Anybody but Sanchez wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:18 PM:We need candidates that are coalition builders and have an agenda of that is inclusive of all Oceanside residents. The politics of meanness must be replace with respect for our city to address the many challenges it faces today. Eight years of being in opposition to everything is enough.

Definitely For Sanchez wrote on Jul 15, 2008 10:15 AM:Some of us greatly appreciate her opposition to the "pave over Oceanside" bunch. Not "all Oceanside residents" want business first; some of us want a candidate who cares about our quality of life.

Oside Res wrote on Jul 15, 2008 10:32 AM:Will the NC Times sponser a debate between the council canidates so that the residents can make an informed decision about who we should really chose to replace the ineffective current council? I for one do not want to rely only on the mailings and ads to replace those idiots now on there. We might end up with someone worse!

Hilarious wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:05 AM:Whoever wrote this blurb is obviously unaware of the always very crowded slate of candidates in Oceanside. WE have had as many as 18 or so at a time! So far this is a fairly small list. And as far as the NCTimes actually doing an unbiased debate, that would be simply amazing. They have uniformly endorsed any Republican over any other candidate, whether or not that Repub is good for our community or not.

Oside Mama wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:10 AM:I for one am glad to see some new fresh faces as potential candidates for City Council. I agree with the first comment that coalition building is a needed skill but I also recognize that you can't build a coalition if everyone comes to the table with their minds made up due to special interest backing and the "good ol' boy network" agendas. I'd like to see a council that puts it's community FIRST!

Informed Citizen wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:12 AM:To Oside Res:
Open your eyes and listen to what is going on. Every election season there are several forums hosted by various groups. Some of those are the Chamber of Commerce, Senior Citizen Center, League of Women Voters, Oceana, Ocean Hills, and KOCT repeats their forum several times.

Mean spirited wrote on Jul 15, 2008 12:37 PM:I too oppose Sanchez, not so much for what she opposes, but how she goes about her opposition. Degrading those with whom you disagree does nothing to advance the issues and has left many with hard feelings towards each other. Much of the hate and discontent in our community rides on her personalization of the issues.

OMG wrote on Jul 15, 2008 4:53 PM:It is time for change! We need people who can put a GREAT plan together for the future of Oside. NOt the same ole one way is the best way.....

We the residents feel whatever gets rubber stamped in the planning dept. is what gets passed regardless of the facts good or bad....because its all about who is the special interest.

We need not to have the same thinking from 30 years ago but hinking for today and the future!!!!!!!!!!!

Citizens Rule wrote on Jul 16, 2008 1:03 AM:Do you want progress at the expence of your fellow citizens?Why do you live in Oceanside? Why is your neighborhood so important? We need to KEEP COUNCIL MEMBERS that are true to the neighborhoods and their issues. That's why I am voting for JIM WOOD for Mayor and for ESTHER SANCHEZ for City Council. They have always been loyal servents of the city.

Lets get real wrote on Jul 16, 2008 5:08 PM:Now if Oceanside citizens would just use thier brains they could put two and two together. They should figure that when they receive dozens of glossy flyers with republican-filled jargon for these smily-face, neighborhood unfriendly folks that want to put concrete and smelly asphalt plants in our neighborhoods. That these very expensive flyers aimed at the senior citizens ,who vote , cost a lot of money. Where does the money come from you should be able to figure out ---
Special Interests. So if you want a few local flyboys and the Building Industry Association dictating Oceanside politics. Just vote like the glossy flyers say. It was money well spent by special interests. If you actually are looking for someone who cares about your neighborhood issues as well as the health of all Oceanside , throw those darn glossy flyers away and attend the forums, read the paper and listen to the radio and television. We have become a brain-dead electorate and the special interests know it. Be better than their money and think in this election. Lets show these politicians that their $200k they raise from the special interests only makes them look like they are bought and paid for.

Oh Brother wrote on Jul 16, 2008 5:55 PM:That right, just close your eyes and vote for Sanchez, her only accomplishment in 8 years was last months invasive weed ordinance. Otherwise everything else she did was preferenced by; "Stopped", "Prevented","Objected", or Delayed".

Throw them all out. wrote on Jul 17, 2008 9:19 AM:After the unprofessionalism that was performed at last night's council meeting they should all go. Sanchez, Wood, Fellar for giving away the City to special interests and Kern for having no respect for other people's views if they differ from his good old boy's club. Chavez you scored one point from me.

Oh Ridiculous wrote on Jul 17, 2008 10:22 AM:Oh Brother has it all wrong. Esther has done so much for our communities. This isn't about personalities. It's about the candidates who care about our neighborhoods versus the 'pave-over-everything' troika.

South O Mom wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:48 AM:Yea for Zack Beck! You have my vote!

Finally wrote on Jul 19, 2008 8:19 AM:I met one of the candidates at the Christmas in July event last weekend. It was refreshing to meet a passionate and intelligent young lady who is willing to represent the citizens of oceanside. Her website clearly states her positions on the major issues facing Oceanside today. If Tia Ballard-Gregson can deliver on her campaign slogan "A New Ocean View", she definitely has my vote.

perspective wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:47 AM:Someone young, not beaten down by the system and passionate about making a difference. A different perspective than what we are used to. That is what we need.

Vote for Zack Beck wrote on Jul 25, 2008 6:38 PM:You should definitely consider Zack Beck for your vote!!!
A fresh perspective and someone who is honestly passionate about making a difference!