Iron Psych

By Daniel J. Smiechowski, Bay Ho

Mike was just a Beatnik; San Diego is just not an innovative, new idea, power to the people, or freedom of expression kind of place. Now - excuse me while I “Howl.”

Posted by Iknowtodd | reply to this comment
November 5, 2008 8:06 pm

iknowtodd, This is all a little off topic, but man, your conclusions on San Diego are truly profound! We as readers would all feel far more complete if you would grace us with your line of reasoning. I'd imagine it would certainly open my eyes. That whole life sciences and CleanTECH thing, the 9,000 + non profits in San Diego, all the founders of businesses and patent holders in La Jolla/UTC and startups... that all MUST be some crazy story propagated by liberals and Obama voters. Any room for more people underneath your rock? I'd feel safer in your company.

Posted by Jared | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 4:07 pm

Yes, you know Todd, you 'Howl'. Let's all watch to see what Goldsmith & Todd can do with the massive cuts, future cuts by the state, pensions gone amuck, school, police, & fire cuts, even restrooms & major amounts of landscaping. Guess we should just hang up a sign that says 'closed for business,' as 'we misspent our money and you don't want to come here, with crime up, and our city at our worst?'

Posted by Wide Awake | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 8:03 am

Ms. WA, in my book the term “Beatnik” is the most sincere of all compliments. It is because all the old guard, backwards-thinking, narrow field of focus, and limited range of understanding, singularly encultured Republicans (even those who call themselves Democrats in areas south of eight) and others * that San Diego is in its current condition. Had you ever taken to the time to read “Howl” you may have understood this….

Posted by Ikonwtodd | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 5:00 pm

I agree. I regret that San Diego will no longer have a truly independent City Attorney. If Aguirre had managed to get more of the routine work done while maintaining his high profile as defender of the people's interest, he might have been more successful.

Posted by David Cohen | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 8:52 am

Good to have David Cohen posting again!

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 3:19 pm

Shouldn't we wait to see how Goldsmith runs the office before we condemn him? While it is true Mike was extremely independent, that does not in itself mean he was right or effective. And just because the new City Attorney may not be confrontational with those in City Hall does not mean he isn't independent. A year 90 days, 6 months, a year from now we can have an informed opinion.

Posted by Rock On | reply to this comment
November 7, 2008 1:22 pm

I was struck by Mr. Smiechowski's comment about Mike's "against the grain" philosophy. Thank goodness we have people like this. A few years ago researchers went to Europe to study the personality traits of individuals who had hidden Jews in their homes during the Holocaust. The researchers expected to find sweet, grandmotherly types, the kind who bake cookies for their neighbors. The truth turned out to be completely the opposite. The rescuers were people, often grumpy, who had a tendency to go against the grain. The sweet grandmothers? Well, they didn't want to make a fuss or offend the neighbors, so they went along with the majority.

Posted by Maura Larkins | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 12:26 pm

It is going to be difficult to analyze or compare the differences how Goldsmith handles the job versus Aguirre's record. Wait! No it won't. Regardless how Goldsmith does, if he assumes the role of a true City Attorney, and not another Mayor, then we are in good hands. At least the City will have the Legal representation it should have had during the past 4 years. I am looking forward to the future, regardless of the economic crisis the City and the nation is in the urrently dealing with!

Posted by Ron Weiss | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 1:24 pm

Regardless how Goldsmith does, if he assumes the role of a true City Attorney, and not another Mayor, then we are in good hands.....YEAH, RIGHT! You just want Goldsmith to drop the pension lawsuit so your pension scam can survive until you try to milk it. Sorry, but Goldsmith is most likely NOT going to drop the pension lawsuit.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 3:17 pm

Billy Boob. Now that your hero the Emperor has been deposed, are you willing to reveal your real ID? Since you were such a fervent supporter, you will surely be invited to join his new firm, Aguirre and Aguirre. Here is a tip for those that believed Aguirre's mantra that the pension is illegal. Have you heard anyone else agree? After this lawsuit was dismissed by the trial judge in a real reasoned decision, Mr. A and his staff of sycophants filed an appeal. That appeal (pathetic brief) will be denied by the Fourth District. End of story, end of Emperor's horrific tenure as a public figure.

Posted by tucker | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 6:40 pm

The 4th is NOT the final word on appeal, it is the California Supreme Court-and since this is a novel issue of first impression not just in CA but the nation, I would 100% appeal it to that last and final level-just as the pension system will if they lose at the 4th.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
November 7, 2008 4:33 pm

Hey Henry, Lets place another wager, what do you say? What do have to lose? You don't pay anyway. You have lost the last one. If you remember Aguirre was suppose to win this one. Regardless if it continues, Aguirre will not be there. But I will say the pension case is history. Mr. Goldsmith will advise the Mayor it is wastefull spending by the city to persue.

Posted by Ron Weiss | reply to this comment
November 6, 2008 8:51 pm

Well, the way I see it the original bet is void ebcause Mike cannot pursue the case to it's logicalconclusion. If Goldsmith drops the lawsuit you will claim victory, and if Goldsmith continues on and wins you will still claim victory because Mike was not the lawyer of record who won-so I don't see any upside for me in this. You will claim voctory no matter how the case ends at this point.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
November 7, 2008 4:35 pm

Well Henry, For one there is an up side and for another there is a loss. That is what wagers are all about. I am claiming victory because I did win. Michael Aguirre was unseccessfull in getting rid of the pension. He failed in his mission and you lost the bet. Cam't you show just a small amount of integrity and admit when you lose? The pension for all those that are under contract will receive theirs, period. Mr. Goldsmith will advise the City Council and the Mayor appropriately on this. Pay up Henry if you have an ounce of integrity and honesty.

Posted by Ron Weiss | reply to this comment
November 7, 2008 7:09 pm

You won??? You need to figure out what a final decision is in the law. I knew you would keep trying to pull this scam that you "won", when you clearly have not. Doesn't surprise me. The pension system is bankrupt, so no one in it is going to get those Cadillac scam pensions in the long run. Like I told you are someone erarlier, we are $3 BILLION! in the hole, and that number grows by $200 million every single year. We are contributing 100-150 million per year while the City crumbles. So, keep dreaming. Google Vallejo, you will see what is going to happen to San Diego.

Posted by Billy Bob Henry | reply to this comment
November 10, 2008 9:00 pm

"Google Vallejo, you will see what is going to happen to San Diego." Henry! You cannot compare that city with ours. Assets, Assets, Assets! Lets get back on tack though. Aguirre has ben shot down again by the courts. You lost , he lost, and I won the bet, period! Show some integrity MAN! Pay what is due!

Posted by Ron Weiss | reply to this comment
November 15, 2008 8:30 am

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