333's Jazz at the Museum
Carl DeMaio - Photo by David Rolland
Who is Carl DeMaio?
In response to “DeMaio’s Phony New Persona” [“Editorial,” Oct. 3]: I’m probably one of the few San Diegans who enjoy watching the City Council meetings from time to time on TV—whenever I come across this late-night local cable channel.
One night in May, I watched Carl DeMaio interact with two employees from the city’s Purchasing Department regarding a proposed $2-million-in-savings annual vendor contract (supported by DeMaio) that ended up really only saving the city $200,000 during the past year. (I believe this was due to discount items being purchased along with the contract’s approved non-discount items from the vendor, and hence, a failure of the original expected savings from the contract.) Anyway, DeMaio spoke to these two employees with a haughty, superior attitude; he outright belittled and denigrated them as if the contract’s failure had been their fault.
Fast forward two or three days to a Bankers Hill community meeting where mayoral candidates DeMaio, Nathan Fletcher and Bob Filner presented. DeMaio’s persona here was in stark contrast to his style at the City Council meeting. He sounded like the “Savior of San Diego.” He presented facts and figures with such charisma and kindness that I thought I may have had a brain infarct over the previous two days when I had witnessed his pompous and obnoxious attitude toward staff during the City Council meeting. Who is this guy?
Another thing that worried me in DeMaio’s presentation was his proposal to alienate the public’s staff—i.e. wage freeze for many years and the replacement / supplementation of library, city administrative and construction staff with volunteers (of all things!). I know that people work in government because of enhanced benefits, especially pensions, but why bother when someone like DeMaio could be in charge—someone who will clearly be the boss from Hell?
DeMaio’s principles remind me of the reasons my grandparents left the old country in the late 1890s: masses of poor people toiling to support the elite!
Vote Filner! He may be a bit of a curmudgeon, but at least he’s consistent, and we know he holds the people’s interest in his heart.
Donna Shanske, Bankers Hill
Two peas in a pod
Regarding your Oct. 3 editorial about Carl DeMaio: You’ve been around long enough to know that after the first round, politicians move to the center to spread a wider net of potential votes. It’s the wise move. You may dislike DeMaio, but he is not stupid.
Also, the traits you assign to him— combative, hostile, difficult, vindictive, etc.—can also apply to Bob Filner. Poor San Diego.
Jan Bourgeois, East Village
‘Like’ the L.A. Times
I’m writing in response to Ron Harris’ letter in the Oct. 3 issue. I think there are many, many folks who would like to see the Los Angeles Times “establish a local presence in San Diego County,” and I second his idea that CityBeat conduct a poll.
Mr. Harris and your readers might like to know that there is a page dedicated to this idea on Facebook. Search for “Bring the L.A. Times back to San Diego” and click “Like”!
Marty Rowe, North Park
What do you think? Write to editor@sdcitybeat.com
