Warner attempts to sway council

Five months ago Lakeside Councilor Chrysta Swift resigned her council position at the August city council meeting.

Controversy has swirled around the unfilled seat with the sitting council members at odds. Three councilors believe that both candidates are an incorrect fit and the vacant seat should be reposted.

The other three remain steadfast in their desire to appoint one of the two. Warner has yet to receive more than Councilor Naomi Parker’s vote, who has at times voted for Stacy Dunn instead.

If the two, Dunn and Warner, can’t see their way to withdraw and resubmit then it falls to the leader of the council (Mayor Gowan) to set the example and make the recommendation to them. If the city charter is silent on how to handle a tie when filling empty positions, then it is up to the mayor to step up and heal the division for the city he governs.

Votes

Stacy Dunn has consistently received two votes and sometimes three, depending on Councilor Parker’s mood. Dean Warner has received one from Councilor Parker at different times. The other three have been consistant in voting no on both, stating reasons and reasoning that neither would be a good fit.

Warner attempts to sway with resume’

During the January 19, 2012 Lakeside City Council meeting’s public comments Dean Warner rose to speak to his qualifications.

This squabble over the empty seat has boiled over into an excuse by Warner and his supporters to recall Councilor Sue Allen. Their logic, she won’t vote the way they want her to.

Six minute diatribe

During Warner’s six minute diatribe (the established council rules allow for three minutes) he attempted to browbeat Councilor Sue Allen, accusingly asserting his character was being assassinated, as being labeled unfit to serve. Council rules prohibit council members from responding to public comments that occur at the beginning of the meeting, yet Warner tried to press the issue with Councilor Allen.

So, let us examine Mr. Warner’s fitness to serve and you decide:

Mr. Warner, acting with Mayor Ed Gowan, Tina Ross’s father-in-law, and former Liquor agent Bob Edwards, engaged in a personal crusade in an attempt to assassinate the character of then new Liquor agent Heidi Heller, and thwart her dream of owning a liquor store business in Lakeside.

The three attempted to foment public hatred against Ms. Heller, with the assistance of the local tabloid in spreading untruths, also appearing on local television news.

Warner then attempted to manipulate the Oregon Liquor Control Commission with a personal appearance to have the Commission reverse their decision of appointing Heidi Heller, by shaping and presenting falsehoods to the board. Failing that, they tried to force a relocation of the store. Their attempts failed, the OLCC  board soundly and sternly chastised them.

related: Audio of Oregon Liquor Control Commission Meeting, The OLCC comes out of executive session with comments directed toward Lakeside witnesses

Warner has appeared repeatedly as the public advocate for what appears to be the now defunct “Concerned Citizens” group, changing their name to “Friends of Lakeside.” The name change occurred after it was pointed out they were running paid political ads and not registered as a political action committee.

Related: Dean Warners’ Agenda?

Warner accuses

Warner wrongly accused the Lakeside City Administrator of improperly giving herself a raise. Public records exonerated the City Administrator of any wrong doing.

Yet, Mr. Warner pressed his accusations with threats to the city council at televised council meetings and in articles printed in the local tabloid; even after presentation of obvious evidence to the contrary.  The documentation did not support his accusations, he still persisted and contacted the Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier, along with County Sheriff Zanni, seeking a criminal investigation.

related: Dean Warner pushes for investigation of Lakeside City Administrator

Failed campaign of 2010

Mr. Warner chose to run as a candidate for Lakeside City Council during the last election cycle, yet he did not campaign, place one yard sign or attend any of the town hall candidate forums. This gave the appearance he did not take it seriously.

A vote of confidence

Based on all the above a Lakeside citizen’s might want to applaud Councilor Sue Allen, Mack Eubanks and Elaine Armstrong for not voting for Mr. Warner.

Mayor Gowan, in a recent article praised Stacy Dunn stating, he might bring a fresh prospective to the council. No mention of supporting Warners bid, giving the impression of not having much confidence in Warner either.