The campaign finance filings are in, and newcomer Alan "Lerch" Lerchbacker is dropping some big cash. His filing shows he loaned his campaign $20,000 of his own money.
While it's really late to start a campaign in October after absentee ballots have already been mailed out, that kind of money could make a difference if used to begin a flawlessly executed flat-out sprint to the finish. Will Lerch bring in professional consultants to help him run that kind of campaign?
How does goofing off until October and then dropping twenty grand align with Lerch's campaign theme of competence and fiscal responsibility?
But if Lerch can't win, could he tip the seat to Julie Graboi by taking votes from his fellow Cardiffian and anti-Right-to-Vote candidate Catherine Blakespear?
Or is this just a bluff, and will Lerch not actually spend all that money?
I loved the Addams Family!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I have to be that person again who would remind everyone that Less than a month before the election is WAY TOO LATE to start a campaign like this.
ReplyDeleteIf you're not an incumbent, July was way too late in this campaign. Past experience has shown that boots on the ground, word of mouth and the old fashioned "get out the vote" can win these elections, usually with a little help from from some entrenched players and/or screw ups by Dallager and Stocks right before the election.
That said, I don't think Lerchbacker has any of the above at his disposal.
It's Kranz/Gaspar or Blakespeare/Graboi...
-MGJ
Sorry, I forgot to say that Cameron has a good chance of winning, and I signed my 7:34 post wrong.
Delete-MGJE
"Anti-Right to vote candidate"
ReplyDelete? There were very valid reasons to vote against, if one were to understand the true ramifications. That, of course, is not relevant now.
So we hear. That's why we were so disappointed that opponents, including the entire City Council, refused to propose an alternative or have an honest discussion about the merits.
DeleteAnd disappointed that Blakespear's only reasons for being against it were, in no particular order:
Delete1). I got confused
2). The council was against it and I figured they must know something
She admitted she hadn't read the thing - odd especially for a lawyer - and based on her laziness right there it's no stretch to predict she'll look to fellow council members and staff reports for direction. Shaffer #2 is the last thing we need.
Wow, all good research and questions. If anyone here knows Lerch, you might point him to the blog so he can respond.
ReplyDeleteYou'd thing the powers that wanna be would have gotten better at puppet picking by now. Speaking of which, anyone else notice that Gaspar promoted herself from office girl-meets-boss to company founder?
"Think," not "thing."
ReplyDelete8:07 - these are good points, but why do you phrase your questions like a prosecuting attorney? Unless you really do not care about the answers?
ReplyDeleteIf you did, I would imagine you would phrase the questions more like this - more open ended.........
1) You were quietly replaced at your last major job, CEO of Austal USA. Articles from the time note that no one from Austal would talk about the circumstances surrounding your departure. Could you please explain the circumstances of your departure?
2.) Your partnership to develop high-speed ferry service in Hawaii was unsuccessful, and experienced material regulatory hurdles. The courts ultimately had to intervene and taxpayers and Austal investors suffered. Please elaborate on lessons learned from this experience and how they would impact your decision process on the council.
3.) Your tenure at Austal also saw the development of the Litoral Combat Ship (LCS). The non-partisan General Accounting Office has reported that the LCS program was way over budget, experienced poor quality control, and failed to meet expecations. As in #2, please elaborate on lessons learned from this experience and how they would impact your decision process on the council.
- The Sculpin
Sculpin - did you place a dollie on the table before setting the china for tea?
ReplyDeleteThis guy is a plant to siphon off votes - a Gaspar operative.
9:43 - Nope! Just being professional........and far more cunning.......
ReplyDelete- The Sculpin
9:43,
ReplyDeleteHow is that supposed to work? Who does Gaspar want to help by putting Lerch in the race between Graboi and Blakespear? Is there a secret alliance between Gaspar and Graboi?
I'm curious about that as well. The Republican Party, of which Gaspar is a member, dumps Zieglar and installs another one of their own. Seems like that would be a direct conflict with Gaspar, useless they have decided Gaspar no longer serves their purpose. Think about it. Perhaps the Repubs have bigger plans for Lerch and they have to get rid of Gaspar. Let's face it, Lerch has no political experience. So, if they are grooming him, why not start with Encinitas? Has Gaspar gone out of favor with the Repubs? They can be a mean bunch, as Zieglar found out. Encinitas is a small town, and if Republicans want new blood, why no start here? They know he can't win, but if he siphons off votes, it will most likely from Gaspar, not Graboi, Blakespear or Kranz. Hmmmmm
ReplyDeleteThink I will pop over to La Rostra.
ReplyDelete10:02,
ReplyDeleteDifferent race. Lerch is not running against Gaspar.
RIght Lerch is running for the council seat, not mayor folks. I agree with Sculpin, leave the question more open ended, lol!
ReplyDeleteI still don't think he's a player. He'll garner some votes, but not enough..
-MGJ
Didn't Gaspar come out of nowhere to win? I didn't know who she was, never saw her at council meetings, no signs, and then all of a sudden in early September, really nice mailers, very glossy, very professionally done. Maybe I was not paying attention and she was always involved, but I don't recall. Could Lerch win similarly. While people on this blog may differentiate between Blakespere and Graboi, for the pro-development people they are both the same. This may not be some plan to divide votes, it may be a potential path to a 3-2 majority for the developers (Muir, Lerch, and Gaspar as mayor vs Kranz and Shaffer).
ReplyDeleteAs far as I'm concern all 5 council members are pro-developers! If you can point me to a decision make by them that proves me wrong, please do so.
DeleteGaspar was picked, paid for, packaged and delivered by Stocks&Friends and supported by the developers, regional sports park people and linked to Andreen.
Delete1:43 These are all good reasons to DUMP GASPAR.
DeleteZeigler has the "unfortunate" connection to his support for Prop A. Doesn't fit with most of his party's views on the profits owed developers by the city. How inconvenient for them that he actually wants what most residents want as is willing to stand up for us.
ReplyDeleteLerch, Ziegler, Bawany and Fidel don't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning.
ReplyDeleteZiegler and Lerch are in the same race and on the same side. They'll have very little effect on Graboi's and Blakespear's totals. Those two are on the same side, but Graboi has integrity, no ulterior motives and is nobody's puppet.
Kranz's and Gaspar's negatives are much bigger than Cameron's, so Sheila has a good chance of getting a winning plurality. Fidel is a non-entity but great comic relief.
Disagree . Cameron is crazy and not smart. She has backward ass vision like I wish I could stop time, and I am afraid of any change.
ReplyDeleteBother meeting Cameron and you'll hear she does support growth, but for he right reasons. Ensuring developer profits is not a valid reason. Being friends with developers and handing out favors is also not a valid reason.
DeleteWhat are the favors, so we can use it during this election? Unless, you just that part up.
Delete1:15 PM
DeleteThe favors? Oh, Councilman Kranz has been primed with a $5,400 free trip to Israel before a crucial council vote.
Thank you, 1:15. Kranz supporters just can't seem to remember that one.
Deleteyes, some on the list for Tony are disappointing. I suspect Barth had influence, weaker people want to feel close to those in power. Some who held Stocks and Dalager responsible for questionable relationships with land use issues think it's ok to look the other way at Kranz, Farley and the Israel trip. The core that stands on principals will continue to pursue responsible spending, low taxes and zoning for toda's families. Not everyone can have the courage to stand for what's right
DeleteLook he is just a sell out. Bought and sold to the highest bidder.
DeleteI'll wait till Herman Munster runs. I can read him better than Lerch.
ReplyDeleteI'm waiting for Cousin It...
DeleteThat's "Itt," actually. Funny, huh.
DeleteCouncil first, Mayor after Gaspar-Lerch
ReplyDeleteNo wonder nobody will run for council. Once they declare, the anonymous slimy sharks are out. Put your name out there and I'll make an example of you. Any takers?
ReplyDeleteI just went on the City's website to see who gave to who. Interesting. Dennis Holz gave $250.00 to Kranz. The Barth's gave $500.00; Shaffer gave $250.00;Ron Ranson gave $250.00; and Laurie Michaels gave $250.00. Those were the names I recognized. I then went to Graboi's names. There I found most of Vina's 28 or so "hit list" so to speak. Interesting reading.
ReplyDeletePlease tell me the steps to follow so I can see who gave to each person's campaign. I have tried on the city website and it is very confusing.
DeleteHershel Price and Pam Slater both gave to Graboi. Lots of firemen and PT people for Gaspar. Real Estate Pac as well. D Street Bar, Friends of Mimi Walters for Senate out of OC. Lisa Stocks but no Jerome.
DeleteAs usual she has the most money, most of it from out of town. Tony and Julie's money, from in town.
The Union for Gaspar as well. So much for tony being the Bar candidate.
DeleteSome realtors, lawyers and Jackson hole Children's museum for Blakespeare. Almost all in town.
Lerchabaker, 5 people and 20k loan from himself. Follow the money people, check out Gaspar in particular. None of the other candidates have too many surprises....
I like Union.
DeleteGood selection of craft beers.
I recommend the Gumbo, the Cobb Salad, and the Turkey Pastrami Ruben.
Let's not forget Rochelle Collier for Kranz; Mim Michelove for Kranz; Carol Skijan (Encinitas Union School Board for Kranz).
ReplyDeleteWait. Are you saying one of the EUSD members gave money to Kranz. I am going to have to check this list out now. That seems a little odd to me, since he was the chief negotiator of PV.
DeleteWhat's wrong with supporting someone for office? You make it sound like some of the above people are criminals. That's why we have public disclosure laws, so you can follow the money. None of the names are shocking. I myself backed Tony last time, and I'm backing him this time. Let me know when the secret police are coming to get me, I guess, LOL.
Delete-MGJ
There's nothing wrong, it just tells a huge part of the candidate's story. No mystery there.
DeleteYou back the liar if that suits you; no matter where his money comes from, he will never get my vote.
I guess the lesson here is that we could probably find an objectionable backer or issue with every candidate. Every candidate is pure until they get in office, then apparently they're all liars.
DeleteOnce again, it's a practical decision. Do you want to dump Gaspar now or wait another 2 years? I say now....
8:16 If this city was smart, they would DUMP GASPAR NOW.
DeleteExcept, 8:16, there is no "apparently" with Kranz. He was eager to lie on Prop A. He even trotted out the Rutan & Tucker report as "evidence" for why he was anti-A. He's still at it.
DeleteMeant to add he used R&T just last week at the candidates' forum. That report was discredited, but he'll stick with it to his last breath.
DeleteStill, this is your chance to dump Gaspar now. You can get Kranz in two years..Don't blow it./...
DeleteSince I don't know who you are MGJ, I guess your name must also be on Kranz's list. There is absolutely nothing wrong with giving money to candidate of your choice. However, the reason I brought Carol up is because Tony was was the one that offered the 10 million to the EUSD and Carol is one of the 5 EUSD school board members. Maybe just a coincidence.
ReplyDeleteNope, my name is not on Kranz's list. I don't have that money to spare this time.
DeleteI would advise you to look at Gaspar's list and notice that she has by far the most 1.) out of town money 2.) realtors and developers, including Surfer's Point and 3.) as usual by far the most money.
I don't know anything about Skiljan other than she's on the School Board, she could have known Tony for years. Everybody who gives knows your name and the amount is basically public, so if she's trying to pull a fast one, this isn't the place to do it....
Remember, Muir's wife is on the School Board, and he's on the council, so there's interaction between people in town.
DeleteI'd rather have the money be from people in town at a grass roots level than from the list below.
Speaking of Muir's wife, who is not running for the San Dieguito Unified School District, please check out her website on FB. This woman doesn't write well.
DeleteWe need to elect "educated" people to the school boards. This woman is not up to par, so to speak.
correction: "who is now" not "who is not". Sorry for the typo.
DeleteDon't you hate it when that happens! Yup, Mo needs to learn that without is one word. Love the slogan "Mo" in for San Dieguitor Schools, with the picture of a lawnmower...
DeleteMaybe that lawnmower could doing a little MOing.
DeleteShe wouldn't be hard to miss.
DeleteHer name should be "MOO" Muir.
DeleteMo Muir says she is out on the freeway every day. I wouldn't let my child on the freeway. Surely, she will get hit by someone texting.
DeleteOh my.
I understand that she received a scholarship and graduated at the top of her class at USD and was accepted to law school.
DeleteWhy isn't she practicing law instead of running for a school board? The pay is much better when one actually has a job. Where has she previously been employed?
DeleteWhy would you practice law when your husband has a $170,000 pension?
DeleteEU Good question. Sucking off the government money is better than any "real" job.
DeleteMuir's pension is just under $176,000.
DeleteIt is most interesting to see who is giving to Gaspar's campaign: D Street Bar and Grill, The Bier Gardens, Union Kitchen and Tap, Lobster West, and a lot of employees from the Gaspar Physical Therapy Group, some developers (out of town), some from Carlsbad, a couple from Rancho Santa Fe, but not too many from Encinitas.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder the situation downtown with the bars hasn't improved. Gaspar is on their side of course. Get free drinks, Gaspar?
Bars supporting Gaspar? That does it, I'm voting for Cameron.
ReplyDeleteThe people who live downtown thought Gaspar cared about them. Not so.
DeleteGaspar doesn't care about the people. Sheila cares but isn't really ready to come back in and lead. Check Sheila's list of contributors, it's 5 people, 3 without Pam Slater and Mr. High Price....
DeleteLerchbacker could win money or not but he'll have to dress as a super hero and stand in front of Enc Ford waving a sign. Of course no one in this town is stupid enough to vote for a candidate that would sink so low..... Oh wait, you idiots did that already.
ReplyDeleteMayberry by the Sea.
Mmmm mmm good... Aunt Bea I think that's the finest pie you've ever baked.
He could do the whole Addams family..
ReplyDeleteWow WC.... Now we know you are full on KLCC. You and others can assassinate other candidates with derogatory comments, but you delete even the most benign humor about a KLCC candidate. This blog appears to be becoming a KLCC rag with all other views heavily edited.
ReplyDeleteWhat is up with that? Did you pay your KLCC dues?
Recite after me- "I will do everything on my power to keep the ugly and unsafe conditions in Leucadia so even more senseless deaths will occur"
12:28pm Marvy Making Leucadia Crappier. Try something new for a change, can you charley boy? The only crappy club around here is you and your rude obsessive compulsions.
ReplyDeletePlease go elsewhere if you feel you are being discriminated here. Any editing of you and your personal attacks on innocents is long overdue.
Any reference to this creation of yours at this point should be dumped promptly considering the value it has had historically.
That is the most concise post you have ever done. Well done KLCC1
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome charley boy. MMLC. This is not Lynn so don't blame her unjustly like you have a tendency to do.
ReplyDeleteIt is really sad how few people are aware of the crazy behavior exhibited by Sheila Cameron the last time she was on Council. Her colleagues removed her before her 1 year term as mayor was completed based upon that behavior. This leopard hasn't changed her spots.
ReplyDeleteSome of us are completely aware of the history... but look at the alternatives!
Delete2:21pm The truth is out there and you are not representing reality in any way, shape or form. The true circumstances have been provided many times and yet you choose to spread falsehoods about a woman who has dedicated more personal time to making this community better in and out of office than most.
ReplyDeleteOf course the crazy term has to always be included so we know where you are coming from.
Just what have you done constructively for us? Here is the opportunity to pat yourself on the back with all of the selfless positive things you have done over the decades for this community.
We are waiting with baited breath for all of your good deeds to be brought out.
Oh, by the way, just to be clear, this is not Lynn, again.