Delores is a fighter. She cares about this city and is determined to stand up for what she thinks is right She will not back down from this City Council. She has a vision for change and is willing to carry it through. She is in this for the long haul. She will be a wonderful mayor. BREWER FOR MAYOR!
She is a little too glib and a little too willing to lie. The first time I saw her big billboard with her “mug shot” on one side and “Brewer” on the other, my Freudian slip reading was “BEWARE”, not Brewer.
Sams campaign is built around a plan called Advance Alexandria. Now if that is negative…I don’t think sams is negative at all. I think there are some who want to paint him as something bad. Sams is a really good person.
TT heard DB has new poll numbers run with only official qualifiers. Very different than that ealier BS of a poll….DB was the one hurt with Roy entry. She lost some of her base to Roy and more to Sams. Coming out soon.
Delores doesn’t seem to have much to say. Her website says nothing, her billboards say nothing. I haven’t seen her out campaigning. It doesn’t seem to me like she wants to be Mayor. It will be interesting to see if she attends the debate this weekend or the ones the black leaders are having this week.
Maybe she has decided that the easiest way not to lie is not to speak.
I’ll believe that poll when I see it. Brewer came by my house campaigning. She is smart and articulate. Seems to have a vision for the future of Alexandria and the guts to stand up to the council.
Poll is on editors desk…they may release it over the weekend probably Sunday. New leader and some serious changes are coming…This poll means that the people appreciate a candidate who will stand for something and stand up to the system in the name of accountability-not talk about it but do it.
All the poking and making fun and back stabbing of this gentleman on these boards is completely out of touch with the public…they want someone to clean house…and do not like candidates seeking public contracts…
did you hear that Sams is refusing to say anything negative about anyone in the campaign…pretty smart if you ask me but I would not vote for DB anyway on the ethics deal alone.
Yeah…talked to a reporter today who saw the poll…wow. DB was crunched by JR getting in and that ethics deal is deadly in politics. Sams surprised me at how well he did.
Wrong…Sams is right on. Throw mud all you need to but Sams is doing great and running a very strong campaign. He won that debate last night hands down.
I was in a restaurant that had it on and about twelve people were there watching out of the whole place and when it was over people walked away impressed with John Sams.
He tells it like it is and did not attack people and was not what you guys all say…He is very much on track.
Delores Brewer will beat Sams and Roy in this race. She is a good person with good ideas and the drive to follow through. She is still leading in the polls. She seemed a little nervous last evening, but she’ll get over that. She’s never been in a debate like that before. Sorry, but Sams has that “unlikeable”, I am so far above you factor and Roy is just too young. Noone could feel confident about someone that young. Not only is he too young, but he comes across that way. This will be a tough race, but I think Delores will pull it out.
I think the restaurant with the Lucky 13 Sams supporters was down on Lower Third. They really appreciated the comments about lynching and polarization. There’s nothing like insulting the people who were holding the forum. That’s why they walked away impressed. (They also admired Sams for drinking the Diet Dr. Pepper. It’s comforting to know that the good doctor is so concerned about his own health).
I’ve been reading your political commentary since March, and you’ve always been a welcome and valuable contribution to the discussion. Thank you.
I think you’d admit this: Your mind was set before Delores had even announced. A quick glance at the Cenla Antics archives will confirm this.
Thus, it’s never been about figuring out what value the other candidates may possess. That said, I also respect and admire Delores. She does, in fact, have many good ideas, and she has shown a willingness to listen to people about their concerns.
But I think it’s our democratic obligation to educate ourselves about all of the candidates and then choose who is best. I’m not speaking for Jacques. Please keep in mind that I entered this discussion months ago, before I even knew Jacques. As many of you know, I have thoroughly researched all of the candidates, though I haven’t had the opportunity to meet with Joe Fuller or Alice Hammond personally. My decision to support Jacques was not based on any pre-existing loyalty. I’m speaking as a concerned citizen.
Thirty-five may be young, but it’s not that young. If Jacques wanted to, as our Constitution provides, he could run for President. This provision was added in recognition of the fact that 35 is an age of professional maturity. I’m not sure what comments Jacques made that you perceive to be immature, but everything I have ever heard from Jacques leads me to believe that he fully appreciates the demands of our community, the nature of our current growth, and the scope of mayoral authority. I believe his age is an asset, and judging from support he’s garnered in the past few weeks, many other people, both young and old, also feel the same way.
So it comes down to the issues. This should be an issues-based campaign.
Last night, I listened to all of the candidates at the forum, and you’re right, we’re still in the very beginning and everyone’s not as polished as they will be a month from now. But Jacques said a few things that stood out:
-Growth in Alexandria must be controlled and planned properly. I believe he called this “controlled progressivism,” the notion that we can expand without harming our sense of community. -Transparency should be a requirement of government. Citizens should be fully aware of every single consulting contract, every single proposal out for bid, every single issue of importance. -We must accept the fact that Alexandria has changed dramatically during the past twenty years, and to that end, it is critical that we elect a leader who responds proactively to this change.
It may be true that, unlike Dr. Sams, Jacques (as well as Delores) did not itemize a list of specific projects he hoped to accomplish, but this is because at this point, such statements would be (borrowing one of your words) “immature.” He spoke about projects the City had already researched and analyzed, like the proposed loop, and he spoke about the need to accomplish goals in a swift manner, instead of waiting eternally.
What if the Bentley does, in fact, sell? What do we do with City Hall then? What happens to this vision of Downtown Alexandria?
How can anyone guarantee that a business will trade locations or that developers will swoon over the opportunity to renovate dilapidated properties? (Unless, of course, these agreements have already been forged before the election, and then again, we’re faced with the issue of transparency).
Our next mayor should not, at this point, unilaterally jump to conclusions without fully understanding the facts. Instead, he or she should be willing to learn, adapt, and evolve. He or she should lay out a comprehensive vision, a methodology, a way of thinking about our future and our growth.
Scarlett- regarding your post …and Roy is just too young. Noone could feel confident about someone that young.
hmmmmm.
I’m sorry but you did say NO-ONE could, right?!?
COLUMBIA News Service
A study completed last year by Rutgers University, which will be published in an upcoming monograph, found 814 elected officials under the age of 35 around the nation, including six members of Congress and three state executive officials.
The study showed that compared with members of their generation who do not hold office, the young politicians are more likely to become involved in civic organizations, consume as much news as possible and come from more educated families. The study also defined the group as issue-oriented self-starters who were very active in college organizations.
The Rutgers report notes that many prominent national officeholders started out as young elected leaders, and that several U.S. presidents held this distinction once themselves. The nation has already had one member of Generation X take the helm of a state, former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift, who was 36 when she took office, while the mayors of San Francisco and New Paltz, N.Y., are both under 35.
Sean Kelly, a political science professor at Niagara University and a former congressional research fellow, said it makes sense for the younger electeds to move to the forefront of political issues. Societal conditions have also influenced the younger officials’ fiscal policy, he added.
“Fiscal conservatism is something that unites them as an age group,” Kelly said. “The first president they knew was Ronald Reagan, and they heard a drumbeat of lessening government while growing up.”
Rutgers will follow the study with networking events for young elected leaders from around the nation. Last May, the institute sponsored the first event, where 50 officials came together to discuss holding office and getting more young people involved.
The young leaders said their age has given them a different perspective in dealing with issues facing youth and how they approach them.
Many officials who have won high-level offices were 35 or younger when they first held elective office. U.S. Presidents during the 20th/21st centuries 12/19 (58%) U.S. Senators serving in 2003 57/100 (57%) U.S. Representatives serving in 2003 215/435 (49%) Governors serving in 2003 25/50 (50%)
So, now that you are able to make an informed argument-is there anything else?
Many officials who have won high-level offices were 35 or younger when they first held elective office. U.S. Presidents during the 20th/21st centuries 12/19 (58%) U.S. Senators serving in 2003 57/100 (57%) U.S. Representatives serving in 2003 215/435 (49%) Governors serving in 2003 25/50 (50%)
In case it wasn’t clear (it was not for me at first)…this is when they first held an elected postion-58% of U.S. Presidents during the 20th/21st centuries were 35 or younger when they were first elected into an office (not the prez’s office, of course!) Not being Dr.Condescending Sams-I had to look at it twice myself!
Spino – I should have said IMHO, I guess. Let me restate…..Roy comes across as an immature, idealistic youth. He has been given the gift of gab. He is a performer. That is his God given talent. IMHO…..that does not make him the best candidate for mayor. By the way….look at San Francisco. That is nothing to be proud of. Have you ever tried to walk down the streets without being accosted by the homeless. They refuse to have a naval ship there. Ridiculous!
i·de·al·ist somebody with high ideals: somebody who aspires to or abides by high standards or principles Scarlett-
Wow! I am glad you warned me about Roy being an idealist. No-one with any common sense would want one of those for a mayor!
Now Scarlett, I know there are other definitions of the word, negative ones. Exactly my point in posting a definition. The whole problem with your debating style, My Dear Scarlett, is that it is based in generalities, emotion, and name calling. That wouldn’t earn you any points in a college debate, nor will it earn you any here (at least not with me).
Now…facts please-
What has Candidate Roy said that made him appear immature (this came, I suppose as a result of YOUNG being blown out of the water with my last fact filled post)? Idealistic?
p.s. and what is this you say about the homeless refusing to have a naval ship in San Francisco?!?
Lamar – Sorry, I didn’t see your response on this link. I posted my response to your reposting on the Columbia News Service link. And Spinoj07…I stand by my posts. San Francisco has one of the most radical city governments in this country. They refuse to support anything to do with the military. They support illegal aliens. They call them “immigrants”. They refuse to have a naval ship dock there. I wonder what they would do to defend themselves if they were attacked by terrorists? And, by the way, I don’t recall doing any name calling on this blog. Have a nice day. 🙂
I have never been to San Francisco, although I do hear that a summer there was the coldest winter Mark Twain ever spent. I gather that your continued references to San Francisco are because the mayor there is 35. Pretty filmsy arguement, considering there are MANY examples of cities that have not been run well with over 35’s (again, I will state I don’t know if this is so of San Francisco, I am simply addressing your comments).
You still have not addressed my inquiries. I am honestly interested to know what Candidate Roy has said to make you think that he is ‘immature’.
He gave his word to attend a debate and did not attend. He called the other candidates cackling about the format and broke his word by not attending. Very immature and worse…good example extremely bad decision making when under pressure.
Did anyone attend the debate last night? I didn’t hear anything about it until AFTER. I know it was mentioned on last night news, and someone said it was mentioned on Jambalaya. Aren’t these things important enough to be broadcast on Channel 4. You would think the city council members would make sure it was shown. Or maybe they are making sure it isn’t. Maybe they are worried that someone might see how stupid they look and sound. Why risk it??
Candidate Roy was not the only one who did not show… “…good example extremely bad decision making when under pressure.”? First of all, I don’t think deciding not to attend a poorly organized and questionably backed debate as a poor decision. Secondly, I don’t think a debate against the current field of opposition (even if it were set up to give Dr. “I am so smart I have to speak down to most people” Sams the advantage) could possibly be categorized as ‘pressure’.
I agree with spino.. The reason why the candidates did not attend because it was poorly setup. Just because they didn’t attend doesn’t make them “part time”.
CenLamar 
..capable and honest. Made a few mistakes, but smart enough to learn from them.
ethically challenged and too close to the problems of the past
yeah, how could she ever be taken serious about change and cleaning up corruption.
I like the closest thing to a cure for corruption…Dr. John Sams.
That is damn good…you have to admit that…naysayers and all…I smiled when I heard that and was not a big fan when this started…am now!
Delores is a fighter. She cares about this city and is determined to stand up for what she thinks is right She will not back down from this City Council. She has a vision for change and is willing to carry it through. She is in this for the long haul. She will be a wonderful mayor.
BREWER FOR MAYOR!
Sams is one of the most NEGATIVE people in Alexandria. He’s Synder REBORN. You’d have to be a freaking idiot to even consider voting for him.
Part of the existing culture at City Hall. Has to many relationships that exists from her days working for the City in any capacity that she will owe.
She is a little too glib and a little too willing to lie. The first time I saw her big billboard with her “mug shot” on one side and “Brewer” on the other, my Freudian slip reading was “BEWARE”, not Brewer.
The cure for corruption stuff is catchy and cute, but this election should be about more than just a good sound bite.
Sams campaign is built around a plan called Advance Alexandria. Now if that is negative…I don’t think sams is negative at all. I think there are some who want to paint him as something bad.
Sams is a really good person.
Sams is running on issues. It is working. He is right on when he talks about lowering utility rates and is the only one even talking about that.
TT heard DB has new poll numbers run with only official qualifiers. Very different than that ealier BS of a poll….DB was the one hurt with Roy entry. She lost some of her base to Roy and more to Sams.
Coming out soon.
Delores doesn’t seem to have much to say. Her website says nothing, her billboards say nothing. I haven’t seen her out campaigning. It doesn’t seem to me like she wants to be Mayor. It will be interesting to see if she attends the debate this weekend or the ones the black leaders are having this week.
Maybe she has decided that the easiest way not to lie is not to speak.
I’ll believe that poll when I see it. Brewer came by my house campaigning. She is smart and articulate. Seems to have a vision for the future of Alexandria and the guts to stand up to the council.
amen to that… cannot wait for the debates……We’re going to reintroduce the fascinating language of ebonics to central louisiana!!
DB is ethically challenged. No way I would vote for her.
Poll is on editors desk…they may release it over the weekend probably Sunday. New leader and some serious changes are coming…This poll means that the people appreciate a candidate who will stand for something and stand up to the system in the name of accountability-not talk about it but do it.
All the poking and making fun and back stabbing of this gentleman on these boards is completely out of touch with the public…they want someone to clean house…and do not like candidates seeking public contracts…
did you hear that Sams is refusing to say anything negative about anyone in the campaign…pretty smart if you ask me but I would not vote for DB anyway on the ethics deal alone.
Signed,
Dr. John Sams, MD. err emmm “Biff”
Sources say Delores is ahead in the polls still!
sources? sources? what sources? LINK? thanks!
DB was hurt badly by JR entry into the race. She is not leading any recent polls. It is coming.
Yeah…talked to a reporter today who saw the poll…wow. DB was crunched by JR getting in and that ethics deal is deadly in politics.
Sams surprised me at how well he did.
SAMS IS JOHN K SNYDER RETURNED, COULD BE DISASTER FOR ALEX.
Wrong…Sams is right on. Throw mud all you need to but Sams is doing great and running a very strong campaign. He won that debate last night hands down.
I was in a restaurant that had it on and about twelve people were there watching out of the whole place and when it was over people walked away impressed with John Sams.
He tells it like it is and did not attack people and was not what you guys all say…He is very much on track.
DB was really not in the top tier.
Everyone cracked up at my house when they asked about ethics and DB said she had no ethics problems…wow.
beautiful moment in television wasn’t it: runs right up there with “intineptitism” and “lynching”
beautiful moment in television wasn’t it: runs right up there with “intineptitism” and “lynching”
What restaurant was that with the 13 Sam’s lovers?
Delores Brewer will beat Sams and Roy in this race. She is a good person with good ideas and the drive to follow through. She is still leading in the polls. She seemed a little nervous last evening, but she’ll get over that. She’s never been in a debate like that before. Sorry, but Sams has that “unlikeable”, I am so far above you factor and Roy is just too young. Noone could feel confident about someone that young. Not only is he too young, but he comes across that way. This will be a tough race, but I think Delores will pull it out.
I think the restaurant with the Lucky 13 Sams supporters was down on Lower Third. They really appreciated the comments about lynching and polarization. There’s nothing like insulting the people who were holding the forum. That’s why they walked away impressed. (They also admired Sams for drinking the Diet Dr. Pepper. It’s comforting to know that the good doctor is so concerned about his own health).
Scarlett,
I’ve been reading your political commentary since March, and you’ve always been a welcome and valuable contribution to the discussion. Thank you.
I think you’d admit this: Your mind was set before Delores had even announced. A quick glance at the Cenla Antics archives will confirm this.
Thus, it’s never been about figuring out what value the other candidates may possess. That said, I also respect and admire Delores. She does, in fact, have many good ideas, and she has shown a willingness to listen to people about their concerns.
But I think it’s our democratic obligation to educate ourselves about all of the candidates and then choose who is best. I’m not speaking for Jacques. Please keep in mind that I entered this discussion months ago, before I even knew Jacques. As many of you know, I have thoroughly researched all of the candidates, though I haven’t had the opportunity to meet with Joe Fuller or Alice Hammond personally. My decision to support Jacques was not based on any pre-existing loyalty. I’m speaking as a concerned citizen.
Thirty-five may be young, but it’s not that young. If Jacques wanted to, as our Constitution provides, he could run for President. This provision was added in recognition of the fact that 35 is an age of professional maturity. I’m not sure what comments Jacques made that you perceive to be immature, but everything I have ever heard from Jacques leads me to believe that he fully appreciates the demands of our community, the nature of our current growth, and the scope of mayoral authority. I believe his age is an asset, and judging from support he’s garnered in the past few weeks, many other people, both young and old, also feel the same way.
So it comes down to the issues. This should be an issues-based campaign.
Last night, I listened to all of the candidates at the forum, and you’re right, we’re still in the very beginning and everyone’s not as polished as they will be a month from now. But Jacques said a few things that stood out:
-Growth in Alexandria must be controlled and planned properly. I believe he called this “controlled progressivism,” the notion that we can expand without harming our sense of community.
-Transparency should be a requirement of government. Citizens should be fully aware of every single consulting contract, every single proposal out for bid, every single issue of importance.
-We must accept the fact that Alexandria has changed dramatically during the past twenty years, and to that end, it is critical that we elect a leader who responds proactively to this change.
It may be true that, unlike Dr. Sams, Jacques (as well as Delores) did not itemize a list of specific projects he hoped to accomplish, but this is because at this point, such statements would be (borrowing one of your words) “immature.” He spoke about projects the City had already researched and analyzed, like the proposed loop, and he spoke about the need to accomplish goals in a swift manner, instead of waiting eternally.
What if the Bentley does, in fact, sell? What do we do with City Hall then? What happens to this vision of Downtown Alexandria?
How can anyone guarantee that a business will trade locations or that developers will swoon over the opportunity to renovate dilapidated properties? (Unless, of course, these agreements have already been forged before the election, and then again, we’re faced with the issue of transparency).
Our next mayor should not, at this point, unilaterally jump to conclusions without fully understanding the facts. Instead, he or she should be willing to learn, adapt, and evolve. He or she should lay out a comprehensive vision, a methodology, a way of thinking about our future and our growth.
Respectfully,
Lamar
Scarlett-
regarding your post
…and Roy is just too young. Noone could feel confident about someone that young.
hmmmmm.
I’m sorry but you did say NO-ONE could, right?!?
COLUMBIA News Service
A study completed last year by Rutgers University, which will be published in an upcoming monograph, found 814 elected officials under the age of 35 around the nation, including six members of Congress and three state executive officials.
The study showed that compared with members of their generation who do not hold office, the young politicians are more likely to become involved in civic organizations, consume as much news as possible and come from more educated families. The study also defined the group as issue-oriented self-starters who were very active in college organizations.
The Rutgers report notes that many prominent national officeholders started out as young elected leaders, and that several U.S. presidents held this distinction once themselves. The nation has already had one member of Generation X take the helm of a state, former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift, who was 36 when she took office, while the mayors of San Francisco and New Paltz, N.Y., are both under 35.
Sean Kelly, a political science professor at Niagara University and a former congressional research fellow, said it makes sense for the younger electeds to move to the forefront of political issues. Societal conditions have also influenced the younger officials’ fiscal policy, he added.
“Fiscal conservatism is something that unites them as an age group,” Kelly said. “The first president they knew was Ronald Reagan, and they heard a drumbeat of lessening government while growing up.”
Rutgers will follow the study with networking events for young elected leaders from around the nation. Last May, the institute sponsored the first event, where 50 officials came together to discuss holding office and getting more young people involved.
The young leaders said their age has given them a different perspective in dealing with issues facing youth and how they approach them.
Many officials who have won high-level offices were 35 or
younger when they first held elective office.
U.S. Presidents during the 20th/21st centuries
12/19 (58%)
U.S. Senators serving in 2003
57/100 (57%)
U.S. Representatives serving in 2003 215/435 (49%)
Governors serving in 2003
25/50 (50%)
So, now that you are able to make an informed argument-is there anything else?
clarification for:
Many officials who have won high-level offices were 35 or
younger when they first held elective office.
U.S. Presidents during the 20th/21st centuries
12/19 (58%)
U.S. Senators serving in 2003
57/100 (57%)
U.S. Representatives serving in 2003 215/435 (49%)
Governors serving in 2003
25/50 (50%)
In case it wasn’t clear (it was not for me at first)…this is when they first held an elected postion-58% of U.S. Presidents during the 20th/21st centuries were 35 or younger when they were first elected into an office (not the prez’s office, of course!) Not being Dr.Condescending Sams-I had to look at it twice myself!
Lamar, you should repost all of this as its own entry because you and spino make some excellent points.
anon-thank you for the kind words!
Spino – I should have said IMHO, I guess. Let me restate…..Roy comes across as an immature, idealistic youth. He has been given the gift of gab. He is a performer. That is his God given talent. IMHO…..that does not make him the best candidate for mayor. By the way….look at San Francisco. That is nothing to be proud of. Have you ever tried to walk down the streets without being accosted by the homeless. They refuse to have a naval ship there. Ridiculous!
i·de·al·ist
somebody with high ideals: somebody who aspires to or abides by high standards or principles
Scarlett-
Wow! I am glad you warned me about Roy being an idealist. No-one with any common sense would want one of those for a mayor!
Now Scarlett, I know there are other definitions of the word, negative ones. Exactly my point in posting a definition. The whole problem with your debating style, My Dear Scarlett, is that it is based in generalities, emotion, and name calling. That wouldn’t earn you any points in a college debate, nor will it earn you any here (at least not with me).
Now…facts please-
What has Candidate Roy said that made him appear immature (this came, I suppose as a result of YOUNG being blown out of the water with my last fact filled post)?
Idealistic?
p.s. and what is this you say about the homeless refusing to have a naval ship in San Francisco?!?
Lamar – Sorry, I didn’t see your response on this link. I posted my response to your reposting on the Columbia News Service link. And Spinoj07…I stand by my posts. San Francisco has one of the most radical city governments in this country. They refuse to support anything to do with the military. They support illegal aliens. They call them “immigrants”. They refuse to have a naval ship dock there. I wonder what they would do to defend themselves if they were attacked by terrorists? And, by the way, I don’t recall doing any name calling on this blog. Have a nice day. 🙂
Scarlett-
I have never been to San Francisco, although I do hear that a summer there was the coldest winter Mark Twain ever spent. I gather that your continued references to San Francisco are because the mayor there is 35. Pretty filmsy arguement, considering there are MANY examples of cities that have not been run well with over 35’s (again, I will state I don’t know if this is so of San Francisco, I am simply addressing your comments).
You still have not addressed my inquiries. I am honestly interested to know what Candidate Roy has said to make you think that he is ‘immature’.
He gave his word to attend a debate and did not attend. He called the other candidates cackling about the format and broke his word by not attending. Very immature and worse…good example extremely bad decision making when under pressure.
DB disappointed many people for not showing up.
you know………..the majority of the voters didn’t even now there was such a thing as a debate Saturday night….
so personally, i don’t think it disappointed TOO many people…other than Sam’s backers…..shoo fly!
Did anyone attend the debate last night? I didn’t hear anything about it until AFTER. I know it was mentioned on last night news, and someone said it was mentioned on Jambalaya. Aren’t these things important enough to be broadcast on Channel 4. You would think the city council members would make sure it was shown. Or maybe they are making sure it isn’t. Maybe they are worried that someone might see how stupid they look and sound. Why risk it??
Candidate Roy was not the only one who did not show…
“…good example extremely bad decision making when under pressure.”? First of all, I don’t think deciding not to attend a poorly organized and questionably backed debate as a poor decision. Secondly, I don’t think a debate against the current field of opposition (even if it were set up to give Dr. “I am so smart I have to speak down to most people” Sams the advantage) could possibly be categorized as ‘pressure’.
Db has never addressed her ethics problems.
Why is she avoiding that? She needs to be doing some splaining.
I agree with spino.. The reason why the candidates did not attend because it was poorly setup. Just because they didn’t attend doesn’t make them “part time”.
I thought it showed she would not show up for public events. Sounded part time.