By Aaron Ochs, on July 13th, 2011%
 Now playing at LOCSD funhouse CORRECTION (11:47 PM): Marshall Ochylski spoke to Razor Online and has denied that Wright is his insurance agent, and has also denied that Wright is campaign manager. Proper corrections have been made to make the article as accurate as possible.
On July 7 Michael Wright was appointed to the Los Osos Community Services District board, assuming a seat that was vacated by former Vice President Maria Kelly, who recently resigned under pressure. Board President Marshall Ochylski, the leading supporter for Wright, openly admitted to reaching out to Wright and convincing him to submit an application for the position. Later it was rumored that not only is Wright the board president’s insurance agent, he was also his campaign manager during his most recent bid for the District 2 seat on the SLO County Board of Supervisors. Ochylski has denied the rumors.
Continue reading When Wright is Wrong →
By Aaron Ochs, on June 25th, 2011%
 Don't cry Maria... we're moving in with Paavo! Former LOCSD director Maria Kelly and current Public Works Director Paavo Ogren have been dating for six months. Some allege that their relationship has lasted for two to three years, and the political circumstances surrounding their relationship are extensive. It’s too early to tell whether a conflict of interest between Ogren and Kelly can be proven. However, there is information that illustrates the appearance of conflict of interest. Razor Online investigates the allegations.
Continue reading The Kelly/Ogren Influence →
By Aaron, on May 11th, 2010%
UPDATE (4:36 PM): Dave Duggan posted some great quotes that give a lot of insight into what Celebrate Los Osos is all about.
On May 22, Celebrate Los Osos (CLO) is sponsoring the Back Bay Music Festival, which will have BBQ, beer, wine and free music — all for supposedly a good cause. Proceeds from the event will go toward beautification projects in Los Osos and Baywood Park. Months ago, I wrote an article about this volunteer organization and how the people involved have done more harm than good for people living in the Prohibition Zone. I’ve personally asked the founders of this volunteer organization to set up a fund for residents who would be unable to afford the upcoming sewer. There was no response. However, there was a response by founder Pandora Nash-Karner, which included public relations-inspired expressions like “spirit of volunteerism” and lines like, “Volunteering is the most fundamental act of citizenship and philanthropy in our society.”
Continue reading Let’s Celebrate Accountability →
By Aaron, on March 16th, 2010%
This week, Los Osos Community Services District President Marshall Ochylski announced that he was running for San Luis Obispo County 2nd District, which is currently being represented by Bruce Gibson. Not even serving half of his first term as LOCSD board member, Ochylski decided that he had enough political capital to run against the incumbent representative. After former Alaska governor Sarah Palin left her post on July 26 last year, early estimated costs of her resignation were in the ballpark of $40,000 and Alaskan taxpayers picked up the tab. The district would have to pay at least $30,000 to hold a special election — and that cost would be incurred while the district continues to resolve its bankruptcy, that is if Ochylski were to win both the June 8, 2010 primary election and the November 2, 2010 consolidated general election against Gibson.
Continue reading Candidate Ochylski Is Out of Touch →
By Aaron, on September 4th, 2009%
Appearing as the last speaker of BOS Los Osos public comment, CSD director Maria Kelly seemed anxious, but defiant.
“I’m happy to be here and I’m happy to be here in support of the County — and I’m happy to be in support of County staff. I’ve been a broken record on that they’ve been extremely professional, helpful, diligent and very responsive to the community,” said Kelly.
Would it have resonated more if she dressed up in a high school cheerleader outfit and brought pom-poms to the podium?
Continue reading Maria Kelly: Los Osos Water Witch Bitches Again →
By Aaron, on September 1st, 2009%
Former CSD president Lisa Schicker posted a letter to the editor in The Tribune today:
Distrust
In a July editorial, this paper praised county supervisors for firing David Edge and Gail Wilcox, saying their conduct “raises the specter of favoritism and gives the public another reason to distrust county government.”
Here’s another reason to distrust: the dismissal of a 1,000-plus page referenced complaint against Paavo Ogren, public works director.
Contrary to County Counsel Warren Jensen’s assertions (Tribune, Aug. 19), I believe the complaint contained evidence suggesting Ogren’s involvement in self-dealing, bid-rigging, conflict of interest, violation of design-build law and improper contract procurement processing.
Evidence describes Ogren’s history of recommending no-bid public contracts and approving expensive change orders to the same firms over and over — firms he worked for as a private consultant.
The Board of Supervisors just ended a similar no-bid contract with attorney Clay Hall’s firm, going out to competitive bid for the first time in years.
According to Jensen, most of the evidence in the Ogren complaint remains unread and uninvestigated. Some of the evidence requires further internal investigations.
Supervisors say they won’t tolerate unprofessional behavior and serious allegations remain. Supervisors, please demand a full, independent inquiry into Ogren’s involvement with the Los Osos Wastewater Project and its links to the Los Osos Community Services District’s 2001 sewer contracts and the Lopez Dam retrofit contracts; county taxpayers deserve nothing less.
Lisa Schicker Former president and board member, Los Osos Community Services District
For comments regarding the letter, click on “Continue Reading.”
Continue reading Schicker Alleges “Distrust” in Tribune Letter to Editor →
By Aaron, on July 13th, 2009%
The County of San Luis Obispo does not know how to regulate public comment at meetings.
Section 54954.3 of the California Brown Act allows the public to speak on items on the agenda and items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, but it’s up to chairman or board president to determine how public comment is managed. However, the Brown Act doesn’t address the application of public comment. Instead, that act simply sets forth a mandate of implementation.
For the past year, I spoke to members of the Board of Supervisors and the LOCSD regarding their management of public comment. The head of each of those legislative bodies talked about how they have their own style and approach, but most importantly, they prioritized public policy over public consideration. In other words, they feel that public comment and one’s public testimony rights impede board business to a point that brings exasperation and distraction to members of the board.
Continue reading Public Comment: A Good Investment for Public Policy →
|
|
Public Comment: A Good Investment for Public Policy
The County of San Luis Obispo does not know how to regulate public comment at meetings.
Section 54954.3 of the California Brown Act allows the public to speak on items on the agenda and items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, but it’s up to chairman or board president to determine how public comment is managed. However, the Brown Act doesn’t address the application of public comment. Instead, that act simply sets forth a mandate of implementation.
For the past year, I spoke to members of the Board of Supervisors and the LOCSD regarding their management of public comment. The head of each of those legislative bodies talked about how they have their own style and approach, but most importantly, they prioritized public policy over public consideration. In other words, they feel that public comment and one’s public testimony rights impede board business to a point that brings exasperation and distraction to members of the board.
Continue reading Public Comment: A Good Investment for Public Policy →