Get them some Pet Tags

First off, let's establish one thing - Contra Costa County District Attorney, Bob Kochly has bigger things to worry about than what the new building that will house his team of prosecuters in downtown Martinez looks like. If he had design and architectural interests, he would have gone to Architectural School rather than Law School.

So what does that say about the new DA's building that has been the center of so much controversy of late? Well, maybe the elected officials of Martinez, the people that control the boundaries of where the building sits, should be speaking up regarding the design of the building with a stern and assertive attitude. What's up with Gayle Uilkema, Contra Costa County Supervisor, Martinez Mayor Rob Schroeder, and City Council members Mark Ross and Janet Kennedy.

I received a lengthy letter the other day claiming that Mayor Schroeder was quoted in the paper as saying "there are
many factors that must be taken into account regarding the City's official position on the [D.A.] building. It is very difficult to define what is a historic look."

Once again, Schroder is performing the steps that will eventually reward him a place on "Dancing With the Stars". Schroder's hands are tied on this one. His family has long friendships and connection to Kochly. For Schroeder, who is about to get his political butt kicked in the upcoming election for his lack of moxie when it comes to the redevelopment issue for Martinez, he cannot afford to have any more of his political allies hold up the approval paddle with anything less than a 6 on it.

Schroder has done more to upset his constituents during his term than any mayor Martinez has had in recent years. He navigated around redevelopment and allowed it to float by as though it were an orange juice carton in Alhambra Creek on New Year's Day.

Give Schroder a break. He can't break ties with Kochly.

Pan to Mark Ross for a moment. His hand has been held high with index finger extended to judge the wind of the public for so long he needs an arm brace to hold it up. Ross will not make a decision on the building until the last moment, until his poll is done and he has had a few Starbuck's meetings to see how the piblic feels about the crap they are about to construct downtown.

One of the bigger disappointments and surprises on the Martinez Council is Janet Kennedy. We all know Flamingoes change color when their feathers are ruffled, but Kennedy, who has been a major dissappointment to her supporters in many respects, should have teamed up with Lara De Laney months ago to take control of the council. The two women, instead, are more distant now then before they met. Kennedy spurned any force joining suggestions in order to not break ties with Schroder, who she feels obligated to for her appointment. But Kennedy needs to watch more West Wing. Once you win the election on your own, you can vote the way you want.

But take a closer look at the men on that platform. Are they the rough and tumble types Martinez is known for? No. These guys are whimperers. They need pet tags . Are these the backroom politicians that led the town when it was thriving? No, of course not. These guys are acting like they are Volvo driving vegans who are sitting back waiting for something to drop from the heavens. ( Don't get us wrong, we love Volvos and Vegans, but not when it comes to Martinez' political makeup. If we wanted that type of individual we would have elected Beth Rainsford.) Show us the beef.

They are totally not the strong type leaders that Martinez needs to move into whatever century they are attempting to leave behnd, and now, Bill Wainwright, who is working out in some political gym, somewhere, is garnering all of the support right out from underneath Schroeder, Ross and Kennedy, by grabbing on to the Historic Building scaffolding and running with it. It will prove to be one of his strongest campaign planks in his bid for mayor.

What somebody needs to do is go to a Contra Costa Board of Supervisor's meeting, stand before the board of dummies and read them the riot act.

Let's try this.

Dear Board of Supervisors-
Maybe it doesn't matter to you, because nothing seems to phase you, but as a representative of the City of Martinez, I would like to point out that eveyone knows that you are totally responsible for screwing up the county. Now, you have decided to contiunue to foul up downtown MArtinez with the approval of this corrugated monstrosity that has taken on a life all its own. It is apparent that you all lack taste. And, that you are really only concerned with saving your butts after being turned down by the Assistant County Administrator on your lucrative job offer. But, we are appalled at the approval you are about to give to the building that nobody in Martinez wants. Mr. DeSaulnier, you have had enough exposure to builders, through your vast connections with Shappell to know what an ugly structure can do to a town. Coming from Lowell, Massachusetts, the Historic Heart of America, would this building suffice there? Give us help Mark. And, John, are you just Jealous that Martinez will look better than Richmond, is that the problem with your vote. Federal, what about those beautiful historic buildings in downtown Pittsburgh. We want one of those. Mary, are you so far out of the loop that you don't care at all about Martinez. We need your help and support on this.

But Gayle, you take the cake. Make a decision for God's sake. We are most surprised and dissappointed with your actions. We know it is difficult to decide whether to support Mr. Kochly, so that your daughter who is an assistant DA won't get any heat, or shoplifting cases. But you do have an obligation to the district you serve. It is bad enough that you are considering approval of legislation that will give your daughter a very full pension, while you turn your back on other county workers. But in this case, why not vote so downtown Martinez can get a building constructed that won't be an eyesore.

Or, should we just get a sign made to raise on top of the building which reads... The best thing about being inside this building is that you don't have to look at it.

Pet tags with big diamond studded collars and a little red leash may be the way to go.