Councilor Rolfing didn’t enjoy my Paganini impression.
I have probably talked numerous hours over the past 15 years in front of the city councilors. But it seems all that mouthing off never got their attention. It took my mime of playing a violin in the very back row of the council chambers last night to finally get a reaction out of them. As I was doing this during one of Kiley’s ‘Life is Beautiful’ speeches while referring to the Presentation Sisters apartment complex (that will pay NO property taxes) he yelled out something like this;
“Yeah, play your violin back there Mr. Ehrisman. Very direspectful sir, very disrespectful.”
I responded;
“Like you’ve never disrespected me?”
In which I let out a hearty laugh. Mayor TenHaken told me not to address the dais unless I was offering public input. PTH also gave a good stare at the security guard. I guess, according to state law, it’s ok to carry a concealed weapon into council chambers without a permit, but laughter will not be tolerated. Sorry, I will not be called out by an elected official sitting on the dais without reacting.
Which brings me to my point. They seem to be deaf, dumb and blind when citizens are testifying about the importance of transparency and good government but I guess the only way to get their attention is to publicly shame them. I better rosin up my bow.
You two should don speedos and wrestle in front of the podium. It got Trump attention at WWF.
‘Ready to Rumble’
I think its very clear that most of our politicians are tone deaf in this country. If they were not, people would not be so dissatisfied with the state of things and this has been going on a very long time.
I am not excusing the counsel mans behaviors but, I think your approach to city counselors over the years and your adversarial approach with them they are probably likely to tune you out.
You may have good points and could so some real good as I see you have a passion for this stuff but, reading your blog you give everyone you disagree with a nickname like such as Bucktooth & Bowlcut, ThuneHaken, NixonHaken, Donita Trump Noem, etc.
You have a habit of doing this over and over and always seem to justify it. These folks do read your blogs and I am sure most people would tune you out on your input if you attacked them personally all the time vs just addressing policy issues. I know I would not listen to one thing you said if you constantly attacked me personally and gave me a nickname as you have the others. I am sure you will continue to defend your approach but, continuing to do the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity
Both of you acted immature.
CH – I will defend my approach. I’m a cynic, so my style is to blend sarcasm and humor to get my point across. As I have said in the past, if you don’t like how I say things, then please, don’t come on here anymore. Go back to listening to Positively KELOLAND.
LJL – I already have two dads, I don’t need a third one!
Whatever has led to the indifference you reference in the title of this post, it’s very discouraging that Public Input at these meetings seems to have little impact on the decisions of at least half of the council members and the mayor. Public Input is an opportunity to have one’s sentiments – or moment in the sun – made part of the public record, but beyond that any earnest preparation to speak seems like a waste of time in terms of any influence it may have. Very regrettable situation.
Over the years I have watched closely city council meetings, task forces, and Informational meetings. Make no mistake about it, before any controversial decision, kiley plays both ends against the middle, then pulls out his corporate rubber stamp. I understand fully what Scott was feeling in the moment. Same song and dance…so lets add a little violin music. After a while, kileys approach is very predictable, and NOT in the best interest of the citizens of SF
Serious question, do you consider yourself a journalist or a pundit. If you consider yourself the former then yes your behavior at these meetings its out of line. If the later then so be it.
You also have a habit of deflecting from your own actions. I quote:
“I have probably talked numerous hours over the past 15 years in front of the city councilors. But it seems all that mouthing off never got their attention.”
The point I was trying to make is in one breath you are dissatisfied they don’t take you seriously or listen to you until you did something immature that was probably a bit over the top. The reason they dont take you seriously anymore is because you tend to come across like an @ss with the name calling and are constantly provoking people. That approach gets you one of 2 responses, either they ignore you, or attack you. I think either response satisfies you, if they ignore you its a self fulling prophesy of “see I told you no one listens” if they attack then you feel justified you are right and they are wrong.
Its really a cop out to say “don’t come here if you don’t like it” I come her AS a Conservative to hear opposing views and understand how the other side feels on issues. I have said this before you do a good job of covering some of the local things well and I do like some of the call it a spade kind of talk. I think the point I am trying to drive home is sometimes you act like a douche and it minimizing the good you do and the good points you have.
Weird my posts don’t seem to make it on here sometimes
Comments from the audience at Council meetings are out of order. The only way to speak at an organized hearing is when recognized on topic and with time limitation. Name calling on Blogs is not formally restricted and elected parties must endure criticism. Private parties addressing one another can be slander. Especially at public meetings.
The chair or mayor should control outbursts. Be careful with personal attacks. There can be legal ramifications.
CH – sometimes comments get spammed.
I have always been of the notion it is about the message or the idea and not the messenger or inventor. If I present something and it is a good idea, who cares if I am an ass. Ironically, I see my ideas used quite a bit in the city and other art organizations. While they would never give me credit (I don’t care) people are still listening and making changes, and that’s all I ask for. So you have your approach, and I have mine.
Not a fan of Kiley and his smug attitude. Am ready to see fresh faces on this council come election time but I’m sure he’ll be buying his reelection votes.
I think Conservative Here brings up a good point. If you want to be a sarcastic pundit, that’s fine, but sarcastic pundits are not journalists (and probably shouldn’t be asking to get press credentials and be treated like a member of the press).
1. You never answered CH’s question, news reporter or pundit.
2. You both acted immature. (#4).
Scott…. Agreed! Kiley and Erickson have to go… They don’t represent the people!!!!
Have any of you watched The Daily Show, Samantha Bee, John Oliver or similar shows? They often have staff posing as media to political events without protest. Being media has many definitions. I think I can be an independent journalist and a pundit and a comic all wrapped into one.
Ellis has even written dozens of satirical columns and no one has questioned his journalistic integrity. Heck, even the GW Bush white house had a gay prostitute posing as a a journalist. LOL.
Call Scott whatever you want. I do know this. When it comes to local politics, he is well ahead of the curve. Often times what I read here is a headliner a week later on all other local political news platforms. Been that way since I first discovered this blog in 2004, maybe 05.
Bottom line on this blog- Stehly and Starr (attached at the hip) can do no wrong and anyone else is an idiot. They can grandstand all night about any topic and subject the audience to their narcissistic ‘look at me’ blather and repeatedly ask time wasting stupid questions to impress a few readers on this site.
So why don’t I go to KELO? Because Detroit still gets some good scoops (we all know from who) and frankly, it’s a fun read. Plus KELO has as of late became overly Angela-centric.
I’m so glad you pointed out the lowest of your ilk, the immature “media” like the ones you listed. Con artists sprinkle truth and lies with funny 1 liners.
Could it be the truth is too difficult for you when it doesn’t include childish humor, maybe you’ve been watching too many shitty John Stewart spinoffs.
Your no Ellis. He uses witty snark like a laser guided missile, while your just swingin a shovel. So much potential but so little self control.
I have multiple sources. But I would be curious to know who gives them to me. LOL.
I think people are sick of pundits and just want straight facts/news and it just does not exist anymore. Samantha Bee and her ilk are bunch of jackasses and do not pass for anything that resembles news or a good source of information. I am TRYING to give you kudos for your reporting and I am a Conservative, so your common sense approach on many items I appreciate.
I just think you lack any objectivity and refuse to listen to other points of view and that is too bad because you definitely have a passion for this stuff. You basically think the other 4 counselors are stupid and know nothing. That is the message I take away from this Blog frequently and you are missing a golden opportunity to inform and build support. I would love to run for City Counsel or some low level political office that I can do in my spare time as I would enjoy trying to make a difference but, I think many like myself don’t want to get torn to shreds on Blogs and Social Media and get nicknames like Bowlcut & bucktooth.
Question – Why have you not thrown your hat in the ring for City Counsel?
I wouldn’t say they are stupid, or even ignorant, but I think some of their actions appear that way. I think they are just corrupted by money, like most politicians who make bad decisions. For instance when the city changed the rules on Air BNB’s, Erickson’s business, so they don’t have to go thru health inspections or pay a lodging tax (as I understand a deal she cut with MMM) her entire attitude changed overnight.
As I have said in the past, Bowlcut and Bucktooth is a nickname MMM gave to himself, I’m just repeating what he said. There are several press conferences where he refers to it.
Conservative Here. Your post is laughable, at best. You come on here and scold Scott for his lack of straight straight facts and common sense!!! Yet, my guess is you voted for trump and will vote for him again. That’s what really gets me about you conservatives. You bitch about guys like Scott, then vote for a moron like trump.
WP, way to be part of the problem and not the solution with that attitude!!! Attack attack attack. Typical of someone who is self righteous and “unwilling” to find common ground. Wow, you are on a roll lately! Watch that soap box, you never know it may slip out from under you and you land flat on your backside! Try a little middle ground for once. Compromise makes the world go around peacefully.
Huh? You must not read my posts much on Trump and by the way…WTF does trump have to do with this?
Your clearly not burdened by original thought MP. You stick to Comedy Central for your news honey.
Warren Phear, Flat out, you are a dumb ass. Yes I know we should not name call but, we are talking local politics so stick to the subject. I gave Scott kudos on many points I am asking a serious question about his tactics and calling people names. Scotts a big boy and can stick up for himself. I am not “bitching” about Scott I am asking him questions and wondering why he is acting the way he does. So if you want to get into a Liberal vs Conservative debate on Fundamentals and beliefs, bring it on. If not stick to local shit and on topic. If you can’t get your Ritalin refilled so you can focus.
[…] It got even better when Councilor Ricky Lee Kiley accused Councilor Starr of aligning himself with folks who are ‘critics of the Community Foundation’. Who are these mysterious folks he speaks of? I think the rental assistance program is a good idea, and I happen to agree with Pat that it should be transparent. You know Ricky Lee, if you were talking about a certain blogger, you can use my name, just make sure you mention my URL also, because if you are going to insult me, at least give me some free advertising. Maybe I’ll volunteer to print you some flyers for your next violin concerto. […]