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Diane Harkey Working for Dana Point… Or Diane Harkey?
“You know, I feel as if I’m talking to a wall. And I am tired of the apologists for unethical failings in our elected officials, who try to belittle and dismiss those who have had enough and are standing tall. If the majority on this council thinks this city is their personal property to do with as they please, and they’re there to rule and not to serve, they’d better think again.”
That was Dana Point resident Tony Cooke. Apparently, he’s getting frustrated over the Dana Point City Council’s habit of ignoring what’s really wrong with Dana Point. And you know what? He has reason to be frustrated.
At last night’s city council meeting, Mayor Diane Harkey stepped down from her “throne” to congratulate the city business of the month and to award certificates of recognition. She and the city manager waxed on about Dana Point’s rightful place in surfing history. She talked about how a new “tri-city trolley” would help move the happy tourists from their lovely hotel rooms in Dana Point to the San Juan Capistrano train station and all the nearby tourist destinations. Oh yes, and she smiled down upon everyone when public comments began, and a few residents arose to sing Mayor Harkey’s praises.
Judging by the first half of the council meeting, one would think everything was hunky-dory in happy Dana Point. But in reality, everything isn’t “hunky-dory” and happy. Real residents have real concerns. And at last night’s meeting, they had a chance to address them.
Follow me after the flip for more…
“I feel democracy is at stake.”
That was Dr. Jim Seitz, another Dana Point resident who is frustrated with city government and its practice of ignoring the concerns of city residents. After all, the city has done nothing about Diane Harkey violating city policy to make campaign literature look like an official city newsletter. The city has done nothing to address the concerns of Dana Point residents over the “pay-to-play” corrupt politics that Diane Harkey has brought into the policy-making process. The city has done nothing to address the affordable housing crisis that is raising concerns at the state level. Basically, as city residents worry over these real problems, Diane Harkey and the council go on as if nothing’s wrong.
“It’s easy to call names… But let’s think of facts.”
That was Patrick Evans, an attorney working with mobile home residents on the outskirts of town who are simply looking for an affordable place to live. He noted that these people supported Diane Harkey because she promised to help them. But was she done since she was elected to city council? Nothing. These residents are still afraid of losing their homes, and what has Harkey done? Nothing. Apparently, Diane Harkey continues to act as if nothing is wrong.
And in the comments made by Harkey supporters, they angrily derided the recall supporters as rabble-rousers who are acting as a divisive force in the city. They called upon everyone to renew support for Harkey, and to rebuild a sense of unity in the city. But what facts did they have to show that Diane Harkey is doing a great job in Dana Point? None. They talked about how Diane Harkey was such a good friend to them, or about Diane Harkey answering their phone calls. But after all the happy talk, they didn’t really address how the city government under Diane Harkey’s leadership is doing anything to address all the concerns of local residents. So how exactly is Diane Harkey doing a great job for Dana Point?
Ultimately, our elected officials work for us. Their job is to serve us. We are the ones who hire them, and we are the ones who can fire them. So Diane Harkey and her supporters can talk all they want about the recall advocates “dividing” the city, but has Mayor Harkey given city residents a good reason to unite behind her? Is she working for Dana Point? Or is she just using her position to climb the political ladder? Dana Point voters hired Harkey to serve them. And if they don’t think she’s doing her job as mayor, they can choose to fire her.
Simple as that.
Jim-
Whoa! Really?! If that’s the case, then I guess it really reveals Harkey’s attitude toward city government. How sad that Diane Harkey only sees the Dana Point City Council as a way to propel her career, and NOT a job to serve her constituents. And my goodness, what a way to deal with colleagues on the council! Cheese louise!
Harkey has the foulest mouth of anyone I have ever met and dealt with in politics, including Lyn Nofziger. This parsing on blogs about whether she swore or not by Matt is just distraction by the paid consultants. Yes, I thought she was the one who uttered the loud swear words on the tape when I heard it. Apparently it was possibly someone else. But since John Chaffetz and a cast of about four others state they were indeed eye witnesses in hearing Harkey swear the night of 3/22/06 amid a lot of swear words by others (and one even saw her make an obscene gesture with her hand) there isn’t much question about the fact that she uses foul language, including at a council meeting, despite her consultant ‘s spin to the contrary.
Jerry – awwww ouch…. you meanie! For the record I never called anyone a cry baby. I in fact said you have every right to recall her. I just want to see the facts not all the cuss words she did or did not say…nor the alleged things she has done. Is that too much to ask?
Andrew-on the OC Blog Lacy said she is basically a RHINO, so how can she be part of the “machine”?
Seriously though…why are you recalling her again?
Seems there is alot of cussing going on down south, hmmm sounds like my kinda town!
Flo, come on, being a RINO is not a good thing for DEMS or REPS, she just believes in herself.
Flowerszzz-
Then why don’t you move to Dana Point? If you like dirty politicking, then I guess you’ll LOVE Diane Harkey!
Jim-
PRECISELY! I’m SO glad to see I’m not the only one that sees through Matt’s spin. I see why he wants to refocus our attention on foul language. HE WANTS TO DISTRACT US FROM THE REAL PROBLEM THAT IS HARKEY’S RECORD OF DISHONESTY TO DANA POINT. Thanks, Jim, for helping bring attention back to the REAL ISSUE of Diane Harkey.
Jim –
watch your language on this blog. Use that word again, and I will purge every comment you make.
Dan
What is it about Diane Harkey that brings out the Potty Mouths? Folks, until someone her can own up to the fact that “I heard her swear” or “I heard her swear; that’s her on the tape,” honestly stick a sock in it. This is an open forum; the people who claim she swore should come here and tell us what they know. Harkey herself can come her and give her side of the story. She’s got a recall going against her and she’s running for higher office. If you want her out, vote her out. But after reading all of the postings here, I don’t see any fire but instead a lot of smoke.
I have seen the video; I can’t tell who is speaking much less what was said.
And Jim, I think John would have to show up here and spill what he knows; your attribution of this to him isn’t proof enough for me.
Dan-
Good point.
Everyone-
Try to maintain a sense of proper “netiquette” here. Just because someone else (like Diane Harkey) used excessively foul language doesn’t mean we need to literally repeat it. Now we don’t need to be overly prudish in what we say, but we should be thoughtful.
Thanks for the reminder.
Dan I 100% agree with you…show us some facts and quit blowing smoke about your cousins, sisters, nephew friend told you this or that!
I did however, find it ironic that Jim et al have been complaining that they are so offended that she cussed, and then used the same language here. Go figure.
Andrew – naw I like where I live and besides from the sounds of it here, I think there is dirty politicking on both sides here.
This parsing on blogs about whether she swore or not by Matt is just distraction by the paid consultants.
Jim, for the record, I am not a paid consultant to Diane Harkey. Never have been. Her camapign bought a blogad on OC Blog during her state Senate run, and she had one for a while for her Assembly run.
I’m SO glad to see I’m not the only one that sees through Matt’s spin.
Andrew, one day, when you grow up, you might be able to engage in an actual debate with someone. But for now, you limited to dismissing any expression of disagreement with you as “spin.”
Dan-
Good point.
Andrew, Dan is saying basically the same I have been saying about the video. You dismiss it as “spin” coming from me, but when it comes from Dan, you say “Good point.”
I rest my case.
Matt-
Maybe one day, you’ll have enough respect of others to stop twisting what everyone else says. I agreed with Dan that we should keep our conversation civil here. I did NOT agree to fall into your pointless debate over pointless supposed swearing. Again, you’re trying to distract us from THE REAL SCANDALS OF HARKEY by getting us to talk about foul language.
But again, I refuse to fall into your trap. Maybe one day, you’ll wake up and realize that it’s not worth it to defend the indefensible. We’ll see.
I have not seen any disclaimers on this item yet.
Is anybody in this thread getting paid by either the pro recall or any of the Harkey campaigns?
And yes before you ask Matt, it does matter!
Flowerzzz, didn’t someone call you a guy here earlier; I’ve always through you were a gal.
Dan – I am a gal..yeah I had a good laugh at that one along with the rest of what “she” said about me.
Andrew – I am gonna ask again since you once again keep saying…”THE REAL SCANDALS OF HARKEY” What are they exactly? Even in your main post here…you don’t really say what they are. What’s YOUR personal beef with her?
And once again I will say this….your side brought up the whole F bomb issue in the beginning. Now that it is coming out that it may not be true, you are pretending like someone else brought it up in the first place. Just too odd even for you. I do not believe anyone is trying to distract your recall efforts (besides you) and that is in fact your distraction…I just want you to admit that someone goofed on that one…or give the proof otherwise. Just sayin’
Again, you’re trying to distract us from THE REAL SCANDALS OF HARKEY by getting us to talk about foul language.
Who brought up the foul language topic? The Harkey recall campaign.
And who has continued to focus on it as one reason for recalling Harkey: the recall campaign and you.
I have not seen any disclaimers on this item yet.
Just…asking: you need to read the comments a little more closely.
If you want to see some disclaimers, just look back at comments from eye witnesses Kathryn Wilson and Jerry Grunor. Then read my own entries very carefully. These should end any further debate about who said what, when.
Flowerszzz-
If you need to find out the real scandals of Diane Harkey, you need to reread our stories here. Type “Diane Harkey” in the search box, and you’ll get all my stories on Harkey. Again, the problem here is Diane Harkey not doing her job for Dana Point. And by her actions, she is proving that.
Matt-
The spin is getting sickening now. Keep trying to spin us away from Harkey, don’t expect me to get spun into this trap. I intend to keep focus on Diane Harkey and her ethical problems. That’s why many DP residents want to hold her accountable for these ethical failings. And no matter how much you try to distract us from that, it won’t work.
I read some of the previous posts you put up on the Liberal OC here and in between your smileys, high fives and attacks on anyone who disagrees with you Andrew….I saw nothing of sustanance. I did not see any ethic’s issues. AND by the way….I saw lots of YOU scolding her for saying the f word…
Flo: Haven’t you read the Recall Petition on Harkey, which includes a 200 word statement about her lack of ethics? Here is some substance on Harkey’s poor ethics, please make note, cause you just can’t continue to hionestly say you haven’t heard any substance!
-At least 14 documented Federal, state and county tax liens. I pay my taxes, I can understand people sometimes get into trouble on their taxes, and I don’t consider them unethical. But people who don’t pay 14 times are unethical.
-She had a fundraiser at the historic Doheny House property at the same time the developer (a convicted felon) was seeking city approvals to develop the property and move the house. That is called a conflict of interest and if not unlawful is at least unethical.
-She participated in a Council meeting that the FPPC told her would be unethical, and unlawful, because she had a conflict if interest. Harkey responds she had a “First Amendment right” to speak at the meeting, but she signaled her positions on all the issues to the Council in extended comments regardless of her conflict of interest. The FPPC has a pending case on the matter under review right now under the “Conflict of Interest” statute.
-She tried to get Robert and Colleen Traphagen to sign a letter she wrote that interferred with their attorney/client relationship and would have rejected their attorney’s advice and given up their rights in a fraud case against Makar, a major developer in Dana Point and owners of the St. Regis. Makar’s principles are also large Republican contributors and have supported Harey’s campaigns.
Are these items enough for now? Can you see any substance in the above, Flo?
Guns no I have not read the recall petition, thank you! You would think that Andrew would have posted the recall petition here as part of his story instead of just drama, rumors and heresay. I have asked Andrew for this information 100 times and he just cant seem to provide any information….
Flowerszzz-
Huh?! All you had to do was ask me for the notice of intention, and I would have found it for you. As would say, “LOL!” Besides, I was already planning something for Monday featuring that.
Jeez, you can be so demanding!
Guns-
Thanks for the 411. And yes, probably on Monday, I’ll just post something with the notice of intention. It’s time that we move beyond arguing over nothing, and that we start looking at the real issues behind this recall effort against Diane Harkey.
Andrew – I asked you SEVERAL times for pertinent information, not F word rumors and heresay, and all I got was nada. You told me to go back and read your other posts…which said nada as well.
Flowerszzz-
I’ve laid out the evidence repeatedly. Again, all you have to do is look in the archives and follow the links I included. But whatever, if you want the notice of intention, you’ll get it on Monday. I guess I’ll just have to keep bringing out the evidence until someone else says it, and you believe that someone else. Whatever.
Oh Andrew – go back and read your own posts….you have touted rumor and innuendo as facts…and when someone has challenged you to those facts you attack them for trying to spin. I have read them and I think you should go back and read them as well.
I did not ask for the petitions to be posted, I asked for proven information. IMO, Guns was kind enough to bail you out since it seemed you had none to offer.
I said it once before on a post you started about global warming…..you are very closed minded…which is odd for a Dem… usually it is my party that has a tough time seeing any other point of views. Come to think of it, many people bailed you out on that thread as well.
I have nothing against you, I just don’t like misinformation. How is anyone to make informed decisions with misinformation? Yes this is just a blog, and not a offical news source….but I ask you to consider the fact that many people get their news here….so is it too much to ask that you post true information? Your co bloggers seem to be able to do that…even if I disagree with their opinions on their interpretations of the facts…they have at least posted facts. I understand your passion…but I and others will start to know that your posts are usually hypothetical and theory based….not actual news or facts.
I am saddened by the constant berating of Ms. Flo against Andrew who is being consistently truthful in his statements about many issues that affect Orange County and our little hamlets. Andrew has laid out data on many topics, simple and easy to read and to digest, yet Flo tries to do her best to counter Andrew’s information as misinformation.
As in the case of Diane Harkey, not all people are in the right jobs at the right time for the right reasons. Somewhere along the way, you will have to de-hire someone in order to bring back honesty and integrity to local government. If integrity is not established as your top priority, you have a failing government. Cases in point (since Flo wishes to have proof):
Harkey thinks that tax laws, which apply to us, don’t apply to her as she has a history of 14 Federal, State, and County Tax Liens.
As a council member, Harkey held a fundraiser for her State Senate campaign on a property subject to her approval for permits for development by a former convicted felon.
In attempting to separate property owners from their attorney, and have them accept her proposed settlement, Harkey acted inappropriately as an agent for a developer instead of representing her constitiuents.
Harkey told a group of residents that the reason they were not able to obtain construction variances awared to others was because “they didn’t grease the right palms.”
Harkey and her supporters have propagated hateful, derogatory, deceiving and slanderous statements about her constituents throught the city.
These are just a few reasons why Harkey is being recalled!!!
As Ronald Reagan said in his Inaugural Address, January 20th, 1981-
“No weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.”
Grunor – again I ask for proof of your allegations. Why have there been no official complaints or charges filed against her if she in fact told people that they did not grease the right wheels? If she acted as an agent for a developer, while on the council…again where were the complaints against her filed? If she in fact did these things you point out, then yes she is not worthy for public office…however as I have stated to Andrew here several times….there are lots of allegations flying around, and you are being represented by a very knowledgable political lawyer, Lacy, so why have there not been any complaints filed against her?
There are official complaints. Wisckol reported FPPC issued letter on current staff review of an ethics complaint on Harkey. Dana Point has a complaint since 8/8/07 on the seal/trademark violation, they just haven’t done anything on it. Traphagen’s rights are civil and require a lawsuit to address, not a complaint, according to him.
On the FPPC complaint…I heard that she had something from the City Attorney stating that she could speak. On the Seal…..I have heard ya’ll talking about the seal on pag 3 of the DP today but all councilmembers are seen here with it…I see no violation to be honest. And of there were a violation….it would be against all the councilmembers, not just her, I have also seen here (again posted by Andrew) that the DP Today was shut down (untrue) and that the news letter was removed (again untrue). On the civil suit….well he should file it or stop talking about it. Put up or shut up as it were. Not trying to be mean but I can make all kinds of allegations against my councilmembers too, but unless I am willing to go the distance – I end up looking like I am lying.
I enjoy reading your postings, Flo as they are merely amusing but never have any substance. Your comment about all councilmembers seen on page 3 of Harkey’s flyer ‘are all bearing a violation’ is just a bag of wind. After all, their photos were used, but not their approval, and it was strictly a Harkey promotional piece. The more I read your statements the more I have to confess that either YOU ARE THE QUEEN, DIANE HARKEY, or is being paid by her.
Actually, the more you respond to others on any of the blogs, the more you are crucifying your Queen, as your responses are starting to show wear and tear and people are figuring out what you stand for.
I suggest you either change your name or go pick up your final payment at 76 Ritz Cove. We are on to you and to all of your deceiptful statements, both on this blog and Jubal’s. It’s a wonder that you have nothing else to do but stick your two cents in. Remember that 4 out of 5 people suffer from diarrhea…which means that one enjoys it. Got it???
Guido….you can bully all you like but I have legitimate questions that no one ever answers. Just come back with crap like you just said. If the other councilmembers did not approve…then why have they not made official announcements denouncing it? Why has it not been pulled? As to what I stand for….I am just trying to get true answers to questions, not more heresay. I realize that you think because someone may not see things your way, they must be paid by someone on the other side…it is laughable to me. God forbid someone ask questions and ask for proof…what a terrible thing to do.
Heh, Flo. I have answered some of your questions, just see above! Give me credit! You just keep posting them and it is hard to keep up.
Latest answers: 1. Councilmember Lara Anderson has urged the City Manager to investigate the seal issue, and a private complaint was filed with city 8/8/07, but because Harkey controls the council and R and T are responsive to where the three votes are, an investigation has been put on back burner. In order to get one, citizens can go to Grand Jury, which will happen soon unless city does something. 2. FPPC has an investigation ongoing. 3. Other civil lawsuits are forthcoming.
Just got an email. The Harkey people have made their first serious misstep. The Dana Point Today outfit has dropped use of the city seal as a result of a cease and desist letter from the city, and now has a prominent disclaimer on their site, in addition. Call the city to get a copy of the cease and desist letter against Harkey at 949-248-3500.
one down – many more to go. Still though I wonder…if the other council members did not approve this, and are upset about it, why are their faces still there?
Good question, Flo. Acutally one has been on vacation, the other is doing her darnest to get the entire site down, so I hear. All in all, it is just one of many things that are going to be a ‘fly in the ointment’ for Her Ladyship. All the rest down the pike are going to be much tougher on her. It goes back to attrition and atttude, and knowing how Harkey gets flustered when she is in deep doo-doo. It is only a matter of time before she shows her true self and the people will be fed up with all of her antics.
I am rather enjoying seeing all of this unfold for what I have heard about Harkey would make your head spin. Before long, she will be facing a lot more stuff than one can imagine. Keep your wits about you, Flo and watch the sun coming shinin’ through the clouds as the Republican Party will find itself in a bit of sticky-wick when all of this goes down. After all, when California goes Democratic in 2008, Harkey will be history.
Flowerszzz-
Well, at least you’re coming around. I guess if I can’t convince you of something, at least you’re open to others. Whatever.
Guns & Rose-
You’ve obviously done your homework! Yep, and I know how much work that can be when we talk about Diane Harkey!
Guido-
You also seem to have A LOT of info on Harkey. Oh, and thanks for the info on Weinberg and Anderson. They seem to be the two council members that still have consciences. Good for them. Hopefully once Harkey is held accountable for her misdeeds, Dana Point can finally see an “ethical majority” on the council that truly serves the people.
Can’t wait till the details of all the illegal aliens living in the Harkey’s properties in Dana Point are revealed by O C Weekly.
Alfonso would that make her pro or anti immigrants? LOL
Flo, that would probably classify her as an illegal alien. But then again, we are not all perfect. ROTFLMAO
JUST OFF THE PRESS!
The proponents of the Recall Diane Harkey Group had their day in court this evening, as many of them spoke before a crowded city council chamber, accusing Mayor Harkey of more failure in ethics. Two weeks ago, she allowed her supporters to stand before the council and defame many of the proponents while many of them were not there to defend themselves. Well, they showed up this evening and without any support from Harkey’s predators, she was stunned by hearing an expose of why she was being recalled and she sat on her throne, as if the ‘Queen’ was looking down at the fangs of the asp from the Nile. .
When public comments were over, Harkey actually threatened the proponetns for acting in a malicious manner which is unspeakable by any political official, and this caused quite a stir in the council chambers. By threatening her constituents, she has committed an act not becoming of any politician, especailly by a mayor who has aspirations on a seat in the state assembly. Her handlers must have been having conniptions while listening to their star candidate lose her cool.
All in all, it was not a good evening for Mayor Harkey. Sooner or later she will make enough errors that her own constituents will not support her and recall her from office. It takes a certain kind of person who has the integrity to be a leader…and it seems as though Ms. Harkey is falling from Grace.
Glad to see Andrew present in the chambers this evening. Perhaps he will also add to the continuing episode of the good people of Dana Point vs. the gross failure in ethics of Diane Harkey.
More useless rhetoric from Grunor as the recall proponents turn their vitriolic attacks on those who feel the recall is a waste of taxpayer money. They must do this since they feel they are loosing ground and are not getting the support they thought they could by their outlandish exaggerated fictionalized accounts of ethics. What would better be said is how is the signature gathering going? A mole in their organization says they are up to 21 signatures now. The original 20 plus one. Soon we will read of the Dana Point Twenty in history books not unlike the Chicago Seven.
I am afraid Grunor’s posting is not rhetoric as I was at the council meeing Alejandro, and there were tell-tale strains on Harkey’s face that she was not too happy with the comments presented by many of the proponents. I also had spoken to a couple of the speakesr and they were out there, on both weekends, and the amount of signatures are in the high hundreds. Not bad for a small group to accumulate in only two weeks of soliciting. Seems a few of the local stores and other residents have jumped on the bandwagon and have gathered many names.
But you can have your fun making a joke of this recall. It is becoming serious business when more and more people are listening and forming their own opinions. I had seen a few of them at Ralph’s, Albertson’s, Costco and a liquor store. People are paying attention.
So Alejandro, since you are from San Juan, and I am from Capo, I think I can tell you that you are a bit behind and need to get with the program. If there is a mole as you said, it has probably been eaten up by the signatures being gathered. You are sounding like a Harkey supporter…all fizzle but no substance. Why not come on down and see exactly how fictionalized all of this is. You just may experience a new game in town! You may even want to sign a petition to recall Harkey.