In five short months, Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler have done what they promised when they campaigned for the CC and demonstrated how there can be transparency, truth, honesty, integrity and responsiveness to the citizens of Atascadero in the city government.

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL OF US TO SHOW SUPPORT TO OUR CITY COUNCIL MAJORITY ESPECIALLY MIKE AND ELLEN. HERE ARE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU CAN SHOW SUPPORT:

We need an avalanche of Letters to the Editor to the Atascadero News (mail or email to: editor@atascaderonews.com) and the Tribune (letters@thetribunenews.com) in support of Ellen and Mike.
• Attend CC meetings and speak on their behalf (second and fourth Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. [no meeting May 22])
• Go to the Atascadero City website and email, call or write Ellen of your support
• Get in touch with us if you want to help keep Mike and Ellen on the City Council for their full terms and MORE!

The Recall Is Unfair
I, Ellen Beraud, firmly reject the unfounded allegations in this recall petition. The recall is unfair. It disrespects the democratic process. It hurts Atascadero.

Elected 6 months ago, I have fully completed a campaign promise to bring openness to city government. We now have enhanced public scrutiny via internet streaming of city council meetings on www.slo-span.org with rebroadcasts on Cable Channel 20.

In addition, I have worked to strengthen city council and planning commission norms for ethical behavior. I have supported every business proposal that has reached the city council.

This petition seeks to blame me for mistakes made by past city councils—people who have been in office for many years, not 147 days.

A recall hurts our city by wasting taxpayers' money and distracting city leaders from the important work of attracting new businesses. Instead of improving the business climate, a recall will discourage businesses from locating here.

For twenty-five years Atascadero has failed to build the business community we need; I'm committed to reversing that process. Let's work together to establish a more vibrant Atascadero.
—Ellen Beraud

Don't Recall Atascadero's Future
This recall is a misguided attempt to disrupt the democratic process in Atascadero, and I, Mike Brennler, strongly urge you to reject it.

When I was elected to the city council six months ago, I promised to restore openness and integrity at city hall, promote sound economic development, and encourage recreation programs for our kids, seniors and working families. That is exactly what I have done.

As a police officer for more than 30 years, I took an oath to enforce the law. As a council member, I took an oath to obey the law, including the 2025 General Plan. I take that oath very seriously.

I have approved every commercial project that has come before this council, and I will continue to carefully consider any project that is consistent with the city's General Plan.

This petition does not reflect the will of the people of Atascadero. It is driven by special development interests who simply want to regain control of our government.

Let's not go back to the days of backroom deals. Allow me to fulfill my promise to make city hall accountable to ALL the people of Atascadero.
—Mike Brennler

"A small minority seeks to obstruct the results of a democratic election and abuse the recall process. I am working to involve our entire community to create a shared future. Don't let negativity derail this process. Let us focus instead on constructive ways to make Atascadero an even better place to live, work, and raise a family"

What has Ellen accomplished in less than 6 months?

• Enhanced transparency in local government through internet streaming of city council meetings and rebroadcasts on Cable Channel 20;
• Prevented future backroom deals through stronger city council and planning commission ethics policies;
• Delivered on pro-business stance by supporting every business-related proposal that reached the city council;
• Attended the National Shopping Center Conference in Las Vegas to promote our city to retailers;
• Preserved our city's natural beauty by voting to finalize the creek setback ordinance initiated by the previous city council in 2004.

• Securing new businesses for Atascadero, meeting with developers to ensure new projects comply with the General Plan;
• Establishing a community vision project to guide future economic development;
• Passing a campaign reform ordinance to protect the opportunity for all citizens who wish to seek local elected office;
• Initiating a natural resource program designed to promote tourism and enhance our quality of life;
• Opening city hall further with "Sunshine" laws decided by the citizens to expose the decision making process and encourage involvement.

• It disrespects the democratic process;
• It wastes taxpayer money to favor a few;
• It further divides our community instead unifying us;
• It creates uncertainty, discouraging new businesses from locating here;
• It disrupts current progress towards community goals.

For the past twenty-five years Atascadero's business community has faltered, leading to shortfalls in revenue for roads and public services.

Mike Brennler and I are working to reverse this trend, promoting economic vitality to improve everyone's quality of life in Atascadero.

Please support our work to move Atascadero forward. Do not support this recall!

"This petition does not reflect the will of the people of Atascadero. It is driven by special development interests who simply want to regain control of our government and return to the days of backroom deals and preferential treatment. Allow me to fulfill my promise to make city hall accountable to ALL the people of Atascadero."

What has Mike accomplished in less than 6 months?

• Promoted transparency and openness in government by televising and internet streaming of council meetings and strengthening the rules of conduct for the city council and commissions
• Advocating the preparation of a sunshine ordinance to assure open government.
• Delivered on my pro-business promises by supporting every commercial project which has come before the council.

• To review city policies in an effort to streamline the permitting process;
• To ensure that everyone "plays by the rules" and that special treatment for a few at the expense of the community stops;
• To reverse decades of missed economic opportunities by encouraging unique and appropriate business development that positions Atascadero as a leader;
• To enact campaign finance reform. Every vote should count and everyone should be have the opportunity to run for local office without having to rely on special interest money;
• Maintain our parks and encouraging recreation programs for children and seniors;
• Protect our community, particularly children by enacting an ordinance establishing residency requirements for designated high risk sex offenders;
• Conduct an employee satisfaction survey to determine the ethical culture in our city government

• It causes turmoil in our community which is unhealthy for everyone;
• It causes instability in our local government and tends to discourage new businesses from locating here;
• It will waste community money to favor a few who don't respect the will of the voters;
• It disrupts the democratic process.

Don't recall Atascadero's Future! Support Mike's efforts to represent all the people of Atascadero, not just special interests.

Bid to recall Atascadero city council members is dropped
The Tribune
September 28, 2007—"wo Atascadero businessmen have abandoned their efforts to remove the city's two newest council members from office."

Councilman Tom O'Malley chides recall effort of his colleagues in Atascadero
The Tribune
May 25, 2007—"At least one backer of a plan to recall Atascadero's two newest City Council members says he will not back down in the face of a local politician's request that he abandon the effort."

Council members respond to recall
Atascadero News
May 25, 2007—"When Atascadero residents Mike Jackson and Ray Buban announced their intent to recall Mayor Pro Tem Mike Brennler and Councilwoman Ellen Beraud at the May 8 council meeting, the wheels of that action were set in motion."

Lon Allan: In democracy, the ballot box beats a recall
The Tribune
May 22, 2007—"As disturbing as the recent recall attempt announced against two members of the Atascadero City Council is, it isn't the first time such an effort has been brought to local citizens' attention."

Atascadero Councilmembers respond to recall attempt
New Times
May 17, 2007—"In written answers to recall notices filed against them, Atascadero city council members Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler on May 16 defended themselves from allegations of being anti-business, allied with special interests, and unheeding of private property rights."

Lon Allan: Atascadero recall attempt a bad idea
The Tribune
May 15, 2007—"I'm not sure how to ease into this, so I'll just say the most recent attempt to recall two Atascadero City Council members really stinks."

Recall effort in Atascadero is premature
The Tribune
May 15, 2007—"Atascadero City Council members Mike Brennler and Ellen Beraud have been in office only five months —barely enough time to settle into council chambers, let alone establish a voting record."

Recall Petition Process pdf. (76KB)

Recall Notice: Ellen Beraud pdf. (1.8MB)

Recall Notice: Mike Brennler pdf. (1.6MB)

Information on cost of Recall:
5/24/07

The estimated costs of a recall of Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler. to the City (5-15-07) from an Anaheim firm which facilitates local elections, of $65,000 to conduct an election not consolidated with the February 2008 primary*. The estimates for a recall election, therefore, range (according to City Hall) from $45,000 if it's consolidated with the February 2008 primary to $65,000 if it's not.

• The City Clerk stated that those cost "could change substantially", depending on various factors.
• The City Clerk could not explain today the reason for the difference between her earlier $75,000 - $100,000 estimates (based on $5-$7/voter) sent to the City Council and top Staff (5-10-07) and the County Clerk-Recorder's $43,648 and this $65,000 estimate.
• The City Clerk stated her prior estimation of $75,000 - $100,000, should no longer be considered operative in light of the County Clerk-Recorder's newest estimate. Whether or not costs could escalate to that amount is unknown.
• The City Clerk stated the City is required to consider at least three bids from firms willing and able to facilitate a special recall election not consolidated with the February 2008 primary.

* "just under $50,000
additional costs
Postage - approx. $8,000
Poll workers/precincts, classes - $5,500
Registrar costs - $2,500
grand total cost of approx. $65,000"
[from email forwarded by City Clerk]
(Martin & Chapman consultants - http://www.martinchapman.com)

Signers of Notice of Intention to Recall:
Brennler NOI signers:
Mike Jackson
Ray Buban
Frank Scicchitano
Jerome Zalusky
Kathleen Zalusky
Carol Buban
Dwayne Burbach
Cheryl Burbach
Mary McDaniel
Jerry McDaniel
Melissa Gootkin
Delia Weiss
Suzie Anderson
Duane Anderson
Janet Hedges
Mary Lea Harris
Ron Walters
Janice Silva
Sue Walters
Joanne Bertaccini
Mike Bertaccini
Bruce Brake

Beraud NOI signers (Brennler NOI signers + 2)
Ann Hatch
William Hatch

A City Council with guts
The Tribune
September 17, 2007—"We now have a council that wants to make the hard decisions. In the past nine months our new City Council has implemented many recommendations proposed in studies generated by past councils. We now have a council with guts and vision. They want to lead!"

Recalls waste money
The Tribune
August 28, 2007—"A recall election will waste precious city dollars and attempt to undermine the openness of the City Council. Atascadero needs to ask the question, 'Who is really behind this recall and why?'"

A hope common sense will prevail
Atascadero News
August 10, 2007—"The subject of Atascadero recall is getting a bit old, but obviously it isn't going away, and I have been fuming long enough about the untruths still being spread about the so-called recall meeting, back on July 18."

Reader supports Councilwoman Beraud
Atascadero News
August 8, 2007—"First off, I have read the recaller's flyer and was shocked at the lies and innuendos printed. Not one of the "public comments" was signed, which makes the flyer pretty much worthless."

Best of Luck to Ellen, Mike
Atascadero News
July 20, 2007—"Many years ago I thought of a great slogan for Atascadero: 'The city that looks backward.' We wish you the best in the outcome of this recall mess."

Reader encourages others to follow the money
Atascadero News
June 13, 2007—"Ray Buban and Mike Jackson seem pretty certain they will be able to find 3,000 signatures for their petition against Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler, regardless of the fact that their charges have been proven bogus."

Viewpoint: Recall backers rob public for their own gain
The Tribune
June 9, 2007—"It now looks as if Atascadero taxpayers may foot the bill for two expensive ballot measures, if some interests get enough signatures to recall two new members of the City Council and repeal the creek setback ordinance."

Letters On Atascadero Recall Effort
The Tribune
May 26, 2007—"Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler have been doing right by the citizens of Atascadero who elected them. They are keeping their promises to their voters. Thank you, Ellen and Mike. My vote for you was for truth, honesty and integrity to come back to city politics. You give us hope."

Proud of Atascadero
Yes, Ray Buban, you and your supporters of the recall effort did make a point, although I don't think it's the point you intended (Viewpoint, Oct. 7).

The community of Atascadero has consistently had passionate opinions on both sides of most issues, leading to some heated exchanges. However, I think this same community united against the narrow-minded and destructive process behind the recall. The majority of this opinionated community wants the freedom to discuss our differences in a respectful, constructive manner, without fear of personal attacks. I am proud of our town.
—Anne Youngquist
(The Tribune, October 17, 2007)

Much to my surprise, compromise
Can't a guy go on vacation for a few weeks without major issues in the county resolving themselves in his absence?

Consider, before my wife and I drove up the coast to the Pacific Northwest three weeks ago, a nasty recall was attempting to gain purchase in Atascadero. It's since been dropped—not that cooler heads necessarily prevailed.

Sure, the recall proponents said they decided to do their talking at the next election, but that doesn't mask the probability that they couldn't get enough signatures to qualify a recall petition for a special election.

In that light, it probably bears repeating: Recalls should be used when an elected official is found guilty of misfeasance, malfeasance or even nonfeasance. To ask a community to choose sides over philosophical differences needlessly wastes time, energy and money.
—Bill Morem
(The Tribune, October 4, 2007)

Headline implications
I am very disturbed by the Sept. 28 headline on the story about the Atascadero recall movement. "Pro-business pair drops bid to recall council members" implies that the council members in question, Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler, are anti-business.

This is far from the truth. The current low sales tax base and shortage of money for such things as road repair and paths to schools is a direct result of two decades of former council actions that failed to increase our economic base, a trend that the current council is working to change.

Now that the recall effort is behind us, I urge all Atascaderans to join forces to create a prosperous and friendly city that will benefit us all.
—Geraldine Brasher Phemister
(The Tribune, October 4, 2007)

An apology for signing recall petition
I wanted to retract my signature regarding the letter of intent to recall, but I found out that once I signed it, that I could not take it back. I will not be signing any more petitions without doing my research ever again. I have since taken the time to learn more about the issue, and I am very sorry I did not take the time before I signed it. I would not have signed it had I truly understood what I was signing. This will be a good life lesson for me, and from now on, I will always do my homework before I sign such an important document.

Again, I am sorry. I love Atascadero and don't like seeing us waste such time on issues like these, instead of working together to get positive things done.
—Janice Silva
(Atascadero News, May 25, 2007)

Oppose secrecy
I am hoping that the names of the "Gang of 22" will be posted on the City Hall front door for all to see and for reporters to copy and newspapers to print.

These folks must really be hurting. Otherwise, why would they be plotting to threaten the newly elected City Council members with a recall after the first vote with any controversy attached to it?

Those of us who voted for open government must be vigilant against this first step to return to the good-old boy network that has poisoned democracy in this town for too long.

Perhaps the citizens of Atascadero who oppose government by secrecy behind closed doors should band together to form a recall movement of their own.
—R. Jeen Alvord
(The Tribune, May 25, 2007)

Reader expresses outrage over recall
I was absolutely outraged when I heard that Ray Buban and Mike Jackson had established a recall petition for Mike Brennler and Ellen Beraud from the Atascadero City Council. Do elections and voting mean nothing in our nation and community anymore?

Both had won by a good margin in November and now A handful of individuals, with seemingly unscrupulous motives, are trying to undermine our entire electoral process through this unjustifiable action.

Mike and Ellen are people who truly care about our community.

Here they are giving time away from their families to help Atascadero be a better place to live, and they are being attacked before they barely have a chance to participate. I feel that this petition is totally invalid and an affront to true democracy. Consider that before I donate to any political campaign, I have to look at my grocery bill. I wonder, where are the people who started this petition getting their money from?
—Lynn Hunter
(Atascadero News, May 25, 2007)

Last-resort politics
Without any facts to support their claims, Ray Buban and Mike Jackson announced they have initiated a petition to recall Mike Brennler and Ellen Beraud from the Atascadero City Council.

Recalls are the nuclear bomb of political discourse. They are expensive, divisive and should only be used in the case of serious malfeasance. Lacking such behavior, a responsible citizen will wait until the next election cycle to voice their displeasure.

They went on to say that after the recall, the losing side should let the winners do their job. How ironic that these gentlemen do not take their own advice and allow Mike and Ellen to do the job for which they were elected.

Mike and Ellen ran on a platform opposing a Wal- Mart superstore and in support of greater transparency. They have not wavered from these stances. They both supported the videotaping of the City Council meetings that we now enjoy and are likely to support a campaign finance reform ordinance that may be discussed at the June 12 meeting.

Please come to the June 12 meeting and voice your support for Mike and Ellen, as well as for campaign finance reform.
—Mark Phillips
(Atascadero News, May 25, 2007)

May 8 meeting was a sad night for city
The May 8 Atascadero City Council meeting was a sad night for Atascadero. Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler, who have only been serving for 5 months, were notified of a recall. They are being blamed for issues inherited from past councils. In reality, the justifications for recall could more appropriately be aimed at the members of the Atascadero City Councils of the last decade or so.

The recallers, whose special interests have had a free ride in the past, have not gotten over the democratic process of our November '06 election. This recall is a slap in the face to the voters who participated in that election.

We know George Luna supports Ellen and Mike's hard work living up to their campaign promises of smart/good development, transparency in the city government and an openness/responsiveness to the citizens of Atascadero. It is time for the other two councilmen, Tom O'Malley and Jerry Clay, to let the pubic know how they stand on a recall that would disrupt the democratic process of an election. After all, the mess they say the city is in financially could be reason for their recall.
—Lee Perkins
(Atascadero News, May 25, 2007)

Recall effort is unfair
The actions of a few disgruntled members of the community to begin a petition to recall Brennler and Beraud are unconscionable.

In a fair and democratic election, the two were elected by the people of Atascadero to uphold the general plan.

They are following the will of the constituents of the city in their actions as council members. My advice to the members of the community who desire a recall: Go home.

Get over it. They are in office on a mandate given to them by a majority of voters.

Atascadero needs and has asked for their voices in government.
—Renee Leton D.V.M.
(Atascadero News, May 23, 2007)

Recall supporters are like spoiled children
We are writing to the newspaper to oppose this attempt to recall Mike Brennler and Ellen Beraud.

When two people like Ellen and Mike, of their caliber, are helping the community, why do narrow-minded people that got this recall going, have to feel like they need to have their way.

These people that are attempting this recall and those who are supporting the recall, are like spoiled kids having a temper tantrum.
—Joe Schwartz and Paula and Fred Motlo
(Atascadero News, May 23, 2007)

Potential recall is illogical
I have been a homeowner in Atascadero for 14 years, I'm a 1979 graduate of Atascadero High School, and have lived in the area since 1973.

I voted for Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler because I wanted honest voices in our local government.

I know they are straight forward, listen to the people of

Atascadero, are smart about development and work to do what's best for all of the citi zens of Atascadero, the 'we' who live here.

Please support both Ellen and Mike and vote against the recall. Atascadero deserves their leadership.
—Alexandra Robin
(Atascadero News, May 23, 2007)

Current city council supports reader's priorities
I'll admit it - I don't attend every Atascadero City Council meeting and I don't watch every meeting broadcast (on www.slow-span.org, Charter Channel 20). However, I do follow the issues and how each council member votes, so that I know who represents my prior ities. My priorities are sustain able economic growth, main taining our small-town atmos phere and natural beauty and high-quality community serv ices.

Our current city council is supporting those very same priorities.

I don't have to be buddies with the council members; I don't even need to agree with every comment by every council member. But I respect their thoughtful consideration of each issue, and I especially appreciate the depth of infor mation gathered by council members Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler to assure they are up to speed and well informed before each vote.

If you want to make Atascadero a wonderful place: to live, work and raise a fami ly; let our elected representa tives know your priorities and support their efforts. Don't waste time with a recall look ing for a scapegoat for decades of past ills. Lets move forward and make Atascadero what it can be - a wonderful commu nity.
—Sorrel Marks
(Atascadero News, May 23, 2007)

Letters on the Atascadero Recall
The Tribune
May 20, 2007—"I was absolutely outraged when I heard that Ray Buban and Mike Jackson had established a recall petition for Mike Brennler and Ellen Beraud from the Atascadero City Council."

Open democracy, common sense, history say no to a recall
Mike Brennler and Ellen Beraud are unfairly being blamed for past city council decision-making. The current effort by a fringe element of recall proponents is truly astounding. Where were these folks during much of Atascadero's history as a city? If they had been present they would have witnessed nearly three decades of disjointed urban planning that doesn't respect our general plan, unconscionable, repeated conversions of valuable commercially zoned property to residential uses and arguably some of the most "business unfriendly" urban planning one could expect to find.

What is more amazing is that after only six months in office, these zealots, mired in their own conflict of greed and self-interest, believe so strongly in Mike and Ellen's ability to move the city forward to a brighter future (or maybe just threatened by real progress) that they have blamed these two hard-working servants for all the sins that preceded the last election. Now that's a sign of confidence for you.

If the recall proponents knew anything of Atascadero's history they would see Ellen and Mike as a welcome addition to a city council that historically has been run by a small group of development interests focused away from business. If the proponents of the recall do understand anything of our city's past they're "acting a little like an umpire who's missing a great game out there." If this were not the case, how can one explain the tremendous loss of commercially zoned property to residential use during the tenures of previous city councils? After decades of poor decision-making by previous city council majorities, we finally have new ideas to support a lonely struggle fought by George Luna to move Atascadero to a brighter economic future and what do we get - a group of folks who disrespect free and open elections. These same interests want to continue the same old failed strategy of economic planning focused on residential development profit for a favored few at the economic expense of the entire community.

To the recall proponents, I say we have had enough - enough of the kind of thinking that has lead to decades of lost opportunities you now blame Mike and Ellen for. We've had more than enough of this short sighted approach.

In the words of Albert Einstein, "No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." We finally have new ideas from a forward-thinking majority who represents all of Atascadero, not just a handful of special interests that have failed us over the last three decades. We should let Ellen and Mike do the job the voters entrusted to them last November. That's what democracy is all about, isn't it?

To Mike and Ellen, if the sun doesn't come up tomorrow - watch out! You just might get blamed for that too.
—Steve Tillmann
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Big-business agendas
A t the city council meeting Tuesday night, two council members, Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler, were served recall notices. What did they do wrong? They attempted to be a voice for Atascadero residents who don't want Wal-Mart in our town.

The message appears to be, don't mess with big-business agendas. Go along quietly with the other members who have caved in, or else you'll be out of a job.

It's up to us to stop this from happening. Speak out!
—Eveline Blanchette
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Wait until next election
Mike Brennler and Ellen Beraud won the election last fall. They should be allowed to serve their terms without being harassed by sore losers and those who prefer a city council that is less transparent, less accountable and less committed to doing what's right for Atascadero. I suspect that the people behind the recall effort are primarily interested in going back to an era when it was easier for them to get their deals done, regardless of the present or future impact of those deals on the city.

If the citizens aren't happy with this city council, they can choose a new one in the next election. It seems that anyone who was truly interested in the welfare of Atascadero would try to work with this democratically elected council rather than trying to disrupt it and prevent it from accomplishing anything.
—Judy Cleary
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Election was a mandate
We were appalled to hear of the proposed recall action at the Atascadero City Council against Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler. Wasn't the election enough to establish a mandate for opposing a Wal- Mart Supercenter? We hope the recall petition will die a quiet death when people realize what is behind it.

We support Mike and Ellen 100 percent and urge other citizens to back them in their attempt to fight off this attack.
—Robert and Johanna Friedrichsen
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Fighting the recall
In five short months, Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler have done what they promised when they campaigned for the city council and demonstrated how there can be transparency, truth, honesty, integrity and responsiveness to the citizens of Atascadero in the city government.

I fully support them and plan to fight this recall with all my resources
—W. Jeffrey Hunt
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Everything as promised
Atascadero City Council members Mike Brennler and Ellen Beraud were recently served with recall notices. Was it because they made false promises while campaigning? No. They were both honest and direct in representing their positions on city growth, protecting the General Plan, breaking a cycle of behind closed- doors decision making, and opposing a Wal-Mart Supercenter. We knew the kinds of decisions they would make as council members when we elected them, and they have made those decisions.

We have term limits for a reason: to give voters a chance at change. Any group that attempts a recall because an elected official does what she said she would do makes a mockery of the recall itself.
—Michelle Madgett
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Continued support
Ms. Beraud, Mr. Brennler: After voting for you in the recent election, please be assured you have my continued support regardless of the statements made by vocal minorities (22 signatories, hah!) in recent council meetings.
—Mike McCall
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Honest council voices I have been a homeowner in Atascadero for 14 years. I'm a 1979 graduate of Atascadero High School and have lived in the area since 1973. I voted for Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler because I wanted honest voices in our local government. I know they are straightforward, listen to the people of Atascadero, are smart about development and work to do what's best for all of the citizens of Atascadero; the "we" who live here.

Please support both Ellen and Mike and oppose the recall. Atascadero deserves their leadership.
—Alexandra Robin
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Think before recalling
Please encourage our community to think long and hard before recalling Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler. They have a strong commitment to revitalizing our Atascadero and to building a strong economy.

They value the city of Atascadero's efforts and hard work on plans to rebuild and revitalize its downtown and to protect and enhance the taxpayers' investments in our community. A super-sized Wal-Mart located a few miles down the road is likely to have devastating consequences toward those efforts . . . what will become of our Atascadero? Will it be one of those towns littered with vacant buildings decorated with graffiti and trash?What type of community do we want to live in? I want to live in a town where a local business person can make an honest living.

I'm saddened to know that many of our valued and good citizens are being misled into believing Wal-Mart tax revenues will enhance our community. Wal-Mart has no love for Atascadero. We are not personal to them; we are "just business."

It will be nearly impossible for other business to compete with Wal-Mart.
—Dorothy Orlando
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Council members were voted into office
Today I am deeply saddened by what has happened to us as a town and a private citi zen. The recall of Beraud and Brennler says regardless of my political opinion we at risk. These two city council mem bers were voted for in a clear race. The fact that we are have a recall is sketchy to say the least.

We have had so much dis honesty, corruption and blatant disregard from the political sector that this almost is not surprising - I guess it's the American way. I used to believe the truth, honesty and justice amounted to something. . . now it's profit, profit and profit - guess that's the American way. Anyhow, I am pissed. I am sick and tired of these politicians behaving like idiots and wasting our time. We need to pull these guys up and teach them that enough is enough.

Our votes are up for recall because Wal-mart wants into our wallets. So do many of our local realtors. Because of them we are wasting time and energy just trying to stand up for what we clearly voted for.

I want my vote to count for something and know that it can't be taken away by big business. It is time we banded together to say our votes are important - that they have merit - and that we have a political system that works. Regardless of political persuasion we are all at risk and we need to fight for our vote to count.
—Inga Tritt
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Atascadero is under threat
Our town of Atascadero is under threat of being taken over by big business and certain corrupt city council members and their cronies. By electing Ellen Beraud and Mike Brennler, the people in their popular vote made it clear that they did not want the rural atmosphere of their beloved town destroyed by huge big box stores (Wal-Mart) like so many other towns across the country.

Now, there is a "recall" plan to remove Ellen & Mike from City Council. It seems that Wal-mart is refusing to let the people of Atascadero have a say in what will become of our town. Are we going to let these thugs and their henchmen ignore the citizen's wishes, or will the people of Atascadero speak up against the corruption that is trying to take over our town and our way of life?
—Jessie Medow
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)

Recall efforts are disturbing
I am disturbed by the recent effort to recall Mike Brennler and Ellen Beraud. It is one more incidence of the people voting, corporations or special interest groups not agreeing with the outcome of that vote, and attempting to overpower the voice of the people with their own agendas. This effort strikes at the very heart of why people have grown mistrustful of mega corporations like Wal-Mart, and why many Americans have lost faith in the power of their vote. There is a lot more at stake than real estate. It is our democratic process that is threatened.
—Deborah Hewitt
(Atascadero News, May 20, 2007)