Local Solutions endorses...

◼ Well, one of the defunct group anyway. Dennis Huber.

I'm sorry. You supported Gallegos. Your high-minded words are worse than meaningless.

It's not even up for dispute anymore, how devastating his tenure has been to that office. And you, Mr. Huber, supported it. Promoted it.

I haven't heard any 'we're sorry' from you.

It's a problem.

__________________
◼ The Local Solutions sham
◼ No connection?
◼ Any doubt what Local Solutions' agenda is?

One has to wonder...

Did any of our local political orgs - Paykeeper, Humboldt Watershed Council, The so-called Alliance For Ethical Business, Healthy Humboldt, ERF, and others - have to answer questions like these asked by the IRS of 'conservative' groups:

List each past or present board member, officer, key employee and members of their families who:
a) Has served on the board of another organization. Has previously conducted similar activities for another entity.
b) Was, is or plans to be a candidate for public office. Indicate the nature of each candidacy.
c) Has previously conducted similar activities for another entity. (Like Humboldt Watershed Council/Healthy Humboldt?)(Like Local Solutions, Alliance for Ethical Business, Redwood Progressive, CREG, DUHC, Friends Of Paul Gallegos, Our Humboldt, Behind the Redwood Curtain, Curtain FOPG-Listserv
Friends of Chris Kerrigan, and God knows how many more...)
d) Has previously submitted an application for tax exempt status.

Please provide the following regarding your merchandise sales:
a) A vendor list. Indicate if the vendor is a related party.
b) A list of items sold.
c) Your cost for each item.
d) The selling price of each item.

Fully describe your youth outreach program with the local school district.

Provide information regarding the (Humboldt Democrat Central Committee, ERF) and your
relationship.

Provide a list of all issues that are important to your organization. Indicate your position regarding each issue.

It appears you have received training (______). Provide the following for all persons or organizations that have provided educational services to you:
a) The name of the person or organization.
b) A full description of the services provided.
c) The political affiliation of the person or organization.
d) A copy of the educational material used.

Provide details regarding your relationship with (Richard Salzman, Michael Shellenberger (sic).

Has your organization engaged in any activities with the news media? If so, please describe those activities in further detail and, if available, provide copies of articles printed or transcripts of items aired because of that activity. News media activity may include the following:

a) Newspaper advertisements
b) Press releases
c) Interviews with news media
d) Letters to the editor
e) Op-ed Pieces

A hard copy printout of the website – A PDF file emailed to the IRS will not suffice (and this is the high-tech Administration)

List all Social Media outlets being used (Facebook, Twitter, etc) and include hard copy printouts of every posting

A narrative description of every activity of your organization since June 30, 2010 (filing date) – And they do not want a mere description of the event, but full details – including; who conducted it, their qualifications, who was allowed to take part in the activities and how they were selected, was there a fee? (how much)

The IRS also wants to know about the members of the group and their roles and more, asking specifically for the “name, address, and corporate federal ID of all organizations that are members of our organization”
[...]
Public events are also under scrutiny with the IRS demanding to know the time, location and content schedule of each event.

Copies of any and all handouts must be included.

Names and credentials of all instructors and copies of any workshop materials used.
All speakers must be identified and copies of every speech must be included.

AND THERE'S MORE: “Have you attempted or will you attempt to influence the outcome of specific legislation? If so, provide the following … all communications, pamphlets, advertisements, and other materials.”

“Have you conducted or will you conduct candidate forums? If so, provide the following details… The issues that were discussed. Copies of all handouts provided.”

“The names of persons from your organization and the amount of time they will spend on the event. Indicate the name and amount of compensation that will be paid to each person.”

“All copies of your corporate minutes from inception.”

“Please identify your volunteers.”

“The names of donors, contributors, and grantors.”

“Do you encourage eligible voters to educate themselves, register to vote, and vote? Explain in detail how you do this.”

“You were formed 12/28/10. Provide actual financial information for 2010 & 2011, and a budget for 2012. Provide details regarding each item listed.”
______________

This level of inquiry goes well beyond the scope of the Form 1023 application for exempt status - and appears to be applied to one side and not the other.

In particular, we know that Humboldt Watershed Council and The AEB ran ads here locally, oh so many years ago. The AEB never showed up on any of my searches of IRS databases. Humboldt Watershed Council, on the other hand has a substantial record on Guidestar, and in the early days, at least, showed their 'educational' requirement was fulfilled.

It's quite a racket.

And, more than that, it's pretty disturbing when the full power of the federal Government/IRS is brought to bear on one side and not the other. There are thousands and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of 'left-wing' orgs, we know they are formed and used and discarded just like boiler room stock scammers. Michael Shellenberger himself had quite a list, including Apollo Alliance, "The Rose Foundation," "The Committee of Concerned Maxxam Shareholders," "As You Sow Foundation" - No small potatoes there.

◼ Senior Internal Revenue Service officials knew agents were targeting tea party groups as early as 2011, according to a draft of an inspector general's report obtained by The Associated Press that seemingly contradicts public statements by the IRS commissioner. - AP

Crackpots and scams

Do we have more per capita than anywhere on earth?

☛TS Community currency gaining visibility

With the continuously bleak predictions for our nation's economy, a group of local consumers is urging the community to invest in itself through paper currency that can only be used in Humboldt County.

The Humboldt Exchange Community Currency Project, a volunteer-run group promoting the use of community currency in exchange for local services, produces the colorful bills, featuring local images created by local artists.

”The overall idea is not to displace U.S. currency, just to offer an alternative currency to meet people's needs,” said Jon Zaglin, the project's business outreach coordinator....

But can you pay for your pancake breakfast with it?

From the ☛ TS comments: TomTom Pssstttt...wanna buy the plates for making this Humboldt Home Grown fake money. All you need is a color printer and some Hemp toilet paper...

Let's get it straight - "The Humboldt Exchange Community Currency Project" is "Democracy Unlimited" (DUHC) is David Cobb Is Kaitlin Sopoci Belknap is _________ is ______________ is ______________ is ______________ - how many group names do these guys have anyways?

And how much did they pull in in the Measure T scam? Where's that check to reimburse the County for its REAL expenses that they were collecting money for?

Lovelace and Local Solutions

☛ ER Lovelace donation request a concern in 2nd District
When 3rd District Supervisor-elect Mark Lovelace sent a letter to his supporters thanking them for their help in electing him as the Arcata-area representative to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, it didn’t raise any eyebrows.

But when the letter dated July 14 went on to thank the political action committee Local Solutions for its help in his successful effort in the June 3 Primary Election and asked for donations for them, some people in the 2nd District were concerned.

“Local Solutions has been actively involved in many local grassroots campaigns in the past, and is currently engaged in the upcoming November election for Humboldt County 2nd District Supervisor,” Lovelace’s letter states. “Their innovated resources can be developed further to better serve future campaigns, but only with our help.”

Lovelace said it wasn’t the intent of the letter to support 2nd District Candidate Clif Clendenen, who has been helped with in-kind donations already from Local Solutions, nor was he trying to persuade his supporters to do the same.

"Hogwash, Mr. Gallegos"

TS - Letter to the Editor

On July 11, District Attorney Paul Gallegos appeared before Humboldt County's Code Enforcement Task Force and shared what the press reported as “his frustrations about” a “mutant” structure where he has no authority over code officers, yet all the responsibility for their actions in the field” (Eureka Reporter, 7-12), and he isn't “comfortable with deputizing code enforcement investigators if they are not his employees” (Times-Standard, 7-12). As is often the case with Mr. Gallegos, the truth is otherwise.

For over seven years I was employed by the California District Attorneys Association as a “circuit prosecutor,” in which I was deputized by elected district attorneys in three counties, including by Gallegos. As my legal authority flowed from these elected DA's to me, at all times I answered in my actions as a deputy DA directly to them. On numerous occasions I pointed out this fact to my supervisors in Sacramento, who sometimes felt that they, as my employer, could direct me in my exercise of the DA's authority.

Mr. Gallegos seeks to have it both ways. He has deputized these peace officers, who act under his authority as code enforcement officers, yet claims he cannot control them as his deputies. This is hogwash. The solution is obvious: Insist that these deputies operate subject to his oversight or remove their authority.

It remains unfortunate that our chief law enforcement officer refuses to take responsibility for his actions, placing blame elsewhere. Citizens should rightly expect leadership and honesty, not platitudes and excuses.

Paul Hagen
Eureka
***

Update: July 22, 2008 Well! That drew a response from the long dormant Salzman Communications Director, once again struggling to defend Paul Gallegos. What don't you know? The Emperor's clothes are spun of the finest silk! With 24 karat gold embroidery on the hem, and the finest jewels on the bodice. Can't you see it? If you can't, according to the chief deceptor Michael Twombly, you must be a "disgruntled" ex-employee. One who was FIRED thanks to Gallegos. Michael Twombly must be the last rat on this sinking ship. Looks like he's trying to thwart anyone running against his boy.

Hagen should do his homework - Letter to the Editor

Mr. Hagen's screed about the District Attorney's problems with Humboldt's code officers (Hogwash, Mr. Gallegos) a is little but a disgruntled ex-employee's self-serving run-up to challenging Gallegos in the next DA election.

Mr. Hagen's circuit prosecutor position with the DA's Association in years past is not comparable to the “mutant structure” in which Gallegos has no legal authority over code enforcers, but as DA has official responsibility for their irresponsible, dangerous and provocative activities.

This is an obviously intolerable position for any district attorney and needs to be fixed.

In fact, Gallegos states that that deputies must either operate responsibly under his authority or lose their deputy status under the DA's office.

This seems pretty reasonable.

Mr. Hagen needs to do his homework before throwing his hogwash hat in the ring.

Michael Twombly
Bayside

Scared, Mr. Twombly. So quick to jump to the defense. Of the utterly indefensible.

Election Results

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FIRST DISTRICT

Total
Number of Precincts....23
Precincts Reporting.....23 100.0 %
Total Votes....5148
JOHN M. VEVODA....1451....28.19%
JIMMY SMITH....3691....71.70%
Write-in Votes....6....0.12%

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SECOND DISTRICT

Total
Number of Precincts....27
Precincts Reporting....27....100.0 %
Total Votes....6629
CLIF CLENDENEN....2417....36.46%
ROGER RODONI....2433....36.70%
ESTELLE FENNELL.....1773....26.75%
Write-in Votes....6....0.09%

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS THIRD DISTRICT

Total
Number of Precincts....28
Precincts Reporting....28....100.0 %
Total Votes....4662
BRYAN PLUMLEY....1600....34.32%
PAUL PITINO.....595....12.76%
MARK LOVELACE....2454....52.64%
Write-in Votes....13....0.28%

TS Final update: Smith wins in landslide, 2nd District still too close to call, 3rd District to Lovelace, Measure C passes
ER Jimmy Smith wins 1st District with plenty of breathing room
ER Lovelace wins Third District
JNLiveblogging the Election
TS Landslide by Smith in 1st District
TS Lovelace takes it all in 3rd
TS 2nd District runoff set
TS Nothing appears to prevent Johanna Rodoni as write-in

Michael Twombly, "Local Solutions" and MCSD

Early calls coming in said that last week, "Local Solutions" co-founder Michael Twombly appeared at the McKinleyville Community Services District Board meeting asking, on behalf of his 'church,' for relief from a large water bill. The water bill was the result of a leak. The 'church' was located on Boyd Rd.

So what church is it? Further investigation shows, not a church, but a shelter operated by the Humboldt All Faith Partnership.

Asked by Director John Corbett if there had been any ex parte communications, it was revealed that Twombly had contacted both Jeff Dunk and Javan Reid - who happen to be the candidates "Local Solutions" gave money to when they were running for election, and both of which were the subject of the recent Op-Ed by MCSD Manager Tom Marking.

Given how controversial "Local Solutions" involvement in MCSD matters is, you would think Twombly would know better. Even the appearance that he is asking for favors is harmful to both Dunk and Reid. And this request is not out of the ordinary, there would be no real need to lobby. For that matter, Dunk and Reid should have been leery of this contact. Asking for favors from politicians you have given money to is very bad form, especially from someone like Twombly (Salzman's communications director) who is so critical of other people in the local political scene. Perhaps Marking was not so far off base after all.

And is has certainly given rise to a great deal of speculation, given Salzman's blogger "heraldo's" sudden interest in McKinleyville. Ken MIller looked to be the logical suspect, as the only one of the Salzman crew who had a beef with Marking (Mad River Bluffs). But this is an interesting development.

***

There are some people who know who "heraldo" is - Eureka City Councilman Larry Glass is likely one of them

Acceptable? Or not? W/Update

Looking back, moving forward at the MCSD
Guest opinion by Tom Marking
Jan. 1, 2008 edition of the McKinleyville Press

This has been an interesting year at the McKinleyvilleCommunity Services District. For the customers, the operational aspects of the district have been handled efficiently and effectively. The staff has done an excellent job and we proudly serve our customers.

Our rates are low, our service is high and our goal is to keep it that way. We thank all our customers that are attentive to conserving water, are cooperative and are appreciative of our staff efforts on their behalf. Over the past few years, we have completed the ball fields, built a marsh complex, replaced the Pierson Park playground, constructed a new Hiller Park playground, started new recreation programs, added trails and amenities. Things are looking good from a staff perspective.

However, the recent fiscal emergency declared by the Governator has us concerned about another tax grab from the parks budget. Stay tuned in 2008.

Board Stuff: In retrospect, the election of 2005 brought a new dynamic. As all of you are well aware the governing board is suffering through some growing pains. The McKinleyville Press editorials have been doing their utmost to keep the public well informed of the recent controversy (the First Amendment is alive and well in McKinleyville, no loss of rights in this town!)

The election of 2005 brought in a duo of "progressives" to the board that wish to meld their political aspirations into district policy. From the outset, we were informed that "we were leaderless," we were a "ship without a rudder." Ouch! The sharp edges of those statements have been dulled a bit over the last few years. Local Solutions was probably ecstatic when Ron Coffman was maneuvered onto the board this spring... they finally had a majority on a local service board.

Well, in Mr. Coffman's zeal to charge forward with a bold new leadership style, he stumbled badly and created quite a stir. It is not polite, ethical or legal to make false accusations about the staff and the general manager in public meetings. He was offered the opportunity to correct the situation with an apology and retraction, but instead he rolled the dice on the election, and the voters gave him an answer. There is wisdom in that decision. The silent majority is underrated.

In September, the general manager made it clear he did not want to work for a board that governs from disrespect and hidden agendas, and publicly stated his intention to retire next year. While the editor continually reports that the decision to leave was over Mr. Reid's saber rattling and fabled unilateral disciplinary session; that was ruse from the start. There was no basis for any disciplinary action... and Mr. Reid has backtracked on that hasty decision (in spite of leaked confidential letters). All Mr. Reid accomplished was to cause divisiveness and problems for the staff, the board, the district and himself. (More spilled milk to be cleaned up).

After the recent election, maybe there will be smoother sailing with a new captain on deck. The board needs to refocus on our mission statement, goals and statutory authority. No doubt, there will be a few choice words spoken in closed session between the manager and a few members of the board... whenever that is finally scheduled.

Whether there will be satisfactory resolution to the current situation is yet to be determined. All relationships are built on trust and respect. Perhaps that is a worthy goal for the coming year - to be respectful and try to build trust. Actually, that is a worthy goal in our private lives also, don't you think? I wish Mr. Coffman good heath and I wish all the board a happy new year. Perhaps we can resolve our differences and get back to serving our customers in the manner they deserve and expect (p.s. and work out our differences in private,)

(Tom Marking is the general manager of the MCSD.)
***
***

Well, this isn't a good way to start off negotiating in private, is it? I'm surprised to see all this erupt, but even more surprised to see Marking brand Coffman with the "Local Solutiuons" brand.

For the record - I watch "Local Solutions" pretty closely, and Ron Coffman was no "Local Solutions" candidate (though they may well have wanted him). And the voters didn't do anything to "send him a message," Coffman withdrew from the race. (For those who don't know, Coffman was appointed to fill a vacant position, and running was the natural extension of that term, not, as Marking puts it a "roll of the dice.")

It may be fair to call Javan Reid and Jeff Dunk "Local Solutions candidates" because both men accepted $400 from "Local Solutions:" when they ran for Board. Both obviously participated in the sham interviews LS put on. While Reid may have been involved with "Local Solutions" from its inception, Dunk was, in my observation, clueless as to what they were about. He was merely flattered that they liked him and were willing to support his candidacy.

And make no mistake, what they are about is aiding Richard Salzman in achieving his goals - keep Gallegos in office and get Rodoni out. Using the local "progressive" community's angst about national politics, Salzman was able to drum up people to undertake this effort - it was in many ways a fund-raising mechanism for Salzman's candidates, as well as a get-out-the-vote machine.

It was also a means of priming the pumpline - Salzman didn't want to lose any more races because his candidates lacked experience, so getting like-minded people in on the ground floor, School Boards and Service Districts was one goal. He's a very patient man for all his volatility, and willing to wait to get his three votes on the Board of Supervisors.

Despite the supposed breakup of LS and Salzman, you will be seeing a great deal of them in the upcoming Supervisor's race - Clendennen is a real "Local Solutions" candidate, and they'll be pulling out all the stops to oust Rodoni.

But all that aside - If Marking were a "Local Solutions" sympathizer, and wrote this piece lambasting Bill Wennerholm and Helen Edwards airing all the dirty laundry, it would be just as wrong as this is. If there was any hope for repairing the recent rift between Dunk, Reid and Marking, this would look to have ended those chances. This is the kind of thing you write to get it out of your system, sleep on it for a day or so and then rip up.

And all that said, Marking is reputed to be an excellent manager otherwise, and one well worth keeping. He's been with the District far longer than most managers in that profession, which is testament to his ability and skill.

What do you think?
***

Added 1/12/2008
McKinleyville Press Editorial by Jack Durham

Now that the political dynamic has changed on the McKinleyville Community Services District Board of Directors, it appears that Manager Tom Marking will be sticking around. He's back in charge and has a board that will probably follow his recommendations.

There's a definite upside to having Marking back at the helm - he's smart, creative, frugal and he works his butt off.

Unfortunately, there are some serious issues that will probably remain unresolved - mainly Marking's belligerence to some members of the board.

Marking has deemed it necessary to communicate to the board with a litany of insults. For example, in a letter to directors he accused a board member of "arrogance" and "grandstanding," describe him as "snobbish" and then wrote that "his entire manner is offensive." In another letter, he stated that a different director "demonstrates a lack of character and ethics."

Some McKinleyville residents probably think such language is just fine and that the directors had it coming. But that view holds McKinleyville's manager to a very low professional standard. Certainly other managers of other districts and cities deal with contentious board issues without resorting to such tactics. That's not to say that a manager may not, at times, have legitimate gripes that make him or her want to lash out at board members. But when the situation arises, a professional will take a deep breath and approach the situation in a calm, purposeful, diplomatic fashion. It's about taking the high road and keeping your cool.

That approach is the opposite of Marking's guest opinion in last week's McKinleyville Press, in which he accuses Directors Jeff Dunk and Javan Reid of wishing to "meld their political aspirations into district policy." Marking doesn't elaborate on this, but appears to buy into some sort of conspiracy theory that the duo is making changes in MCSD policy with the goal that doing so will somehow help them get elected to a higher office. There's no evidence to back this up such an assertion. So what's the point? Perhaps it's about playing politics and trying to marginalize directors with whom Marking disagrees with.

He also conducts an oddball analysis of the last election, stating that Director Ron Coffman "rolled the dice on the election, and the voters gave him the answer. There is wisdom in that decision. The silent majority is underrated." Marking seems to have forgotten that Coffman pulled out of the race and didn't campaign, which might have something to do with the fact that he wasn't elected.

Tonight, Jan. 8, Marking and the board are scheduled to meet behind closed doors to discuss the situation. Based on his guest opinion, Marking sounds like he's geared up for a fight. "No doubt, there will be a few choice words spoken in closed session between the manager and a few members of the board," Marking wrote. It sounds rather ominous.

It would be nice to think that by "choice words," Marking means that he'll be professional, diplomatic and courteous. Let's hope so, because if he's going to stick around at the MCSD he'll need to be prepared to deal the town's diverse political landscape and an elected board that represents different segments of the community - even those he may disagree with. McKinleyville will be best served if Marking concentrates on being a manager and stays out of politics. Leave that for the board members that residents actually elect, and who can be tossed out of office every four years.

And that pretty much says it all.

In closing this thread, I want to say that Marking is right to recognize "Local Solutions" as a problem. But Jeff Dunk and Javan Reid are only window dressing in the LS effort. "Local Solutions" is a threat to good unbiased government IF they gain any traction as a powerbroker. Their association with Salzman ought to rule that out, but they have proclaimed a break with him. Should it turn out that "Local Solutions" is still working in secret or otherwise with Salzman to get him that 'third vote' on the Board of Supervisors, they will have to be stopped. Misunderstanding what they are about, and who they are really running is crucial.

Who are the "Local Solutions" candidates this time?

Not that you couldn't see it coming with Salzman pimping Pat Higgins. Campaign disclosures from Higgins indicate that he paid "Local Solutions" $105 for 5th District precinct/voter analysis. No donations FROM them showing up, and word is there will be none forthcoming. Their website hasn't been updated, far as I can see since Nov. 2006. Dare we hope we have seen the last of that abomination?

Remember "Local Solutions" mission: We believe that the quality of life in Humboldt County is threatened by unsustainable practices in the pursuit of private profit. To create a more sustainable community, we need leaders and officials with vision and a committment to long-term strategies designed to keep Humboldt County a desireable and livable place for future generations.... because they were inspired by the momentum in winning the initial Paul Gallegos for District Attorney campaign in 2002, defeating the Maxxam-funded D.A. recall campaign a year later

I'd like to hear what they have to say about how that jibes with the destruction of the DA's office, the DA getting semiautomatic weaponry and setting up his own assault team, about his losing all the experienced prosecutors, about his plagiarism - and you know - just how he fits that description about making Humboldt County a more desirable and livable place for future generations. Right now, your track record sucks. Every day's news proves it.

Shellenberger's "Alliance for Ethical Business" listserve

List Name
Alliance for Ethical Business: Timber Yes, Fraud No (No Fraud)

Purpose:
Alliance for Ethical Business is sponsoring this list serve to organize and mobilize Humboldt County residents to fight fraud by Maxxam/PL.

Website URL:
http://www.timberyesfraudno.org

List Type:
Moderated discussion

Subscription:
Requires owner approval

Archive:
Readable by subscribers only

Created: Mar 26, 2003

Owners:
Michael Shellenberger, Michael Twombly

To Join:
Subscribe here, or send an email to mshellenberger-subscribe@topica.com

To Post:
Send mail to 'mshellenberger@topica.com'

Stats:
26 subscribers / < 1 messages per week

Categories: Society & Culture | Crime
--
Related:
Shellenberger's OTHER "Ethical Business Campaigns Network"
AEB and Shellenberger
Shellenberger pissed at Press Democrat's Mike Geniella
Shellenberger on boycotting/sucking up to the TS
Shellenberger "Lead Campaign Consultant"
Shellenberger, Ken Miller and EPIC
Shellenberger and Judi Bari
AEB solicits computers for Gallegos
AEB solicits phones for Gallegos
AEB solicits a car for Gallegos
Shellenberger, Salzman response to HDSO
You get the idea... there's more.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know...

What's the story here? How'd the "Humboldt Buddhist Peace Fellowship" become part of Salzman's propaganda machine?

Times Standard headline calls it a "Religious Group"but Salzman's "Release" clears that up - calls it "Buddhist Fellowship"

Salzman using these guys on the "Police Review" Bandwagon, right along with Ken Miller.

See the message with full headers and all the incite-a-riot propaganda here.

Any truth to the rumor that Twombly is involved in this one?

Checkin' those headers...

So is Twombly IN or OUT?

Here's the header information from that Open Letter from Local Solutions:
X-Originating-IP: [66.1.88.111]
Return-Path: lelahuber@asis.com
Authentication-Results: mta246.mail.re3.yahoo.com from=asis.com; domainkeys=neutral (no sig)
Received: from 66.1.88.111 (EHLO pointless.epfarms.org) (66.1.88.111) by mta246.mail.re3.yahoo.com with SMTP; Fri, 05 Jan 2007 13:24:44 -0800
Received: from mirabel.epfarms.org ([66.111.62.80] helo=localsolutions.org ident=twomblym) by pointless.epfarms.org with esmtp (Exim 4.63) (envelope-from ) id 1H2vwF-0004rp-Od for ___________; Fri, 05 Jan 2007 13:45:20 -0700
Date: Fri, 05 Jan 2007 13:45:19 -0700
From: "Local Solutions" dennis@localsolutions.org  Add to Address Book  Add Mobile Alert
Subject:
An Open Letter to the Progressive Community from Local Solutions

...helo=localsolutions.org ident=twomblym)

In solidarity, man.

Local Solutions

Who's buying this?
From Eric's blog:
An Open Letter to the Progressive Community from Local Solutions

[PLEASE NOTE: We wrote this letter some time ago, but we wanted to wait until the final count for every campaign was tallied and certified before sending it out. As you well know, the process took longer than everyone expected, and then with the holidays right around the corner, we elected to send this message out in the New Year. Our intent is to lay to rest questions from the past and offer a place to begin discussion for the future.]

Dear friends, We are aware that there has been much speculation and question regarding the role of Local Solutions in the November elections. We are deeply disappointed with the results and frustrated that we at Local Solutions were unable to do more to help. We believe the Eureka elections could have been won by focusing on grassroots mobilization with a strong emphasis on coordination and cooperation between campaigns in order to make the task manageable and more enjoyable.

We have spent some time considering how to talk about the issues that concern us, and how to engage the broader progressive community in this conversation. We would like to hear your ideas for building local political campaigns with a spirit of cooperation and respect and your suggestions for what role Local Solutions should play in this work.

Local Solutions was formed to provide tools and expertise for grassroots progressive political organizing. We believe that ethics, integrity, and the process of engaging and empowering voters are just as important as a victory on Election Day.

Elections, particularly in Humboldt County, are won by mobilizing hundreds of volunteers talking to thousands of their neighbors. By focusing on voter outreach and involvement (rather than media or fundraising), elections can be a way to develop new leaders and teach citizens how to mobilize each other. At Local Solutions we care most about building a grassroots movement for progressive power. Each political race is important, but we challenge ourselves to keep our eye on the big picture as well.

During the Measure T and Gallegos campaigns, there was some coordination between campaigns, but most of the voter outreach coordination happened late in the process. As we prepared for the November elections, we hoped we could foster better coordination between campaigns from the beginning, ensuring that the campaigns shared resources with each other rather than competing.

We determined our skills and resources would be best used for voter contact and outreach, focusing on ensuring that every supportive voter went to the polls on Election Day. Local Solutions directors, as individuals or as a group, have managed voter contact, volunteer recruitment, and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) operations in many successful campaigns, including the attempted recall of the District Attorney, the Humboldt campaign against the Schwarzenegger Special Election propositions in November 2005, Chris Kerrigan’s re-election campaign, Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap’s campaign for Water District, Measure T and key components of the Gallegos re-election campaign.

Local Solutions presented a Coordinated Campaign proposal to the endorsed candidates and their campaign teams. It described how the campaigns could work together to maximize voter outreach, build energy and enthusiasm, and minimize the strain on financial and volunteer resources. We offered trainings on campaign management, candidate training, phonebank management, volunteer recruitment and coordination, and campaign finance reporting. We offered this assistance at a cost of $750 to each campaign. This amount represented a portion of the cost we would incur to create an organized system for voter outreach and GOTV that would be coordinated between all campaigns.

The candidates and the campaigns had a lukewarm response to our proposal, and in the end they decided not to work with us to implement a coordinated campaign. We failed to communicate our vision of the campaign process, and we underestimated the trepidation on the part of candidates and campaigns to work together. It was harder than we imagined to abandon the conventional wisdom, that elections are based on a model of scarcity: Someone will win, everyone else will lose. When winning becomes the only goal of a campaign, each decision becomes based on fear—rather than what is most likely to build skills, knowledge, power, and create a supportive community culture for everyone involved. It is our understanding that eventually the campaigns did work together on their phonebank and GOTV efforts, however the system was difficult to implement effectively by the time that decision was made.

The campaigns were also eager to work with Richard Salzman, a campaign advisor who has a very different attitude about elections than we do. Based upon multiple experiences, we know that Richard wants to win at all costs and spend a lot of money doing it. We appreciate Richard’s hard work, but we decided earlier in the summer that we could no longer work with him. This was no doubt awkward for everyone, but after much internal discussion, it was determined that we needed to be clear that we do politics differently.

While we did not participate in the November election nearly as much as we originally planned, we also did not entirely sit it out. We produced and distributed a direct mailer to progressive Eureka voters, and directed volunteers and donations to the campaigns when individuals came to us asking how they could get involved. We invested $4500 in preparation for the 2006 election, but the resources were largely unused by the campaigns.

This election was an important one for Eureka, and the whole county. Compared to the last several election cycles, the results are certainly a setback for progressives. But it is important that we learn from our mistakes as well as our successes. Let’s move forward and continue working to build a more democratic, sustainable, equitable, and just community. We stand as committed as ever to serve that vision and the people who work so hard to bring it forward. We welcome your questions and suggestions for the future.

In solidarity,
Dennis Huber, Alice Woodworth, Patrick Riggs, Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap and Nicole Spencer

P.S. In July 2006, Local Solutions made a formal policy not to facilitate indirect campaign contributions to campaigns. We adopted this policy in the interest of ensuring full disclosure of campaign contributions to the public. We understand this is different from the function of most Political Action Committees, but we believe it is in keeping with the principles of our organization. All of the funds received by Local Solutions go directly back into grassroots organizing efforts.

Local Solutions related posts and stories:
Salzman's Empire The Local Solutions sham
New group forms
No connection?
It's in the Headers
Local Solutions' 460 Campaign Statements
Any doubt what Local Solutions' agenda is?
What happened to Local Solutions?
Where is "Local Solutions"?
TS - Local Solutions by Michael Twombly
ER - Another local group decries toxins and big boxes

Where is "Local Solutions"?

Following posts that contradicted denials that "Local Solutions" had anything to do with Richard Salzman, Michael Twombly disappeared, and "Local Solutions" disappeared. All e-mails coming from their listserve started coming from "Redwood Progressive," AKA Richard Salzman.

"Local Solutions, the liberal political action committee, has so far given nothing to any candidates in this election cycle.

Has the money just dried up? Or is it now being funneled into Salzman's "CREG," "Redwood Progressive," or the latest, "Eureka Civic Association."

Does it kind of remind you of Star Wars, when Darth Vader keeps getting new Generals?

What happened to Local Solutions?

Since the links to Salzman and Twombly were posted some time ago, Local Solutions and Twombly claim to have split up.

Is losing Salzman's Communications Director the reason Local Solutions isn't sending out e-mails through the listserve?

All of a sudden the e-mails are coming from Salzman's "Redwood Progressive."

Richard's Empire has shrunk considerably. Can it be that no one wants to be associated with him? Or have they just morphed into something new that has yet to surface? It's now just Richard and the aeb.

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Quite a change from the previous list (see previous posts):
Salzman's Empire
http://watchpaul.blogspot.com/2006/08/salzmans-empire.html
Two New Aliases for Richard "R Trent" Salzman
http://watchpaul.blogspot.com/2006/09/two-new-aliases-for-richard-r-trent_06.html
It's in the Headers
http://watchpaul.blogspot.com/2006/09/its-in-headers.html

What are they trying to hide? Why can't they be straight with the voters they seek to influence?

***
switched again:
No longer alliance@oxide - now it is < alliance@maia.site5.com >
mta1__.mail.mud.yahoo.com from=inreach.com
Received: from 216.118.97.186
Received: from alliance by maia.site5.com

Site5 Internet Solutions NETBLK-NET-D8766180-25
231 Market Place
Suite 180
San Ramon CA 94583
___________________
UPDATE:
Open Letter from "Local Solutions"
"Local Solutions" sham
No connection?
Any doubt what "Local Solutions" agenda is?
For more of the story click on the labels below.
__________________
Note: Personal email addresses, home addresses and phone numbers have been either altered (so spam crawlers won't harvest them) or replaced with the words 'address' and 'phone' - business or organizational addresses remain intact.

Any doubt what Local Solutions' agenda is?

Any doubt what Local Solutions' agenda is?

It's identical to the so-called "Alliance for Ethical Business."
A quick look at their websites shows the same roster of anti-Palco postings, the same claims to fame, including getting Gallegos elected and protecting him from the Recall. The same people involved, Salzman, Twombly, Ken Miller, Michael Shellenberger, the same agenda.

You've seen the proof of connection if you have been reading any of the posts on this blog -

The genesis of Local Solutions appeared in another "My Word" in the Times Standard. This one was ostensibly penned by Michael Twombly.

Maxxam machinations demand local solution
My Word by Michael Twombly
Article Last Updated: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 6:12:41 AM PST

The full text of his My Word in the FIRST COMMENT on this post.

Local Solutions' 460 Campaign Statements

Fascinating. Big Donor. Ken Miller.

Funny. Donation to Ken MIller's Humboldt Watershed Council.

Wow. Big Donor. Michael Shellenberger.

Biggest surprise? No contribution from Richard Salzman. That's funny. he told KMUD listeners that he was SO impressed with this "grassroots" group that he was donating himself.

Maybe I'm missing something.

BUT....

You Eureka voters might note that most of these people trying to tell you who to vote for don't live anywhere near Eureka. And, for all their support of Measure T, these people don't have ANY trouble taking money, big money, from out of the area. And, David Cobb's column in the Times Standard is obviously just another tool for Local Solutions. The TS should suspend his column until after the election.

Filing period 10-17-04 to 12-31-04
Contributions:
$100 from Scott Holmquist, Garberville
$1,200 from KEN MILLER
$100 from Ray and Marie Raphael, Redway
$100 from Barbara and Jim Truitt, Redway

Donations:
(Summary of Expenditures Supporting/Opposing Other Candidates, Measures and Committees)
$300 to Kaitlin Sopaci-Belknap
$500 to Chris Kerrigan

Payments
$450 to Kate Casali, Garberville
$200 to Eileen McGee (training for radio producer)
$203.52 to Verizon

***

Filing Period 10-23-05 to 12-31-05
Contributions:
$199 from Lily Bhavani Aquarian, Redway
$600 from Kelly Baraka in Mill Valley
$100 from Sonia Baur, Garberville
$600 from DAVID COBB
$100 from Michael Courson
$100 from Marilyn DeWitt, listed as working for HSU
$198 from Mark Greenleaf
$445 from G. J Gregori, Garberville
$100 from Maureen Hart
$293 from Dennis and Ellie Huber, Redway
$100 from Erik Jansson
$101 from Ron Kokish and Niki delson
$200 from Judith K. Little
$100 from Therea Malloy
$1,750 from KEN MILLER ($2,950 total to date)
$100 from ANNE PIERSON
$3,000 from WILLIAM S. PIERSON
$198 from Charles J, Powell
$200 from PAUL SALZMAN (significance unknown)
$1,000 from Ester A. Saunoras, Petrolia
$1,000 from MICHAEL SHELLENBERGER & KARIN ROSSMAN, El Cerrito (interesting. related to Jared Rossman?)
$198 from Ronald M & Molly Sinoway
$150 from S. Brian Wilson

Loans received:
$200 from MICHAEL TWOMBLY

Non-Monetary Contributions:
$203.78 from Lost Coast Brewery
$100 from Fiesta Cafe
$200 from Six Rivers Restoration

Donations: (I'm listing the cumulative to date/calendar year amounts)
(Summary of Expenditures Supporting/Opposing Other Candidates, Measures and Committees)
$894.01 to Friends of CHRIS KERRIGAN
$200 to Shane Brinton
$600 to Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights (MEASURE T)
$370 to the Humboldt Democratic Central Committee
$690 to Friends of Mike Wilson
$665.86 to Becky Kurwitz for Northern Humboldt Union High School District
$665.86 to Don Avant for Northern Humboldt Union High School District
$665.86 to Steve Cole for Northern Humboldt Union High School District
(geez, Shane got gypped)
$550 to Elect Maggy Herbelin
$400 to Jeff Dunk for McKinleyville Community Services District
$400 to Javan Reid for McKinleyville Community Services District
(I'm disappointed in you guys)
and finally:
$100 to (Ken Miller's) HUMBOLDT WATERSHED COUNCIL (For what?)

Payments made:
$1.285 to ALICE WOODWORTH, Arete Business Services (isn't that nice, paying yourself)
$159.71 to Dennis Huber for reimbursement fro fundraising event
$350 to Kevin Frank, Frank & Associates for Database development
$250 to Javan Reid for McKinleyville Community Services District
$600 to the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee for rent
$100 to HUMBOLDT WATERSHED COUNCIL
$250 to Jeff Dunk for McKinleyville Community Services District
$100 to Matt Koglin for Website development. (Matt is the Matt on Salzman's roster, Matt's list)
$475.85 to MICHAEL TWOMBLY for reimbursement
$165.98 to SBC

Accrued Expenses: (Unpaid Bills)
$159.71 for Dennis Huber for Fundraising reimbursements
a total of $983.30 for MICHAEL TWOMBLY for reimbursement (not clear what for)
$940 for ALICE WOODWORTH for Professional services (hiring yourself)
$81.68 for SBC
$250 to the Humboldt County Office of Education for Fundraising Events. THIS NEEDS EXPLANATION!

Miscellaneous Increases In Cash
$561, City of Eureka, Wharfinger Bldg, refund deposit for fundraising event
$182.25 Campaign to elect Don Avant to defray cost of signs for Northern Humboldt Union High School District

***

Filing period
5-21-06 to 6-30-06

Contributions:
$100 from Alan Maret
$100 from Javan Reid
$1,000 from Ester A. Saunoras (THat makes $2,000 to date as far as I can tell)
$1,100 from ALICE WOODWORTH Friends (event)
$2,000 from Mary Yates in GILROY

Loans received:
$1,200 from Dennis Huber (guess this activism is harder to raise money for than you thought?)

Nonmonetary Contributions Recieved:
$1,823.90 from ALICE WOODWORTH for database development (forgive debt) and pay web costs
$200 from Kevin Frank & Associates for database development (this gets more interesting)

Donations: (I'm listing the cumulative to date/calendar year amounts)
(Summary of Expenditures Supporting/Opposing Other Candidates, Measures and Committees)
$500 to the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights (MEASURE T)
$517.50 to the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights (MEASURE T) with notation
$500 to the FRIENDS OF PAUL GALLEGOS

Payments made:
$150.10 to AT&T
$400 to Kevin Frank & Associates (database development)
$100 to the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee for rent

Accrued Expenses: (Unpaid Bills)
still a balance of of $983.30 for MICHAEL TWOMBLY for reimbursement (not clear what for)?
$1,763.90 for ALICE WOODWORTH for database reimbursements (donated)

Miscellaneous Increases In Cash
$673, FRIENDS OF PAUL GALLEGOS for database share expenses

So there ya go. All you candidates who think Local Solutions endorsement and support is worth something - the most you are going to get is about $500. Is it worth it?

It's in the Headers

There are dozens if not hundreds of examples which prove that ecent attempts to deny any connection between Richard Salzman, the AEB and Local Solutions are patently false. Here it is evidenced by the headers in emails sent out via local solutions listserve. See an example in the FIRST COMMENT on this post.

What you are looking for: (for those who don't want to scan the entire email...)

in a Local Solutions PAC email...
alliance@oxide.webserversystems.com
michael@localsolutions.org
Local Solutions PAC < michael @ localsolutions.org >
http://www.ourhumboldt.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?f=archive&l=4tnc

From Richard's List
alliance@oxide.webserversystems.com
salzman@inreach.com
http://www.ourhumboldt.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?f=archive&l=Richards
Richards.oxide.webserversystems.com
RSVP to: mailto:aeb@inreach.com or call 707.677-0241

--
To unsubscribe from: Richard's List, just follow this link:
http://www.ourhumboldt.org/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?f=u&l=Richards&e=____.com&p=9192749

As previously noted, triggering an error in the unsubscribe link will lead you to a complete list of Richard's groups, which has now evolved to include "Redwood Progressives."

No connection? Once again, you be the judge.

And again, the question is - why LIE about it?

_________________
UPDATE:
Open Letter from "Local Solutions"
"Local Solutions" sham
No connection?
Any doubt what "Local Solutions" agenda is?
For more of the story click on the labels below.
__________________
Note: Personal email addresses, home addresses and phone numbers have been either altered (so spam crawlers won't harvest them) or replaced with the words 'address' and 'phone' - business or organizational addresses remain intact.
New note: the deal is off, Richard.

No connection?

Remember, The Richard Salzman's aeb (the so-called "Alliance for Ethical Business") aka (goodtimberjobs.org) morphed into ourhumboldt.org, and now includes the sham organization "localsolutions.org," aka "behind the redwood curtain."

In this email, they are again actively soliciting money - trying to get people to commit to a payment schedule, to agree to donate a certain amount every month via their credit card. Presumably, once they have softened the mark, it is also easier to go back for "extra" donations for a specific "need."

It's interesting that Richard Salzman sends his "endorsement" of this so-called NEW group (localsolutions.org) as if it were unrelated to him - talking about 'them' doing good work, if 'they' are given funding.... He pumped this same message loudly and often on KMUD, calling in to various radio shows, and expressing his enthusiastic support for this "wonderful" group of people, this incredible grassroots effort, and by the way, send money...

People keep asking, "How does this guy support himself?" "Where does his money come from?"

The Recall was over. How do you keep the fundraising going when the election furor has died down and people go back to their normal lives? When you are trying to sell something, you have to come up with an idea that the public will "buy." Looks like jumping on the "progressive" bandwagon was a golden opportunity to keep the money flowing.

Local Solutions denies any connection to Richard Salzman, of course. But the email trails reveal the opposite to be true.

Where does the money donated to Local Solutions go? What do the candidates they support "owe" them?

These are only some of the questions that need to be answered as "Local Solutions" works to implement Ken Miller's vision to "groom folks to run for office."

Is it just about money? Or is it about power? Is it about being able to "count to three" on the Board of Supervisors? Or the Eureka City Council?

****

From: Richard Salzman [ mailto:salzman@inreach.com]

Subject: Re: Westhaven Progressives and Local Solutions Political Action
Committee

(.....1st paragraph deleted)

I hope everyone will join me in sending Local Solutions $99.00 to help them
raise the seed money they need to build the infrastructure with which
to run grassroots campaigns. The idea here is that by investing a
small amount in advance these people will build a mechanism that will
save us a lot of work later. It will still be up to us as a community
to find good people who are willing to run for office, but when we do,
LS would be there for us when we need them, if we give them the
resources (i.e. money) to get established now. It seems like a good
investment to me.
Best,
Richard (Salzman)

(......partially edited....)

>
> Thank you again for having us to your party! And thanks for your
> financial support for Local Solutions PAC!
>
> Here comes the pitch:
>
> As we said Thursday night, one of our initial goals in 2005 is to
> invite 1,000 local Humboldt progressives to become Local Solutions PAC
> supporters at $99 a year (that's $8.25 per month). You can become a
> $99 supporter online by clicking on:
>
>       Online Donations: http://www.localsolutions.org/donate
> .
>
> Some supporters like to use PayPal to pledge online at just $8.25 a
> month from their credit cards. Others use PayPal for a one-time
> contribution of $99. Other supporters prefer to send their checks
> directly to:
>
> Local Solutions, P. O. Box 782, Eureka, CA 95502.
>
> Let's stay in touch- there will be many opportunities to work
> together as elections approach. We all need each other!
>
> Best wishes!
>
> Michael Twombly
> Dennis Huber
> Alice Woodworth
> Patrick Riggs
>
> Local Solutions PAC
> (707) 443-3921
> P.O. Box 782
> Eureka, CA 95502
> http://www.localsolutions.org
>
>
UPDATE:
Open Letter from "Local Solutions"
"Local Solutions" sham
No connection?
Any doubt what "Local Solutions" agenda is?
For more of the story click on the labels below.
__________________
Note: Personal email addresses, home addresses and phone numbers have been either altered (so spam crawlers won't harvest them) or replaced with the words 'address' and 'phone' - business or organizational addresses remain intact.
New note: The deal is off. Richard.

The Local Solutions sham

Note the date of this article in the Eureka Reporter.

Local Solutions to meet with candidates
by Rebecca S. Bender, 8/12/2006
http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=13811

"With the filing period closed for candidates for the November election, the local political action committee Local Solutions will be conducting interviews in the coming days to consider its endorsements for what promises to be a spirited race."

***

I'm sure that all candidates who went to those interviews in good faith had no idea that the sham-organization local solutions had already shown who they were backing, through the messages they sent out to their listserve. Note the topics - and dates - listed below. Anyone wishing to see the full text of any of these messages, please ask in the comments section, and I will post it.

You can see that, though they announced they would be conducting interviews AFTER August 12th - in fact they were already actively promoting Larry Glass as early as June 28th, Peter LaVallee on July 14th, and Ron Kuhnel on July 26th. Besides pushing them through the listserve, they are also pushing them on KMUD and KHSU.

And to all current and future candidates who are considering participating in these sham interviews, know that your participation only lends legitimacy to their ultimate "selection" of the opponent they had already put into the race.

***
Note: LocalSolutions uses the name "Behind the Redwood Curtain" to send out their messages...
Many groups with different euphemistic names, all part of the same group, designed to make you think there is broad based support.

***

Richard's List   Sad News
Sun Jul 30, 2006 4k

Behind the Redwood Curtain
From Friends of Ron Kuhnel
Wed Jul 26, 2006 4k

Local Solutions PAC
Consider running for office in your community
Tue Jul 25, 2006 5k

Behind the Redwood Curtain
"News Junkie" Jason Leopold on Thursday Night Talk 7/20/06 with Rob Amerman 7:30...
Wed Jul 19, 2006 5k

Behind the Redwood Curtain
LaVallee FUndraiser Wednesday, July 19th 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Women's Club
Fri Jul 14, 2006 4k

Behind the Redwood Curtain
This Week on Thursday Night Talk: Genetically Modified Trees with Anne Peterman ...
Wed Jul 12, 2006 7k

Behind the Redwood Curtain
Thursday Night Talk: 9/11 and Project Censored - July 6th at 7:30 PM on KHSU (90...
Thu Jul 06, 2006 7k

Behind the Redwood Curtain
Thursday Evening 7 PM on KMUD: Big Box discussion with Dennis Huber and Larry Glass
Thu Jun 29, 2006
4k

Behind the Redwood Curtain
Thursday Night Talk- June 29 KMUD 90.5 7:30 PM: HEMP Growing
Wed Jun 28, 2006 5k

Richard's List
EPD chief / 2500 dead / Voting Rights Act
Mon Jun 26, 2006 11k

Behind the Redwood Curtain
Thursday Night Talk- June 22nd Ray Raphael and Rob Amerman 7:30 PM KHSU 90.5 FM
Thu Jun 22, 2006 6k


Friends of Paul Gallegos
Yard sign deadline! Please help FOPG
Fri Jun 16, 2006 10k

Behind the Redwood Curtain
Monday June 19th: SOLUTIONS TO TOXICS 6:30 pm at the Wharfinger
Thu Jun 15, 2006 6k

Local Solutions PAC
No Rest for the Weary: A Next Step for Humboldt County Progressives

Years later, the name 'Local Solutions' surfaces, in a mention" ◼ Sopoci-Belknap and Brinton Leaving Humboldt For Sacramento - Lost Coast Outpost

Sopoci-Belknap has been involved in local political and social causes for many years, co-founding such groups as Democracy Unlimited and Local Solutions.