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Mary Stephen's Bid to
Become Mayor 

11/22/06

Mr. Empty Potato Head
Takes to the council public podium
Blind Hate Prevents Tomato Throwing Nay-Sayer
Empty Potato Heads From Seeing Clearly On Important Issues

At last nights council meeting, someone who admits they have spent no time studying the issue, took to the microphone to offer public comment on the Mayor’s proposal for repealing the large fee increase merchants must pay now for signs.

This Empty Potato Head ("Empty" because he did not study the issue and "Potato Head" because, well you get the idea from the graphic), questioned whether or not the cost figures detailed by the Mayor were correct. He did not bother to take the time to study the issue. His only purpose was to cast aspersions on the Mayor.

The sign issue is a real life example of what a new shop keeper faces when they are starting a business and want a sign. They must contract with a sign company for a nice sign that costs $600.

Now they go to the planning department. They now must pay $970 for the planning department to review each sign and they must pay for a professionally drawn plan showing where the sign will be located, how it will be constructed and other details. That cost to have the drawing done professionally is at least $400 or more.

The merchant must pay $1,200 to the city before it can put up a $1000 ($600 plus $400) sign on their storefront.

Some Retail store owners have actually taken down their signs to save money on city fees or refuse to put up a new sign.  This is the last thing we need to happen if we want to increase our retail sales tax revenue to give to our grossly under-funded police department (crime at 500% national average), fire department and other safety related issues. 

We wonder what Mr. Empty Potato Head thinks of that.

Mr. I-don’t- like- the- Mayor- and- anything- he- proposes- so- I- am- going- to- disagree- with- him- no- matter- what- Empty- Potato- Head, also questioned the audacity of the Mayor to go around to local businesses to see what they think. He said he wants an investigation to see if any laws have been violated!!!

Do we really need to point out the absurdity of his statement for you. Imagine, a politician actually taking time to visit with the people in town to find out what their views are and to let them know what his views are – in writing.

We sarcastically agree. How dare you Mayor Bias! You should be ashamed. My gosh. You should resign. Don’t you know you are supposed to stay quiet on every issue and ignore the peoples wishes and desires!!!!! per the Mr. Empty Potato Head Hate Filled Group. 

Dear Mr. Empty Potato Head Leader;  Please quite embarrassing yourself and the rest of your fellow sore- looser- because- Mary- didn't- become- mayor- tomato- throwing- empty- potato- heads. Please do the rest of us who are trying to make the city a better place a big favor by sitting down and remaining quiet until you have something constructive, positive and informative – to offer to the intellectual discussion.

03/31/06
 More on Yesterday's Desert Sun Hit Piece

Bias: "It's not like we don't have
assets. This situation will
 pass very quickly."

Bill Effinger in his column today points out quite a few obvious facts that most of us overlooked about the Desert Sun hit piece on Mayor Alex Bias yesterday.  The column is well worth the read. (Exceptionally for our print media friends)

Another FODHS contributor has brought forth an interesting point about the fact that we can expect to "get what we pay for" when it comes to all politicians.  Many of us have often thought that the council members need to get paid (reimbursed) more fairly for their time serving. 

To expect any working person to put in 55 hours a week "TO SERVE THE PUBLIC" for a few hundred dollars is not realistic or fair.  Serving public office should not become financially devastating.  See below for FODHS contributor commentary.   

Dear FODHS

Let us not "shoot the messenger."

Let us not be hypocrites for suggesting that Matt and Mary are incapable leaders because of personal financial issues while giving a pass to Alex Bias.

We get what we pay for. The wages of $650 a month for mayor is not enough. Look who we get running for office. Raise the wage, make it enough to live on for a modest full time job and we will get better representation. Oh, I don't mean that if we pay Alex Bias more money that he will be a better representative. And Desert Hot Springs should not bail him out of his mess. No, I mean it should NOT be a retroactive pay hike and should only apply to the next election cycle.

We are willing to apply that same standard to the position of City Manager; to provide for fair compensation. We should be rewarding the long hours and good work of our City Council with more than a token payment.

FODHS contributor

...before you move up the mountain to your next encampment, you must replenish the camp you are leaving for those who will come after you, and go down the mountain a ways to share with the other climbers your knowledge from farther up so that they have some benefit from what you have learned so far on your own ascent. (thoughts from Mount Analogue by Rene Daumal)

03/30/06
 Calling Mayor Luce 
Calling Mayor Luce

Bias: "It's not like we don't
have assets. This situation will
pass very quickly."

You did it once for the good of the city. According to Mary Stephens you stepped in and gave her a job so she could work closer to the city. Now another city council person needs your help. Here is your chance to do the same good for the city that you did the last time. Calling Walter Luce.
Calling Walter Luce!

TALK OF THE DAY, THURSDAY, MARCH 30
Are the mayor's financial problems just a private matter or does it affect his ability to do his job?
Alex Bias and his wife, Carol Jean Bias, have not made payments on their Desert Hot Springs home since November 2004; they now owe more than $76,000, according to the lender.
Link to The Desert Sun story by Cindy Uken

Tell us what you think... Of Cindy!  Click Here to email us

________________________________________
Illogical Post of the Day
March 30, 09:31 a.m.
"How can you hold public office and not pay on your mortgage. If you would take advantage of a bank what else what you take advantage of. Kickbacks, favors to lowlife businessmen. This is a venture DHS citizens dont need to
fool with. Recall him for just cause, if he cant run his house how can he govern a city that is in constant turmoil..."
Ah, Gee, do you think if he was taking kickbacks from the developers that he would have problems paying his mortgage? No, he would have an accounting job and a new house in Hacienda Heights like other council people do. People, you have got to think thing through.
-- I Love DHS
DHS
________________________________________
Uken Drivel In Support of DHS Developer Campaign
March 30, 09:25 a.m.
The campaign against Alex Bias now has a willing accomplice in Cindy Uken. Hit piece ignores all real problems in Desert Hot Springs, supports campaign to undermine Alex's ability to lead. First it was trying to make a big deal
over paint on the walls of an office. Now its his personal finances. Can Cindy find anything serious to write about. This town has problems. She needs to look beyond the superficial and realize that Alex Bias is one of
the few candidate not controlled by big DHS developers. Typical sensational press drivel
-- Desert Hot Springs Guy
Desert Hot Springs
________________________________________
Mayor is a disgrace!
March 30, 09:06 a.m.
How can you hold public office and not pay on your mortgage. If you would take advantage of a bank what else what you take advantage of. Kickbacks, favors to lowlife businessmen. This is a venture DHS citizens don't need to fool with. Recall him for just cause, if he cant run his house how can he govern a city that is in constant turmoil...
-- G.T.
L.A.
________________________________________
Financial Issues are an issue
March 30, 09:03 a.m.
One of the primary considerations in awarding a new position to a county job is their credit report....and if someone in power has a problem that might cause him to ask for favoritism...there is a problem....he needs to make this problem go away quickly.
-- B Brown
Palm Springs
________________________________________
DHS
March 30, 08:31 a.m.
For those of you who voted for Bias I say I told you so! How on Earth can a Mayor who doesn't have the abilty or character to live up to his financial responsibilities in his personal life live up to his responsibilities as Mayor??? If he doesn't feel he needs to pay his bills, how can he be trusted to help run the city? Back during the election these issues came up (evictions, being asked to leave the Chamber of Commerce, etc.), but the majority of voters CHOSE TO IGNORE IT. I am sad to say that the rest of us who live in DHS must pay the price for what the news reports, and it always seems to be unfavorable for DHS. DON'T BLAME THE MEDIA FOR THE STORIES, BLAME OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS (not all of them, but you know which ones I am referring to!).
-- Shannon
DHS
______________________________________
DHS
March 30, 08:24 a.m.
Cindy - There are more pressing items to report on in DHS. Why don't you do some investigating into who owns property in and around the Multi-Species Zone and who stands to lose the most money!
-- Helen
Palm Desert
________________________________________
DHS
March 30, 08:23 a.m.
Whatever happened to investigative reporting Cindy! Check out the people involved in the Multi-Species Plan. Souillere, Stephens, Hohenstein, Luce, Hanson. This should really make the headlines!! Hope it's not too much work
for you to find out the names of the corps. and the players. DHS is so corrupt and continues to be run by Hanson. Open your eyes and ears people!!!
-- Concerned
Rancho Mirage
________________________________________
Cindy Uken
March 30, 08:21 a.m.
I really thought you had more class than reporting on someone's financial problems -- It's do bad that you have alined yourself with such a low life as Mary Stephens.
-- Michelle
DHS
________________________________________
DHS
March 30, 08:20 a.m.
Mary Stephens just can't get over being a LOSER!! Too Bad Mary!
-- Tim
DHS

DHS Mayor
March 30, 08:17 a.m.
Alex Bias should just take the easy way out and follow the "leadership" of his two fellow council persons, Mary Stephens and Hank Hohenstein. Just get in bed with the developers and you're set! Doesn't Cindy Uken have anything better to write about than someone's personal misfortunes? How about some legitimate investigative reporting for a change, instead of forwarding the developer's agenda? How about finding out who owns property effected by the Multi Species Habitat Act. Find out who the officers of those corporations
are. Compare those names to who is against this plan. Wonder if you'll find any names like Luce, Hanson, Hohenstein, Stephens etc...
-- Steve
DHS
________________________________________
DHS
March 30, 08:14 a.m.
Mary Stephens should talk! Why don't you find something else to do except Walt Luce's dirty work!!
-- Monica K
DHS
________________________________________
Cindy Ukken
March 30, 08:06 a.m.
You have really fallen into the hands of the mean spirited DHS people that want Alex Bias to fail. Why would you dig up someone's personal financial problems. You should be ashamed of yourself! Look at who is behind this information -- Mary Stephens!

Developer Construction Dust rolls through neighborhoods; Uken writes on office paint.
City headed for financial meltdown (ask John Girardi) ; Uken writes about Mayor's finances
City Spends $3.7 million on road to good ole boy property in desert, downtown rots. Where is Cindy?
Why not just hand your keyboard over to the Developers in DHS? 

03/31/06
 More on Yesterday's Desert Sun Hit Piece

Bias: "It's not like we don't have
assets. This situation will
 pass very quickly."

Bill Effinger in his column today points out quite a few obvious facts that most of us overlooked about the Desert Sun hit piece on Mayor Alex Bias yesterday.  The column is well worth the read. (Exceptionally for our print media friends)

Another FODHS contributor has brought forth an interesting point about the fact that we can expect to "get what we pay for" when it comes to all politicians.  Many of us have often thought that the council members need to get paid (reimbursed) more fairly for their time serving. 

To expect any working person to put in 55 hours a week "TO SERVE THE PUBLIC" for a few hundred dollars is not realistic or fair.  Serving public office should not become financially devastating.  See below for FODHS contributor commentary.   

Dear FODHS

Let us not "shoot the messenger."

Let us not be hypocrites for suggesting that Matt and Mary are incapable leaders because of personal financial issues while giving a pass to Alex Bias.

We get what we pay for. The wages of $650 a month for mayor is not enough. Look who we get running for office. Raise the wage, make it enough to live on for a modest full time job and we will get better representation. Oh, I don't mean that if we pay Alex Bias more money that he will be a better representative. And Desert Hot Springs should not bail him out of his mess. No, I mean it should NOT be a retroactive pay hike and should only apply to the next election cycle.

We are willing to apply that same standard to the position of City Manager; to provide for fair compensation. We should be rewarding the long hours and good work of our City Council with more than a token payment.

FODHS contributor

...before you move up the mountain to your next encampment, you must replenish the camp you are leaving for those who will come after you, and go down the mountain a ways to share with the other climbers your knowledge from farther up so that they have some benefit from what you have learned so far on your own ascent. (thoughts from Mount Analogue by Rene Daumal)

03/20/06 Revised
Mayoral candidate who lost last mayoral race
now wants mayor to be non-elected position
so she can rotate into it.

Alex Bias honorably won the Mayor's seat
fair and square during last years election



Mary Stephens (who lost the Mayor's seat) is 
ignoring the will of the people by proposing to
 take the Mayor's seat away from the people's 
Mayor, Alex Bias. 

Loosing candidate Mary Stephens, will propose change during Monday's study session

Proposal seeks to reduce people's voice even further. Stephens tried this before and it failed miserably. She and former Mayor Weyuker tried to extend their council term
by two years without an election. Their idea then was to increase the term of
office and give them an extra non-elected two years. It was a move that then private citizen and now Mayor Alex Bias rallied public support against. Bias won out but for his effort he was fired from the economic development commission as retaliation. Now Stephens wants to do away with the Mayor by doing away with his elected seat - a seat she lost during the last election.

She could not win the seat. Now she hopes to be rotated into it. 

Stephens refuses to learn from her past mistakes. Her transparency is insulting. Interesting to see which council members go along with this tampering of the election process for the sake of Stephen's vengeance. Those council members who do not learn from their own history of blunders are determined to repeat them again and again.  

We believe that it is better that Desert Hot Springs voters decide who their Mayor will
be, not council members who the voters rejected for that very same position. This is nothing more than a cheap ploy by Stephens to undermine Mayor Bias and the voters of this city. An elected Mayor may not be best for Mary Stephens but it is best for Desert Hot Springs. The adage continues: If Stephens is for it, it must be a bad idea.

Desert Sun Quote;
"City Councilwoman Mary Stephens plans to propose ending the mayoral election process at the council's study session Monday"
See Desert Sun Story Here

Alex Bias honorably won the Mayor's seat
fair and square during last years election.


Mary Stephens ignoring the will of the 
people again.

Loosing mayoral candidate and council member, Mary Stephens's proposal to rotate mayor's seat was scheduled to be discussed during Monday's canceled study session. 

Therefore the proposal was rescheduled to be heard tonight during the council meeting.

All the other council members voiced their clear and strong opposition to Stephens's proposal. 

Seems at least the other four Desert Hot Springs council members respect their citizens wishes.

Today's Desert Sun Story quotes:
"Stephens wants to do away with the mayor by doing away with his elected seat - a seat she lost during the last election," resident Gabriel King said during the public comment portion of Tuesday's meeting. "She could not win the seat; now she hopes to be rotated into it." Bias ultimately asked King to tone down his commentary.

Bosworth suggested that, given the choice, an electorate will normally choose to vote for a mayor and, given the choice of term length, will choose the shorter term. "That's human nature; there's nothing wrong with human nature," he said.

Councilwoman Yvonne Parks pointed out that the mayor has no more real power than anyone else on the council. "In effect, the mayor is a ceremonial position. I don't think this is a priority item for our city at this time," Parks said.