The question has been asked by many "What went wrong with the original Copperopolis Community Plan. So we spoke with several residents who had attended meetings over the years. One big question seems to be WHICH COPPER is the center of the town. What do you think? Is it the newly created C &C Town Center or the original town of Copper? We see some controversy there.
One source told us that "The realtors, developers, and those selling their land were in control." Another told us that "They actually did not advertise properly for many meetings, and in fact, held some meetings in someone's home."
In retrospect, we did not find minutes or any record of what went on officially at these meetings. Was the Brown Act violated? Apparently it was, and even speaking to county employees, the famous Black Binder, which Russ Thomas, who was Supervisor at the time, brought to a town hall meeting, was not turned over to the county. He did offer to bring it to our office and let us look at it.
If you look around Copper, the Thomas ad signs that are in the same locations now as they were when Thomas ran against Darren Spellman and lost. Castle and Cooke property (Dave Haley), Greg Mayer property, Ed Rich property, and others who were those in charge of that community plan. We were told that several of the people were removed after a complaint was filed. We were also told that Dave Haley was not officially on the committee, but always was allowed to sit at the head table as if he was.
Our sources also told us that even at the time the meetings were going on, that there were big land deals involving the names listed above, and that these deals appeared to be influencing Thomas and that at one point, maps were brought out, and that many lanndowners were allowed to mark on them what designations in zoning they wanted for their land.
We offer any of these people to prove to us that none of that was true. We are open to hear their denials. There were those who said they quit the committee, feeling disgust at what was going on, and others who say they were told they were no longer needed.
Now, if Copperopolis residents are happy to have their Community Plan decided in this manner, they should all speak up and come to the new meetings, and tell these realtors, developers, and large landowners and the county that it was proper. If not, then they should also speak up in behalf of themselves and others.
We've spoken to Mr. Thomas, who is again running for Supervisor, this time in the newly drawn District 4, and he feels there was absolutely nothing wrong, and that the plan was a good one. When we ask for documentation of the Brown Act being followed, no one seems to be able to prove anything.
Therefore, the new Supervisor for this District has begun new meetings, which we have been told are very preliminary in nature. With an election looming, Tom Tryon will not start any trouble with any side if it means it might cost him votes and 4 more years, which will give him a total of 32 years as Supervisor.
On the other hand, Debbie Ponte, who has attended the Community Plan meetings, is very open minded, would like to see more residents attend, and would like to know how everyone in Copper feels about their plan. After studying the policies and the past actions of incumbents Tryon and Thomas, the Sentinel believes the voters should think seriously about bringing a fresh face to the table and District 4.
4 comments:
Wow! This sounds a bit like a plug for Ponte not a question about the community plan. The impliction that Tom is not taking a stand is unfair. He is only supposed to let the plan group do their job and make sure they follow the rules. He is not supposed to influence the group or take a position. ANd I beleive he wants public input or he would not have selected a group and held open meetings with public notice.
I have attended every meeting thus far starting with the study sessions, Supervisor Tryon is the lead person and these meetings are taking place under his direction, ...you just made it sound like he had nothing to do with the Copperopolis Community Plan. The article started off being good reporting but ended more like a political endorsement.
It's time Tryon went bye-bye. Can any of us take his being in office for 32 years. Consider this an endorsement for anyone who hasn't yet been a Supervisor.
We think you should know Castle & Cooke are not builders any longer they are developers. It's the new corporate Castle & Cooke philosophy. If it's not in writing you probably won't get it.
Post a Comment