I've been waiting 15 years for this moment
Word has it that Don Bankhead has endorsed Hieu Nguyen for Clerk-Recorder, joining Dick Ackerman’s anti-Norby jihad. This is a slap in the face for the lone councilman who supported Don’s quixotic bid for Sheriff back in 1990. Ackerman supported Brad Gates, who easily turned back the Bankhead challenge.
Don was first elected in 1988 with the promise that he–like Norby–would back Molly McClanahan for Mayor (an Ackerman/Catlin/LeQuire triad had blocked her for years). That broke the annual mayoral controversy and restored the rotation that continues today. So Norby and Bankhead began as buddies. Norby even endorsed him as late as 2002, much to the ire of some longtime loyalists.
For Don, though, it’s still all about his being recalled by Fullerton voters. Norby opposed the utility tax passed by Bankhead, Catlin and McClanahan which led to their recall in 1994. He’s been sore ever since. Norby did not actually support the recall, but his later hiring of organizer Bruce Whitaker is a constant reminder of the utility tax/recall fiasco, foisted on Fullerton by then-City Manager Jim Armstrong.
Yo G, what does 1+1=
Other Hieu backers with grudges against Norby include: La Habra Councilman Tim “Taxman” Shaw (mad at Norby for pulling his endorsement when he supported the 1/2 cent LH sales tax hike), State Sen. Mimi Walters (mad at Norby for supporting Harry Sidhu against her), Ackerman (mad at Norby for beating his hand-picked council candidates) and Cynthia Coad (mad at Norby for beating her for Supervisor in 2002). It ain’t no secret, the Republican party is the party of grudge holders.
The fact that County Counsel is actively opposing the proposed redevelopment expansion further fuels Bankhead’s bile. Perhaps, Bankhead thinks the County should just lay down and let the RDA steal the County’s money for that all-important Commonwealth blight fight. But, it appears the recall is what really keeps galling Mayor Donahieu.
#1 by Jacaranda Jay on June 28, 2009
Norby really supported Don for Sheriff? That goes back a ways!
Actually, Norby would probably have supported even Bankhead over Hutchens. Did he apply?
Cheap shot about Republicans holding grudges, though. Democrats can sure hold them as well–ever heard of the Clintons?
#2 by Donkey Dan on June 28, 2009
JJ, when it’s true, it’s not cheap.
#3 by Heather Leather on June 28, 2009
I wish you people would all use your real names, this guessing who’s who in the zoo is making my head spin like a top.
#4 by Anonymous on June 28, 2009
If I told you my real name, you’d stop shaking my hand at Chamber meetings.
#5 by DontBlightMeBro on June 28, 2009
Who woulda thought that fifteen years after the successful recall of Don Bankhead that he would still be wreaking havoc on the Fullerton City Council? In spite of his “disability” retirement, support of redevelopment boondoggles and liberal big government stances he has been repeatedly propped up by Republican officeholders and voters who are misled about his record. Sixteen years ago, Tom O’Neil of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce led a charge to “Wake Up Fullerton” about the threat of new utility taxes. The time is now to finally Wise Up Fullerton and send Don Bankhead and Dick Jones packing.
#6 by Travis on June 29, 2009
Where did you find that old Bankhead sign? I’m always impressed at the depth of the FFFF archives.
#7 by The Ivy Leaguer on June 29, 2009
There’s a good chance Norby could lose and just be out of work and out of politics. I think more people will be getting on the Hieu train.
#8 by admin on June 29, 2009
Travis, for some reason there are so few people in this town that remember the past. It’s amazing how much we can learn just from our past mistakes.
#9 by Hieu Who? on June 29, 2009
Anything’s possible, Ivy Leaguer, but first he’s gonna hafta to decide on a first name.
#10 by Jacaranda Jay on June 29, 2009
“The Hieu Train” If Bankhead’s on it, can Jones be far behind?
#11 by admin on June 30, 2009
I heard Jones is going to support Rosie for Supe. Jones is still upset at Nelson because Nelson was the only intelligent one on the council that knew the employee union boss was taking Jones (and council) for a ride.
#12 by Fullerton Citizen on June 29, 2009
shame on all of you guys. How quickly people forget all the stupid things that Mr. Norby has done. I guess you can sleep on the job and sexually harassed woman and rent a room in a motel and pay the motel room with his own campaign money. This guys should never run for another elected office. I hope you never get elected again. You are a joke!!!!!.
#13 by OC Citizen on June 30, 2009
I agree with Fullerton Citizen #11, seriously where do you draw the line? I’ts incredible to think that this guy got away with all that he has done. I too can say shame on all you people who are supporting this joke of a Republican, what an embarrassment to the community!
#14 by Jacaranda Jay on June 30, 2009
If politicians slept more, maybe they would end up costing me less money!
#15 by just a guy on June 30, 2009
I suppose that’s true, Jay. Imagine if those dolts in Sacramento had spent the last 10 years sleeping in the park instead of running our state into the ground!
#16 by Jacaranda Jay on June 30, 2009
“No one’s money is safe when Congress is in session!”
–Will Rogers (and he was a Democrat!)
#17 by The Fullerton Harpoon on July 9, 2009
Who wants Bankhead’s endorsement?
#18 by M. Steinberg on July 10, 2009
Question for you Bro: How much money does the city/agency give to the useless chamber of commerce every year?
It appears the Chamber is the biggest pay to play group of useless donkeys in Fullerton. If fact, “they” sound like Dr. Jackass when they talk at the public hearings.
Admin, a video clip of the “group of usual chamber suspects” would be fun to watch and hear.
#19 by Fullertonres on October 5, 2009
Bankhead and Jones both are retired in place and both need to be put out to pasture. Especially Bankhead all he does is take up valuable space in the city counsel meetings. He has no value to the city at all.