(Oct. 16, 2008) -- LBReport.com has learned that the leadership of the Belmont Shore Residents Association has decided not to allow a speaker in opposition to City Hall's proposed parcel property tax (Measure I) following a presentation in support by Mayor Bob Foster tonight.
BSRA President Mike Ruehle had agreed to let former Redevelopment Agency boardmember Terry Jensen present the case against City Hall's ballot measure...but on October 15, Mr. Jensen received the following email from Mr. Ruehle.
Hello Terry,
I must appologize for jumping the gun, but my fellow Belmont Shore Residents Association Boardmembers are uncomfortable with having you make your presentation with such short notice to the Mayor. Bottom line, they believe Measure I has no chance of passing and are concerned about making the Mayor mad. Personally, that does not concern me because the Mayor already hates me. However, I do respect the wishes of my fellow Boardmembers.
I'm so sorry for wasting your time. You are still invited to attend our meeting. It is open to everyone.
Thank you for your kind offer,
Mike Ruehle
As previously reported by LBReport.com, the LB Press Club invited Mayor Foster and Mr. Jensen to present both sides of the issue, with respective rebuttals, and then field Q & A (questions with follow up) from all LB media outlets (not just a selected panel) as well as members of the public.
Mr. Jensen accepted. Mayor Foster declined.
The LB Press Club will meet Friday, Oct. 17 at Smooth's Sports Grille (144 Pine Ave.) -- in an event to which the public is invited -- at which time Mr. Jensen will present his arguments in the format described above (social hour from 7-8 p.m., Measure I presentation starts at 8 p.m.) The Press Club's leadership has left the invitation to Mayor Foster open should he decide to participate on the terms offered.
LBReport.com has previously webposted on-demand audio of Mayor Foster's presentation in support of the measure at the September meeting of the Wrigley Association. To hear it, click here.
LBReport.com has also webposted on-demand audio of Mr. Jensen's presentation in opposition to the measure at the October meeting of the North LB Community Action Group. To hear it, click here.
The Wrigley Association and North LB Community Action Group presented positions for and against the measure in successive months.
The governing boards of Downtown LB Associates, the LB Area Chamber of Commerce and the Apartment Ass'n CA Southern Cities all allowed presentations for and against.
However, a number of LB neighborhood, business and civic groups have allowed Mayor Foster (frequently accompanied by city staff) to argue in favor of City Hall's position without presenting the case against the ballot measure.
Later tonight (Oct. 16), the CA Heights Neighborhood Ass'n is scheduled to hold a community meeting at which Mayor Foster is also scheduled to speak in favor of Measure I...and to our knowledge no speaker is scheduled in opposition.
If you are a member or a leader of a group that has done this or plans to do so, LBReport.com would like to speak with you. Please contact us at: mail@lbreport.com and include a telephone number where we can reach you.
