Jason Lee: 2010 City Council campaign
March 29, 2010 by admin
Filed under Council Candidates
The following blog posts are from the 2010 City Council election campaign.
Submitted Monday, March 29:
Arcadia has a rich historical and cultural heritage that we need to preserve.
Jason Lee
As a member of Arcadia’s Historical Society and a history buff, I am all for identifying, inventorying and preserving all of Arcadia’s historical buildings, sites and landmarks. We owe a tribute not only to our city’s founder, Lucky Baldwin, but also to the men and women who followed him in making Arcadia such a great city that we know today.
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Submitted Thursday, March 25:
Trees are what has made Arcadia green and aesthetically attractive. Trees are part of Arcadia’s strong appeal as one of the most desirable and prestigious residential communities in the entire nation!
Our city’s current Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance prohibits the cutting down of oak trees, with the exceptions of them being safety and/or structural hazards. However, it does not contain an express enforcement provision, i.e., penalties associated with the unpermitted felling.
If I am elected to the Council, I will immediately work to amend the said Ordinance to include a hefty penalty to deter the unpermitted cutting down of oak trees and to expand the Ordinance to protect other legacy trees such as pine trees.
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Submitted Friday, March 19:
One and half months ago, fellow Arcadia City Council candidate Mickey Segal and I had a dialogue about the 210 Freeway noise issue.
Shortly thereafter, we fully discussed the issue on the phone, over breakfast and dinner. We have fully reconciled our differences of opinion. If both of us are elected, we will be congenial colleagues.
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Submitted Monday, March 15:
One of the perplexing problems faced by Arcadians is traffic congestion.
A major contributor to this problem is the fact that every morning at least a few thousand parents have to drive to drop of their kids at Arcadia Schools. In the afternoon the same number of parents have to drive out again to pick their kids. There are six elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school in Arcadia. During both the drop off and pick up hours long lines of cars snake around these schools creating traffic jams.
I am writing this posting for my blog to make a suggestion: Maybe instead of having a few thousand parents driving cars, dropping off and picking up their kids from the schools, we may think about busing the kids to and from school. Busing the students will alleviate traffic congestion, reduce air pollution and do away with the expense of dropping off and picking up kids while saving the parents the time and freeing up their schedules.
A natural corollary of busing the students is the cost, but driving the kids to and from the school will also cost the parents anyways.
Does this sound like a good idea?
Submitted Friday, March 5:
Last night on the patio of Matt Denny’s Restaurant, we had our first candidate forum, which was sponsored by the Arcadia City Employees Association.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank ACEA for giving me this invaluable opportunity to meet with and introduce myself to city employees, as well as the public in general, to tell them about my qualifications and professional experiences and to answer questions on important issues facing Arcadians.
I want to reiterate here that the best resources of our city are these hard working employees who have been responsible for providing the excellent public services and for maintaining the high quality of life for Arcadians. It is their hard work that has contributed to making Arcadia the best city to raise kids in California.
Submitted Feb. 19:
This past Wednesday California Gubernatorial Candidate Meg Whitman, formerly the CEO of the hugely successful eBay! online auction site, was in Los Angles rallying support for her campaign.
I was at this event and had a chance to meet with her to to discuss some of the issues currently affecting California. We both agree that in order to make California a better place, jobs must be created, spending must be reduced, and education must be emphasized.
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(In fact, we agree on so many things and because she and her staff value the importance of my views, she and her team recorded my comments about her for a media release and one of the Meg Whitman campaign videos that you can see by clicking the previous highlighted words).
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It is these core values which I hope to apply as Council Member of Arcadia, if elected. I will do this by stimulating business growth in Arcadia, reducing unnecessary spending by the City and making sure that Arcadia Schools remain some of the best in the nation.
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Submitted Feb. 7:
My wife Daisy and I walked the long Highland Oaks Drive talking to the residents living on both sides of the street today, Sunday.
The Highlands is the northernmost section of Arcadia nestled against the foothills. It is probably the most beautiful area in all Arcadia, with California ranch style houses, lush landscape and big oak trees dotting the area, set against the clear azure sky, with patches of white clouds leisurely drifting. It is quiet and even secluded, except that the tranquility if broken once in a while by a speeding car racing down the street.
The speed limit for the residential area is 25 miles per hour. However, it is apparent that some of the cars are racing down the street at 40 mph. Residents have complained to us that there needs to more speed limit signs. We walked the entire Highland Oaks Drive and only spotted one or two speed limit signs.
Had the developer of the Highlands, Mr. George W. Elkins, been alive, I think he would agree with me in regards to erecting more speed limit signs because the curvy street he had designed and built does not have enough bends to deter speeders.
Submitted Feb. 5:
As a concerned Arcadia resident, a concerned parent and a concerned City Council Candidate, I had meant to raise this issue for discussion before Hon. Joann Steinmeier requested a “clear definition of the term’” in a comment (below) about my blog addressing the 210 Freeway noise.
A preliminary investigation conducted by talking to parents and students while I walked the precincts, reveals that the “over-crowdedness” of AHS means that there are too many students in the school, some 3,700. The facilities cannot meet the needs of so many students. For instance, parents have complained that their sons and daughters come home hungry because they did not eat lunch at school. They did not eat lunch at school because the lines for the lunch were too long. By the time they get their food, it is time for them to go back to class. Parents complained that very often several students had to share one portion. These high school kids need the appropriate amount of nutrition and protein to keep them function well both in the classrooms and on the playground due to the mental and physical exertions which are typical of high school kids.
We need to find a solution to this problem. We need to initiate a feasibility study about splitting AHS into two campuses, or alternatively about constructing additional facilities to meet the needs of these students.
Submitted Jan. 31 (with Feb. 11 update below):
During my recent door-to-door campaign canvassing in the Lower Rancho area, I heard complaints from a few residents there about the loud noise coming down from the 210 Freeway.
The Lower Rancho Area is probably the most desirable and prestigious residential area, along with the Upper Rancho, in Arcadia, with large lots and ranch style houses. The drawback is the loud noise coming down from the highway traffic.
I will closely work with the State Department of Transportation to have a higher block wall erected along the south side of 210 freeway to block off the traffic noise from reaching down to the Lower Rancho residences.
The noise problem will become worse when the Gold Line Extension starts operating. As a City Councilman, I will do all within my power to advocate the noise reduction cause for the Lower Rancho and the College Area residents to truly afford them “the quiet enjoyment” of their properties.
Feb. 11 update to this topic:
I wish I could promise EVERYONE a reduction in freeway noise. A reduction in freeway noise for everyone would be fantastic, wouldn’t it?! However, I will only worry about Arcadia residents living on both sides of 210 Freeway. It would be ideal to have a higher sound wall built on the north side from Baldwin to Santa Anita, of the same height as the sound wall from Michillinda to Baldwin, and to have such a higher sound wall erected on the south side stretching from Michillinda to Santa Anita.
Application statement filed with City Clerk’s office:
Jason J. Lee
Age: 47
Occupation: Attorney at Law
Education:
- * B.A. in English Literature
- * M.A. in Journalism
- * Juris Doctorate
Qualifications & Experience:
A former BBC Radio Program Producer based in London, I covered world events. I have internalized the qualities of my impartiality, objectivity, and fairness. No I spend half of my time attending hearings and trying cases in the court. I can easily transition to City the Council. I will apply my analytical skills as a mediator & facilitator to solve complex problems. I will also utilize my business management skills to manage the city’s resources. If elected I will quickly respond to my fellow residents’ questions and complaints and take actions to address them.
Past Civic Services and Community Involvement:
- * Board Member, U.S. Army L.A. Advisory Board
- * Member, L.A. County Sheriffs Department Chinese Advisory Board
- * Rotarian, Arcadia Rotary Club; Paul Harris Follow
- * Member, Arcadia Chamber of Commerce
- * Director, Arcadia Chinese Association
- * Member, Arcadia Historical Society
Goals:
- * Keep Crime Rate & Taxes Low
- * Keep Quality of Life & Property Value High
- * Improve Facilities for Seniors & Youth
- * Work Closely with School District to Resolve AHS’ Over-Crowdedness
- * Pro-Business, for Well-Planned and Controlled Development
This is one of six blogs provided by ArcadiasBest.com to the six candidates running for three seats on the Arcadia City Council in the April 13, 2010 election.
Candidates are free to submit whatever statements they want here and comment on each other’s blogs.
Readers are encouraged to submit comments below each blog, which will be public for everyone to see, and to which anyone, including the candidates, may respond.
All editiorial by the candidates and comments by readers and the candidates must be approved by ArcadiasBest.com. No profanity will be allowed. Your full name and contact information (contact information not for publication) is required if your comments involve any specific or particularly harsh criticisms or claims that are not generally known or not immediately and easily verifiable.
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Jason
I think it is totally inappropriate for you to make statements that you have absolutely no control over. You are not going to have any ability to work with the State Department of Transportation and increase the height of sound walls. These are standard throughout the state and you certainly have no power or ability to change that. Our citizens deserve truthful answers that they can rely on and your comments are nothing more than campaign promises that will never be delivered on. Sound walls took tens of years to be put in Arcadia and the size of these walls are dictated by the State for all areas and something you can’t fix or change. Let’s try and make this campaign about the truth; no make-believe promises.
Mickey:
I totally disagree with your pessimistic and fatalistic points of view and your mischaracterization of my well-meaning intentions. Your “can’t fix or change it” attitude, mindset and approach is the unfortunate result of having worked your entire life as a CPA, strictly confined within the Internal Revenue Code. You never dare and are never supposed to step outside the bounds of the Code. We attorneys were trained and work proactively, often as zealous advocates of just causes, such as building a higher block wall to reduce the noise, to increase the quality of life for those affected Arcadians. If Americans had had the same mindset as yours, women suffrage would not have been possible and Brown v. Board of Edu would have been decided differently, because at the time women suffrage and racial desegregation were certainly out of the control of those advocating them.
Mickey: Let’s be honest. There are bound to be something in Arcadia that is imperfect and that needs some improvement on, such as the short block wall along 210, such as public safety, such as the over-crowdedness of AHS, to name a few. I think the people of Arcadia deserve a Councilman with a vision, not a “can’t fix or change it” person who is going to have an easy free ride for 4 years on the City Council.
Jason,
What appears evident is that we have a difference of opinion between pessimism and realism.
Serving as a city council member for 8 years has taught me that reaching for dreams is not a bad idea but understanding what is achievable is far more important.
For over 20 years I have volunteered my money and thousands of hours of my time striving to obtain some incredible goals but always being realistic. These goals include chairing numerous golf tournaments to improve little league fields and build a concrete batting cage for Arcadia youth, chairing more golf tournaments for the Arcadia High School Boosters Club so the sports programs at the High School would have funds to purchase supplies and uniforms, to chairing the capital campaign for the Arcadia Educational Foundation to raise over $2.5 million for technology in our schools to most recently chairing the capital campaign at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, raising over $27 million for the new tower that is being built.
These are goals that people had doubts about but were realistic and obtained.
They have improved the lives of thousands of students and Arcadians. Your reply seemed to indicate I take the free ride. Let me ask what have you done for the community? How have your efforts benefitted youth, seniors or other citizens? Where have you given your time and money to Arcadia other then spending tens of thousands of dollars on this campaign?
It is easy to criticize and say I will do better, but those are just words. For over 20 years I have been a committed and dedicated volunteer to this city and I have produced results. Please inform Arcadia’s Best readers what you have done.
Also, let me correct a couple of your continued misstatements. Overcrowding at the High School may be a problem, but it is not a City Council responsibility, and, in fact, there is an elected School Board that deals with those matters. Maybe you are running for the wrong office.
In addition, in an effort to help you attempt to raise the height of sound walls, let me inform you that the State Department of Transportation has nothing to do with it. You will need to contact Caltrans and the MTA. Please keep all of us in Arcadia informed of your progress.
By the way, you don’t have to be a City Councilman to contact these agencies. You could start this process immediately. You should make this a project that you succeed with for our community, not just because you want to be a City Councilman.
In concluding, I am always happy to debate the real issues but I have never run my campaign making false promises and attacking other candidates whose services to this community speaks for itself. Maybe you should try and focus on the issues and not attacking my education, employment or dedication and services to the citizens of my home town, Arcadia.
Mickey:
Your long-winded reply is nothing but a diatribe, a braggadocio, among other things.
First, your first sentence does not make any sense. I am both optimistic and realistic about my hometown, Arcadia. You are the one that is pessimistic.
Second, your reply contradicted your very first comment criticizing my proposed advocacy for a higher block wall on the south side of 210 Freeway. In your first comment, you claimed that a City Councilman has “absolutely no control” over the height of the block wall, and therefore can not fix it or change it. In your reply, you implied that fixing it or changing the wall is not only doable but anyone can do it. Haven’t you contradicted yourself? Haven’t you been inconsistent in what is just the beginning of our debate of the issue? Haven’t you flip-flopped, which is typical of experienced politicians?
What is worse about your flip-flop is that you tried to pass the buck to the citizens of Arcadia. You want the citizens to contact CalTrans to solve the problem themselves. In other words, you are saying that this is the citizens’ problem, not yours as a City Councilman, if you are elected. Then why are you running? Why should the citizens of Arcadia elect you if you want them to solve their problems?
I commend you for the long litany of accomplishments you bragged about. That’s something that happened in the past. That was when your kids were attending Arcadia schools. Now your kids have all graduated from Arcadia schools. What plans do you have for the future of Arcadia? Besides, logically, past accomplishments do not necessarily guarantee future commitments. If anything, it proves the contrary. You seem to be pretty content with what you have done and are not so enthusiastic about fixing new problems or old problems that have been inherited from the time when you were on the City Council last time.
Now your kids have all left Arcadia High School, you are saying that its over-crowdedness is not the City’s responsibility, but that of the School Board. True, can’t a City Council Member do more than what has been done to help solve the problem? Your answer is definitely in the negative. It is apparent that your approach to the duties and responsibilities of a City Council Member is that of a minimalist. I am running for the right office. If I am elected, I will work closely with the School Board and again advocate a resolution to the AHS’ over-crowdedness.
The term over-crowded as it relates to Arcadia High School has been thrown out by a couple of candidates now. I would like to know how the candidates define “over-crowded.” Do you mean total number of students attending the school? Or do you mean adequate space to move around on the campus? Or do you mean the number of students in classes, particularly core subjects like English, Math, History and Science?
I have heard this criticism before but a clear definition of the term is needed to have an intelligent discussion of the subject?
First off, I admire, respect and appreciate anyone who is willing to make the sacrifices of their time and family to serve the public, at any level.
With specific regards to Mr. Lee’s trite, mean spirited and negative responses to Mickey Segal, they were uncalled for and inappropriate. I have known Mr. Segal for almost twenty years. His commitment to this community has a long history prior to any elected position he has held. To challenge Mickey’s efforts as something in the “past” or insinuate that it was done because his “kids were attending Arcadia Schools” is shameful and ignorant. Arcadia is fortunate to have people like the Segals who have generously given of their time, money and expertise (financial background) for the improvement of our great community. His contributions to the youth, city and hospital are second to none. And should never be trivialized. To me, a candidate’s past is important, as well as their history of accomplishments. It is a barometer of their capabilities, and what we as citizens can expect. As you sarcastically pointed out, Mr. Segal’s children are out of school. What is impressive, is how important Arcadia is still to him, his willingness to continue to serve our community. Your negative and rude responses might give the citizens of Arcadia a sneak preview as to what to expect from you in the future.
Mark:
Thank you for taking time to contribute to the Candidate Blogs. Mickey is fortunate to have such a good friend as you. I think when I wrote my rebuttals to Mickey’s comments, I could not help acting like a lawyer engaged in legal reasoning as if trying a case in a courtroom. I did not intend to trivialize Mr. and Mrs. Segal’s unparalelled contributions to Arcadia schools, to the hospital and to the community in general. Actually, something should be done to memorialize the Segals’ accomplishments. Mickey and I have had a lengthy telephone conversation and have thoroughly talked about the issue.
I look forward to meeting you in person and making your acquaintance some
time in the future.
Putting up more speed limit signs will not stop people from speeding down the street. You can put up as many signs as you want but that won’t stop people from speeding. Everybody knows the speed limit, some just choose not to follow them. A more appropriate approach would be installing speed bumps and dips.
I don’t live in northern Arcadia, but i can tell you this, i would be very upset if you decided to erect speed limit signs throughout my neighborhood. We’re a community of homes, not a community of signs. Lets keep Arcadia beautiful.
Dear Karen:
I posted the above blog about the speed limit signs after a fact-finding, issue-spotting campaign walk along the Highland Oaks Drive. Since then I have thought better of it because most of the speeders are local residents who should know better.
I agree with you that speed bumps and/or dips are probably a better option. Anyhow, We must strike a delicate balance between preserving the natural beauty of Arcadia and public safety.
Your selfish ill advised attack of Mickey Segal in your blog proved above all else you will resort to any method you choose to get what YOU want. He has served this community for many years and you showed him no respect, then we should all understand it’s your lawyer mentality? Go be a public defender this city doesn’t need your type as a member of the council or your legal services pro bono or not.
Will every question asked result in you “acting like a lawyer engaged in legal reasoning as if trying a case in a courtroom”? If so, stick to the courtroom where you will better serve your client…what we need is strong leadership that looks out for the majority, your constituents.
The City is not a business, and should not be run like one. Rather, it is representation of the people it serves, providing for sound fiscal management, essential services and infrastructure, while providing a plan that will address current and future needs…it is not in the business of making money.
The problems that you address in your comments above only affect a small percentage of Arcadian’s, so let’s address the real issues, the ones with the biggest potential impacts on everyone, and prepare for them. Besides the noise issues, the speeding issues, etc., what do you foresee as being one of the biggest issues this City will face, and how will you deal with it?
Before you answer, keep in mind that your response can also be “nothing but a diatribe, a braggadocio, among other things”.
A reply to the Feb 17th comment by the anonymous “Concerned”
Anyone who reads and understands English will naturally view the exchanges between Mickey Segal and me as an intellectual dialogue, a discourse on issues facing Arcadia. Mickey and I have had a lengthy telephone conversation and had breakfast together. We are both professionals. I respect and admire Mickey’s unparalleled contributions to our community. This “Concerned”‘s comment is obviously an attempt to sow seeds of discord and to fan the flames of animosity. It is a malicious act by an anonymous coward.
Dear Jake:
No. Not every question asked will result in me “acting like a lawyer engaged in legal reasoning as if trying a case in a courtroom.” But let me assure you that when it comes to deliberating important issues faced by Arcadians, when it comes to proposing and voting on resolutions on the City Council, I will again engage in legal reasoning if the people of Arcadia elects me to the City Council!
Besides, I do not see anything wrong with legal reasoning, with logical reasoning, with taking an analytical approach to issues that affect the quality of life of certain Arcadians. Many lawyers have been great public servants, such as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Paul Harris who founded Rotary International.
I agree with you that the City is not in the business of making money. But business management skills are needed to better manage the City’s resources and to keep the City solvent.
I agree with you that freeway noise, speed limit signs and the over-crowdedness of AHS, do not affect EVERYONE. I think public safety is probably an issue closest to being one that has “biggest potential impacts on everyone.”
I have walked most of Arcadia. I have spoken to residents living in pretty much every major part of Arcadia: the Highlands, the Oaks, Upper Rancho, Lower Rancho, the Village, Camino Grove, South Arcadia, Baldwin Stocker, West Arcadia, etc. If you watch ABC Channel 7 News and if you read Pasadena Star News, you know that Arcadia has been in the news quite a bit lately, for crimes such as robberies, burglaries, auto thefts that are occurring in our city.
I had a meeting with Policy Chief Robert Sanderson about a month ago and discussed the crime situation and crime prevention. My position is that police and fire departments must be adequately funded; that we must increase police patrols; that we should re-start and re-organize Neighborhood Watch Programs; that we need to recruit more volunteers to work together with the police force to increase the patrols, to encourage residents to report suspicious people and suspicious vehicles to the police, to raise the awareness of the crime situation.
Thank you very much for your reply, it should show the citizen’s of this community who you really are and what you are. Not speaking for Bob Sanderson in any way but, I think he enforce’s the law not make’s policy, just saying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jason,
As an Chinese American who is living in Arcadia for many years, I support you. You came to my door and talked with me last night. I also heard that you are a great attorney and a great Chinese community leader.
Thank you for donate your time to serve our community.
Mr. Lee (Esq.!!!!) should be ashamed of himself for his attacks on Mickey Segal. Mickey has done, and will continue to do, far more for Arcadia than most people in public life. Lee has said enough in his blogs and comments so far as to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, (lawyer talk) that he knows next to nothing about municipal government. He keeps confusing the responsibilities of State, School and City. Perhaps some course work in public administration would be in order. Based on some of his activities so far, maybe an understanding of election ethics might also be helpful. For example, if you are in the process of running for a local, non-partisan office, you don’t suddenly start endorsing partisan candidates for other offices. This is just a cheap ploy to get the word out that you are a Republican. Who cares? You are either fit for the office or you are not. That must be decided on your own merits, not on any other candidates you support. Get with the program sir!
We don’t need Lee’s kind of amateur approach in Arcadia.
Dear Jerry:
Thank you for spending your valuable time to participate in the debate of the issues affecting Arcadians.
With all due respect, I have to tell you that you misread the blogs I have written so far. I did not attack my fellow professional Mickey Segal. I had a debate with him about the possibility/feasibility of reducing the 210 Freeway noise. I have acknowledged the Segals’ contributions to our city a couple of times by now.
FYI, as a lawyer, I have not only studied public administrative law, but have practiced it and continue to practice it by appearing and arguing cases before ALJs. I know precisely the jurisdictional limits of City Councils and state agencies. That is why I said that I will *advocate* erection of higher sound walls and a resolution to the over-crowdedness of HS. Jerry. I suggest you have to be a more careful reader to get some of the nuances in between the lines. Please do not jump to conclusions!
I have been running on my own strength and qualifications. My own merits are embodied in part in my Candidate Statement above and the fact that I have been walking the precincts to spot the issues that affect the life of Arcadians. But Jerry, no man is an island. I do not understand why it is unethical to declare my political ideals by comparing them with those of another candidate?
I disagree with Mr. Selmer. I find that Mr. Lee’s enthusiasm and willingness to assist Arcadians is refreshing. While Mr. Lee recognizes that he alone does not have the authority to improve sound walls and remedy Arcadia schools, he can serve as powerful influence to the appropriate government entities.
Through his campaign efforts over the last months, Mr. Lee has listened intently to the concerns of thousands of Arcadians, and he is eager to represent the voice of Arcadians at City Council.
Please see Mr. Lee’s comments above about his professional experience with ALJs and his background in Public Administrative Law. As you can see, he is quite far from being an amateur.
I find it interesting that one of the major complaints about Arcadia is overpopulated schools and traffic congested streets. To me one of the most obvious contributors to this, and one a concerned city council could address, is density with single-family and multi-family residences. Arcadia continues to allow homes as large as 7,000-10,000 square feet that often house 2-4 families. Overbuilding equals higher density in neighborhoods, need for more space in the schools, and homes that could be worth more are sold purely for land value. Residents of Arcadia have to pay for the measures to add onto schools, deal with the increased traffic, and face few incentives to fix up homes for fear of them being demolished.
Groups have been fighting the Caruso project WHICH WOULD INCREASE REVENUE for the city because of traffic concerns, but when it comes to housing density, I’ve yet to see any movements towards getting a handle on this.
In the early 90′s homes built were 4000-5000 sq ft., in the late 90′s they were 5,000-6,000 square feet, and now the homes are up to 10,000 sq ft. in some cases. How far do we let this go? “Single family residences” with up to 12 bedrooms simply aren’t single family residences.
Arcadia is unique with tree-lined streets and attractive landscaping throughout the city. Many of the recent demolitions include removal of large trees and construction of homes that take up the entire lot, leaving little room for landscaping.
I would support a sliding scale square footage cap that allows large homes in Arcadia but keeps them on lots large enough to support them. Keeping the mass of homes in South Arcadia under control would keep density down and increase home values in the long run. Any candidates willing to take a clear stance of this issue?
Jason, you make an interesting statement… “I will closely work with the State Department of Transportation to have a higher block wall erected along the south side of 210 freeway to block off the traffic noise from reaching down to the Lower Rancho residences.” You mentioned you will *advocate* for a higher sound wall if you’re elected to council, but what are you doing about it now? You don’t need to be on the council to *advocate*. I think you’re just making false promises to further your campaign. If the issue meant anything to you at all we would be seeing action not lip service.
Also, please go easy on the lawn signs…5 or 6 signs on 1 property is outrageous.
Karen:
What makes you think at this time that advocating for a higher sound wall if I am elected to the City Council is a false promise? What is the factual basis for you to have jumped to such a hasty conclusion so prematurely even before I am elected to the City Council?
What am I doing about it now? I have raised the issue for public discussion. In a way, I am already advocating for a higher sound wall as a concerned individual resident. (By the way, have you asked yourself the same question? And I am curious to know your answer.) If I am elected to the City Council, I will be a representative of the people of Arcadia and will therefore carry more clout. My advocacy will be taken more seriously by the state agency because I will be speaking on behalf of the people of Arcadia.
i hope you understand that if elected you are representing the citizens of the city and not the employees.
you have to remember that if elected you would be the city managers boss and therefore, also the boss of the employees of the city, including the police and the fireman.
many former city counselmen, thought they worked for the city manager.
Why would you meet with any Union reprsentatives. Sounds like you want
there support. Why ?? Do you think you could be working for them??
Dear Gino:
I agree with you 100%. If elected, I will be a representative of the citizens of our city, bearing in mind the best interest of all Arcadians, who are the boss of the City Council, which works like the Board of Directors, with the City Mgr as the CEO supervising all the employees, including department heads.
If elected, I will work for none other than you, the citizens. All 6 candidates were invited to attend last night’s forum to answer questions. All 6 appeared and 5 attended the forum. I think the voting public has a right to know about the candidates. That is why I attended the forum and answered questions.
Hello jason,
I received an email spam from you this afternoon encouraging voters to read up on your qualifications. I did a google search on your name and address that you had listed on a mailer i received. Public records show that you purchased your house (1008 S. 8th Ave Arcadia CA 91006) on July 6th, 2007. It seems all too suspicious that you’ve only lived here two and a half years and call yourself a long time Arcadia resident. Your candidacy and yard signs say JASON LEE ATTORNEY AT LAW. It’s time to be honest to Arcadia, you’re only here to promote your law office. Arcadia cannot afford to elect someone with a hidden agenda.
Dear Robert:
I hope you are a real person and not someone writing under a fictitious name.
Before you jumped to the conclusion that I only lived in Arcadia since July 6th, 2007, because I purchased my *current home* on that date, hadn’t it ever occurred to you that it was not the first time I purchased a house in Arcadia?
Let me inform you that I lived in another house in Arcadia before July 6th, 2007. Also, did it ever occur to you that a resident does not have to be a homeowner and may be a renter? Bob, I really encourage you to use your head and think twice before jumping to conclusions because I do not want you to keep making a fool of yourself in public.
Furthermore, if your criterion for selecting a qualified City Council Member is the length of residence, then 1/2 of Arcadia’s residents would be City Council Members.
Under the Elections Code, “Attorney at Law” is a legally valid professional designation after the candidate’s name to be published in the Sample Ballots and to be used in all campaign literature, just like “businessman” is. Professional experience is an integral part of a candidate’s qualifications. If you have a issue, you should take it to the State Assembly that enacted the law.
During the past several months of my campaign, I have spent numerous hours of my attorney time, in part, on walking the precincts to talk to the voters and to discover important issues faced by Arcadians. I have referred out big cases because I do not have the time to work on them. What hidden agenda are you talking about?
Jason: I think your attacks on Mickey Segal are childish and unjust. As a citizen, I expect leaders to understand their limits not be dreamers. I don’t want a leader who believes it is right to barge in and expect to make lots of changes that are not in their control. Your sense of realism is skewed and incorrect. I believe that Mickey’s points should be considered and not be disregarded. If you are unwilling to listen to others, then I don’t think you deserve to be in the council.
Jason
A successful candidateds do not confront voters to attack, and make mockery of them just because you do not like what you hear. You have alienated many of the voters who otherwise might have supported you. Everyone has the right to make their claims as a citizen of Arcadia but to brush them off with sharp criticism is immature. You have not turned any criticism into a compliment. Every comment you received already are very legit. This is politics. If you do not like it then running a public office may not be your best interest.
Jason
Excuse my typo. I want to see a clean run campaign where the concerns of the cititzens are answered and handled in a more professional manner not litigated fashion. Many voters I have talked too are not convinced. You will need to show why you are better candidate and why you should be elected.
Response to the “Proud Arcadian”
Please take time to read my earlier responses.
Jane:
Thank you for your emails. Some of the allegations and conclusions are sheer speculations and are not based on sound reasons. Therefore, some logical reasoning was necessary.
Jason: I have read your previous comments and I agree with some of the things you say, but I am still appalled at your attacks and accusations of the citizens and candidates. You mentioned that you only meant to provide logical reasoning, but your responses have been more insults than logic. A “logical” politician -apparently this is you- who belittles those around him and insults his own people is nothing but a tyrant.
I would also like to enlighten you that absolutely none of the comments on your blog are positive. Don’t you think you should take that as an advice to clean up your act or are you going to continue being stubborn and not listen to your fellow citizens?
I agree with Brett M., many of the problems facing Arcadia could be solve by regulating the size of houses on small lots and limiting the number of families in these houses. Homes should not be apartments for many families.
Charlene:
I agree with you. I also think that the size of the houses need to be regulated according to a proportional formula, i.e., the new construction needs to be proportional to the size of the lot so that there will be sufficient open space, sufficient trees, and sufficient plantation.
Wow. Jason Lee might lose this one. He’s getting attacked by the entire city.
theres no way im waking up early to get a bus especially since most high school students have so much work that we have to sleep past 1 or 2. we’re busier than most adults. no thanks.
Young Student:
Thank you for your input.
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but it does seem like a good portion of Arcadia is anti-Jason Lee. The guy above me may have stated it in a very blunt manner, but I do have to agree. The comment was pretty offensive and highly illogical. I do hope that there is some way you can back your promises, because at the rate that people are criticizing you, they might have to instigate a “vote of no confidence”. And I will be one of the unswayed checking that box.
excuse me. By “comment” I refer to the one that is currently posted at the top of Paul Cheng’s stream.
My friend complained about your spam emails. He says that you have been spamming him with lots of emails. I was a Jason Lee fan before this. I was a Jason Lee supporter before this. Before I ended my support for him, I wanted to check out his policies and from this blog and comments, it’s obvious that Jason Lee is not a politician Arcadia needs. His ideas and supporters are foolish and he’s not what Arcadia needs. A vote for Jason Lee means chaos for Arcadia.
Jason, please change your ideas and the way you treat others.
Are you really Mike Forstall?
If you are, please support your conclusions with some facts and evidence. For example, why are my ideas and my supporters foolish? For another example, why does a vote for me mean chaos?
Isn’t it funny how Jason’s first argument is whether someone uses their real name? Why does it matter? Just focus on the issues. I also agree with Mike. I don’t like Jason’s policies. His issues do not appeal to me and seem like potential failures.
Barbara Lee:
Please, please support your conclusions with some corroborating evidence or rationales. Otherwise, what you said is not persuasive.
Jason Lee. I don’t think it matters if residents of Arcadia want to remain anonymous in directing issues towards you. What matters are the issues that affect all Arcadians. I have lived here over 45 years and I have seen how the influx of foreigners, legal and illegal have changed this community and not for the better. What are you going to do to insure that people who use our fine school system are here legally and living within the Arcadia city limits? I am also concerned about your yard signs stating that you are an “Attorney at Law”…Do you really think anyone cares what your profession is?
I would agree with the previous post that there will be chaos if you are elected. First of all, you are a polarizing candidate which is reflected by your divisive nature. This is evident by the way you respond to people. If you haven’t figure this out by now, criticism is an elemental part of serving as an elected official; unlike a lawyer where you can always enforce your will. If you cannot treat people with decency and respect then serving on the city council may not be the job suited for you.
According to my observations, you are too thin-skinned to operate in the political realm. What works in litigation circles does not necessarily translate into a good public servant. I challenge you to humble yourself and reread your responses from prior posts. If you cannot see the negativity and malevolence in your rebuttals then I suggest you save your bravado for the courtroom and not city hall.
You say that you have no hidden agenda but you are the only candidate who blatantly promotes their business on the website. I believe that your intention for running is geared towards furthering your legal/personal affiliations rather than fostering the well being of all Arcadians. Seriously, does anyone really care about your photographs with other so-called famous politicos? Trust me, no one cares. Only people who have an egocentric appetite would post such pictures. Finally, I would suggest removing the staged promotional video from the website; it is too hokey, contrite and downright comical.
Jason, I would propose taking a few years to develop a better demeanor with the public before running for office. You may very well be the most qualified for the position but in terms of people skills you still have much to learn. We need people on the council who are willing to work as a team and I don’t see you as being a team player.
I challenge you to respond without resorting to name calling or hostility.
BTW – To answer your question ahead of time, I am real.
Dear Beth:
Arcadia schools are under the jurisdiction of the School Board, not that of the City Council. I am all for tightening the screening procedure to “ensure that people who use our fine school system are here legally and living within the Arcadia city limits.”
Under the Elections Code, “Attorney at Law” is a legally valid professional designation after the candidate’s name to be published in the Sample Ballots and to be used in all campaign literature, just like “businessman” is. Professional experience is an integral part of a candidate’s qualifications.
P. Wong:
Thank you for your criticism. Although I may not agree with everything you have said, you made a few valid points. Thank you again for that.
Congratulations, Jason! In months you have managed to alienate a good number of citizens who have lived in this community a lot longer than you have and are not willing to just hand it over to you. The police and fire have backed their candidate’s after their interview’s and to no one’s suprise you weren’t among them. You are nothing more than a rude attorney and person who thinks they can intimidate people to get their way. The citizen’s of Arcadia will vote, JUST SAY NO to Jason Lee.
Before I state my concern, I want to make it very clear that I am a real person who lives in Arcadia and not what you call, a fake person “under a fictitious name.” First off, I would like to agree with above posts on how inappropriate, mean spirited, selfish, and immature you sound when you argued with Mickey Segal. Instead of answering the issue at hand, you attack posters and become defensive. You post back and answer people in a condescending manner, degrade them, and try to make yourself look more knowledgeable. Let me reference some posts above:
Your responses to Mickey Segal:
“I totally disagree with your pessimistic and fatalistic points of view and your mischaracterization of my well-meaning intentions.Your “can’t fix or change it” attitude, mindset and approach is the unfortunate result of having worked your entire life as a CPA, strictly confined within the Internal Revenue Code… I think the people of Arcadia deserve a Councilman with a vision, not a “can’t fix or change it” person who is going to have an easy free ride for 4 years on the City Council.” February 2, 2010 at 10:15 PM
“Anyone who reads and understands English will naturally view the exchanges between Mickey Segal and me as an intellectual dialogue…This “Concerned”’s comment is obviously an attempt to sow seeds of discord and to fan the flames of animosity. It is a malicious act by an anonymous coward.” February 18, 2010 at 11:10 PM
“I have to tell you that you misread the blogs I have written so far. I did not attack my fellow professional Mickey Segal… Jerry. I suggest you have to be a more careful reader to get some of the nuances in between the lines. Please do not jump to conclusions!” February 27, 2010 at 1:17 PM
“What makes you think at this time that advocating for a higher sound wall if I am elected to the City Council is a false promise? What is the factual basis for you to have jumped to such a hasty conclusion so prematurely even before I am elected to the City Council?” March 4, 2010 at 3:04 PM
“Dear Robert: I hope you are a real person and not someone writing under a fictitious name….Before you jumped to the conclusion…did it ever occur to you that a resident does not have to be a homeowner and may be a renter? …Bob, I really encourage you to use your head and think twice before jumping to conclusions because I do not want you to keep making a fool of yourself in public….If you have a issue, you should take it to the State Assembly that enacted the law.” March 7, 2010 at 10:09 AM
“Are you really Mike Forstall? If you are, please support your conclusions with some facts and evidence.”March 23, 2010 at 12:45 PM
“Barbara Lee: Please, please support your conclusions with some corroborating evidence or rationales. Otherwise, what you said is not persuasive.” March 23, 2010 at 5:28 PM
Your main response as to why you respond this way:
“I could not help acting like a lawyer engaged in legal reasoning as if trying a case in a courtroom.” February 4, 2010 at 8:57 PM
This is not a valid excuse. We are not in a courtroom, and you should know that you are posting back to Arcadians (real people). I don’t in any way believe that you felt as if you were in a courtroom when you are in actuality, sitting in front of a computer blogging. Don’t push the blame on something else. And, if this is the case, is this how you will treat Arcadians if you become a city councilman? It seems that way. When Arcadians will come to you to address issues, you will belittle them and humiliate them and be “a lawyer engaged in legal reasoning as if trying a case in a courtroom.” Don’t say you won’t because apparently you will and you still are even after the numerous posts telling you to examine yourself and not be so stubborn and prideful.
I am somewhat expecting some degrading response to this post, but after I addressed this, you probably will not post a response belittling me because that would look bad on your part. Another tactic you can use is to have one of your supporters say that my comment here is untrue, but I don’t have to prove it. I have referenced quite a few of your belittling comments from your responses to Arcadians (not including your boastful comments, etc), and that is proof enough. I do not want a city councilman who does not fight for Arcadians but fights with them. In addition, I do not want someone who is so immature (throws temper tantrums), cannot take constructive criticism and handle the situation at hand but pushes the blame to others. In person, you may be nice and kind, but I know this is just to win votes before April 13th. You may be a very good attorney, but I am so disappointed with you as a candidate for our city (including your performance at the debates). I apologize for such a long post, however, the length of my post does not even compare with the length of disappointment many Arcadians have with you.
Sandy:
Why have you concealed your last name? Why are you hiding in the dark and not coming out to the open?
You did a good job taking my previous responses out of context and made them part of “your lengthy post.” That is plagiarism.
I will speak out and stand up against all unreasonable, irrational, illogical, unfounded (not supported by facts and evidence) and fallacious accusations and conclusions, whether in the courtroom, on the City Council, or on any other occasion.