Marina Democratic Club

This is the official web site of the Marina Democratic Club. For more information, email us at: marinademocrats@gmail.com

Club News

MARINA BUDGET VOTE DISAPPOINTS FISCAL CONSERVATIVES

Marina's 2009-10 budget vote was scheduled as item 9a,ii on staff's agenda following numerous city awards, a Keys to the City presentation, and reception for the departing McCutchons, former city powerhouses, and just before weed abatement.

Mayor Bruce Delgado and Council member Frank O'Connell joined in voting NO on approving a staff recommended 2009-10 budget that continues the downhill roll of deficit spending and will reduce city reserves by millions of dollars. Expenses will outpace new revenue by almost $3 million, and city reserves will continue to be drained to fill the gap.

However, the budget passed by the majority, who said current spending can't be cut, and rejected the option of trimming executive staff salaries, as Salinas and Seaside have done. Marina executive staff salary ranges from $8,153 per month ($97,836 annually) to $13,918 per month ($167,016 annually) with a COLA of nearly 3%.

Delgado suggested the city should revisit the idea of merging its fire department with Seaside's and said that since Fort Ord development has been stalled by the recession, the city's development staff should be reduced.

The mayor said that the $12 million in Fort Ord property sales could have already rebuilt our town to benefit citizens, decrying the fact that Marina still doesn't have a senior center, the tennis court is in shambles, the public pool overlooking the bay has been left to rot, and civic enhancements promised by developers haven't been made.

O'Connell detailed Marina's boom town spending from recent years' expectations, over 100% in many areas, and said that we would logically match budget realities of today's downturn with a trimmed budget. O'Connell's explanations are posted on his website: http://oconnell4us.googlepages.com/ where he encourages citizens' productive suggestions and comments.

City Manager Tony Altfeld said Marina has two years to go without having to make deep cuts or raise taxes.

That timing will present exceptional challenges to the candidates of 2010.

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CAMPUS HOUSING ANNEXATION

Two student political organizations, the DemOttercrats and the OtterGOPs, co-sponsored the special MDC meeting on Annexation of CSUMB housing May 21. The panel was very informative, questions were flying until the meeting closed at 8:50PM. CSUMB Professor Suzanne Worcester, our moderator, kept everyone on track and on topic.
The attendees overwhelmingly supported the concept. Those fearful for fiscal reasons were comforted considerably when they learned that public safety and road maintenance costs remain with the university. All parties must be "made whole, no one is left holding the bag," explained FORA's Michael Houlemard. The other concern about a "transient population" was deflated by Steve Reed's facts about the demographics of the campus residents, and Mayor Delgado's reminder that 60% of Marina are also renters. Of course, constitutionally, there is no residency time period restriction or home ownership requirement for those currently inside our borders before they can vote. Some warned that student voting changed the character of Santa Cruz back in the '60's, while others said they'd enjoy a downtown filled with bookstores, restaurants, theaters, and music, all the amenities of life in a university town.
Jane Parker closed by strongly suggested that the Marina City Council propose a resolution to move this forward.
The University should be very proud of the community's recognition and appreciation of the positive impact its service learners have on the neighbors, as well as contributions made by faculty and the educated work force of CSUMB. The students' enthusiasm and contributions were mentioned repeatedly. Most in attendance agreed it's high time to let the residents of this housing area participate fully in civic life in Marina.
Guests in attendance:
CSUMB VP for External Relations, Steve Reed

4th District Supervisor, Jane Parker


Marina Mayor, Bruce Delgado

Kayleigh Bodan, Vice Chair, OtterGOPs
Marina Coast Water District Director, Tom Moore
Executive Officer, Fort Ord Reuse Authority, Michael Houlemard

Bill Monning's Field Representative, An McDowell

Save Carmel Valley Secretary, Lawrence Samuels (anti-incorporation)
SAVElections Monterey County, George Riley
CSUMB Professor Suzanne Worcester moderated the panel questions & answers.

The next MDC general meeting is July 15, location TBA.

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ECO-AGREEMENTS SIGNED

The Marina City Council signed the United Nations Urban Environmental Accords and the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement at the June 2 council meeting, also voting to set up a GO GREENER task force group charged with presenting a climate action plan to reduce the city's greenhouse gas emissions.

The two symbolic eco-agreements have been signed by over 900 mayors nationwide, including neighboring cities Pacific Grove, Monterey and Salinas.

Here is the link to the agreement: http://www.usmayors.org/climateprotection/documents/mcpAgreement.pdf

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City Councilman Frank O'Connell holds a Citizens' Town Hall monthly from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Community Room of the Marina Library. He asks you to bring your questions and concerns on city issues for discussion. His last gathering was lively and well attended. Check back here, go to Frank's website: http://oconnell4us.googlepages.com/ or contact Frank for the next date. frank@oconnell4us.com.

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Every Sunday evening prior to a Board of Supervisors meeting, Jane Parker, Fourth District Supervisor, will host an Agenda Review, answer questions, and talk with residents about their thoughts and priorities. This regular meeting will be held at Mountain Mike's Pizza in Marina at 5:00pm, starting on Sunday, January 25th.
Mountain Mike's Pizza is located at 266 Reservation Rd # D, Marina.
Future Agenda Review meetings include Sunday, February 1st, February 8th, and February 22nd. (Please note that there will NOT be an Agenda Review the third Sunday in February since there is no BOS meeting due to Presidents Day holiday.)
The Clerk of the Board posts and maintains the Board of Supervisors Meeting Agendas, Minutes, and Video. Agendas are typically posted the Thursday prior to each Board meeting. You are encouraged to visit their website to download and print a copy of the agenda at http://monterey.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=5.

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Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
Barack Obama