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Lancaster city election results (thoughts?)

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Election 2014 results thoughts

LANCASTER – The voters have spoken. Lancaster’s two incumbents bested seven challengers Tuesday in the race for Lancaster city council.

Marvin Crist finished first with 4,052 votes, followed by Ron Smith with 3,874 votes. While Johnathon Ervin garnered the most votes at the polls, he lost ground in the votes by mail, and ultimately finished third with 3,125.

The combined precincts and votes by mail totals are below.

  1. Marvin Crist – 4,052
  2. Ron Smith – 3,874
  3. Johnathon Ervin – 3,125
  4. Sheldon Carter – 1,107
  5. Oscar Mejia – 1,001
  6. Liza Rodriguez – 764
  7. Jordan Campbell – 323
  8. David Pail – 265
  9. Michael Rives – 197

View the detailed 2014 unofficial election results here.

What are your thoughts on the Lancaster municipal election? The winners?  The voter turnout? The way candidates ran their campaigns?

Let your voice be heard… Speak Out!

Filed Under: Politics

97 comments for "Lancaster city election results (thoughts?)"

  1. Still unbelievable that no one took issue with Lisa Rodriguez lying about being a nurse and that someone in the city encouraged her to run….what a joke

  2. ATTEN HUN! CAP’N LANCASTER HERE WITH YOUR LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL ELECTION AND MEETING UPDATE.
    AFTER SEEING THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION, CAP’N LANCASTER NEEDED TO SPEND SOME TIME ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS TO COLLECT HIS THOUGHTS. WITHOUT GETTING TO EMOTIONAL ON Y’ALL..WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED LAST WEEK? AFTER ALL THE BS THAT TEAM REX HAS PUT OUR CITY THROUGH WE WENT OUT AND PUT THEIR BUTTS BACK IN OFFICE AGAIN? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH US? WATCHING THIS HERE SWEARING IN CEREMONY ONLY MAKE CAP’N LANCASTER WANT TO SWEAR!
    WE KNOW A COUPLE THINGS FOR SURE: THERE ARE AT LEAST 4,000 COMBINED MORONS, DOPES, DUPED PEOPLE, CLUELESS VOTERS OR SINCERELY MISLEAD FOLKS WHO INKED THEIR BALLOT FOR MARV CRIST AND RON SMITH. HAVING LIVED HERE FOR WHAT SEEMS LIKE AN ETERNITY, I CAN UNDERSTAND. BUT, PEOPLE—WE GOTS 150,000 RESIDENTS, AND A GOOD CHUCK OF THEM IS VOTERS. WHERE THE HELL WERE THEY ON ELECTION DAY? SHAME ON YOU! SHAME, SHAME, SHAME!
    SO THE FACTS IS, WE GET THE GOVERNMENT WE DESERVE. EXPECT MORE OF THE SAME THIS TIME AROUND: WASTING $90 GRAND A MONTH ON THE STUPID SPY PLANE, AN OUT OF CONTROL MAYOR SUING BUSINESSES, MORE NEPOTISM IN CITY APPOINTMENTS (HEY, AIN’T RON SMITH’S KID DUE A SPOT ON SOME COMMISSION BY NOW?), MORE LAWSUITS AGAINST OUR CITY, MORE MONEY AND ATTENTION ON THE FREAKING BLVD WHILE THE REST OF OUR CITY GOES TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET, MORE WALMARTS RAMMED UP OUR KEESTERS, MORE BIRTH TOURISM, MORE CITY MONEY SPENT ON FRANK AND JIM GILLY AND THE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTORS OF OUR MAYOR AND COUNCIL, MORE ROUNDABOUTS WE DON’T WANT OR NEED, MORE POTHOLES, MORE STORES GOING TO PALMDALE WHILE WE GET CUSTARD SHOPS, MORE OF NOTHING!
    CAP’N LANCASTER IS TIRED OF SEEING CHICK-FIL-A’S OPEN IN PALMDALE, WHILE STARWOOD’S DOORS CLOSE IN LANCASTER. CAP’N LANCASTER IS TIRED OF WALKING DOWN THE BLVD AND HAVING TO CARRY A POCKET FULL OF COINS TO KEEP THE PANHANDLERS AWAY. CAP’N LANCASTER IS TIRED OF GETTING HIS FRONT END OF HIS CAR REALIGNED BECAUSE HE JUST HIT ANOTHER POT HOLE. SORRY, FOLKS, BUT CAP’N LANCASTER IS ALL WORKED UP!
    IN THE MEANTIME I ASK ALL THE GOOD PEOPLE OF LANCASTER TO KEEP WATCHING AND ATTENDING THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND KEEP THE HEAT ON THESE CLOWNS. THEY WORK FOR US, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. CAN’T SEEM TO GET THAT THROUGH A CERTAIN MAYOR’S THICK SKULL.
    SPEAKING OF A CERTAIN MAYOR’S THICK SKULL, THE AMOUNT OF LAWSUITS BROUGHT UPON US BY HIS BIG YAPPER HAD CREATED A PRETTY DURN THICK BOOK! HERE’S WHAT WE THE TAXPAYER GET TO PAY FOR WHILE HE SPOUTS OFF HIS USUAL NONSENSE:
    Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation: significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (2) – four potential cases.
    Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation: consideration of initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (4) – one potential case.
    Conference with Legal Counsel–Existing Litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (1)
    Coalition for Open Government v. City of Lancaster, Case No. BC499047
    Quartz Hill Cares v. City of Lancaster, Case No. BS 122336
    Lancaster v. Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) Case No. MC023649
    Rubin v. Lancaster – United States District Court Case No. CV 10-4046 DSF (JCx)
    Save Our Neighborhood Group v. City of Lancaster, et al. Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BS 121501.
    Shabazz v. Parris, USDC, Central Case No. CV12-5803 SVW (JEM)
    ANTELOPE VALLEY GROUNDWATER CASES
    Included Actions:
    Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40 v. Diamond Farming Co.
    Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Case No. BC325201;

    Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40 v. Diamond Farming Co.
    Superior Court of California, County of Kern, Case No. S-1500-CV-254-348

    Wm. Bolthouse Farms, Inc. v. City of Lancaster, Diamond Farming Co. v. City of Lancaster, Diamond Farming Co. v. Palmdale Water District
    Superior Court of California County of Riverside, consolidated actions;
    Case Nos. RIC 353 840, RIC 344 436, RIC 344 668

    Santa Clara Case No. 1-05-CV 049053

    WELL, AT LEAST THE LAWYER BUSINESS IS BOOMING. THE REST OF TOWN HAS GONE TO HELL IN A HANDBASKET, BUT THEM LAWYERS IS RAKING IN THE DOUGH. SPEAKING OF BUSINESS, SAD TO SEE THE HOOKAH JOINT ON J AND 20TH CLOSE DOWN. NOTHING LIKE HAVING A PLACE FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO SIT AND RELAX AND INHALE TOBACCO PRODUCTS. BUT RIGHT NEXT DOOR, A NEW DOLLAR TREE OPENED AND BUSINESS IS BOOMING! LOOKS LIKE WE’RE FIXIN TO BE THE DOLLAR STORE CAPITAL OF THE UNIVERSE! THAT’S ALL WE SEEMS TO GIT THESE DAYS.

    MAN, O, MAN CAP’N LANCASTER IS WORKED UP! I THINK I NEED ME A NICE BOWL OF CUSTARD. BUT THE DAGGAM CUSTARD SHOP AIN’T EVEN OPEN YET! CAN’T CATCH ME A BREAK!

    WELL, I’VE RANTED ENOUGH. THIS HAS BEEN CAP’N LANCASTER WITH YOUR LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL ELECTION AND MEETING UPDATE. AT EASE!

  3. Ill just add that I hope Ervin and Meija run again. I hope this is them just getting started, not discouraged by the process.

  4. I went to City Hall Monday and observed the counting of the provisonal ballots. There was no change in the winners. Smith the second place candidate beat Ervin by almost 600 votes. I went to City Hall Tuesday and observed the random counting of the ballots by hand to make certain they were the same as the machine count. No difference. This election has been above board, no matter what some may think. By the way, I was the only candidate to observe the above. No other candidates came or sent representatives to witness the events mentioned. The Lancaster city clerk’s office has done a fantastic job of handling the election this time. It was crazy with four or five candidates filing at the last minute. But the count on election night was very speedy with the cooperation of the Sheriff who brought the ballots in from the voting places with great speed. Congratulations to all involved and that includes the candidates who put themselves out there to better Lancaster!

  6. You people are funny with all this Palmdale is better than Lancaster crap. Get a life. I gonna vote with my dollars, lol, if you had money you wouldn’t live in Palmcaster. Ervin lol that guy has allways been dishonest, ask people who know him. I wonder if this local website has any integrity. They seem to never post anything that goes against the Democrat Party. Have fun with that one Bill.

    • That’s funny, “Frank,” because I DO know Ervin and he is extraordinarily honest, despite your slanderous BS. He also has something that your buddy Parris will NEVER have: An ethical code of conduct.

  7. I will continue to vote with my dollars. Not a dollar spent in Lancaster while the corrupt regime is in power.

    • If “they” are so corrupt how come they are not in jail and keep getting elected? Some proof would be nice.

      • @Frank Rizzon
        corrupt: adjective
        1. having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain.

        Didn’t you read the mailers, Frank? Doesn’t necessarily mean criminal worthy of an arrest. But, honest folks don’t much care for that.

        Rex & Co. sure fit the definition above, now don’t they Frank?

      • From my personal experience, they only put innocent people in prison after having gone to court for 1 1/2 yr. using tax dollars, allowing an officer of the law to lie, when there is paperwork to back up the lie, nobody even mentions it. The poor young man being charged cannot interfere. His public defender says she is too busy on another case, so hardly even talks to him except just before he appears, and the fact he is not a criminal, doesn’t know how all this works, just gets him railroaded. What is going on out here? Has anyone heard of constitutional rights, guilty until innocent, doing your due dilligence? I am talking about my grandson, stopped, but not given a ticket, broke his back at 17, and has a legal medical marijuana card, but the officer forgot to ask for that. He saw two cell phones, one of which was a gift with a two year contract, expired and shut off, from me. The other he purchased when mine was cancelled I gave numerous copies to everyone showing my name etc, but it too was ignored. He also lived with me, drives an old beat up car,and if he was this drug dealer, why did nobody come and search my home? I am ill but I am sure I would have noticed? He had no money, was going to school which has been ruined, his future has been messed up, and now they are going to try and send this guy to prison? HOW CAN THIS BE? I am sure when my ancestors came to this country in the year 1634, this injustice was not what they had in mind. Thank God I still have copies to verify the TRUTH. Does anybody care? Why aren’t they arresting real criminals. Is this some kind of joke?

        • Why is not an elected mayor who illegally purchased property in a redevelopment area not facing criminal charges? A mayor in a northern California city got jail time for less. Money talks.

  8. I see Ervin still hasn’t conceded. He really has no class. When you lose, lose graciously. Hopefully he doesn’t waste more taxpayer money with a frivolous lawsuit over losing the election.

  9. Thanks for everyone who supported me. I guess someone has to be in last place. I did walk the neighborhoods and hit 850 homes. I wanted to get 1,000, but I was worn-out. I spent $239 dollars. $25 of that was for a filing fee with the city clerk, so I spent about $215 dollars. Anyway, I noticed in the VALLEY PRESS Thursday edition that 772 provisional votes will be counted on Monday. Statistically, Ervin could win if he got all of them since Smith is only ahead by less than amount. Anyway, the vote totals will tighten between Ervin and Smith even if Smith still wins. Ironically, this is how Smith was defeated by Fox for assembly (provisional ballots). Remember he was 3,000 votes ahead until they were counted and he lost by 145 votes. It should be interesting Monday at the Lancaster City Clerk’s office!

  10. As I live in Palmdale (I am thankful for that), the only way I can vote in the Lancaster situation is to SHOP PALMDALE.

    • yup. vote with your wallet. if they want to keep up with these election shenanigans all we can do is speak up with our wallets. no dollars of mine in lancaster under this regime.

  11. The people voted for the usual morons. They will just never learn. 90% of you stayed home.

    You good folks in Lancaster have the government you deserve.

  12. It would be nice if the public servants for the city of Lancaster where there to serve the public instead of the public serving to fatten the pockets of the politicians. The lengths to which the mayor and his cronies will go to protect their booty, is a pretty good indication of the large amounts that are at stake.
    I would also like to commend Ervin for an ethical political race. However, ethics are not going to get the king and his minions from office. Hopefully karma does exist.

  13. The Most Boring Cities in California.

    Here is a link to the study. Lancaster ranks #2 as the second most boring city in California.

    http://www.movoto.com/blog/top-ten/most-boring-places-in-california/

    So much for the ‘world class BLVD’ in the ‘Safest place in the universe’ at the ‘heart of the Antelope Valley’ as Rex has said.

    If it wasn’t for the comical antics of Rex Parris, Lancaster would have been #1.

    Enjoy. I thought it interesting that those Lancaster folks who ride Palmdale for its fast food and corporate restaurants will notice that Lancaster has a high proportion of fast food to other type restaurants per capita.

    • The same survey also ranked Palmdale as being “more boring” than Hemet….Yeah, so take it with a grain of salt.

      • Still beats Lancaster by a lot. Palmdale beats Lancaster in so many ways, bonding rating, property values, unemployment, gender wage gap, location, leadership, etc., etc.

  14. Hmmm…let’s see. Marv and Ron, white guys, re-elected. 3 African Americans and 2 Hispanics sent down to defeat after Rex and friends pump a ton of cash. But money aside, Marv and Ron are clearly the preferred candidate of choice by the minority class, right? Ron, the Arizona immigration champion. Marv, the civil rights legend. No racially polarized voting here. Move along now!

    • You lost! Don’t be a sore loser! They never bothered to ask for an ID to vote. There were no other elections going on, so as to avoid confusion. This was the perfect chance for low-information voters to make a statement and they didn’t. Deal with it!

    • Here’s how I voted from Palmdale. First I stopped buying from the Whole Wheatery because they started charging me 10 cents a bag. But we donate it to the homeless shelter they insisted. But I don’t want to donate to the homeless shelter and they still insisted. I now save about 40% on the vitamins by purchasing them in Palmdale at the Vitamin Shoppe. Let Rex spend some of his 1 billion he likes to brag about and take care of the homeless. And then I voted again when I stopped shopping at Winco as I didn’t want to leave any tax dollars in Lancaster. This one hurts as Winco is a great store in a terrible town. By the way the Lancaster Winco Store has the highest theft rate of all their stores. And then I voted again and bought my Jeep in the valley as I didn’t want to leave any tax dollars again.
      My latest voting comes from buying all the big box items outside Lancaster and taking all returns to the few big box stores in Lancaster using SAMS Club gas.

      • @I voted
        I too limit my unnecessary shopping and dining in Lancaster and encourage my friends and neighbors to do the same.

        I guess it has to hurt Lancaster in the pocket book before they wise up and rid themselves of Rex & Co.

        Rex said recently that 70% of the shoppers at the Antelope Valley Mall are from Lancaster. So, as long as he keeps Lancaster free of decent shopping and dining and other retail, it’s good for Palmdale.

        At this point, I don’t know what Lancaster can do to reverse this trend. Did y’all notice that Chic Fil A is coming to Palmdale? I’ve read comments from Lancaster residents hoping it would locate there but it wasn’t gonna happen, neither are many other desirable businesses.

        Palmdale has already established itself as the premier shopping/dining/entertainment center of the Antelope Valley. Why on earth would a company want to locate in Lancaster and possibly be sued by its mayor.

        Rex is doin’ fine. He’s passed the billion dollar mark for settlements but if you live in Lancaster, how has that improved your life? The money people save from having solar panels on their homes will be spend in Palmdale. Thanks, Rex.

        • I have to admit, I drive to Palmdale to shop, have my car checked and to go the mall. I have tried the BLVD a few times but the prices and the parking is a no brainer, not to mention battling the homeless for my spare change. Try driving down the BLVD around 8 in the morning, it’s littered with the homeless and just not the kind of place you wanna walk around in.

          • @Palmdale Shopper. Are the parking places in the median full at 8 AM? I’ve driven the BLVD a little later in the morning and they are full of cars in the couple blocks around the restaurants, but what’s open.

            Are employees parking there all day just to make it look busy? Weird.

            I’ve been there at noon and the restaurants are practically empty, the ones that are open.

          • @Palmdale Shopper. Are the parking places in the median full at 8 AM? I’ve driven the BLVD a little later in the morning and they are full of cars in the couple blocks around the restaurants, but what’s open.

            Are employees parking there all day just to make it look busy? Weird.

            I’ve been there at noon and the restaurants are practically empty, the ones that are open.

    • Personally, I believe it does not matter what your race is. What we citizens should be focusing on is the heart and mind of the person we are electing to govern us. What good will it do you to elect a black or brown just because they are black or brown but govern you with a hand of steel. Is that what you really want?

      • Holy crap. Thanks.
        I am a “minority” and before I voted, I researched the candidates. As far as who they endorsed, who endorsed them, their political beliefs, and qualifications. Being Latino or black shouldn’t harness the minority vote.
        My only grief is that there weren’t any other solid republican candidates.
        Did any one make it to the luncheon with sheriff tanaka last year? I had so many question I wanted to ask him but it looks like I didn’t have to. Good thing his dirty laundry was aired before he was voted in.

  15. There were over, 1000 votes disseminated amongst the losers that would have gone to Irving and given him the election had they not run an unwinnable election. The question is why did they run to split the vote? Ego, civic duty or a promise from Raymond Perris.

    • THATS WHY AMERICA IS GREAT BECAUSE IT ALLOWS ALL TO DO WHAT THEY WANT. THE SAME COULD HAVE BEEN SAID FOR THE WINNERS “THEY COULD HAVE SWEPT THE ELECTION”. A REAL DEMOCRACY DOES NOT GO ON RACIAL LINES OR UNION LEADERS DICTATES BUT ON IDEOLOGY BASED ON DIVERSE IDEAS. OTHER WAYS IT BECOMES A MOB MENTALITY THAT UNREASONABLY ENRAGES THE UNINFORMED.
      DEMOCRACY IS NOT A LOUD CHANT OR A SLOGAN .
      PEOPLE VOTED , THEY WERE NOT FORCED TO VOTE.THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN BUT UNLIKE SURVIVOR ,YOU CAN KEEP YOUR TORCH.

      • Lol. Yeah! If no one else ran Ervin would win! Lol. Next time no one else run except Johnny or you’re all meanies!

    • @Richard
      Rex, Marv and Smith won.

      And, Lancaster loses.

      In the next 2 years, Rex & Co. will do even more outrageous krap to bring ridicule on the city.

      Enjoy it, Richard.

  17. Yes, it deplorable that most citizens dont care about local municipal politics. I’ve been a resident of Lancaster circa 1976. I’ve seen the city get graffitied by the urban crowd from Los Angeles , violent criminals paroled & living downtown & section 8 people turning this city into the cesspool of the inner cities of what longtime residents of the AV call “down below”.
    So when a mayor comes along & tries to clean up this place I call home (Lancaster). I support him! Los angelinos go back down below & take your urban tide of death & destruction with you all. The so called “cactus curtain” is only used by outsiders of the AV.

  18. Well it really sucks that Ervin lost, but…the fact that he came so close should be enough to give King Rex sleepless nights that any of them can be replaced, especially if he keeps up with his dirty politics.

    I too applaud Ervin for not sinking to Rex’s level by keeping his campaigning clean and fair.

    For those who didn’t vote, they probably didn’t know the election was going on, so next time you guys should get out there and remind your family, friends, and neighbors and give them a ride to the polling place if they need it. For those who weren’t so informed, talk about the issues with them, debate about it, even if they are on Rex’s side, at least it will give them something to think about.

    Until the next election, the least we can do is go to the meetings at City hall and give them our two cents, after all, they are open to the public. Or write to the Opinion section. Don’t like some of the businesses here? Boycott them, or if you do like them, then support them by going to them. There’s a lot you can do, you just have to get started.

  19. Lets all organize a march ! what better are we if we do not take action, we have all the talk but we dont walk. We have multiple issues that only get worse if we dont act now, if we marched against segregation, grapes, and other civil rights issues, we can raise our voice now and show Ron , Crist and Rex we also have a voice! Before this city turn into a large monopoly whirlpool!

    • To late! The city has already turned into a large monopoly whirlpool And the people of Lancaster can continue to put out for the good old boys! Or is it a cesspool? One the voters of Lancaster deserve!

    • Ha ha that’s hilarious.People wouldn’t get out to vote and you want them to march?
      Sorry but the apathy seminar has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

      • its worth a try, even if a few people do it, actions will speak louder than words, if we continue to stay quiet, it would only get worse for us, think about it, if we do not act now, we will only watch the downfall of this city, I rather let my actions be heard by the city instead of being a keyboard warrior.

        • You lost an election that should have been easy for your side to win, given that there was no requirement to show ID at the polls, and now you want march????

          Typical.

        • The action that would have spoken loudest was exercising the right to vote, which people did not do despite being offered rides to the polls.
          What exactly would you be marching about?
          I applaud your idealism but its a done deal.

          It’s sad but people didn’t want to get off their butts to do it.

  20. The citizens of Lancaster need to organize. Demand a transparent voting count, demand a neutral 3rd party (decided by the citizens, and not the government) conduct the ballot count. The mail totals look suspicious to me.

    Furthermore, best to start preparing for the next mayoral election. With how much dirt Rex has dusted up, we’ll have a ton of outside money being pumped in to push him out. We need to make sure that all that money doesn’t bring a similar devil in a different suit with it.

    • Dittos, Eric. All this may have done is set the stage for Ervin to take on Parris himself!

    • Re next mayor election, set up a meeting. I’m a retired PR lady / one-time op-ed columnist and will help any way I can. One of The Boulevard cafes would be great location, as from there it’s a short walk to city hall…

    • The mail-in ballot count was very accurate. i was a candidate and I went to the City Clerks office often and saw the ballots that came in. More people voted via mail-in than went to the polls…..period.

      • @Sheldon Carter
        Just out of curiosity, Sheldon, what kind of campaigning did you do? This is the first time I’ve noticed you commenting here…..AFTER THE ELECTION. Did you have yard signs or what?

        Or were you just playing around for your own sake.

        • Sheldon was put in the race by Rex Parris when it was unsure if Ron would recover from the car accident then Rex realized Sheldon had no chance in hell of beating Ervin and he needed Ron to run. Sheldon did no campaigning although he did allow “someone” to pay for a mailer for him that duplicated the wording, design and pictures of Ervin’s mailer — it looked like a cheap imitation which was another tactic by Rex to try and confuse the electorate. Sheldon was involved in getting Marvin and Ron re-elected as he allowed himself to be used like a pawn or maybe he is just really that stupid. It’s funny how his fellow military brother (Ervin) was disrespected by Rex with lies but yet Sheldon partied election night with Rex & co like he was a winner… You all should see the picture… It’s really worth 1000 words. People like Sheldon Carter are the reason why Rex and his boys stay in power.

        • @wiiliam, he was used by the paris camp to siphon votes from ervin. there’s a nice photo of him, marv, and david paul on the front page of today’s paper all chummy while counting the ballots. he served them well and will be rewarded with a commission position for sure.

          • Exactly, “transparency” from one of the ghost candidates. Why was there no information from city hall that the serf class was allowed to come and watch the votes be counted?

          • Well, then I am psychic. I didn’t know any of that but was just suspicious when I saw a comment from him here for the first time.

            The rot in Lancaster politics will be their undoing.

      • So Sheldon, which commission are you going to be on? Planning Commission? We’ll keep our eyes peeled to see which commission the Mayor puts you on!

        • It seems that suddenly Mr. Carter has developed a case of laryngitis. The Mayor hasn’t given him permission to speak, unfortunately.

  21. William—What are you doing to make a change for the better? Let me know and I will join you.

    • @bird
      I live in Palmdale and can’t vote in Lancaster. I try to point out the reasons that Rex & Co. must be replaced but it falls on deaf ears. I’m sure you’ve seen CAP’N LANCASTER’S lengthy posts listing all the lawsuits and other negative issues that occur in Lancaster such as a lowered bond rating, businesses leaving, unpaved roads and money wasted on things like spy planes with little result, too much attention on the BLVD which isn’t the big deal Rex thinks it is, and so on.

      I try to come up with effective solutions but it seems that the GOBs are so entrenched in Lancaster since forever, that it will take a crowbar to remove them and their influence.

      By contrast, I have little to complain about to Palmdale’s leaders and I mostly thank and acknowledge them for their continued excellent work in moving the city forward despite recessions and attacks by Rex and other interests in Lancaster. Don’t forget, the AV Hospital fought the building of Palmdale Regional Medical Center and the AV College stole the bond money to build its auditorium instead of going to a Palmdale campus. I’m sick of the constant problems that Lancaster inflicts on its neighbors like Palmdale and Quartz Hill.

      If I had the $$$$s, I’d spend whatever it took to replace Crist, Smith and Rex in the elections. Unfortunately, Lancaster residents don’t seem to care. I don’t get it. How crummy does their city have to become before they decide to get involved?

      One suggestion would be to get as many Lancaster registered voters to vote by absentee ballot. It so much easier to do at your kitchen table. You don’t have to drive anywhere and take as long as you like in the comfort of your home. That should be the big push for the next election. Apparently, the voters that voted for Crist and Smith voted by absentee ballot in greater numbers.

      I’m not sure if it can be done, but if it can, volunteers should set up places outside the Walmarts and on the BLVD to sign up registered voters for absentee ballots.

  22. Wow so many sore losers. No voter ID is required and
    yet turnout is so low. What’s your excuse this time?

    • Sad but true.Interestingly enough,it was the mail in votes that made the difference according to AV Press article.

  23. Well more good government from king rex and his supplicants.
    Still leaves Lancaster as a good place to be from.
    No where to shop and few to eat at except Wal-mart and McDonalds.
    I guess we get the city council we vote for, or don’t bother.
    Hoping to get the elections on a regular voting day would make a difference, also districts like in Palmdale.
    Never happen here.

  24. Thoughts? The idiot voters in the city of Lancaster apparently love business as usual and their King Rex. Complete dumbasses just love their Mayor McCheese. There’s some thoughts for you.

  25. Complain, complain, complain; that’s all a small majority know how to do these days. I will agree that the voter turnout was “deplorable” because there was no way that a citizen in the city would have missed this election with as many billboards that were up and the ridiculous amount of junk mail that flooded homes.

    For those who are unsatisfied with the results, I’m sorry. Maybe if you were THAT upset at current representatives you should spread the word and take action for a different direction. This is still a free country (so far).

    For those that are using the race card, again, Mr. Ervin only lost by a small number of votes. It’s hard, many times, to replace an incumbent because the voters default to the incumbent when not informed or educated otherwise.

    Moral of the story: get out and vote! Tell your family, friends, and neighbors to vote! We should all be productive members and not unproductive complainers.

  26. District 6. I voted anti Rex and was pretty sure how this would end up…Rex winning, Bex Party & and a few Christian power words mixed in with politics..in the end, this city has a population of 148,*** people… And this was the turn out again…ever watch blazing saddles? “Phony baloney” elections. Mayor parris has rigged this town in his favor! The lazy non voters sit on their money makers and collect hell from local authorities, complain about it, then never take am active position to elect a candidate, even if it is a candidate with similar background, no one does anything to change what is wrong. I was once told, “you must like it, or you’d change it!” Sorry Ervin, we tried, but you were fighting an uphill battle and Rex has “the law on his side!”The votes we cast prob got canned

  27. wow, so it continues to be business as usual! Congrats to Ervin for running a positive campaign. Just a note, I find it still odd that so many of Ervin’s signs “blew” down or whatever else – on the west side that is.
    If we are getting that close in the numbers, I think the city council should wake up and realize that we are tired of being thrown under the bus. Keep making decisions – like the Walmart travesty – and your days are numbered (politically speaking).
    so I am disappointed, but have hope that things will change before long.

    • Yep… we noticed the odd wind that only took down Ervin signs on the east side as well.

    • Lori, Your in the Antelope Valley signs aren’t the only things that blow down in the wind, I saw plenty of Christ signs blown over and reality signs and much more! Why must everything have a conspiracy behind it?

        • Lol! When we voted at almost 8 pm the poll workers said they were bored out of their minds and only had about 90 voters all day. That’s disgusting. Changing subject… Why isn’t Rex’s salary included on this list http://www.cityoflancasterca.org/index.aspx?page=360
          And why are these people getting so much money? Event planner? Gee, how about …. Poppy Destival! And…… BOOlvd! Look for yourselves at all your tax dollars at work.

  28. Funny how the count for the winners almost exactly matches the membership total for a westside church that the power brokers have supported for years.

  29. I have been harping about the separate election for years. It’s a huge waste of taxpayer money. We should only have one election per year, in November. With few exceptions, this council won (bought) their seats with dirty ugly politics, and actually USED the church as a tool to win votes. It’s disgusting and I am ashamed of them.

    Mr. Ervin you made them spend more money and show their true character, for that I applaud you.

  31. Recount!!!!
    P.S. A close friend of Rex’s mother was working the senior center polls!! Hmmmmm!!

  32. Did anyone think the results would be anything different it will always be the good old boys club until people grow a pair and make it change.

  33. Why do you think they hold the elections at an odd time in April? If the city elections were held when others were, they would be in trouble. They do this knowing that no one will turn out because either the majority are lazy, don’t care or just don’t know about the elections. I ran into people yesterday that didn’t even know there was an election.

    • The time of the election has no effect on the out come. Check the history of Lancaster and Palmdale elections. Lancaster’s is in Apirl with only Lancaster issues on the ballot and Palmdale’s is in November during other state and county issues on the ballot, yet the % of turnout is very close. If you did some reseach before you spout untruths you would not sound so ignorant!

  34. The racially polarized voting in lancaster prevents minority candidates from winning city council elections. It would be beneficial if lancaster moved to a district model. Someone should really think about bring this to court for violating the california voters rights act. I believe a lawyer from lancaster has brought this exact same suite against neighboring cities, he would probably take the case ;).

    • Didn’t African-American Henry Hearns win numerous elections as a Lancaster Councilman and a term as Mayor? Isn’t current Lancaster Councilwoman Sandra Volta Johnson a Latina. Sounds like “NotRigged” should change his poster name to “NotCorrect”!

    • Hey NotRigged, I guess you don’t consider Sandra Johnson a minority? Look at the commissions the city has are they not racially balanced? The problem with Ervin was, when he was appointed to the Planning Commission, he didn’t want to follow the law he wanted to make a name for himself. But he only attracts haters, those who hate Rex, others who hate Republican (which Rex is not – he is a liberal) and minorities who hate whites. His platform was I’ll work with Palmdale and other empty words. Ron has proven himself time and time again. The BLVD is Ron’s idea and he worked hard to make it happen. Palmdale got the Mall in the 80’s and therefore attracts businesses that want to be close to malls. That all happen pre-Rex and Ron. When things were going in the right direction the cities (palmdale and Lancaster) and county were sued over Section 8 so we find ourselves in the same condition of the 2000s. Investors buying properties and renting them out to Section 8, which is overrunning the eastside of both cities.

    • So True.

      Lets find an Attorney from Palmdale to file the same lawsuit as did Lancaster against Palmdale.

  35. 9 candidates for two seats? Someone should have told those who had no chance to bow out gracefully and support one of the top 3 or 4 candidates. Ugh

  36. Oh well, it’s all over. I just hope Ervin and his group will remove all of the signs they place out in the desert areas BEFORE the wind spread them. Kind of got sick and tire of seeing him mug! I hope the people who finished fourth and fifth don’t give up hope and learn from the political BS played by Crist, Smith and Ervin.

  37. Odd how it’s always the votes that Parris and his cronies have access to that always seems to make the election come out their way…

    • No s***. It would be an interesting study for social scientists or psychologists to learn how some people’s fervent religious beliefs override their common sense.

      They elect someone with pretensions of faith while he displays dispicable un-Christian behaviors at every turn.

      The roads go unrepaved, the business arena is lack-luster and requires so much attention to keep it afloat, money is needlessly spent on spy planes and litigation, but, they don’t care as long as it says “In God We Trust” behind his head.

      Would you fly in a plane that their god is piloting, given his questionable trustworthiness?

      Wow. Just ‘wow’.

  38. I guess Lancaster has to hit rock bottom before the voters and non-voters wake up.

    Rex & Co. will be emboldened by this election and be even more arrogant. You’ll see.

    Anyway, congratulations to Jonathan Ervin for a clean and honest campaign. You won on that scoreboard.

    Winning by playing dirty politics and sending out dirty hit mailers will cost the GOB in the end. Business will not want to locate in such a city unless they are paid to. And, that money comes out of the kitty that should go to improving things in Lancaster.