She’s the most worldly and perhaps geeky (about government that is) Councilmember and now she’s the first Santa Clarita Councilperson incumbent with a reelection website for 2010. She’s Marsha McLean!
I don’t know anyone who dislikes Marsha as a Councilwoman. On the other hand, she doesn’t seem to get out in front of a lot of issues like some of the others do. She seems to serve as sort of a moderating, calming voice on the Council. She strikes me as a quiet operator, more behind-the-scenes. But she’s not a push-over.
For example, I like that Marsha attends all the insider-baseball intergovernmental agency meetings. She’s on the League of Cities. She’s on the Orangeline Maglev high speed rail board. She’s on the Library Commission. And she’s on other committees, bodies, leagues, panels, and agencies. She dilligently reports progress from each of those entities at just about every council meeting. That’s dedication, even if 99% of the people who go to Council meetings could care less.
Her city work is up on her website, so be fair and have a look before you decide this spring.
I guess I would have to say that Marsha seems to be a decent person. However, I think she falls in line with the rest of the council too much. Frankly, I voted for her to be on the Council because she (at the time) was the voice of the people who were concerned over the unrestricted building. She was going to put balance back into developing. But she quickly sold out the people who put her there and now she doesn’t push back on anything. We need a stronger, more independent voice.
The only two I have decided I would vote for so far in the election are TimBen and Marsha. She is a calming presence and she has adapted well to fit the community she serves.
On aesthetics it’s worse that TBB’s or Gauny’s, which isn’t an easy task.
I wonder about a couple of things: is it kosher to use the official photo for campaign purposes? Didn’t the city pay for those portraits? (I have no idea, but maybe someone does)
Also, I have to think that use of the city seal is a major, major no-no.
Also, I have to think that use of the city seal is a major, major no-no.
Presidential candidates use the American flag…
I’ve been corrected, they pay for their own portraits.
Jeff, the thought crossed my mind, but a president doesn’t use the presidential seal when running for re-election, nor do congressmen use congressional seals, right? Never mind that the seal is trademarked.
Dear Mike, Thanks for the heads up, A different photo will appear and the City Seal will be removed very soon.
Thank you Jeff for the kind remarks. People who really know me would agree that I am not a push over on anything. I believe in debate and consensus building.
The fact that Marsha took the time to post a comment on a local message board is enough for me to vote for her – that is, if I still lived in SCV. It shows that she not only cares, but isn’t an “old fart” who is afraid to interact on the internet. I get the impressions that others on the city council might both be old, AND fart.
Marsha, I suggest you also set up a Facebook page and Twitter account (if you haven’t already) – but only if you plan to do it the right way and take full advantage of their potential. I’m sure you have a 12 year old family member that can help you out if you need it
. That’s how the rest of us have learned.
Marsha, I voted for you last time.
I was disappointed that you didnt respond when they eliminated the Van Nuys bus as many people were hurt by it, however, I have not totally decided not to vote for YOU this time
Jeff, I have corrected my web site. Please go to http://www.reelectmarshamclean.com.
Rosie, I know that the change in the bus schedule affected some people and I wish we had the funding to keep another bus. When I asked for information on the NoHo Schedule recently, I was told that it is really popular. People who have a disability are able to access special transportation when they notify our Transit Department.
I forgot to mention above – I remember several years ago, I sent an email to each of the council members – it was before Marsha – I believe it was Kellar, Smyth, Ferry, Weste, but I don’t remember the 5th. It wasn’t anything hot-headed or what I might post here – just something I was concerned about. Well, as it turned out, only Cameron Smyth had the courtesy to reply (no matter what all the others claim). I don’t remember the issue, but what i DO remember was that he explained the council’s position on the matter…and of course, he thanked me for writing. Well, I don’t agree with his politics, but I sure felt good that he represented us. I believe I never voted for any of the other councilmembers after that point. Boy, it’s so easy to please some of us, isn’t it. Too bad so many don’t get that.
oh
my
goodness jeff!
This post proves beyond anything prior.,you truly don’t know what’s going on. This blog has been intriguing but tonight…it’s just plain entertaining.
Wow, that was fast. Consider me impressed. Best of luck, Mrs. McLean.
Hello Marsha, two major items personally disappointed me when you were our Mayor a few terms back.
#1. I had requested that you fly the POW Flag at City Hall on POW Recognition Day and you failed to make it happen. Councilman Bob Kellar made it happen.
#2. During the contentious Henry Mayo Office Expansion debate & hearings, I sent you an e-mail making several inquiries and I received a terse response from you several days later. And then, two days later, Ken Pulskamp sent me an e-mail admitting that your e-mail response was not actually from you!? Interestingly, that e-mail response included your name and e-mail address so I had no idea that it was actually Faux Mayor Brotzman who had sent it on your behalf. I considered that a considerable breach of ethical behavior.
ND, speaking of presidents, have you heard our President and CEO speak? It will change your life.
You’re a greeter? You must know plenty of people. There’s a bonus available for every 10 people you bring.
Marsha,
there were many emails sent to Ken and the CC re:the elimination of the Van Nuys run and Route 8. There was an invitation extended to the CC to ride the run and see how much of an problem this caused for the riders. The response was that the CC had personal things to do and couldn’t attend (or be bothered). I will tell you that there is a 75 yr old woman who pays $12/day to go 10 miles (via Access/dial a ride) to her job everday, there have been passengers who have lost their jobs because of lack of transportation, and the transportation time for many of these people has increased 2-4 hrs per day. In addition, if you look at the new schedule for the North Hollywood run, you will see that the # of runs has decreased due to lack of ridership. They could have continued the Van Nuys/Route #8 run with less buses and accommodated those past passengers. The passengers on these now defunct lines believe this to have been purely political and blame the CC. They are looking for new canidates in April
Personally, I’m onboard the “no incumbents ” train. The IGWT deal-i-o left a bad taste in my mouth as did this Kellar debacle. Time for some new blood, come what may. Sorry Marsha.
It is obvious that one can’t please all of the people all of the time. I try to respond to all e-mails that are sent to me and I did respond. Some were happy with the answers, some were not. I am a mass transit user. I take Metrolink whenever possible and have taken the bus on occasion. I have been working diligently to improve mass transit, voicing my disappointment that people cannot get to where they want to be when they want to be there, especially if they have to rely solely on mass transit. Through my active membership on regional transportation committees, commissions and boards, I will continue to advocate for more trains and buses so one day people WILL have the resources that are needed to meet everyone’s needs.
Marsha, while I’ve got you here, what are the prospects for the Orangeline Maglev? Did it get any stimulus funding? Would you say it’s in advanced planning stages like the High speed rail, or is it more conceptual at this point?
Jeff, The CA High Speed Rail Authority has put forth a great PR program. I am not sure they are as far along in the process as they say they are. The Orangeline has received some Federal Money and has money coming from Measure R. It is not clear as yet if the ARRA money applied for by the Orangeline will be awarded. The Orangeline only asked for $1 million. The Orangeline is made up of a JPA with 14 cities and there are several other cities that are looking into joining. This type of cooperation between this many cities is unheard of. The Orangeline Development Authority has decided to become technology neutral so as to explore the best and latest technology. The CA High Speed Rail Authority is commited to steel on steel technology that requires electric grids every 100 feet as stated by their PR consultants.