tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232112655035482837.post5657435934583643781..comments2024-02-11T00:20:16.619-08:00Comments on Robin Chapman News: A Big Win for Taxpayers and their OrchardRobin Chapmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10503563386747084298noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232112655035482837.post-90998323425340629782012-04-14T13:32:37.953-07:002012-04-14T13:32:37.953-07:00Now, we have to find a better way to protect our h...Now, we have to find a better way to protect our history ... because this plan may not be dead. It may just be in a coma.Robin Chapmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10503563386747084298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232112655035482837.post-47406920580013982382012-04-13T23:46:38.398-07:002012-04-13T23:46:38.398-07:00In 1977 I took a state and regional government cla...In 1977 I took a state and regional government class, jointly taught by a future mayor and future head of Metro; their philosophy at that time was officials are elected to guide people for their own good, even if they don't have the vision to see for themselves. We gained much from each of them, I recognize, but that doesn't absolve us from keeping a sharp eye in defense of our interests. An eight-story combined condo, office and shop complex would generate far more tax revenue per square foot for Los Altos than the beautiful flora and fauna now present, and if it were a privately held property, the US Supreme Court already held that the local government on that basis can just take it. Some states, starting with Florida, fought the ruling; maybe California joined the action. In this case, its thanks to the actions of interested and informed citizens like you that Los Altos is at least temporarily safe in this instance.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10328407227617592536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232112655035482837.post-33843554297046043192012-04-12T21:52:13.351-07:002012-04-12T21:52:13.351-07:00Well, I just had a friend say she felt in the next...Well, I just had a friend say she felt in the next few decades we could count on the orchard being demolished. Obviously, we have to keep our eyes on the characters we elect. They really do think they know best and we don't.Robin Chapmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10503563386747084298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1232112655035482837.post-65087134344458461692012-04-12T21:29:50.245-07:002012-04-12T21:29:50.245-07:00Decades ago, my dad watched from the 'inside&#...Decades ago, my dad watched from the 'inside' as a future governor of Oregon was pre-selected by the Machine Boys at a private meeting. Back at the office, he asked his mentor, Why do we even bother to vote? The mentor said, 'Because, old boy, every once in a while we beat the b****rds.' How incredibly exciting to see that at least once more, it has happened again. The power of the people shines brightly in Los Altos! Remember 'Chinatown', though - big money will keep lurking around the sides, currying favor, closing off options, seeking a way to inject its pestilent control and profiteering leeching tentacles throughout the body politic, manipulating the press, forming "People for a Clean Los Altos"-type front groups to press its agenda, and, smiling, will surely find itself bloated and victorious, smugly celebrating the numbing of the apathetic masses, should those who rallied to the orchard's defense allow themselves to be distracted with pretty baubles, or deceived by agenda-laden promises. All GLORY to the people of Los Altos!Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10328407227617592536noreply@blogger.com