly receive pictures of cars parked in front of fire hydrants, on corners blocking sidewalk access and litter. These are code enforcement / police issues that need to be addressed, in the proper mannor. I understand residents frustration… and know that the mayor and some council members have met with California Terrace residents. It takes what seems to be forever to address issues! That is frustrating. I have heard from residents regarding “fearing for their safety”. As a planning commissioner, these issues are far beyond my purview. I pass information on, in face to face discussions, to those in “power”. I feel I have done a good job in conveying the concerns of those I have heard from.
For the record…and regarding the comment “You have allowed them to violate the conditional use permits time after time with no regard for us.” … again, and as stated above… we need to understand what is within the purview of the commission, the council and law enforcement. The planning commission is only allowed to review items BROUGHT before the commission in a public hearing, which needs to be “noticed” publically, a specific amount of time in advance. That is the extent of our authority… enforcing the code falls upon the police and code enforcement officials with the city of Fremont.
Regarding “Dirk Lorenz on the Planning Commission speaks for itself when he approved for so many developments irrespective of the size without consideration for impacts on general public Services, Schools, traffic etc”. What you do not realize is the number of conversations I have had with our school board and city council regarding those issues. I have a deep concern, yet I am bound by the law…that which our City Attorneys office has cautioned us planning commissioners on. If you were a sitting commissioner, you also would be bound, no matter your personal feelings. I have no choice…yet will work within my rights as a citizen to CHANGE those law I feel need to be changed. Regarding traffic…specifically, Sabercat… I stand by my decision as it required some (albeit few) traffic improvement solutions to a very bad intersection. The impact of this new development was LESS than that of the one that was approved on that site. Again, a step in the right direction. Also… I spent (along with another planning commissioner) 4 hours standing in the key intersections at both morning and evening commutes to see the source of the traffic. The problem IS NOT this development, rather those that use Automall as a way to cross from northbound 680 to 880 in the morning. This is my level of dedication to providing the BEST insight into situations that come before me / the commission. I personally take time out of my business (anybody need some flowers?) to obtain not just staff or developer perspective, but that of those who will be impacted the most. The people who live in that area.
OK…my post so far is really long. I will stop there for now and invite comment once again. Look…I have lived here all my life, I care about this city. I have taken a great deal of risk, stepping up to serve as a planning commissioner, knowing that retribution for a decision that some think is bad will affect my business. I have seen blogs that, after a decision that did not sit well with a community, asked the residents “NOT to use Fremont Flowers”. Not only is that unfair, its cruel. I employ 16 local people that depend on my for their livelyhood. That is an awesome responsibility. If it is my desire to give my time to my community, I would hope that people are open minded enough to make the distinction between a vote I make and their choice of a florist…free from a perspective of retribution. But… nobody ever said life is fair…. Love you guy… bring on more comments!
May 15th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
…. I can’t let the “losing Navlets” comment go by without commenting. I am so sorry to see them go. First I knew of this is what we all saw in the newspaper. I have no special access to such informatinon. This property is zoned commercial…and the use as a retail nursery and that of a retail shopping center / grocery store are the same. Therefore, the applicant is not required to come before the commission nor city council. This is private property… and the owners have the right to do as they are doing. (within the zoning mentioned previously) There is nothing the city can do…to be honest. So… I have to say that the comment that it somehow the City’s fault… is not correct. I wish I had the room to open a nursery … seems that is a void being created that I would love to fill! Yet… let’s throw our business to Regan’s Nursery. I have local friends that work there also… perhaps their business will increase and they can hire some of those from Navlets. I pray so.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Thanks for taking the time to comment Dirk. I too don’t know why people are blaming the city for what is a business decision (and getting racist about it besides).
I’m a regular at Regans - the real ‘happiest place on earth’!
Seems people are letting fear get the better of them - so they lash out - at the city, at the neighbours, at the changing demographics, etc. I think it’s quite understandable, esp for long-time residents, to feel somewhat uncomfortable with all the change. That’s normal, eh? But don’t turn that discomfort into anger, frustration and bittnerness. You only hurt yourself.
May 15th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
QueenBee…. I enjoy a healthy, constructive dialog. Progess and change happen… and I too think of growing up in Fremont, my family farming both Patterson Ranch (long before Ardenwood was built) and the land around the Hub area extending all the way up to Mission Blvd. I loved the times when I could see in all directions over the fields of cauliflower, and sat on a flatbed truck off Fremont blvd watching the Pathfinders Day parade march by. I have lived here all my life…and seen many, many changes. You know… my mom …way back in 1947 (after graduating from Washington high School) dated a guy who’s dad was mayor of another city nearby. My mom was never allowed in her boy friends home, as she was “portuguese”… and her boyfriends mom did not what “that portuguese girl in her home”…. So…what has changed? Just a different nationality? We must realize that our demogrpahics will continue to change…and we must work to bring our community together. I got an idea for that…. more later!
May 15th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
My world view includes, ‘there’s nothing new under the sun.’ We were all immigrants once. And every immigrant group was looked down upon or persecuted at one time or another. Some talk about America being the great welcomer, well from day one, people were pushing other groups around (let’s push the catholics to Maryland where they’ll get malaria and die, e.g.,). America’s been gifted with a lot of space, and people could migrate to friendlier areas.
It’s to the point now when I go to other parts of the US, it seems so boring compared to Fremont and surrounding!
May 15th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
What an interesting exchange of entries. It is completely true…the planning commission continues to ignore public input. But, what is even more disturbing, is that Mr. Dirk Lorenz himself DOES NOT even LIVE in the City of Fremont. I wonder how different the exchanges would be if the people of the City of Fremont knew that Dirk Lorenz actually lives in Livermore…
It’s true. And, if we had reporters that actually did their job (which does not include spending countless hours composing quippy and irrelevant blog entries), then the people of Fremont would be better served.
Fremont DOES NOT NEED an “Ed Jew” scandal. Say NO to Dirk Lorenz, because the City of Fremont deserves better.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Debra… I hear this again and again…questions about my residency. The truth be known….I DO own a house in Livermore. Want the address? Please though…don’t disturb the tenant.
I wish to also add that I have owned 5 homes in Lake Tahoe, one in Sacramento, Rescue, Ca (land actually) Livermore commercial property, my grandparents house on Fremont Blvd that is now the Irvington Pet Hospital, two homes on Central Cove Ct. off of Blacow and Central Ave, two homes on old Oak Street off of Thornton, the old Fremont Jeep dealership at 37353 Fremont Blvd, the Stereo Store at 4050 Alder Ave., (don’t own the business…just the property) two homes on Medanos Ct off of Ibero Lane in Mission San Jose, a home off of Stanley Ave in Irvington, a house on Barrington Circle off of Paseo Padre in Centerville, two rental homes on Thornton Ave near Fremont Blvd, a home on the corner of Grandville Dr. and Burnside Ct. in Glenmoor, a house behind the creamery on Maple street. I do NOT own the old Cloverdale Creamery Building as the original Fremont Family who ran the business still owns that property… no need to go on. Now…if you want to check the mail box or the closet / my bedroom on Ballard Drive in Glenmoor… let me know when you want to meet. I also own the Depot Diner in the historic train station in Centerville, am President of the Save the Center Theater foundation, an organization of dedicated Fremontonians working to bring Fremont a performing arts center where this community can come together and enjoy common interests, past chair of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce…and am chairman of that little event in August…. The Fremont Festival of the Arts. Ever since I have spoken to any interest in running for council….there have been those, that for some selfish reason, what to “sink that ship” before it even sets sail. You think I want to be a city council person for the “big bucks”? Guess again! Its pure unadulterated public service that runs through my veins. A little more Fremont history for your information… My grandfather was instrumental in creating the Washington Hospital District in Washington Township… my grandmother was one of the founding members of the “pink ladies” of Washington Hospital. That same grandfather served on the Alameda County Water District and the school board. What does this have to do with “Fremont does not need ….. a scandal…say no to Dirk Lorenz”? To be honest… our city is blessed to have individuals such as myself… and there are many others as it’s not just about me… who are willing to step up and serve. So …bring it on Debra….
I will also add that I sure do wish I kept all those property mentioned above! Don’t own 90% of them anymore… and as soon as my tenant in Livermore returns from a trip to LA… they will see a “for sale” sign in front of that house (not the first time I should add) Send me a private email…I will send you the virtual tour the real estate agent prepared. Yep.. that house is for sale… as it has been in the past. The market ain’t so good these days as it is taking longer that we would like and can afford! Debra… I don’t know you…but please… before you go and “shoot off your fingers” typing things to discredit someone… get to know that person. You don’t know me.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Mr. Lorenz,
If this is true, I would certainly have a problem voting for someone who spends his time outside of the City. Fremont needs a devoted servant that is fully invested in this City…not someone who casts votes that will decide Fremont’s fate…only to jump in his car and drive 40 minutes away back to his home in Livermore.
I appreciate your response, and the fact that it seems like you have family ties here, but I will say this: if you are living in another City, why should we think you will cast genuine votes for Fremont? I’m a little shaken up by this revalation…and I certainly hope this is not the case…because you are currently a Fremont Planning Commissioner, are you not?
To touch on Debra’s comment about these blogs…I do hope that the reporters of the Argus will stop trying to replace objective reporting with this gossip blog. It’s one thing for us residents to exchange thoughts, concerns, and gossip…but for PAID investigative reporters to engage in these blogs and pass off their lazy and unsubstantiated postings as factual news…this is pathetic.
This is supposed to be a reputable newspaper…not a LADIES RESTROOM!
Do us all a favor…get with the program! Get back out in the field. Ask the tough questions. Report the facts.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
Ms. Martin…
Seems were both up late. I extend a warm invitation to you to stop by the Depot Diner in the Centerville Train station on Saturday morning. I would love to meet you and talk in person. I have nothing to hide… as I believe in full disclosure. The best way to prove this is by meeting face to face. I will even buy the coffee. I will be there from 8 am to 12 noon. While there, you can enjoy a Centerville Business Association community event called “Centervilles Got Talent”. I know you would enjoy it.
The family ties you mention… they represent 5 generations in Fremont. My great Grandmother was born off of Decoto Rd in the 1860’s. My grandmother, mom, all siblings and most of their kids have attended Washington High School. My brother and sister both live in Glenmoor also. I would like for you to get to know me to fully appreciate the sincere sense of pride I have for Fremont, its history and its future. As I began this post a few days back, I stated that I had an interest in running for city council… not that I WAS running. For some time, my wife and I have not been in agreement regarding this decision. It was only recently that we came into agreement. Now I wrestle with my desire to serve, verses the need for me to work my business. Although my previous post may be interpreted by some as I am a person with lots of money.. the fact of the matter is, I too have to work in tough economic times harder than I have for many years. The time I serve on planning commission or on council…should I run… is time I can put towards working my business. I am torn. I have the utmost respect for those that serve our city on commissions and council… for they truly do so with little or no economic reward. All must take time out of their day.. away from their “real” jobs … (albeit a few are retired) To be honest…I wrestle with whether or not I can afford to serve. (I don’t even know the council “salary”… somewhere around $1,300 a month?) So… all this may be for nothing. Again… I go back to what I said earlier… Fremont is blessed to have people that are willing to step up and serve. Please… add credibility to what you say… at next opportunity…introduce yourself…whether it be at the Depot on Saturday or at a commission meeting or elsewhere in the community. You can count on one thing… I won’t be “voting and running out of town”. (although… I also do contract work for ACE… the Altamont Commuter Express train. I do have to go out to Pleasanton from time to time and sell tickets from 5 am to 8 am. Did that the week of Mother’s Day…made for a loooonggg week!!!! Does not pay well but every little bit helps!)
May 15th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Dirk,
What an interesting string of entries. My family has been in Fremont for a long time as well - three generations. But that does not qualify me to serve on the city council or planning commission. First and foremost, Fremont with all of its changes over the past 25 years, needs new ideas and a new vision. We don’t need another “insider” who thinks he and his friends know what is best for the “rest of us.” After your long response regarding the Livermore residence issue, I’m still not sure where you live. I agree with other posts, we need politicians that will listen and represent the people, not their business associates or tired, old ideas for Fremont. We can do better. We have important decisions to make, and we should not be distracted by a residency scandal. Dirk, please stay on the planning commission and start listening to residents. No more rubber stamps to staff recommendations!
May 16th, 2008 at 12:03 am
I am surprised to learn that Mr. Dirk Lorenz is not a Fremont resident but a Planning Commission member who gets to vote on so many development proposals that affect Fremont residents. How can that be possible? Is this a legal issue? No wonder, Dirk Lorenz votes YES on so many projects overriding the concerns of Fremont residents because it does not affect him at all.
How can we trust you with our well-being if you are running for office again? Your heart and mind might be somewhere else while you are deciding Fremont’s future. I salute your parents and grandparents who have done a lot of service to Fremont. But that does not qualify you to be the next City Council person.
To be honest, I voted for you in 2004 elections but what a mistake I made seeing your performance on the Planning Commission. If you think something is wrong with a developer proposal, you should have voted NO with your conscience. But, please don’t take the cover of attorney or law. Maybe, City Attorneys and City Managers can decide all development in the City. No need for Planning Commission Hearings and City Council Meetings which is a waste of tax dollars anyways. If the pay on City Council or Planning Commission is not good, people should not run for OFFICE. Actually, the people of Fremont should vote for removing the City Manager position and getting a full-time Mayor with good salary. We are no longer a small-city to have a part-time Mayor.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Mr. Lorenz, you might try to be a little more pithy so your detractors can see the forest for the trees. I believe, people, he lives in town: “Now…if you want to check the mail box or the closet / my bedroom on Ballard Drive in Glenmoor.”
For the other posters - a lot of fussing and complaining. What are you looking for exactly? What would make you happy (please be specific - not “smarter, younger, forward-thinking insiders/outsiders”).
May 16th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Hello Queen Bee,
We are not fussing and complaining here, we are just pointing to the record of all Planning Commissioners and City Council members who do not care to listen to resident concerns. Residents have gone to the all kinds of meetings and raised their concern on so many issues like burglary response policy, haphazard development, simple traffic light installation etc. etc. Do you know the response, people got? Simple brush aside by Council members and Planning Commission members pointing to the Staff recommendations. If you had been to any public hearing, you will understand how logical and reasonable arguments put forth by the residents are tossed out by long-winded spin by members on all these government bodies. In one hearing, Staff could not even justify the traffic impact studies done by a hired consultant but yet the City approved the development proposal overwhelmingly.
I can go on and on.
So, it is time for Change with new people on City Council and Planning Commission whom people can trust. In that way, we can bring transparency to City Hall.
BTW, we do not want your sympathy or for that matter from anybody else.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:02 am
The propsed Asian center @ Navalet site is developed by Barry Swanson Builder not by asian developer.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Matt, Mike, Penelope and Debra… (I invite you all down to the Depot Cafe for coffee.) We have gone down the “blog” road far enough. There’s little more I can add … and I get the impression that it would not matter what I said. I would be happy to meet you in person at the Depot. I am there 7 days a week…great way to start the day. I sit at the counter, visit with my inlaws (who also live in Fremont) and have breakfast. Usually you will find me there for lunch and dinner also. (my inlaws use to own the Tigpaw restaurant here in Fremont… they are great cooks!) I have provided more information than quite frankly I needed to. I felt compelled to do so because I have nothing to hide. You can check “me” out… I have a webcam in the Depot… http://www.oiccam.com/depotdiner. Honestly, as concerned citizens, you should be out trying to make constructive changes rather than “beating down” those you disagree with… and those that have stepped up. We need to raise up our public officials (yes..even those you disagree with) It is often a thanksless job. As a side bar… if you were to view the last two planning commission meetings (www.ci.fremont.ca.us…. webcasts) you would see how I voted against a developer (Pac Plaza) and against the staff recommendation on the single story text ammendment. Your characterizations about the planning commissioners are frankly…incorrect. The proof is in the webcast. So…for those ‘reading’… these posts… keep an open mind and always look to remove bias. As for council… still don’t know. Would love to see one of you step up. Let’s see how you hold up to the scrutiny of a few jaded individuals. See you at the Depot?
May 21st, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Dirk you talk to much.lol
May 21st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Go to http://www.whitepages.com and enter “Dirk” “Lorenz” from Livermore, CA. Then do it for Fremont. The first yields a residence. The second does not.
Just saying.
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Patrick…. as I have said previously…. I DO OWN a house in Livermore. I’ve never denied this. I would bet that if you had done the same white page search for Lake Tahoe when I had a house there… you would have found me listed for that residence also. As I said earlier…I have a tenant in the house in Livermore. I will also add that I WALKED to work this morning… and enjoyed seeing the doors on the new fire station on Central being installed. It’s exactly 2.1 miles from where I live to the Depot…then another 400 paces to my flower shop. The excercise is great and I save money on gas. On occasion, I do travel to Pleasanton and Livermore, as we (my wife and I) do contract work for ACE… (Altamont Commuter Express) and sell tickets in Pleasanton in the wee hours of the morning. So… just in case you see me on an ACE train…it’s part of my other job. My wife also is a realtor for J Rockcliff in Pleasanton. So between the flower shop, the coffee shop, our ACE responsibilities, her real estate career… and our community service… we are busy people. Some have warned me not to engage people on this blog…yet… I feel compelled because some people’s perception can become others reality. This said… my standing offer to anyone to meet me for coffee at my coffee shop (I am there 7 days a week…best coffee in town) and I will be happy to elaborate on our very busy life….but do so…FACE to FACE.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
It is bizarre to see the attacks on Mr. Lorenz, who actually lives in Fremont. But when Mr. Peace was running for mayor very few protested the fact that Mr.Peace actually lives in Discovery Bay. Thankfully he did not win. Everyone’s energies should be on making sure the A’s do not come to Fremont because we do not have the police dept to support the stadium and we lack the basic infrastructure (such as good roads) to have this venture. You should also concentrate as well in getting money to fix our public schools. Our schools are horrible because none of you want to pass Bond measures or Parcel taxes to get these things fixed. If we have nice schools then our children would not get injured or sick as often. And maybe a few of those kids may like their school better and not became one of the many criminals we have roaming the streets of Fremont. Also why doesn’t anyone complain about the deplorable police force who at least 80% of the cops live two hours away from Fremont. Where are the problems again????? Oops its the rumor that Mr.Lorenz doesn’t live here! Give me a break!
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Hello SPA,
I agree to the part that we should get away with the rhetoric about Dirk Lorenz’s residency which does matter when someone is running for Fremont Office. But the fact is that he had been a Planning Commissioner for so long and we were discussing on his voting record which had favored developers with run-away housing that impacted schools, traffic, and other general services. We should ask Dirk whether he supports A’s coming to town. Also, Fremont voters should pass an initiative that all City/Fire/Police department employees are Fremont residents so that they care about the community other than working 8 to 5PM for salary and benefits. IMHO, anybody running for Fremont City Council seat should understand that the decisions they make with any kind of housing development does affect Schools. But until now, the present City Council and Planning Commission had taken cover of the City Attorney’s advice claiming that people should go to FUSD for any development approvals that impact Schools. It is time for new vision and thinking where new candidates consider Schools as part of the City and the Community.
I DO AGREE WITH A BOND MEASURE FOR SCHOOLS WHICH I DOUBT WILL PASS IN THE PRESENT ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Matt and Spa….NOW we’re talking. This was the initial direction that I had hoped the conversation would go when “diving into” this blog. My fear is that IF I DO decide to run … (a decision between my wife and myself) … the content of the conversations from that point on must be about issues such as the ones you raised above, not rumors about where one lives. For the record and regarding the A’s… as a planning commissioner, I have not formulated an opinion as at this point…I do not know anymore than anyone else about the specifics of this project. I need the guidance of the EIR to fully understand the issues and their impacts. Also… we (the commission) need to hear the community during public meetings / testimony. Know that the commissions duty is to rule on land use decisions… our authority is well defined and limited. We do not hide behind the city attorney, rather must follow the law. The attorney is present at our meetings to keep the commission operating within the laws that pertain to our decisions. I speak for myself when I say this can be frustrating at times. Take for instance the school issue raised above… “run-away housing that impacted schools” was the quote. Personally (as Dirk Lorenz, private citizen) I would love to see us able to accomodate all our students in schools that are near their homes…so they can enjoy what I was able to… living close and being able to walk to school. I kind of think that was the idea when we originally planned this city. Yet…infill has created some very difficult challenges, far more than can be discussed via this blog. As a sidenote…I believe I read somewhere that the FUSD has raised impact fees to developer recently. Are you aware of what developer have to pay the FUSD when they build a home? It’s very insightful to learn of the entire process. I’m still learning! I can’t speak for others that serve on commission, school board or coucil…but I would be willing to bet my right arm that given the “tool” to solve the “consider Schools as part of the City and the Community” each and every member of the boards/councils mentioned above would jump at the chance.
Regarding our life/safety issues in Fremont… police to be specific. I personally know the frustration of citizens regarding crime in our community. There have been countless break-ins to vehicles parked at the Depot in Centerville. Homeless sleeping in commuter’s cars! I field passenger inquiries many times a month… wondering why the police do not respond to calls of vehicle damage or worse… a stolen vehicle. The answer is simple and you touched on it above…we do not have the financial resources to pay the manpower to be able to provide this level of service. I respect that the citizens of Fremont did not want to pass the last “utility” tax. I hate taxes too! Yet.. just as I struggle to pay my bills…. and have had to cut out those things I can no longer afford, our police department has had to do the same, prioritizing those of greater impact on the community. Issues of pay, living arrangements are between Unions and our City… we must live by the agreements that are in place. At this point, I lack the knowledge to fully understand the complexity of these issues.
Long blog entry… yet any one issue can be discussed in more detail if brought up individually.
May 22nd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I can’t help but grin when people talk about “Fremont” not “have the financial resources to pay the manpower to be able to provide this level of service”. Maybe, just maybe, if we were not paying the city manager, Fred Diaz, $250K and 400 other city employees over 100K, we might have the money for a whole host of police. Stop blamming the unions and admit that the city pays what they want to who they want and the heck with the people who live here!!!!
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
A quick math indicates it is about $40 million + benefits just towards the payroll. A lot of money just for the overheads. Where they will have money for providing services to the people? Time after time, people in the City government, either the Mayor and the City Council members keep defending the salaries paid to the employees. Enough of this spin. Time to elect new people by sending all the incumbents home.
Recently in a Niles meeting, Mayor Wasserman talked about the need for Utility tax just for police services. Look for Utility Tax on the Ballot in 2010. He knows pretty well that if he supports the Utility tax in 2008, he will be out of office.
In this tough economic environment, we need new City leaders who can make bold and pro-active decisions for the betterment of Fremont. No more retreads.
Any Fremonter reading this blog, please encourage your neighbor, friend whom you think is better than the incumbents to run for office. We need change. Now is the time.
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:07 am
Personally, I think it’s a privilege to pay taxes and don’t really hate it. I think it’s a little immature to have that attitude myself. (And we have to write a check for our taxes each quarter, not the automatic payroll deduction.) I love good roads, decently paid teachers/peace officers, public libraries, etc. There are countries you can go to that don’t have personal income tax (or a lot lower than ours), and you’re welcome to them.
I occasionally read about the poor middle class - I think that’s a joke! Just because you can’t have it all (I want it all … I want it now … goes the commercial) doesn’t mean you’re poor. Drive around any Fremont neighborhood - all those new or nice cars/SUVs/trucks; garages so crammed with toys and junk (by toys I mean dirt bikes and pool tables and wave runners, etc.); flat screen plasma tvs in the home; etc. etc. You can find exceptions, I’m sure. But I don’t buy that we’re poor or even close to it.
I think the salaries at city hall are a bit excessive and the fire/police are well compensated, so you don’t just want to raise more tax money willy nilly and not have it go where most needed (like more police).
If I wanted to end this with a plea, like Matt above, I’d say, tell your neighbors to stop just thinking about themselves and get rid of Prop 19!
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:12 am
YES… encourage anyone who has an intereste to “step up” and run for office… choice is a great thing! Queenbee… I agree with your mindset. I too appreciate the infrastructure of our city. I have traveled enough to see that countries which lack our ammenities are less appealing. Taxes are necessary. Yet… to the points made about salaries… one simply has to look to the city of Vallejo to see what can happen. With sales tax revenue down and property values adjusting downward (if my memory serves me…our city keeps 15% of the property tax collected) it is hard to see salaries increasing with falling revenue. Yet… to attract police officers to our city.. we must remain competitive insofar as salary and benefits. I have seen ads on buses and billboard for the city of Oakland and San Francisco to attract applicants to those cities. There seems to be a demand in these jurisdictions to fill vacancies. I would not want to lose our officers to another city because compensation was better elsewhere. And…its very costly to train up a new officer. Works the same way in a flower shop… the learning curve for new employees is very expensive.
So…how do we continue to afford the services we desire in our city? It has been said that “we need (the sales tax revenue generated by) 10 Pacific Commons to bring our service levels back to what they were prior to the cuts …from state money grab a few years back. How can we accomplish that? Some have said the A’s stadium could bring this. I don’t know about that…but we need to keep an open mind.
So… what do we do? Back to Matt’s comment…. “please encourage your neighbors, friends whomever you think is better than the incumbents to run for office” As a citizen of Fremont…I want a choice when it comes election time.
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:23 am
Dirk,
Your evasiveness on the residency question led me to look into this some more. I found that your parents lived on Ballard. Maybe answering some simple questions about this would put the matter to rest.
1) Is the home you currently live in on Ballard your parents house?
2) If so, when did you move back in there? If not, when did you buy this home? Do your parents still live there?
3) Did you ever live in the Livermore home? When did you buy this property? When did you first have tenants living there? Whose name is on the PG&E bills there?
Keep in mind that my ‘investigation’ was looking in the April 2008 phone book and searching on the Internet for a few minutes.
This may seem trivial but your inability to directly answer questions about your residency leads me to question your character.
May 23rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Patrick…not that it is any of your business…but I will supply it otherwise I will appear evasive. My father died last year and my mom lives on Ballard Dr. This is, in part, what led us (my wife and I) to live with my mom. She was alone for the first time in 55 years. If you detect evasiveness it is because I really don’t care for people to know where my mom lives nor do I really care for people to know that financial conditions make it necessary for my wife and I to also live there. With the change in the economy, we could no longer afford our mortgages. The retail florist business is not what it used to be. The downturn in the economy necessitated the rental of the house in Livermore. But…this is only a small part of the story. I bought that house (in livermore) 3 years ago after I sold my last Tahoe home. Our intention was to “spin” that house and make money. If you have been following these blog entries you would see that I have a history of doing just this. (and I too did a white page search on myself… did you notice that the cities of South Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Livermore and Fremont all came up? I have owned property in all these cities) Now… after several failed attempts to sell the Livermore property we have been forced to rent it because we can no longer afford the mortgage. Last year we were forced to sell the old Mackintosh house here in Fremont(The home I felt I would die in!) because of our financial situation. Both homes were up for sale at the same time… and I prayed that Livermore would sell. It did not… and because of finances…we sold the home we loved. We had a one bedroom condo on Benns Terrace in Warm Springs… but when dad died and mom requested us to stay with her… it made even more financial sense for us. Patrick…from here on out if YOU want more information… you will have to allow me to show you it IN PERSON. It is a kick to ones ego to admit what I have above…especially in a public format. Yet…had I not and left your questions hanging…your perception would have become others reality. So… evasive???? perhaps… but not for the reasons you thought. Therefore, show me your character… meet me face to face for coffee at the Depot. I don’t bite…
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Patrick dear, you are really out of touch. Get a life. Matt, for your info, Bond measures didn’t even pass when the economy was good. Yet in this horrible economy there is a city nearby where the residents in a specific neighborhood are very poor and they just passed a $359 million dollar Bond measure for their 11 schools!. Give me a break. We all know where the priorities of our residents are. Not in paying a simple nickle to fix our schools or infrastructure, but oh my can we spend the money on Starbucks every morning or buying our 16 year olds new BMW’s! Mr. Lorenz you sound like a smart man. Unfortunately, this city does not appreciate smart people. We’d rather hire cops at over 100K per year who live in Tracy and hire Technology Officers at the school district at over 200K per year (who don’t know squat about Technology) than pass a simple parcel tax or Bond measure to get lots of things fixed. How about going after our Bozo the Clown, Mayor Wasserman, a true moron. I personally have given up on trying to change anything in Fremont. I think that you too Mr. Lorenz are fed up. I would be too if I got treated this way. I want to make one thing clear. I have no problem paying police officers of firefighters a 6 figure salary. I have a problem when they are rude and when they don;t care about the community because most do not live here. Other cities in the area provide their public service employees with incentives to live in the neighborhood, such as housing deposits, etc. We in Fremont provide nothing. Now we want to bring the A’s. What are people smoking here? Has anyone gone to a city that actually built a baseball stadium recently? If you have you will notice that these cities are beautiful, have decent mass transit, and the roads are fixed. Good luck. When I retire, it won’t be in Fremont. Mr. Lorenz if you do want to meet face to face I would have no problem doing so to discuss issues, not whether or not you own a property in Livermore.
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:13 pm
SPA… I’m at the Depot every morning… I’ll buy the first cup!
July 20th, 2008 at 10:08 am
used council trucks for sale…
As you seem to know what your doing blogging wise, do you know what the best time of the week is to blog and have them read?…