Lucan is making sense, although blaming "the economy" seems to be America's favorite copout. Let's concentrate on solutions and not excuses. I agree it's the wrong time to allow new city offices to be built, and I agree that small businesses need to be at the forefront of most discussions. Unfortunately for Jerome, he comes off as too radical and *ahem* racially biased, and althought the pension split seems like a good idea, it is a burden that our retired law enforcers should not have to carry alone. I am curious to see if what can be done to boost West Novato's business slump, especially over at the Square. Can this part of town be revitalized? Please repost and let us know when the meeting will be aired. Thanks.

I agree with the above comment. The city should move into an existing building and use funds to buy and/ or improve the square. Teddy Atell, the owner of Henrys Burgers has a sign on Wilson that's been covered with paint for months now. Take a little pride in your business and clean it up or remove it. There is no reason that the Square can't be near as nice The new Hamilton Shopping Center.

So it seems that four candidates were present to challenge the incumbents. The two incumbents, Kellner and MacLeamy, seem to be the most outspoken proponents of the downtown office plan. Out of the four candidates, three of them have come out very strongly against spending $12-15 million on city offices downtown. Each has made it very clear at this debate and in other forums that city offices are a bad plan in this economy and due to the adverse affect city offices will have on downtown Novato's parking and its potential going forward. Lucan, Shwartze & Sluis ARE ALL AGAINST CITY OFFICES DOWNTOWN. They each have spent the most time out with the Novato public getting the feel for what Novato really wants and needs. Their stances here are wise and reflect financial prudence. Whereas the 5 members of the current council, who seem to be led by the two incumbents, are stuck in 1978. They have once again taken up a losing fight. One that many council members before them have waged and lost as well. City offices do not belong downtown considering the many better options for downtown, they cost far too much, and they are far from what the citizens here want.

Elect three new council members. The city offices will be nixed within a week and these funds can be spent on many different needs that Novato has. Or.. don't spend them at all.. Just don't waste all $15 million on one project for 60 people working 4 days per week.

Leslie Peterson Schwarze did a wonderful job. I loved in her closing comments she added---when people in Southern Marin have a problem, they pick up a cocktail, in Novato the citizen's pick up a shovel.
Amen Sister Peterson Schwarze! Amen!

@Novatan and Born & Raised (by the way, I happen to be a "born and raised" "Novatan") The Square shopping center has so much potential and needs to be addressed. It is clear that the owner is trying too intentionally blight this property. We've already lost Villa Roma which not only made great pizza but was a great sponsor of the community. Something needs to be done before we lose the other wonderful and unique businesses there.
The City has $14.9m from the redevelopment bond sale back in March. Two of the primary goals of Redevelopment is to eliminate blight and spur job growth. Currently, all of the $14.9m are going to one project: building Downtown City Offices. Regardless of whether or not you think you think City Offices should be more centrally located , or if you think there is a parking issue downtown, why is the City completely ignoring what's going on with The Square shopping center and spending 100% of these redevelopment funds to build their office building. They could buy and renovate an existing building in town for $4-5m. Call one of the local construction, engineering, or commercial real estate guys that have been in this town for 30,40, or 50 years. They'll confirm.
I think the Novato Community Alliance originally represented the neighborhoods around The Square (I might be wrong). I wonder if they might be able to help rally people to speak up about getting the City to spread that money out to the neighborhoods that need it. It is our tax money after all.

My question to the incumbents was why does a $1 million grant buy us 3 new officers, while Proposition F producing $3 million, and promised more officers, only result in addition of 1/2 officer?

Excellent point Dennis about The Square. Yet another reason why new blood is needed on Council. I think it is wonderful LPS is not seeking endorsements. We don't want a council member who is beholden to any group. We need a critical thinker and not a puppet. Novato is very. Fortunate to have a "people's candidate."

Question for Schwarze, Lucan, and Sluis: Should City manager Frank be kept or let go? The simple fact that a bedroom community of 50,000 finds itself divided is enough reason to toss out the incumbents. They have mismanaged decision making to bring us to this point. And, the finger must point to manager Frank.

Also for candidates: How should the city involve itself in The Square? What actions do people see the city taking?

My information is the city manager Frank is an at will employee and can easily be terminated. That is part of my printed and distributed Platform. I do not believe that any other candidate had a printed Platform, so that they can weasel out of promises after elected. I will not weasel. People have called me a lot of things, but no one has ever called me a weasel.

Is this available to watch on-demand anywhere?

Whoa... hold on city offices, don't be so brash.
A smart little birdie says "is that really your cash?"

This week will be telling and Frank will first know..
That our friendly council may have stubbed their collective toe.

The issue is far from a "ship that has sailed"
As the femme fatale five might instead have to bail.

It is not clear in regards to their ship
But these next few days hold hope that the scales will tip.

Jerome, I am actually thrilled to see that you have stated from your earlier post, that " there are many millions of Hispanics that are law abiding and contribute positively to the community" I think that statement could work in a positive manner for your future in many ways, good for you!!

I have been accused of being a "racist", in this column, I wrote a Letter to the Editor of Novato Patch clarifying my position on race, and the editor declined to print it. The editor wrote: "We'd like our site to be the forum for civil discussion and productive changes of ideas." Out of respect for the First Amendment rights of Freedom of Press, I am not going to try to sneak that letter into comments, However, I have to reiterate the recent court argument of Michael Richards that only Caucasians can be called "racists". Racist acts and words by non-Caucasians are immune. Why?