Humorous Debate Reaction

I got  good kick out of this comment about my analysis of the debate:

Good coverage of Q&A and comments.

Donovan comes out of it looking pretty good.

Jackson somewhat bland and canned.

Weninger somewhere in between.

(Also, Jake demonstrates that perhaps he is more prepared to run for elected office than Weninger by offering a polished statement on the candidate's behalf.)

Like I said in George's comments, I, like many people, am more eloquent with the benefit of a keyboard and some time to think my comments through than I am in person.  The fact that candidates put themselves out there for criticism while they think on their feet is admirable, and I certainly couldn't do as well in that setting.

Local News Roundup

So, I've been a little busy the last few days with jobsearch activities, which is why it took so long to get through the debate analysis.  Had a slight setback yesterday when I was declined for the position I had the most interest in, but have gotten good feedback on my #2 position.

Since I've been busy with other things, I haven't gotten to the local news.  Geo has a good roundup here, here, here, and here.  Enjoy! 

Chandler Police Weigh in on Mark Pentz

I'm catching up on the rest of Wednesday's debate so I can finish yesterday's post on it, but had to stop and point your attention to a comment posted by reader Paul Babeu, police officer and President of the Chandler Law Enforcement Association (CLEA).  The comment related to the Mark Pentz firing and provides background information from the perspective of the CLEA.  The comment was posted on an old topic and can be found here.  Excerpt:

 CLEA President and Chandler Police Officer Paul Babeu came before your body to express his distrust in Mark Pentz and to publicly report Mr. Pentz’s threat made on February 22, 2006 during a meeting in his office. Mr. Pentz threatened Officer Babeu, while acting in his capacity as President of CLEA, to deny a proposed salary increase for Police Officers. Mr. Pentz said while pointing to the $3.5 million figure in the budget, “we do not have to give this to you, I can simply say No, so be careful what you say publicly and how you refer to me.”

So, I don't have an opinion as to the truth of what happened in a closed door meeting between two individuals.  According to the same comment (which was the text of a letter sent to the Mayor and City Council), Mr. Pentz reported a difference of opinion as to the tone or intention of his comments.

I do find one thing interesting though.  Becky Jackson has declined to state a position on whether she would vote to rehire Mark Pentz.  Becky Jackson's husband is a police officer (in Phoenix).  The officers' association is upset about a threat (real or perceived) to withhold a pay raise.  You connect the dots.

Meanwhile, it's back to the replay of the debate.  Tune in later for my completed analysis.