Woo Hoo! Remember Councilmember Alvarez’ promise to resign after the external audit results were made public? Or remember her repeated assertions that she was finished…done…would not run for another term? How the worm turns!!
In the October 31, 2013 edition of the Glendale Star Jamie Aldama, an Ocotillo district resident, announced he is running for Norma’s seat. His experience to date in public service has been to serve on the Glendale Elementary School District Governing Board, past Commissioner on Glendale’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and current Glendale Planning and Zoning Commissioner. That’s more than enough service. I had none when I ran for my seat in 1992. I just happened to catch a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting not too long ago simply because it came on right after a council meeting. So I stayed tuned and watched. Remember Robert Petrone? He’s the guy from the Cholla district who announced his candidacy for the Cholla seat. He’s the one with decidedly questionable financial baggage endorsed by Manny Martinez. As Chairperson of the Planning Commission he was a study in pandering and positively oozed solicitousness. Creepy.
Jamie Aldama is a Chavira clone. Chavira habitually thanks everyone, from the Pope on down, before expressing his thoughts which tend to be light weight and signifying nothing. Aldama does the same…thanks everyone, especially staff, and then says…nothing of substance. How many intellectual light weights does council need? It’s already got Alvarez and Chavira.
As for Norma, say it ain’t so. She now says, “It’s so early, so many things happening in the city I don’t like. I’m so outspoken, I don’t think I’m being effective.” At least she got that right. She goes on to say, “…But I’m not sure yet. If I do, I’ll be deciding by January. There are a lot of things for taxpayers I want to get done.” Said like a true politician, Norma. Sounds like she’s been co-opted by the perks and privileges of the office…especially the great medical benefits she used repeatedly during her first term. She has spent more time not attending council meetings than any councilmember in recent history. She is truly a Wonder Woman because after she has spoken everyone wonders what the heck she said.
© Joyce Clark, 2013
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“How many intellectual light weights does council need? It’s already got Alvarez and Chavira.”
So spot on! Hopefully a decent candidate will emerge from the Ocotillo district. I really think that district needs strong leadership. But not just strong leadership, a decent IQ as well. Here’s to hoping that Norma is out of office soon, and Weiers follows suit in a couple of years.
Joyce….
I can sum up Norma’s reasoning for her comments in one word……….. “casino.”
Now that Glendale has agreed to at least open up a dialog with the Tohono’s she is going to want to ramrod this thing through any way she can.
How long before we get you back?
I was surprised when Mr. Aldama appeared at the ‘citizen comments” portion of a recent City Council regular meeting and spoke in favor of the casino. When he introduced himself he only mentioned that he was a resident of the Ocotillo district but did not include “I am also a member of the current City of Glendale Planning Commission.” Almost as if he wished to remain annonymous of his commission assignment.