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Citywide Survey Conducted on Yorba Linda Right to Vote Amendment
It has been reported by some local residents that Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates, (see web site), contacted them over the last few days conducting a survey.
Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates is a firm that has specialized in public policy-oriented opinion research.
The survey was reported to last 20 - 30 minutes with questions that included:
- Are you aware of the voter initiative in Yorba Linda?
- Do you agree that Main Street is raggedy and dilapidated?
- Do you know Jim Drummond ("Yorba Linda Star" columnist) and what are your thoughts on him?
- Would you vote, in the next Council election, for Ken Ryan, Keri Wilson and Jim Winder and Allen Castellano?
- Many of questions about the use of eminent domain.
- Did you attend the Old Town Discovery Tours?
At this point, no one is taking credit for commissioning the survey but one possibility could be a former firm client, the City of Yorba Linda, CA (see client list).
Another possibility is Mr. Dieden, the proposed developer for Town Center, or his new political advisor Mr. ______ ______. (link), whose company is listed as one of Maslin, Maullin & Associates clients.
In his biography (Link), "Michael quickly earned a reputation as the premier community consensus-builder in California by leading entitlement campaigns for many controversial projects, including the Water Garden in Santa Monica, Venice Renaissance, Stanford Ranch in Placer County and Playa Vista for Maguire Thomas Partners". Both Stanford Ranch and Maguire-Thomas Partners are listed on Maslin, Maullin & Associates client list. (link)
Important Questions
- Who commissioned the survey?
- Why were these questions selected?
- How will the results be used in the future?
- What is their real agenda?
Analysis
The developer has an "Exclusive Negotiating Agreement"with the City, which was recently amended (link), barring other persons from discussing certain public policy matters with the City, cutting off the rights of some persons to contact their government, and making the developer an agent and extension of the City.
Should the City, the Redevelopment Agency, or the proposed developer, acting as the exclusive agent of the City, have the power to use political advisors, surveys, or any other means against the citizens of Yorba Linda?
Should the City, the Redevelopment Agency, or the proposed developer, acting as the exclusive agent of the City, be allowed to use their financial and political power to stop, hinder or subvert the will of the people who wish to exercise their right to the initiative process?
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