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More than $24,000 of Ikea's money chest went to loc al East Palo Alto residents who campaigned for the store in their neighb orhoods. Even though Ikea spent hundreds of thousands of dollars more than its opp onents in the campaign, the furniture giant won by less than a hundred v otes.
In a recent interview, East Palo Alto City Councilmember Myrtle Walker sa id that big time developers came to East Palo Alto and bought votes. Do you approve of the large amounts of money Ikea spent in winning approv al for the constuction of its store on the Ravenswood 101 site? Was it f air that Ikea could spend hundreds of thousands more than its opponents, while handing thousands of dollars to city residents?
forward as ema il Too bad they had to spend that much to give EPA 500 local jobs with benef its, millions of dollars in tax revenue, and a future. All that money ju st to get 2500 people (out of a population of over 25,000) to actually v ote. Let's rephrase the question: Is it FAIR that Myrtle Walter should complai n after IKEA had been approved twice by voters?
forward as ema il "Yes, I approve of Ikea spending large amounts of money to win approval f or construction at the Ravenswood 101 site." The above hyperbole is meant to demonstrate the bias of the question. No one is going to answer this question in the affirmative. Ikea spent the money to recruit campaigners and to print collateral to in fluence sufficient voters for the election which won my a fairly slim ma rgin. Ikea did not use the monies to influence any particular local poli tician although I'm sure they came up to the line of acceptable practice , ie taking council members to nice dinners to discuss the issue. As long as Ikea did not cross the line by bribing officials, I'm not over ly concerned. I believe both sides of the issue were pretty clear to vot ers, "Is suffering with a monstorous blue cube in the community worth th e increase in questionably living-wage jobs and increased busines to EPA ?" Due to the faltering economy, post-9/11, and sad state of EPA's budget, t he timinig worked out in Ikea's favor. Now we, as a community, must make the best of a less-than-perfect situation.
forward as ema il Dear M Fongston, Let me thank you for the comment you posted. I am sorry if you perceived bias in the question that was asked. You gave a direct answer, in the affirmative, to the question and your an swer is straightforward, appears honest and is perfectly acceptable. It would be appreciated, if you could let us know why you thought the way the question was phrased indicated bias, so that we can make sure we av oid giving this impression in the future.
forward as ema il Let me first enlighten you, and shed some light upon this issue. From the table she eats her dinner on, right into th e bedrooms all from IKEA. FACTS : After moving from her one bedroom shack on, 794 green street, that she so ld for over one million dollars, due to the size of the land and its loc ation within the Ravenwood Development Area, to her 3 bedroom - 2 bath h ome, at 2552 Farrington that is furnished with new Ikea products, while visiting the Emeryville Store. She was honored with lets just say a few monastery accommodation, after t elling the management, she was a City Council Member for East Palo Alto. This just so happen before the City Council vote on the project. Also : 2) Myrtle Walker, took a all expense paid trip to San Diego paid by Ikea , came back with impressive feedback then changed her mind, a month or t wo later, regarding the vote. Is this because of the political backfire that accrued due to her propert y being located within the allowed zone for conflict of interest law? After a long battle with the East Palo Altos, City Attorney (Michael) and other Council Mem bers regarding the particular element. It puts limits on her profitable gain, in addition to her future gain. Pl us limits her area of political arena, for gain and recognition. Lets add no PARKING on UNIVERSITY, to add a bike lane that isn't used muc h, causing Residents to park vehicles on side streets and causing more c rime, and congestion withtout a resolution isnt an issue? Or the fact that other Stores that have just moved right in, without bein g put on the ballet, are causing traffic, isn't an issue ? Or the University Palms projects she helped add property to, this not add ing traffic? How long has Three Brothers Taco's waited to open its University Location ? Have you seen the entrance to our City University and Donahoe? She stated big time developers have came in and bought votes, however she is sitting on the Board of Directors of Charles Drew Health Center, 211 1 University Ave, as Chairperson for the last 7 years. Nor have I heard about any voting - admitting process or Board Openings a nnounced. However I do know for a fact that she has appointed several of her associ ates and plus paid associates, to the Board. Many have resigned behind her, due to her power and control issues many v ery good people! I will be happy when more then myself, will look into what's really going on at Drew! One that was operating for 30 + years, however it just so happened they d id not consider bringing to the community the option of input when an, N ine years least agreement, with option to buy, was accepted. That is so well disclosed, Not even Board Members have the agreement, Nor have seen the whereabouts of any profits from it. However it is known that a substantial amount came from this agreement. Drew Center also has a large property on the other side of 101 highway on Cooley Street. Dee Uhalas POI was located there however has been forced to leave the loc ation. This property has been on the market several times after removing low-inc ome families from it, some years before. Lots of facts arent disclosed in this community, why due to power, contro l, and hidden agenda's! I am so tired of Deceivers, once in the presents seem so innocent, sincer e, gentle and civil. However will snap once you disapprove, disagree, or hesitate in supporting them. Is this why Mrytle Walker has a few less friends, and supporters? Maybe that is why she isn't going to run this year for City Council... Them, who are associated, go along with her vengeful games, pity, manipul ative ways and help her in Tarnishing other's image, in attempts for her to look better. Them who have something to hide always shine the lights on others..... I'm in total agreement with Ikea coming here, its just sad how they had t o pay so much, when others just move right in.
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