http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200 I've gotten a few comments already today (Sunday) from folks reading the Ladd column. One lady who called, twice, and didn't leave her name or a call back number suggested I needed to &quot;MOVE ON&quot; and leave Ladd alone. She went on to say that I am clearly just jealous of how smart Ladd was to create such a lucrative deal for himself. Jealous? Me? Nahhhhhhhhh... What did y'all think of it? I've gotten a few comments already today (Sunday) from folks reading the Ladd column. One lady who called, twice, and didn't leave her name or a call back number suggested I needed to &quot;MOVE ON&quot; and leave Ladd alone. She went on to say that I am clearly just jealous of how smart Ladd was to create such a lucrative deal for himself. Jealous? Me? Nahhhhhhhhh... What did y'all think of it? en-us Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:05:35 PDT I think the  Steve Ladd conspiracy to fleece every person in town of their hard spent tax money has been covered. I think the First  5 Kern conspiracy to bilk smokers of their hard spent tax money and all under privileged children of their health and educational opportunities has been covered. I think CSUB's conspiracy in funneling First 5 Kern money into the campus for state demanded audits of First 5 performance has been covered. I think this, and any additional articles on this subject criticizing the old regime, is simply piling on for effect.<br /> <br /> If you want to write about historical disasters why not spend your time railing at the geniuses who designed Highway 58 into a dead-end at a residential neighborhood? It seems to me having one or two drunks every year drive into the shopping center that now inhabits the highway's termination point makes for better copy, and certainly continues to cost everyone in this county far more than the state sponsored voter approved First 5 initiative ever has.   <br /> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127681 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127681 I think the  Steve Ladd conspiracy to fleece every person in town of their hard spent tax money has been covered. I think the First  5 Kern conspiracy to bilk smokers of their hard spent tax money and all under privileged children of their health and educational opportunities has been covered. I think CSUB's conspiracy in funneling First 5 Kern money into the campus for state demanded audits of First 5 performance has been covered. I think this, and any additional articles on this subject criticizing the old regime, is simply piling on for effect.<br /> <br /> If you want to write about historical disasters why not spend your time railing at the geniuses who designed Highway 58 into a dead-end at a residential neighborhood? It seems to me having one or two drunks every year drive into the shopping center that now inhabits the highway's termination point makes for better copy, and certainly continues to cost everyone in this county far more than the state sponsored voter approved First 5 initiative ever has.   <br /> &nbsp; <p>I am tired of history lessons.</p> <p><br /> <br /> </p> <p>Let's do some investigative reporting...</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127684 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127684 &nbsp; <p>I am tired of history lessons.</p> <p><br /> <br /> </p> <p>Let's do some investigative reporting...</p> <p>adampayne:</p> <p>Yes, we've covered Ladd's contract and the First 5 evaluation problems with CSUB. But we hadn't covered, nor had we known about, the fact that he got a raise even after being fired. Sorry it was tiresome to you.</p> <p>You might be interested to know that we have covered the 58 dead end as well, several times. </p> <p>Thanks for reading!</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127689 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127689 <p>adampayne:</p> <p>Yes, we've covered Ladd's contract and the First 5 evaluation problems with CSUB. But we hadn't covered, nor had we known about, the fact that he got a raise even after being fired. Sorry it was tiresome to you.</p> <p>You might be interested to know that we have covered the 58 dead end as well, several times. </p> <p>Thanks for reading!</p> <p>If Ladd is adamant about sticking to the fine print on his employee's contract, he won't ask for the raise.&nbsp; He either negotiates his own salary and perks or he allows his salary and benefits to be determined by union negotiations.&nbsp;&nbsp; He can't have it both ways.</p> <p>How many times are the custodians of the taxpayer purse going to fall tor this old scam (buying out the contract of a terminated employee as part of a&nbsp;contract&nbsp;negotiation) before they wake up?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do they rubber stamp every salary request that's put before them by an administrator?&nbsp; Who DO THEY THINK THEY ULTIMATELY REPRESENT?</p> <p>Good story Ms. Henry!</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127700 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127700 <p>If Ladd is adamant about sticking to the fine print on his employee's contract, he won't ask for the raise.&nbsp; He either negotiates his own salary and perks or he allows his salary and benefits to be determined by union negotiations.&nbsp;&nbsp; He can't have it both ways.</p> <p>How many times are the custodians of the taxpayer purse going to fall tor this old scam (buying out the contract of a terminated employee as part of a&nbsp;contract&nbsp;negotiation) before they wake up?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do they rubber stamp every salary request that's put before them by an administrator?&nbsp; Who DO THEY THINK THEY ULTIMATELY REPRESENT?</p> <p>Good story Ms. Henry!</p> I guess I must have missed that in depth report over the last four years. Maybe you could enlighten me as to who is responsible  for Bakersfield becoming the butt of all traffic design jokes in the nation. <br /> <br /> My point is that this subject has been covered to death. It is not news. I do not know, nor have I ever met Steve Ladd, but the <strong>Californian's</strong> ongoing persecution of this guy is way over the top. I am saddened to see so much coverage devoted to beating this man's reputation into the dirt while other huge social issues get so little attention. <br /> <br /> Maybe some future subjects could include declining wages and benefits coupled with longer hours on the job. Or, what happens if the huge farming and dairy interests can't employ the undocumented workers? Or, how many local people go bankrupt due to health care costs? Or, what does it say about a community when only 15% of the population can afford a house? Or, how many Goodwill Stores, Dollar Stores, 99 cent Stores, Salvation Army Stores does a city need to say too many of our citizens cannot afford anything new today. Is it chic for people earning $80,000 to shop at WalMart and Target? Why are there so few upscale retailers in town? Why has CSUB remained a backwater spot on the California State University and College system for forty years? Why does the <strong>Californian</strong> report with outrage on the huge incidences of death at Animal Control and continue to accept classified advertising from backyard breeders and puppy-mill providers that only create this deplorable social condition?      <br /> <br /> I guess we can always blame Steve Ladd. Did he do the Highway 58 design? http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127705 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127705 I guess I must have missed that in depth report over the last four years. Maybe you could enlighten me as to who is responsible  for Bakersfield becoming the butt of all traffic design jokes in the nation. <br /> <br /> My point is that this subject has been covered to death. It is not news. I do not know, nor have I ever met Steve Ladd, but the <strong>Californian's</strong> ongoing persecution of this guy is way over the top. I am saddened to see so much coverage devoted to beating this man's reputation into the dirt while other huge social issues get so little attention. <br /> <br /> Maybe some future subjects could include declining wages and benefits coupled with longer hours on the job. Or, what happens if the huge farming and dairy interests can't employ the undocumented workers? Or, how many local people go bankrupt due to health care costs? Or, what does it say about a community when only 15% of the population can afford a house? Or, how many Goodwill Stores, Dollar Stores, 99 cent Stores, Salvation Army Stores does a city need to say too many of our citizens cannot afford anything new today. Is it chic for people earning $80,000 to shop at WalMart and Target? Why are there so few upscale retailers in town? Why has CSUB remained a backwater spot on the California State University and College system for forty years? Why does the <strong>Californian</strong> report with outrage on the huge incidences of death at Animal Control and continue to accept classified advertising from backyard breeders and puppy-mill providers that only create this deplorable social condition?      <br /> <br /> I guess we can always blame Steve Ladd. Did he do the Highway 58 design? <p>adampayne:</p> <p>We've&nbsp; done extensive stories and projects on&nbsp;Kern County's&nbsp;transporation woes. </p> <p>Most recently, James Burger did a very detailed look at why we won't be able to pay for the&nbsp;freeways being touted by the city. I don't have access to the archives right now, but I believe that package ran in March or April. And we've done a number of reviews of planning blunders re: Rosedale Highway and Highway 58.</p> <p>I'm sorry you missed the many, many stories we've done on planning in this county.</p> <p>Either way, Highway 58 and the other subjects you mention have no bearing on&nbsp;the relevancy of&nbsp;my column. It is the newspaper's most basic job to report to the public when it appears public officials, such as the First 5 Kern commission,&nbsp;aren't adequately watching over public dollars.</p> <p>Perhaps you'll find another column more pertinent to your definition of news.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127720 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127720 <p>adampayne:</p> <p>We've&nbsp; done extensive stories and projects on&nbsp;Kern County's&nbsp;transporation woes. </p> <p>Most recently, James Burger did a very detailed look at why we won't be able to pay for the&nbsp;freeways being touted by the city. I don't have access to the archives right now, but I believe that package ran in March or April. And we've done a number of reviews of planning blunders re: Rosedale Highway and Highway 58.</p> <p>I'm sorry you missed the many, many stories we've done on planning in this county.</p> <p>Either way, Highway 58 and the other subjects you mention have no bearing on&nbsp;the relevancy of&nbsp;my column. It is the newspaper's most basic job to report to the public when it appears public officials, such as the First 5 Kern commission,&nbsp;aren't adequately watching over public dollars.</p> <p>Perhaps you'll find another column more pertinent to your definition of news.</p> <p>AudreyB:</p> <p>That's exactly right!</p> <p>Thanks very much for reading.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127721 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127721 <p>AudreyB:</p> <p>That's exactly right!</p> <p>Thanks very much for reading.</p> <p>Upscale stores survive when there's a market for them.&nbsp; A stroll through Sugardaddys at any time will show you how many people shop there.&nbsp; My guess is Bellagio is about the same when it comes to being busy.</p> <p>Upscale (?) pet stores charge about 5-7 bucks more for the same dog food than does Walmart.&nbsp; (No, not Ole Roy.)&nbsp; Reynolds Foil, plastic wrap etc. are a dollar apiece at Dollartree.&nbsp; Is there some reason why people want to just give their money away by not wanting to shop at Walmart, Target, and dollar stores?&nbsp; When I hit the lotto (if I ever remember to play) maybe I'll look for upscale stores to donate my money to..but in the meantime, I love <em>saving</em> money too much to give it away.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127726 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127726 <p>Upscale stores survive when there's a market for them.&nbsp; A stroll through Sugardaddys at any time will show you how many people shop there.&nbsp; My guess is Bellagio is about the same when it comes to being busy.</p> <p>Upscale (?) pet stores charge about 5-7 bucks more for the same dog food than does Walmart.&nbsp; (No, not Ole Roy.)&nbsp; Reynolds Foil, plastic wrap etc. are a dollar apiece at Dollartree.&nbsp; Is there some reason why people want to just give their money away by not wanting to shop at Walmart, Target, and dollar stores?&nbsp; When I hit the lotto (if I ever remember to play) maybe I'll look for upscale stores to donate my money to..but in the meantime, I love <em>saving</em> money too much to give it away.</p> noholdsbarred, I've read the planning stories, the budget shortfalls for roads and the unending Rosedale Highway story of congestion meets blight as the main artery into and out of Bakersfield from and to I-5.  I'm just extremely tired of the paper's continual campaign to hurt an individual, who by all accounts just did his job. You would have thought this guy had an intern named Lewinsky for the continual harassment he receives in the paper you write for. <br /> <br /> Yes, Nancy, upscale stores do survive when there is a market for them. A market where a majority of people earn livable wages and can afford to reward themselves periodically with something that is not manufactured in China, Indonesia or South America for the lowest possible cost, or peruse the fine second-hand lines of goods from donation central. Upscale retail obviously need not apply in Bakersfield, because they can read the demographic statistics.<br /> <br /> It appears you might not know what the true costs you are paying by purchasing either liquidated goods or counterfeits at these particular "bargain" shops. It was no surprise that the recent Chinese toothpaste recall found the tainted products on the shelves of many of these "bargain" stores.  Also, as wages in the retail industry continue to drop for all those service, purchasing, marketing and sales individuals the middle class shrinks more rapidly from the landscape. All of this means that  the growing number of people working for low wages take on more jobs and spend less time with family. This leads to abandoned youngsters without parental supervision doing what young people will do without any controls.  I'm sure in your job you hear from a lot of kids that had no direction and precious little parental involvement. People always get what they pay for.<br /> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127754 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127754 noholdsbarred, I've read the planning stories, the budget shortfalls for roads and the unending Rosedale Highway story of congestion meets blight as the main artery into and out of Bakersfield from and to I-5.  I'm just extremely tired of the paper's continual campaign to hurt an individual, who by all accounts just did his job. You would have thought this guy had an intern named Lewinsky for the continual harassment he receives in the paper you write for. <br /> <br /> Yes, Nancy, upscale stores do survive when there is a market for them. A market where a majority of people earn livable wages and can afford to reward themselves periodically with something that is not manufactured in China, Indonesia or South America for the lowest possible cost, or peruse the fine second-hand lines of goods from donation central. Upscale retail obviously need not apply in Bakersfield, because they can read the demographic statistics.<br /> <br /> It appears you might not know what the true costs you are paying by purchasing either liquidated goods or counterfeits at these particular "bargain" shops. It was no surprise that the recent Chinese toothpaste recall found the tainted products on the shelves of many of these "bargain" stores.  Also, as wages in the retail industry continue to drop for all those service, purchasing, marketing and sales individuals the middle class shrinks more rapidly from the landscape. All of this means that  the growing number of people working for low wages take on more jobs and spend less time with family. This leads to abandoned youngsters without parental supervision doing what young people will do without any controls.  I'm sure in your job you hear from a lot of kids that had no direction and precious little parental involvement. People always get what they pay for.<br /> <h2>I think the story&nbsp;had&nbsp;enough old news&nbsp;to remind me who Steve Ladd is.&nbsp; While reading the article, I felt&nbsp;it was&nbsp;a personal attack on Mr. Ladd.&nbsp; I looked for a blog to state my opinion but there was none to be found at the time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I&nbsp;have never met Steve Ladd and more than likely never will.&nbsp; I don't have animosity toward him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Though some of you obviously think he's a shady guy.&nbsp;&nbsp;My way of thinking tells me that&nbsp;he must be a very&nbsp;intelligent man.&nbsp; It's not every man or woman who&nbsp;&nbsp;gets a job with great perks, then has different ways of making more money written into his/her contract.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And how many people&nbsp;doubles&nbsp;their salary within 6 years?&nbsp; I certainly don't know anyone.&nbsp; Even if&nbsp;he didn't take&nbsp;the money which I think is contractually impossible.&nbsp; Since the story made a point of stating he was fired, he is probably not allowed to go into the work place.&nbsp; Since he wouldn't be allowed&nbsp;to go into the office, how on earth could he de-negotiate his contract?&nbsp; From the article I read, it sounded like he pretty much had full control over his contracts.&nbsp;&nbsp;If for some reason, he didn't take the money, It probably would not&nbsp;be given to a school or one of the other deserving entities.&nbsp;&nbsp; In a few years we will open the Californian and read how the&nbsp;money that was contractually due to&nbsp;Steve Ladd ended&nbsp;up being spent by a higher up on a cruise for his family, a new boat, a car for his girlfriend, etc.&nbsp; &nbsp;I guess my point is sure every one is a little irritated, and when we hear of someone getting something for nothing, it's maddening.&nbsp;&nbsp; Whats the old saying...&quot;Everything that goes around comes around&quot;, maybe he did some really great things when he was younger and it's time he gets a pay back or a pay raise.&nbsp;&nbsp;If I ever get another job, I hope Steve Ladd's&nbsp;available to help me negotiate my contract.&nbsp; </h2> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127769 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127769 <h2>I think the story&nbsp;had&nbsp;enough old news&nbsp;to remind me who Steve Ladd is.&nbsp; While reading the article, I felt&nbsp;it was&nbsp;a personal attack on Mr. Ladd.&nbsp; I looked for a blog to state my opinion but there was none to be found at the time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I&nbsp;have never met Steve Ladd and more than likely never will.&nbsp; I don't have animosity toward him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Though some of you obviously think he's a shady guy.&nbsp;&nbsp;My way of thinking tells me that&nbsp;he must be a very&nbsp;intelligent man.&nbsp; It's not every man or woman who&nbsp;&nbsp;gets a job with great perks, then has different ways of making more money written into his/her contract.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And how many people&nbsp;doubles&nbsp;their salary within 6 years?&nbsp; I certainly don't know anyone.&nbsp; Even if&nbsp;he didn't take&nbsp;the money which I think is contractually impossible.&nbsp; Since the story made a point of stating he was fired, he is probably not allowed to go into the work place.&nbsp; Since he wouldn't be allowed&nbsp;to go into the office, how on earth could he de-negotiate his contract?&nbsp; From the article I read, it sounded like he pretty much had full control over his contracts.&nbsp;&nbsp;If for some reason, he didn't take the money, It probably would not&nbsp;be given to a school or one of the other deserving entities.&nbsp;&nbsp; In a few years we will open the Californian and read how the&nbsp;money that was contractually due to&nbsp;Steve Ladd ended&nbsp;up being spent by a higher up on a cruise for his family, a new boat, a car for his girlfriend, etc.&nbsp; &nbsp;I guess my point is sure every one is a little irritated, and when we hear of someone getting something for nothing, it's maddening.&nbsp;&nbsp; Whats the old saying...&quot;Everything that goes around comes around&quot;, maybe he did some really great things when he was younger and it's time he gets a pay back or a pay raise.&nbsp;&nbsp;If I ever get another job, I hope Steve Ladd's&nbsp;available to help me negotiate my contract.&nbsp; </h2> <p>adampayne:</p> <p>Ok, so you HAVE read our extensive planning/transportation coverage. That's great. From your earlier posts I thought you were implying we hadn't covered planning issues. So, glad to have that cleared up.</p> <p>Continual harassment? I strongly disagree that the public demanding to know how public money is spent is &quot;harassment.&quot; </p> <p>I pay taxes, so do you. And not by choice. The deal is, we get to scrutinize how those tax dollars are spent. We get to criticize and we get to complain when we feel they're being spent improperly. </p> <p>If&nbsp;someone doesn't want to be under&nbsp;that spotlight, they are perfectly free to get a job in the private sector.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127770 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127770 <p>adampayne:</p> <p>Ok, so you HAVE read our extensive planning/transportation coverage. That's great. From your earlier posts I thought you were implying we hadn't covered planning issues. So, glad to have that cleared up.</p> <p>Continual harassment? I strongly disagree that the public demanding to know how public money is spent is &quot;harassment.&quot; </p> <p>I pay taxes, so do you. And not by choice. The deal is, we get to scrutinize how those tax dollars are spent. We get to criticize and we get to complain when we feel they're being spent improperly. </p> <p>If&nbsp;someone doesn't want to be under&nbsp;that spotlight, they are perfectly free to get a job in the private sector.</p> <p>Janigirl:</p> <p>LOL! I'm sure Ladd could negotiate a doozy of a contract for you.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127774 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127774 <p>Janigirl:</p> <p>LOL! I'm sure Ladd could negotiate a doozy of a contract for you.</p> Great reporting.  I would be interested to direct you to other government entities that could certainly use some light. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127784 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127784 Great reporting.  I would be interested to direct you to other government entities that could certainly use some light. <p>mabelline619:</p> <p>I would love to hear about it.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127791 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127791 <p>mabelline619:</p> <p>I would love to hear about it.</p> noholdsbarred, If you do not smoke you have not paid a dime into the First 5 fund. I am always perplexed by this response that all taxpayers have something to lose here. 13% of adult Californians currently have a stake in the money that is spent on First 5. That is how many smoke today in California. 87% of tax paying Californians have no money of theirs being spent. My bet is that you don't smoke, and that you don't know what you're talking about regarding the "tax" issue here. <br /> <br /> Steve Ladd has done nothing wrong. The amount of his severance package is a budgeted item that the local Board decided on spending. Steve Ladd was not the man who pulled the plug on his position. And, it is harassment to continually berate this guy for a pay package he has no control over. Point your vitriol at the Board who approved of the package and the lawyers who signed off on it.  Because a person asks for a package does not mean anyone is obligated to give one away. <br /> <br /> And for all of your taunts, with the caps, over my comments on Highway 58, there has been precious little written on why this road must remain the travesty it has always been. There has been a tremendous influx of local property tax money over the past five years to make major improvements in this city. Why no fix for that spot of dirt? Is it because it ends in a poorer part of town today, and the rich and important movers and shakers of this place could care less what happens in the poverty stricken areas of town? That the worst Highway design ever perpetrated on the public has been allowed to remain for almost forty years, and cause so many needless deaths defies all logic, except Bakersfield logic, NIMBY. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127802 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127802 noholdsbarred, If you do not smoke you have not paid a dime into the First 5 fund. I am always perplexed by this response that all taxpayers have something to lose here. 13% of adult Californians currently have a stake in the money that is spent on First 5. That is how many smoke today in California. 87% of tax paying Californians have no money of theirs being spent. My bet is that you don't smoke, and that you don't know what you're talking about regarding the "tax" issue here. <br /> <br /> Steve Ladd has done nothing wrong. The amount of his severance package is a budgeted item that the local Board decided on spending. Steve Ladd was not the man who pulled the plug on his position. And, it is harassment to continually berate this guy for a pay package he has no control over. Point your vitriol at the Board who approved of the package and the lawyers who signed off on it.  Because a person asks for a package does not mean anyone is obligated to give one away. <br /> <br /> And for all of your taunts, with the caps, over my comments on Highway 58, there has been precious little written on why this road must remain the travesty it has always been. There has been a tremendous influx of local property tax money over the past five years to make major improvements in this city. Why no fix for that spot of dirt? Is it because it ends in a poorer part of town today, and the rich and important movers and shakers of this place could care less what happens in the poverty stricken areas of town? That the worst Highway design ever perpetrated on the public has been allowed to remain for almost forty years, and cause so many needless deaths defies all logic, except Bakersfield logic, NIMBY. <p>Argue all you want about whether is this old news or not, but the moral of the story is taxpayers are still funding Steve Ladd's coffers instead of the programs children should be benefitting from.  The fact he got a raise after he was let go shows the lack of oversight the First 5 Kern Board of Directors had on its CEO. What kind of Board approves such a contract?  Terry Cumberworth should've taken lessons from Steve Ladd on the legal way to fleece the taxpayers.</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127813 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127813 <p>Argue all you want about whether is this old news or not, but the moral of the story is taxpayers are still funding Steve Ladd's coffers instead of the programs children should be benefitting from.  The fact he got a raise after he was let go shows the lack of oversight the First 5 Kern Board of Directors had on its CEO. What kind of Board approves such a contract?  Terry Cumberworth should've taken lessons from Steve Ladd on the legal way to fleece the taxpayers.</p> <p>adampayne:</p> <p>I'm sure there are plenty of taxable items that you don't purchase. So does that mean you're unconcerned with that percentage of tax money&nbsp;being collected and used by the government?</p> <p>Don't be silly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127846 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127846 <p>adampayne:</p> <p>I'm sure there are plenty of taxable items that you don't purchase. So does that mean you're unconcerned with that percentage of tax money&nbsp;being collected and used by the government?</p> <p>Don't be silly.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> Your argument is specious. First 5  was a referendum voted into existence in 1998 by Californians with the specific purpose of helping kids 0-5 with tax money generated from the sale of tobacco products. If you don't smoke, you don't contribute, and your faux anger over a Board  approved and allocated budget expense from this fund is preposterous. Taxpayer ire should solely be the province of  the suicidal smoker in regards to any questionable expenditures from this fund. <br /> <br /> As I mentioned earlier, you should focus your outrage at problems the community really faces, not Steve Ladd's severance package. If you don't approve of what voters have done in directing tax revenues get on a band wagon and change things. You might try explaining to the Republican budget obstructionists that their little soapbox dance to block every submitted budget every year is simply an exercise in grandstanding that only injures many of the same families First 5 tries to help. The vast majority of the state budget is already spoken for and their pathetic charade of posturing about cutting costs for political effect only hurts the most needy in our state.<br /> <br /> You might want to try and suggest a value added tax that I might be missing out on, as well. http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127921 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127921 Your argument is specious. First 5  was a referendum voted into existence in 1998 by Californians with the specific purpose of helping kids 0-5 with tax money generated from the sale of tobacco products. If you don't smoke, you don't contribute, and your faux anger over a Board  approved and allocated budget expense from this fund is preposterous. Taxpayer ire should solely be the province of  the suicidal smoker in regards to any questionable expenditures from this fund. <br /> <br /> As I mentioned earlier, you should focus your outrage at problems the community really faces, not Steve Ladd's severance package. If you don't approve of what voters have done in directing tax revenues get on a band wagon and change things. You might try explaining to the Republican budget obstructionists that their little soapbox dance to block every submitted budget every year is simply an exercise in grandstanding that only injures many of the same families First 5 tries to help. The vast majority of the state budget is already spoken for and their pathetic charade of posturing about cutting costs for political effect only hurts the most needy in our state.<br /> <br /> You might want to try and suggest a value added tax that I might be missing out on, as well. adampayne:<br /> That's funny, I almost used the exact same word about your argument - specious.<br /> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127934 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127934 adampayne:<br /> That's funny, I almost used the exact same word about your argument - specious.<br /> <p>Adam, I've got to side against you on this one.&nbsp; I'm not a smoker, but I can still decry the misuse of the smoker-derived funds which might have been more valuably spent.&nbsp; (Haven't looked closely enough to decide if they *WERE* misspent.</p> <p>.</p> <p>With you on the budget shenanigans, though.&nbsp; But you seem to imply the Repubicans in Sacramento&nbsp;would *CARE* about hurting kids and disabled people...</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127943 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_127943 <p>Adam, I've got to side against you on this one.&nbsp; I'm not a smoker, but I can still decry the misuse of the smoker-derived funds which might have been more valuably spent.&nbsp; (Haven't looked closely enough to decide if they *WERE* misspent.</p> <p>.</p> <p>With you on the budget shenanigans, though.&nbsp; But you seem to imply the Repubicans in Sacramento&nbsp;would *CARE* about hurting kids and disabled people...</p> <p>Hi Lois, I must have written something recently that sparked some interest as I have had numerous requests to allow individuals to be my friend. Of course I looked at those profiles and came across yours. At first I thought you had been recently fired as you described your career with the Californian. Curiously, I was interested in your profile written in third person by someone who at first glance, didn't appear to like you much. I am a Californian Sounding Board Member, but that is another story. I have an incredible interest in Kern County and as a former elected City Councilman and School Board Member, I see issues that come up in Kern as new issues but yet something I have dealt with in the past. I have a passion for land use, the law, and the seldom used California Environmental Quality Act designed to be enforced by the State Attorney General but never is. I am an animal lover and long time volunteer at the SPCALA. I read your defense of Moe the Chimpanzee. I have had the incredible opportunity to meet him several times. I met his previous owners at his last birthday party. I have shaken his hand, he let me look at we would call fingerprints, and the patterns of lines on his hands. I looked him in the eyes while touching his fingers and I couldn't believe the emotion I felt. His eyes had an aura of intelligence just as any human's eyes I have ever looked in. If you give Moe a bottle of Ocean Spray, it is interesting that he intuitively knows to unscrew the cap and then pour it into his mouth, I guess we call it drinking. He is definitely not a toy. You can never turn your back on him. He is well cared for and safe, but not free in his native environment. When an animal, any animal with such incredible intelligence is taken from natural habitat to be a pet or a viewing toy for mankind while being restrained and confined, the risk is that they become angry, hostile, aggressive, and the risk of total stircraziness can actually require euthanization for &quot;public safety&quot;. Let us not forget that our primate friend is in the position he is in because human primates wanted a toy with a similar likeness to ourselves. There was a reason that Moe was given up by his former owners. Many animals can live a lot longer than humans do. Parrots can live well over a hundred years and many of these kinds of exotic birds will only accept one human as their handler. They will attack spouses and children out of jealousy. Sorry about the long read. I also agreed with on your response to first 5 ridiculous attack upon you. So why are you &quot;bitter&quot;? You can write as many words as necessary to effectively get your point across. Try being on a volunteer panel for a journalistic media, and be asked to respond by an editor of an issue of major public importance and limited to enough words that a logical analysis is impossible or improbable, and if exceeded in length ignored. I was surprised that a few numbers of Californian editors were actually on the site communicating with non-print edition writers. Thanks for that. </p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_204800 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_204800 <p>Hi Lois, I must have written something recently that sparked some interest as I have had numerous requests to allow individuals to be my friend. Of course I looked at those profiles and came across yours. At first I thought you had been recently fired as you described your career with the Californian. Curiously, I was interested in your profile written in third person by someone who at first glance, didn't appear to like you much. I am a Californian Sounding Board Member, but that is another story. I have an incredible interest in Kern County and as a former elected City Councilman and School Board Member, I see issues that come up in Kern as new issues but yet something I have dealt with in the past. I have a passion for land use, the law, and the seldom used California Environmental Quality Act designed to be enforced by the State Attorney General but never is. I am an animal lover and long time volunteer at the SPCALA. I read your defense of Moe the Chimpanzee. I have had the incredible opportunity to meet him several times. I met his previous owners at his last birthday party. I have shaken his hand, he let me look at we would call fingerprints, and the patterns of lines on his hands. I looked him in the eyes while touching his fingers and I couldn't believe the emotion I felt. His eyes had an aura of intelligence just as any human's eyes I have ever looked in. If you give Moe a bottle of Ocean Spray, it is interesting that he intuitively knows to unscrew the cap and then pour it into his mouth, I guess we call it drinking. He is definitely not a toy. You can never turn your back on him. He is well cared for and safe, but not free in his native environment. When an animal, any animal with such incredible intelligence is taken from natural habitat to be a pet or a viewing toy for mankind while being restrained and confined, the risk is that they become angry, hostile, aggressive, and the risk of total stircraziness can actually require euthanization for &quot;public safety&quot;. Let us not forget that our primate friend is in the position he is in because human primates wanted a toy with a similar likeness to ourselves. There was a reason that Moe was given up by his former owners. Many animals can live a lot longer than humans do. Parrots can live well over a hundred years and many of these kinds of exotic birds will only accept one human as their handler. They will attack spouses and children out of jealousy. Sorry about the long read. I also agreed with on your response to first 5 ridiculous attack upon you. So why are you &quot;bitter&quot;? You can write as many words as necessary to effectively get your point across. Try being on a volunteer panel for a journalistic media, and be asked to respond by an editor of an issue of major public importance and limited to enough words that a logical analysis is impossible or improbable, and if exceeded in length ignored. I was surprised that a few numbers of Californian editors were actually on the site communicating with non-print edition writers. Thanks for that. </p> <p>hi</p> http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_405656 http://people.bakersfield.com/home/Blog/noholdsbarred/13200/#c_405656 <p>hi</p>