MAYOR TELLS FORMER COMMISSIONERS: DON’T EVEN BOTHER APPLYING
By Steven Tavares
San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy has told at-large commissioners appointed by the former mayor not to bother re-applying for their posts. Despite a perennial lack of viable candidate to serve on the city’s eight boards and commissions, Cassidy is looking elsewhere, according to some who were unceremoniously denied.
Sources say Cassidy told some former members whose term ended last December he was aiming at replacing all of Tony Santos’ at-large appointments, but this is not true. OB Badger, a former councilman and member of the Personnel Relations Board will be retained as will Recreation and Parks Commissioner Benny Lee. According to a source, Lee may be switched to another commission, possibly the Library-Historical Commission. The retention of Lee is peculiar since he is not believed to have been a supporter of Cassidy during the campaign and, in fact, spoke recently at a council meeting in opposition of using ranked-choice voting in future elections.Cassidy parlayed 35 percent of the vote into victory last November using ranked-choice voting.
Among Santos supporters on the chopping block include Kent Myers, the chair of the Personnel Relations Board and Charlie Gilcrest, chair of the Board of Zoning Commission. Former city council candidate Corina Lopez was also a Santos appointee to the Human Services Commission. Lopez may be the city’s most viable Latino politician in a local government devoid of participation by such a large demographic. Incidentally, Lopez received far more votes for council than Cassidy received for mayor, further illustrating the slight to the Latino community.
Finding enough interested candidates for the commissions is often a problem. Each post entails a four-year commitment with a varying number of meetings. Some like the Board of Zoning Commission meet twice-a-month while others meet quarterly.
Cassidy is also looking to tilt control of the important Shoreline Citizen Action Committee. According to city staff, Cassidy will ask the council to approve adding three more at-large appointees to the already robust 30-person committee discussing the future of the San Leandro Marina. In addition, he is also asking for a fourth appointee for new Councilwoman Pauline Cutter. The CAC/Shoreline Committee has been meeting inconsistently for the past two years leading some to wonder whether four new members can accomplish much so late in the game. During the campaign, Cassidy had broached the idea to residents of Mulford Gardens he would favor putting various proposals up for a city-wide vote. A detailed proposal for the so-called 40 acre “jewel” of San Leandro is likely to be released this year.
Whoever, said that Santos was part of the 1970's Homeowners Association to keep blacks out, STFU you @$$hole. The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1967. You don't know jack squat. And Santos lived in Marina Faire which had no restrictive convenants in the 1960's so go back to your Wii and play with yourself.
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“Marga will be put down soon. Mel”
You're insinuating that Marga should die or be killed.
You can't back out of that.
You're sick.
Paul
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Paul,
Who died?
Mel
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Mel…you are ignoring death to two people; I recall you talked a big game against the podcast co-host calling him out for something you didn't like (that wasn't the same as wishing death on two women).
Shame on you. You're a disgusting slob of a mess. Dare I say, a real bitch.
Paul
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Let us see clearly now, is it the truth revealed by lawyers? or the truth revealed by bloggers? or is it the truth by special interests trying to make their name by manufacturing their own reichstag fire? Reminds me of the line by Jack Nicholson, “You can't handle the truth!” This is more like Roshomon…4 different versions and none are so. Mel
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Your assertion I'm implying something is not correct. It may be, in fact, the truth. Stay tuned for more on this story.
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Mel is insisting death to Marga…time to investigate this hate speech! That is unacceptable and wrong.
Paul
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Tavares,
So Cassidy is racist for getting rid of Corina Lopez? It sounds like that's what is implied here. Then wasn't Santos racist for running against Badger (as well as being part of one of the 1970s homeowner associations that worked hard to keep African Americans out of San Leandro)?
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Not interested in dog catcher, Pauline has been caught and Marga will be put down soon. Mel
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Hey Mel…I'm sure the Mayor will let you be dog catcher.
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Sara Mestas was supported by Santos, but her seat is not up. The rent review board has been in limbo for awhile. I don't know even know if they have even met since Mestas was named to the board last year.
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I think Mel wants to do a Thelma and Louise with Sara Mestas.
Kinda sounds like shes infatuated. Weird.
Paul
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Good, get all those Santos cronies the hell out.
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I believe Badger supported Cassidy which would explain his being “allowed” to serve.
Cassidy has also told folks he is dumping the rent review board, if you are not a homeowner this mayor doesn't want you.
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Steve, you left Mo Wiley-Sara Mestas off your list of dedicated servants told to leave. Mo-Sara is off to Las Vegas. Inside sources indicate that the formerly gung-ho Latina hip-hop mistress is off to make a buck and she can no longer get sloppy seconds from Santos. Mel
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