While political insiders negotiated in relative secrecy about the proposed forced sale of the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, Sandy Genis—the city's former mayor—has been a one-woman show, delving into the finer points of the deal and revealing the anti-public terms. At City Council meetings and in quotes to inquiring reporters, Genis has claimed the deal allows a future real-estate developer incredibly wide latitude to alter the existing property with almost zero public oversight. What about putting a giant Wal-Mart or Mercedes-Benz dealership on the site? The questions raised by Genis helped inspire 50,000 residents to sign a petition asking Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to rescind his order calling for the sale of the fairgrounds as a misguided attempt to reduce the state's massive budget shortfall. A resolution isn't clear at the moment, but what is certain is that Genis made an impact.
Fairground sale would be a terrible deal for Californians...a "fire sale" to say the least and a great deal for developers. The public uses and enjoys the fairgrounds for many purposes - it should remain as is. Schwarzenegger should thank Genis for her dedication and knowledge of procedures, laws and values of the Costa Mesa property. Thanks to Genis and those like her who care enough to fight the good battle to save what Californians value. Schwarzenegger should rescind the sale.
I am both honored and humbled, considering all the great work being done countywide by activists working to save habitat, monitor public spending and generally hold politicians' feet to the fire. Scores of individuals have helped in the fairgrounds effort, but our work is not over yet. State officials will be considering bids on Orange County Fairgrounds this week. It is urgent that we all call or fax Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at Phone: 916-445-2841 or Fax: 916-558-3160. Please tell the Governor not to sell the Orange County Fairgrounds. ACT NOW, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!
Right On!! You got this one right! Sandra Genis is that pebble in our municipal shoe that they just can't shake. When she's not "informing", she's warning or scolding. She's not a gadfly, she's our civic conscience - the Jiminy Cricket on our shoulder that keeps whispering in our ear, hoping we'll listen.
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