eCouncillor has been working for the past few days upsetting Planning Minister Frank Sartor's apple cart as he works to take all developments in NSW. Sartor's intention in the original amendment to the City of Sydney Act was to make all 4 government appointees (of the 7 Central Sydney Planning Committee members) his total control to appoint. We managed to make that a little more difficult for him.
Thanks go to Liberal Parliamentarians Don Harwin MLC and Greg Pearce MLC (as well as Shadow Minister Chris Hartcher) for supporting the campaign.
For those interested some background note are included at the bottom of the Hansard extract for information.
-----Original Message-----From: Shayne Mallard Sent: Thursday, 23 November 2006 3:15 PMSubject: Report - Hansard Legislative Council - CSPC amendments
Dear Councillors
Following from the Council motion on Monday night, John McInerney and I have worked tirelessly over the past few days to highlight and if possible change the amendments to the membership of the CSPC. Last night the Bill went through the Legislative Council and I am pleased to inform you that as a result of the pressure the Council, Institute of Architects, Planning Institute and others have applied to the Minister over the proposed changes that a compromise was offered via a government initiated amendment moved by Fred Nile MLC being -
((3) At least one of the senior State government employees appointed under subsection (1) (c) must be either the Director-General of the Department of Planning or a senior executive officer of the Department of Planning.)
The amendment in effect largely guarantees the CSPC and Council the continued direct strategic link to the highest levels of the Department of Planning. On the issue of the Government Architect we were able extract a written and Hansard recorded guarantee from the Minister that he had 'no intention of removing the Government Architect' from the CSPC.
regards
Shayne
PS I have highlighted in the Hansard below a reference to our Council. There were many of those last night but this one is of interest.
Subject: Hansard Legislative Council - CSPC amendments
The Hon. GREG PEARCE [7.20 p.m.] by leave: I move Opposition amendments Nos 1, 2 and 3:No. 1 Page 21, schedule 2 [4], lines 12–31. Omit all words on those lines. Insert instead:[4] Section 34 Members of Planning CommitteeOmit section 34 (3).No. 2 Page 22, schedule 2 [11] and [12], lines 20–24. Omit all words on those lines.No. 3 Page 24, schedule 2 [19], proposed clause 33, lines 20–25. Omit all words on those lines.The intention of the amendment is to prevent the change to the Central Sydney Planning Committee membership and appointment process outlined in the bill. I will not want to speak to this amendment at length because I put most of my argument in the second reading debate. However, I want to clear up one issue, and that is in relation to the Government Architect. In my second reading speech I spoke about the Government Architect being a member of the committee. What in fact has happened, I am assured by everyone involved, is that the Government Architect has been appointed as a matter of routine; indeed, the Government's second reading speech assured us that the Government chooses to appoint the Government Architect as one of its appointments, and the Minister has advised that he has no intention of removing the Government Architect from that appointment.That begs the question: Why have the amendment at all if the intention is to continue to have the benefit of the Government Architect as a member of the committee? There seems to be no good reason for the amendment.
I note that councillors John McInerney and Shayne Mallard are in the Chamber. They are very concerned about this matter, as is the city council. I said in my speech to the second reading debate last night that the council had moved a motion, which was passed by 9 votes to 1, supporting the amendments that the Opposition is putting today. That motion was supported by Councillor Verity Firth of the Australian Labor Party, who I am told will be a candidate for the seat of Balmain in the 2007 elections. I am told also that Verity is President Burgmann's favourite niece. So she obviously has a great deal of sense, and her recommendation not to support the amendment, which gives more power to Minister Sartor, is noted. The other member of the committee is the director of the Department of Planning, and we support that continuing membership as well.
The Hon. TONY KELLY (Minister for Justice, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs) [7.21 p.m.]: The Government does not support the Opposition amendments as they would take us back to a complicated and barely workable provision such as we have in the City of Sydney Act for the appointment of independent and non-government members. The bill provides for a better mix of expertise for independent and senior Government members than the status quo proposed by the Opposition.It is important to note that the Government-appointed Central Sydney Planning Committee [CSPC] members initiated these changes with a proposal for eight separate changes to the bill. Suggestions that these changes are an attempt to assert greater authority are simply incorrect. In fact, the Minister specifically did not include a number of changes requested by CSPC members as it was thought those might cause antagonism with the council. As was outlined in the second reading speech in the other place, the current legislation does not specifically nominate the Government Architect as a government member of the CSPC. The reason he is on the committee is that the Government chooses to appoint him. The Minister in the other place gave a specific assurance in the second reading speech that the Minister had no intention of removing the Government Architect as one of the Government nominees. The Government opposes the amendment.
Ms SYLVIA HALE [7.23 p.m.]: The Greens support the amendments. The Opposition's amendments are identical with circulated Greens amendments 11, 12 and 13. It really is ironic that the Central Sydney Planning Committee should comprise seven people, three of whom are elected councillors and four of whom are Government appointees. Clearly, the Government has the power virtually to direct what happens at those committee meetings. When Ms Jennifer Westacott was Director General of Planning she made a point of attending virtually every meeting of the planning committee. Since Mr Haddad has been director general, I understand he is yet to attend one meeting. No doubt this is because of the amount of work that the Department of Planning is now experiencing as bio-developers rush to ask the Government to declare projects to be major part 3A projects or to declare concept approvals.One interesting point I have discovered from reading the Government's literature over a period of time is that, although developments being called in by the department are consuming so much of the director general's time, the average time the department takes to make a decision is seven months. Yet councils are berated because they do not come up with decisions on equally large projects within 40 days. That indicates the double standards adopted by the Government on so many matters. As I have indicated, circulated Greens amendments 11, 12 and 13 are identical with these Opposition amendments, and therefore we support them.
The Hon. TONY KELLY (Minister for Justice, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs) [7.25 p.m.]: I should mention that Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile has foreshadowed an amendment. I indicate that the Government will be supporting his sensible amendment. I understand that his amendment cannot be moved unless these Opposition amendments are defeated.The CHAIR: Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile can move his amendment now. However, if he does and the Opposition amendments are carried, his amendment will lapse. Reverend the
Hon. FRED NILE [7.26 p.m.]: I move Christian Democratic Party amendment on sheet C-088:Page 21, schedule 2 [4]. Insert after line 31:(3) At least one of the senior State government employees appointed under subsection (1) (c) must be either the Director-General of the Department of Planning or a senior executive officer of the Department of Planning.As I said earlier, and as has been picked up by the Hon. Greg Pearce, many red herrings have been raised regarding this bill, from cover to cover, and we have been given considerable misleading information. For instance, we were advised that the Government was ruthlessly scrapping the Government Architect and the Director General of the Department of Planning as members of the planning committee. So we all assumed that they were on the planning committee—until I read the City of Sydney Act of 1988, No. 48. Surprise! Surprise! The Government Architect is not mentioned anywhere in that Act. He may be appointed by the Minister, and he may have been able to attend meetings in the past, but apparently he has not attended. Minister Sartor has indicated in advice to me that he has no objection to the Government Architect being appointed at some time. The Minister has discretion to appoint the Government Architect or another person, as is provided for in the bill as follows:The Minister administering Part 4 of the Planning Act is to obtain the concurrence of the Minister administering the Public Works Act 1912 before appointing a senior State government employee under subsection (1) (c) if the employee is appointed because of his or her expertise in architecture or civic design.I would imagine that could provide for appointment of the Government Architect, or perhaps another person with the same qualifications or with even greater expertise or knowledge if that is required for the planning of the city of Sydney.
The Hon. TONY KELLY (Minister for Justice, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs) [7.28 p.m.]: Now that Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile has moved his amendment, I point out that the Government welcomes his amendment, which clarifies the ongoing important nexus between the Department of Planning and the Central Sydney Planning Committee. It ensures that one of the Government representatives is either the Director General of the Department of Planning or a member of the executive of the Department of Planning. This amendment addresses some perceived concerns on this matter, and it is supported by the Government.Question—That Opposition amendments Nos 1, 2 and 3 be agreed to—put.The Committee divided.
Ayes, 18
Mr BreenDr Chesterfield-EvansMr ClarkeMr CohenMs CusackMr GallacherMiss Gardiner
Mr GayMs HaleMr LynnMr Mason-CoxMs ParkerMrs PaveyMr Pearce
Ms RhiannonMr RyanTellers,Mr CollessMr Harwin
Noes, 23
Mr BrownDr BurgmannMs BurnswoodsMr CatanzaritiMr CostaMr Della BoscaMr DonnellyMs Griffin
Mr HatzistergosMr JenkinsMr KellyMr MacdonaldReverend Dr MoyesReverend NileMr ObeidMr Oldfield
Ms RobertsonMr RoozendaalMs SharpeMr TsangDr WongTellers,Mr PrimroseMr West
Question resolved in the negative.Amendments negatived.Christian Democratic Party amendment No. 1 agreed to.Schedule 2 as amended agreed to.Schedule 3 agreed to.Title agreed to.Bill reported from Committee with an amendment and report adopted.
Third Reading
The Hon. TONY KELLY (Minister for Justice, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs) [7.37 p.m.]: I move:That this bill be now read a third time.The House divided.
Ayes, 22
Mr BrownMs BurnswoodsMr CatanzaritiMr CostaMr Della BoscaMr DonnellyMs FazioMs Griffin
Mr HatzistergosMr JenkinsMr KellyMr MacdonaldReverend Dr MoyesReverend NileMr OldfieldMs Robertson
Mr RoozendaalMs SharpeMr TsangDr WongTellers,Mr PrimroseMr West
Noes, 18
Mr BreenDr Chesterfield-EvansMr ClarkeMr CohenMs CusackMr GallacherMiss Gardiner
Mr GayMs HaleMr LynnMr Mason-CoxMs ParkerMrs PaveyMr Pearce
Ms RhiannonMr RyanTellers,Mr CollessMr Harwin
Question resolved in the affirmative.Motion agreed to.Bill read a third time.[The President left the chair at 7.40 p.m. The House resumed at 8.30 p.m.]
http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/PARLMENT/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LC20061122050
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BACKGROUND NOTES
Environmental Planning Legislation Amendment Bill 2006
City of Sydney opposes the weakening of ‘independence’ of the Central Sydney Planning Committee (CSPC) through amendments contained in the Bill.
Background: CSPC deals with all developments with value above $50 Million eg Westfield Centre point ($430 M) and has a guarantee veto over the LEP (new or amendments) for City of Sydney.
CSPC was created by the Greiner Government to take some of the Council politics out of important economic driver projects in the City and has been largely successful in doing this - even under Frank Sartor as Lord Mayor.
Current City of Sydney Act says the membership of CSPC is (S34):
1(a) the Lord Mayor of Sydney,
(b) a senior government employee with architectural experience nominated by the Minister administering the Public Works Act 1912,
(c) 2 councillors of the City of Sydney elected by the City Council,
(d) the Director of Planning under the Planning Act, and
(e) 2 persons appointed, subject to subsection (2), by the Minister administering Part 4 of the Planning Act.
Bold above indicates the two positions on the CSPC who are members by virtue of their senior and relevant government positions as public servants.
Note that (d) has always resulted in the appointment of the Government Architect since 1988 and is currently respected architect Mr Peter Mould.
The balance and relative independence of the CSPC is being weakened by the amendment to give the Minister absolute control on appointment of all 4 government members.
The amendment to the CSPC in the Bill - Sec 34 (1) ‘Members of Planning Committee’ - Council representatives is unchanged (3 including Lord Mayor as chair).
Amendment Bill - (c) defines the government appointees to the CSPC as
“4 persons (2 of whom are senior State Government employees and 2 of whom are not State or local government employees) appointed by the Minister administering Part 4 of the Planning Act, each having expertise in at least one of architecture, building, civic design, construction, engineering, transport, tourism, the arts, planning or heritage.”
The CSPC discussed this issue last Thursday night and there are strong reservations about removing the ex-officio membership of the Government Architect and the Director General of Planning (or their alternates) from the CSPC.
The minuted views of four of the 7 members (Moore, McInerney, Mallard and La Marchant) was that the Government Architect provided invaluable professional insight and leadership for the CSPC and City as the stateÂ’s top architect and that the DG of Planning provided an invaluable direct linkage to the Department on a critical strategic level for the City.
Both the DG of Planning and the Government Architect are viewed as relatively independent public servants appointed by virtue of their senior positions in the government and not by patronage of the Minister of the day as is now proposed under the amendments.
The Minister has now claimed that the DG of Planning is too busy to attend CSPC meetings. However he sends his appointed alternate Ms Petula Samios.
Because of the seniority of the appointment and it being a legislated position the Department of Planning resources the position to a high standard. This gives the CSPC and Council direct lines of communication to the highest strategic levels of the DOP.
Note that the City of Sydney is the only local government area that is a stand alone sub-region in the metro-strategy and accounts for 18% of the national GDP. The amendments to the Act will sever or at least weaken this strategic relationship between CSPC/Council and the government.
Removal of the Government Architect is also a serious issue for the Architecture profession and its direct role and leadership in the shape and function of the City of Sydney into the future.
Dr Deborah Dearing President of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects has written to all MLCÂ’s expressing their opposition to the amendments.
We refer you to todayÂ’s page 3 SMH article reporting these concerns.
City of Sydney Council meeting on Monday night adopted the following resolution 9 : 1 with two ALP supporting the motion and Clr Michael Lee lone in opposing.
“The Council notes the amendments to the City of Sydney Act currently before the Parliament that remove the ex-officio appointment to the CSPC of the Director General (or alternate) of the Department of Planning and the ‘senior government employee with architecture experience’ that has always been the appointment of the Government Architect of the day. The Council joins with four of the CSPC members in expressing concern about these amendments and calls upon the Minister for Planning to not amend the provisions of the current Act (s34) as it is highly desirable for the City of Sydney to retain the direct relationship of the CSPC and Council with the Director General of the Department of Planning and the Government Architect.”
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Buses & Light Rail needed in CBD
eCouncillor is pleased to see the Iemma Government moving to address public transport over-load and grid lock in the CBD with the (re) announcement of bus lanes, interchanges and priority in the CBD (see SMH article below). I fully support the City of Sydney's campaign to have a light rail loop built in the CBD from Central station to Circular Quay. There is debate about the true cost benefits of a light rail loop. But there is little doubt that after the initial capital investment is accounted for the system will help alleviate the grid lock of buses in the CBD and provide a more coherent transport loop for internal CBD travel. As I walk around the CBD each day I am distressed at the aggression and speed of the government buses as they race along George and Elizabeth Streets. Every day I witness government buses running red lights and blocking pedestrian access at the park Street intersections with both Elizabeth and George. Creating a strong east west interchange at park Street seems to make sense and interconnecting it with underground heavy rail and surface light rail will build a world class public transport hub. Not forgetting taxis that provide an important public transport element. The government will have to work with Council on a new location for the large and popular Park Street taxi ranks if the space is needed for bus stops.
eCouncillor is pleased that Gladys Berejiklian MP has been appointed the Shadow Minister for Transport by Peter Debnam. This is a critical portfolio and has been held by high profile opposition members including Debnam himself and Barry O'Farrell. One of Gladys' first media statements as the new spokesperson was to reaffirm the Liberal commitment to building the Central to Circular Quay light rail loop.
Buses rule in city transport plan Sydney Morning Herald
Other related coverage
Iemma's poll ticket: $660m transport fix
Long road ahead to better transport
Jordan Baker Transport ReporterNovember 23, 2006
The City of Sydney's Light rail strategy -
eCouncillor is pleased that Gladys Berejiklian MP has been appointed the Shadow Minister for Transport by Peter Debnam. This is a critical portfolio and has been held by high profile opposition members including Debnam himself and Barry O'Farrell. One of Gladys' first media statements as the new spokesperson was to reaffirm the Liberal commitment to building the Central to Circular Quay light rail loop.
Buses rule in city transport plan Sydney Morning Herald
Other related coverage
Iemma's poll ticket: $660m transport fix
Long road ahead to better transport
Jordan Baker Transport ReporterNovember 23, 2006
CARS would be squeezed out of the city under the State Government's plan to create more bus lanes, reduce parking and potentially close five blocks of George Street to private traffic.
Buried in the detail of the Urban Transport Statement, released this week, are radical plans to manage growing bus congestion in Sydney by increasing their share of the city's main streets.
However, critics warn the plan would turn the city into a bus terminal.
Under the proposal, a mid-city interchange would be built on Park Street between George and Pitt streets in 2007-08, and would operate like the interchanges at Central or Circular Quay.
The Government says the interchange would not be a structure, rather a terminus for east-west routes to service buses running on George Street.
But an extra bus stop on each side is likely to reduce the amount of Park Street available to traffic, again creating an obstacle on the key east-west alternative to the Cross City Tunnel.
The most radical proposal is for a large chunk of George Street - between Market and Bridge streets - to become a transit mall, traditionally an area closed to private traffic.
The statement calls for a feasibility study in 2008-09. Options could include closing the street to cars at peak hour.
Another measure is the establishment of two-way bus lanes along the length of George and Elizabeth streets between Central and Circular Quay, which the Government says would cut 13 minutes off journey times.
Buses would be removed from Castlereagh Street. The statement pledges to reduce surface traffic by cutting on-street parking and increasing its cost, and amalgamating smaller bus stops into big bus bays.
Kevin Warrell, the chief executive of Metro Transport, which runs Sydney's light rail system and has the first option for the next light rail line, said the plan was "more of the same".
"Taking the road space to turn Sydney into a bus terminal doesn't exactly seem the best way to plan Sydney's transport to me," he said.
"Putting more and more buses into the city has quite bad effects on the environment. It's the centre of our beautiful city and they're turning it into a bus terminal because they've got an obsession with buses."
A Government argument against light rail has long been the need to quarantine George and Elizabeth streets from general traffic, but light rail advocates say this plan would take up just as much room.
The NSW executive director of the Property Council, Ken Morrison, whose group is part of a coalition lobbying for a long-term solution to the city's congestion, said he wanted more.
"What's proposed here is a logical thing to be doing Â…" he said. "But it's not going to be sufficient to provide for growth.
"We have some fairly bullish growth projections in terms of jobs, tourism and residents. It is likely to require higher-capacity public transport systems to meet them. It may be light rail, it may be metro."
The statement listed a metro line as a long-term possibility, but did not commit to it. Modelled on the Paris Metro system, it would cater for high-demand inner-city areas such as the east and inner west, or main western centres.
The City of Sydney's Light rail strategy -
Light Rail
Great cities require well resourced, efficient and integrated transport systems which link communities to each other, workers to their workplaces, residents and visitors to the cityÂ’s amenities and tourist features and businesses to goods, services and markets within the city, the region and the global economy. The City of Sydney requires integrated public transport systems (heavy rail, metro rail, light rail, buses, ferries) suited to a global city of the 21st century.
Patronage on public transport and road use in the City and inner suburbs has increased significantly in recent years, with continued employment and population growth. Our existing transport systems are already at capacity and cannot cope with projected future population growth.
The City commissioned a report on mass transit that recommends:
key corridors linking the city with the inner suburbs from Bondi to Parramatta;
extension of the current line from Central to Circular Quay;
reorganising bus routes to act as feeders and to increase the number of cross regional bus services;
limiting parking levels in the CBD in commercial parking stations at current levels and providing incentives to minimise parking provided in new developments;
providing additional park and ride opportunities at strategic locations, especially on the light rail routes to encourage car drivers to use public transport;
providing wider footpaths and cycle lanes in city streets and other locations with the light rail network;
adding at least one kilometre of pedestrianised streets to the city centre by 2021 and;
supporting the development of car sharing, individual travel marketing schemes and other travel demand management strategies.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Benefits of increased Cycling
More from my friends in Odense, Denmark with evidence of the health and subsequent economic benefits of increased participation in cycling in the workforce. The economic argument is having more bite with the treasury and rationalist planners of most western cities including in Australia.
Unfortunately the NSW State government is lagging behind Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane in seeing the economic benefits of increased cycling in the workforce. Troels Andersen who is in charge of the cycling programs in Odense travels the world talking about the success and benefits of increased cycling has bought to the Danish city. eCouncillor met Troels at the Bicycle Federation of Australia conference held in Brisbane last year where he presented on the Odense experience. Good links above that can keep cycling advocates surfing all weekend! Bt the weather looks too good so might go for a ride.
3 November 2006
Biking helps cut down on sick days
Efforts to make the city of Odense more bike-friendly are showing results - fewer people are calling in sick
Odense Cycle City, an ongoing, multi-million kroner effort to improve conditions for bicycle commuters, is proving to be a good investment.
Begun in 1999, project initiatives include improved bike paths, free air pumps set up around the city, and a website where commuters can do everything from finding a new bike to warning each other about potholes.
The programme cost the city DKK 20 million (EUR 2.68 million) and has transformed Odense into one of Denmark's most bike friendly cities, increasing the number of two-wheeled commuters in the city of 186,000 by an estimated 25,000 per day.
Additional statistics showing that car ownership has increased at a slower pace in Odense than in the rest of Denmark may have city fathers seeing green, but their efforts also have a financial benefit - active citizens are low-cost citizens.
Odense estimates that over the past four years, a decrease in the number of sick days has saved DKK 33 million (EUR 4.4 million) in health service costs and unemployment benefits.
Thanks to biking, say project leaders, Odense residents have fewer broken bones and fewer tumours than average.
'We have a lower death rate in Odense. People are living longer and we know that illnesses related to physical inactivity have fallen,' said Troels Andersen, the head of the Odense Cycle City programme.
The Copenhagen Post
Unfortunately the NSW State government is lagging behind Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane in seeing the economic benefits of increased cycling in the workforce. Troels Andersen who is in charge of the cycling programs in Odense travels the world talking about the success and benefits of increased cycling has bought to the Danish city. eCouncillor met Troels at the Bicycle Federation of Australia conference held in Brisbane last year where he presented on the Odense experience. Good links above that can keep cycling advocates surfing all weekend! Bt the weather looks too good so might go for a ride.
3 November 2006
Biking helps cut down on sick days
Efforts to make the city of Odense more bike-friendly are showing results - fewer people are calling in sick
Odense Cycle City, an ongoing, multi-million kroner effort to improve conditions for bicycle commuters, is proving to be a good investment.
Begun in 1999, project initiatives include improved bike paths, free air pumps set up around the city, and a website where commuters can do everything from finding a new bike to warning each other about potholes.
The programme cost the city DKK 20 million (EUR 2.68 million) and has transformed Odense into one of Denmark's most bike friendly cities, increasing the number of two-wheeled commuters in the city of 186,000 by an estimated 25,000 per day.
Additional statistics showing that car ownership has increased at a slower pace in Odense than in the rest of Denmark may have city fathers seeing green, but their efforts also have a financial benefit - active citizens are low-cost citizens.
Odense estimates that over the past four years, a decrease in the number of sick days has saved DKK 33 million (EUR 4.4 million) in health service costs and unemployment benefits.
Thanks to biking, say project leaders, Odense residents have fewer broken bones and fewer tumours than average.
'We have a lower death rate in Odense. People are living longer and we know that illnesses related to physical inactivity have fallen,' said Troels Andersen, the head of the Odense Cycle City programme.
The Copenhagen Post
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
US mid-term elections - lessons for Australian politics?
At the risk of antagonising the 'stick to Council issues' eCouncillor readers I will delve slightly on tonight's US election results. It is difficult to compare US results with any lessons for Australia particularly given the nature of politics under the USA non-compulsory voting system. An interesting release from Log Cabin Republicans (Gay and Lesbian Republicans, their friends, families and supporters) below. Was it Iraq or social conservatism that turned the result? Will Australia's major political parties under the growing influence of the religious conservatives heed the warning from the LCR? Inner city residents continue to raise these issues with their Councillors.
"The social extremists have taken our Party off track. They're largely to blame for what happened in this election. They should step out of the way and let mainstream Republicans bring our Party back to its core principles. That's how we'll win again." LCR
News ReleaseFor Immediate Release
November 7, 2006
Log Cabin Republicans Blast Social Conservatives for Causing Defeat in House
GOP House Leaders Lost Sight of What Brought our Party to Power
(Washington, DC)—"Republicans lost this election because independent voters abandoned the GOP," said Log Cabin Executive Vice President Patrick Sammon. "Social conservatives drove the GOP's agenda the last several years. Their divisive agenda alienated the mainstream Republicans and independents who determined this election's outcome. Social conservatives should take responsibility for this loss."
"Democrats didn't win because of anything they stood for. They won because of Republican mistakes," said Sammon. "GOP leaders lost sight of what brought our Party to power in 1994. Limited government, lower spending, high ethical standards and accountability, and other unifying GOP principles attracted a broad coalition of support including fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, mainstream Republicans, libertarians, and independents. Now we've lost the U.S. House because Party leaders turned their backs on the GOP's core principles and catered only to social conservatives."
"Our Party's Congressional leaders drove over the bridge to nowhere and left their principles behind," said Sammon. "The Republicans lost touch with the issues that matter to mainstream voters. The American people lost confidence in the GOP's ability to govern because of misplaced priorities and ethical scandals. The Party should've focused on core kitchen table issues that impact voters' lives. Instead of cutting spending, cleaning up lobbying rules, reforming immigration laws, or balancing the budget, GOP leaders catered to the fringe on wedge issues such as the anti-marriage amendment and the Terri Schiavo case," said Sammon.
A failure to articulate a clear policy on the Iraq war was also a major factor in this defeat. And the ethical problems of some Congressmen caused voters to turn on the GOP. "These results show us that character counts. Our Party must nominate candidates who have the integrity worthy of their office," said Sammon.
Log Cabin Republicans across America worked hard to elect inclusive GOP candidates to all levels of government. Our members donated their time, talent, and financial resources to support inclusive Republicans. "Log Cabin congratulates our allies who won their elections, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA), Gov. Jodi Rell (R-CT), Gov. Linda Lingle (R-HI), and Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH). Unfortunately, an anti-GOP mood swept out some good mainstream Republicans such as Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), and Charlie Bass (R-NH).
"Log Cabin is more committed than ever to helping bring our Party back to power in Congress," said Sammon. "The social extremists have taken our Party off track. They're largely to blame for what happened in this election. They should step out of the way and let mainstream Republicans bring our Party back to its core principles. That's how we'll win again."
"A strategy that caters solely to a narrow group may win one election, but it won't create a permanent majority. The GOP spent the last several years catering to social extremists. But social conservative leaders will always bully and threaten instead of working for the Party's future," said Sammon. "They're an unreliable foundation who can't be trusted for long term support."
Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this. Tell-a-friend!
If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for Log Cabin Republicans.
and further the re-election of Governor Schwarzenegger
Log Cabin Congratulate Governor Schwarzenegger on Resounding Election Victory
Governor’s Victory Shows the Power of Inclusion
(Sacramento, CA) – “Log Cabin congratulates Governor Schwarzenegger for his re-election victory,” said Jeff Bissiri, Log Cabin’s California Director. “The Governor has reached out to all Californians including the gay and lesbian community. The Governor’s inclusive leadership is a model for other Republicans around the nation. His re-election shows that inclusion wins,” said Bissiri.
On a night when the national Republican Party suffered many defeats, Schwarzenegger’s victory shows that mainstream inclusive politics is a winning strategy. “The Governor’s agenda should be a model for other Republicans around the nation,” said Log Cabin Executive Vice President Patrick Sammon. “Schwarzenegger won this race by pursuing a positive common sense agenda that appealed to both conservatives and mainstream voters.”
Since taking office in 2003, Governor Schwarzenegger has signed over 20 bills supportive of the gay and lesbian community including expansion of domestic partnership rights, hate crimes protection, housing and employment non-discrimination laws, improving HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies, and ending the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the state militia. The Governor has spoken out publicly against the anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment and has been one of the nation's leading voices advocating for a "Big Tent" Republican Party.
“Log Cabin proudly endorsed Governor Schwarzenegger. Many of our members across the state volunteered on his campaign and provided important financial support for him. We look forward to continuing our support for his efforts to bring people together and build an even brighter future for the state of California,” said Bissiri.
On June 29, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger was guest of honor at an event to support the work of Log Cabin. He made history as the first Republican governor in California to speak to the gay and lesbian community. In a rousing speech, Schwarzenegger declared that he was "committed to being a Governor for all Californians" and was "proud to stand side by side with Log Cabin in their work to offer basic fairness for gay and lesbian citizens." He went on to say, "A person should only be limited by his dreams and not by his background, and not by his heritage and not by his sexual orientation...We are united in the values of love, tolerance, and understanding? working together we can create a better future for California where everybody matters and every family counts."
"The social extremists have taken our Party off track. They're largely to blame for what happened in this election. They should step out of the way and let mainstream Republicans bring our Party back to its core principles. That's how we'll win again." LCR
News ReleaseFor Immediate Release
November 7, 2006
Log Cabin Republicans Blast Social Conservatives for Causing Defeat in House
GOP House Leaders Lost Sight of What Brought our Party to Power
(Washington, DC)—"Republicans lost this election because independent voters abandoned the GOP," said Log Cabin Executive Vice President Patrick Sammon. "Social conservatives drove the GOP's agenda the last several years. Their divisive agenda alienated the mainstream Republicans and independents who determined this election's outcome. Social conservatives should take responsibility for this loss."
"Democrats didn't win because of anything they stood for. They won because of Republican mistakes," said Sammon. "GOP leaders lost sight of what brought our Party to power in 1994. Limited government, lower spending, high ethical standards and accountability, and other unifying GOP principles attracted a broad coalition of support including fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, mainstream Republicans, libertarians, and independents. Now we've lost the U.S. House because Party leaders turned their backs on the GOP's core principles and catered only to social conservatives."
"Our Party's Congressional leaders drove over the bridge to nowhere and left their principles behind," said Sammon. "The Republicans lost touch with the issues that matter to mainstream voters. The American people lost confidence in the GOP's ability to govern because of misplaced priorities and ethical scandals. The Party should've focused on core kitchen table issues that impact voters' lives. Instead of cutting spending, cleaning up lobbying rules, reforming immigration laws, or balancing the budget, GOP leaders catered to the fringe on wedge issues such as the anti-marriage amendment and the Terri Schiavo case," said Sammon.
A failure to articulate a clear policy on the Iraq war was also a major factor in this defeat. And the ethical problems of some Congressmen caused voters to turn on the GOP. "These results show us that character counts. Our Party must nominate candidates who have the integrity worthy of their office," said Sammon.
Log Cabin Republicans across America worked hard to elect inclusive GOP candidates to all levels of government. Our members donated their time, talent, and financial resources to support inclusive Republicans. "Log Cabin congratulates our allies who won their elections, including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA), Gov. Jodi Rell (R-CT), Gov. Linda Lingle (R-HI), and Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH). Unfortunately, an anti-GOP mood swept out some good mainstream Republicans such as Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), and Charlie Bass (R-NH).
"Log Cabin is more committed than ever to helping bring our Party back to power in Congress," said Sammon. "The social extremists have taken our Party off track. They're largely to blame for what happened in this election. They should step out of the way and let mainstream Republicans bring our Party back to its core principles. That's how we'll win again."
"A strategy that caters solely to a narrow group may win one election, but it won't create a permanent majority. The GOP spent the last several years catering to social extremists. But social conservative leaders will always bully and threaten instead of working for the Party's future," said Sammon. "They're an unreliable foundation who can't be trusted for long term support."
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and further the re-election of Governor Schwarzenegger
Log Cabin Congratulate Governor Schwarzenegger on Resounding Election Victory
Governor’s Victory Shows the Power of Inclusion
(Sacramento, CA) – “Log Cabin congratulates Governor Schwarzenegger for his re-election victory,” said Jeff Bissiri, Log Cabin’s California Director. “The Governor has reached out to all Californians including the gay and lesbian community. The Governor’s inclusive leadership is a model for other Republicans around the nation. His re-election shows that inclusion wins,” said Bissiri.
On a night when the national Republican Party suffered many defeats, Schwarzenegger’s victory shows that mainstream inclusive politics is a winning strategy. “The Governor’s agenda should be a model for other Republicans around the nation,” said Log Cabin Executive Vice President Patrick Sammon. “Schwarzenegger won this race by pursuing a positive common sense agenda that appealed to both conservatives and mainstream voters.”
Since taking office in 2003, Governor Schwarzenegger has signed over 20 bills supportive of the gay and lesbian community including expansion of domestic partnership rights, hate crimes protection, housing and employment non-discrimination laws, improving HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies, and ending the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy in the state militia. The Governor has spoken out publicly against the anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment and has been one of the nation's leading voices advocating for a "Big Tent" Republican Party.
“Log Cabin proudly endorsed Governor Schwarzenegger. Many of our members across the state volunteered on his campaign and provided important financial support for him. We look forward to continuing our support for his efforts to bring people together and build an even brighter future for the state of California,” said Bissiri.
On June 29, 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger was guest of honor at an event to support the work of Log Cabin. He made history as the first Republican governor in California to speak to the gay and lesbian community. In a rousing speech, Schwarzenegger declared that he was "committed to being a Governor for all Californians" and was "proud to stand side by side with Log Cabin in their work to offer basic fairness for gay and lesbian citizens." He went on to say, "A person should only be limited by his dreams and not by his background, and not by his heritage and not by his sexual orientation...We are united in the values of love, tolerance, and understanding? working together we can create a better future for California where everybody matters and every family counts."
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