Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Gabbard weighs giving up Council seat before election
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 15, 2012
Congressional candidate Tulsi Gabbard said she will decide by next week whether to resign her City Council seat in time for a successor to be elected at the general election, a move that would likely save the city as much as $150,000.
"I'm looking at my options now and my decision will be whatever is best for taxpayers. I hope to make the decision by next week at the latest," Gabbard said in a statement in response to a Star-Advertiser question.
Gabbard beat former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann on Saturday in the Democratic primary for the 2nd Congressional District. She will run against Republican Kawika Crowley, a self-employed handyman and painter from Hilo, in the general election.
Gabbard is halfway into a four-year term representing the Makiki-Downtown-Nuuanu district. She did not have to resign to run for Congress, and would return to the Council if she does not win on Nov. 6.
However, her resigning in time for a special Council election to be held in conjunction with the general election could save the city $120,000 to $150,000 in mailing costs for a separate special election, said Glen Takahashi, city election officer.
Recent mail-in special elections to fill Council vacancies created by the resignation of Todd Apo and the deaths of Duke Bainum and Barbara Marshall had costs in that range, Takahashi said.
Gabbard has a large advantage over Crowley in political experience, exposure and money. As of the end of July, Gabbard had raised nearly $1 million and benefited from $500,000 in campaign commercials and brochures sponsored by groups representing environmentalists, veterans and abortion rights advocates.
Crowley reported no money raised or spent in that period.
Under the law, if a Council member resigns 30 to 180 days before a primary or general election, a special election to fill the remainder of the term would be held in conjunction with the next regular election, Takahashi said.
That means Gabbard has until the first week of October to make a decision, Takahashi said. He said it would "very challenging" logistically because there would be a candidate filing period, and candidates' names would have to be added to the ballot in time for absentee ballots to go out.
If a Council member departs outside of the 30-to-180-day period, an independent special election must be held within 60 days.
The city opted to go with an all-mail election in the last three instances because it's cheaper.
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3 candidates file paperwork to run for City Council seat
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Former state Rep. Sam Aiona to run for Council seat vacated by Tulsi Gabbard
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Gabbard fronted campaign $98,000 just before victory
Gabbard cruises to victory over little-known GOP opponent
3 candidates file paperwork to run for City Council seat
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Gabbard fronted campaign $98,000 just before victory
COMMENTS
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wh55 wrote:
I'm glad Tulsi is conscientious and is concerned about not wasting taxpayers' dollars - this is exactly the kind of approach that will help get our economy on track.
on August 15,2012 | 02:06AM
owlright wrote:
Yeah looks like the special re-elections of Bainum, Marshall and Apo would have cost taxpayers close to $500,000 - that's a significant chunk of change.
on August 15,2012 | 02:54AM
wh55 wrote:
I know I remember Todd Apo resigned his seat to go take a lucrative job with Disney!
on August 15,2012 | 03:35AM
Jsato wrote:
Yeah with Bainum and Marshall, they had died (2009 was a bad year for City Council.) So it's a totally different situation than Todd Apo. I remember reading in Civil Beat too that Tulsi Gabbard had spent the least of any member of City Council. So you know she has respect for taxpayer dollars.
on August 15,2012 | 04:26AM
from_da_cheapseats wrote:
I agree that she is conscientious, but I wonder why she says she needs time to think about this? Why can't she just go ahead and save us the money by deciding right now - there is not much to think about, in terms of saving money. The only reason to think about it would be in terms of playing politics, figuring out just how to make this work in her favor...
on August 15,2012 | 07:55AM
IMVHO wrote:
Yup, the old boys need time to get their ducks in a row first, The seat needs to be filled by the person that best fits their needs, then they'll give Tulsi the green light to step down. It's really not her decision, she's just a pretty pupet now.
on August 15,2012 | 09:46AM
walaau808 wrote:
That's not what she's said throughout her campaigning...
on August 15,2012 | 12:23PM
Skyler wrote:
I'm sure there are some logistical issues in resigning. Any job is like that. A week to make her announcement seems totally reasonable to me.
on August 15,2012 | 12:05PM
bender wrote:
So if she's really conscientious then why the delay in making a decision. Could it be that she is uncertain about the outcome of her race for Congress and wants to hang on to her council seat in case things don't work out? It should be a no brainer for her and shouldn't take a week of deliberation. I certainly hope she can make more expeditious decisions once in Congress, we don't have time for her to test the polticial winds every time she is asked to vote on a measure.
on August 15,2012 | 08:44AM
walaau808 wrote:
Exactly! Make a decision NOW!
on August 15,2012 | 12:23PM
steel07 wrote:
So if your boss came to you and said I am resigning my position and you are losing your job, and she said I can give you one day or 3 weeks to find another job, which would you pick? Don't some of you realize she has a staff that will need to find new jobs to provide for their families? I'm sure they understood what would happen if she wins, so now being who she is, is probably giving them time to find new work. Wouldn't you want the same?
on August 15,2012 | 02:08PM
wondermn1 wrote:
How come she did not stand up for Tom Berg as he was trying to uncover the overspending on the property purchase for the RAIL????? She mioght as well resign from the council as her real interests are not for the public and more to help the powers that be. fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me
on August 15,2012 | 03:26AM
Jsato wrote:
Give the lady a break. The election was just a few days ago and she said she'd make a decision by next week. She wasn't the one fighting with Tom Berg - she had nothing to do with it.
on August 15,2012 | 04:28AM
Skyler wrote:
Yeah Tulsi would never waste taxpayers' money. No doubt she's just figuring out the logistics.
on August 15,2012 | 07:28AM
walaau808 wrote:
Logistics? Submit a letter of resignation effective today! If she's going to need one week for a no brain decision like this, then what can we expect in D.C.?
on August 15,2012 | 12:25PM
beachbum11 wrote:
She should have resigned from the silly council when she decided to run for congress. You can't do two offices its one or the other. Shady dealings. Like dad like daughter. He changed parties when thing were not going his way. She won't be doing us any good once elected and under Dan's control Watch and see she is a follower look at her record on the silly council
on August 15,2012 | 07:16AM
Skyler wrote:
She went to every single council meeting and represented her constituents. That was the right think to do. You're entitled to your opinion but obviously most people disagree with you on her representation in Congress. Since she was just elected, why don't you cut her a little slack since she hasn't even started yet.
on August 15,2012 | 07:30AM
bender wrote:
Wrong, she was not just elected. She just won her primary race. The election will be in November. Try to focus.
on August 15,2012 | 08:46AM
Skyler wrote:
Sorry she just won the PRIMARY election in case anyone here wasn't clear which election I was referring to.
on August 15,2012 | 12:08PM
peanutgallery wrote:
Tulsi isn't doing any good on the Council. She might as well giveup her seat now. She could have done a lot of good helping Berg uncover overspending, buther decision not to is telling..... she's already started to dip her beak.
on August 15,2012 | 04:25AM
Jsato wrote:
If you're concerned about the situation with, rail, you'd have a lot more effect putting energy into pushing for Ben than trying to attack Tulsi. The Mayor's race will decide the outcome of rail.
on August 15,2012 | 04:36AM
akuman808 wrote:
Wonder and Peanut are Mufi supporters just bitter about the thumping that Tulsi layed on Hanneman.
As for Berg, he can take care of his own created chaos.
on August 15,2012 | 05:19AM
Skyler wrote:
True.
on August 15,2012 | 05:55AM
peanutgallery wrote:
Actually you're wrong. I was glad to see Mufi defeated, but the folks better hold Gabbards feet to the fire. She had a responsibility to us as a council person, and she took a pass. Now she may head to Washington, and the only things we know about her are her record, and her campaign ads. Neither are impressive, and the campaign ads where she says she'll help push Obama's agenda forward are very troubling.
on August 15,2012 | 06:54AM
akuman808 wrote:
So you're not troubing because it sounds like you didn't vote for either Mufi or Tulsi??? Hypocritical of you to post from the peanut galleryof what responsibility Tulsi should exhibit and you failed yours by not voting or making a choice. So are you for Romney-Ryan or again you're not making a choice there either?
on August 15,2012 | 09:38AM
wondermn1 wrote:
Not in your life, ANYBODY BUT MUFI is my moto, but Tulsi is still on the council until she resigns and she should be watching out for us like BERG.
on August 15,2012 | 11:52AM
peanutgallery wrote:
You guys better pay attention to who you elect. Elections have consequences, and just becasue you elect another pretty face doesn't mean you get an ethical, straight-shooter who has the public's best interest at heart.
on August 15,2012 | 06:56AM
walaau808 wrote:
True
on August 15,2012 | 12:26PM
allie wrote:
and Mufi was a pretty face doing good?
on August 15,2012 | 01:55PM
bender wrote:
The point is that Tulsi sat on her hands and watched a fellow council member be silenced. If she had any ethics at all she would have spoke out. But since Tulsi is an obvious rail supporter she didn't see anything wrong with that. She should resign her seat now and use the extra time to take a couple of ethics classes.
on August 15,2012 | 08:50AM
akuman808 wrote:
Berg was wrong with his outburst and lack of respect. Tulsi simply agreed with that bad behavior. Perhaps you should bring down your hate a bit so reason and common sense can prevail.
on August 15,2012 | 09:42AM
KeithHaugen wrote:
Good idea, Tulsi. And, as a final act as our Council representative, make a plea to the others to kill the Kapolei railroad NOW. Knowing that Ben Cayetano will kill it after the general election, it makes no sense for the temporary lame-duck mayor to continue to pay his friends hundreds of millions of dollars to build his Mona Lisa stonehenge.
on August 15,2012 | 05:28AM
Kuniarr wrote:
KH, although Cayetano got a plurality of 44.8%, he will be up against a combined rail vote of 55.2% on November 6. Unless he convinces some of the rail votes to vote anti-rail.
on August 15,2012 | 10:15AM
Hank13 wrote:
"Whatever is best for taxpayers". That would clearly indicate resigning. I don't mean to rush you, but isn't that a "no brainer"? Does such an obvious decision need more thought? Maybe I'm missing something.
on August 15,2012 | 05:49AM
islandsun wrote:
Should be!
on August 15,2012 | 06:22AM
Skyler wrote:
I'm sure it is a no brainer but since the election was just a few days ago perhaps she needs a few days to figure out the logistics.
on August 15,2012 | 07:32AM
bender wrote:
Or as pointed out by anoher forum member, maybe she needs time to figure out how to make this work to her advantage.
on August 15,2012 | 08:52AM
Hank13 wrote:
After thinking about it more, maybe she doesn't want it to appear like she is taking it for granted and making Crowley seem insignificant. If that's the case, I apologize. If not, this could increase his significance. As the long-shot that she was in the beginning, I don't blame her for not resigning for the primary. It's totally different now. Show us you're the politician we were hoping you'd be.
on August 15,2012 | 11:24AM
walaau808 wrote:
Make a commitment one way or another...she shouldn't have her cake and eat it too. She is a PUBLIC servant, and should act accordingly. If she isn't sure about winning the election then withdraw and continue representing on the City Council. If not, get out of there so someone else can do the job you obviously don't care about anymore!
on August 15,2012 | 12:29PM
jkjones wrote:
C'mon Tulsi, this is a no brainer. You ran on integrity. The only reason to delay resignation is to remain on the county payroll.
Dont nickle and dime the tax payers of Honolulu. Resignation will give you more return value in terms of respect. Walk the talk and best wishes in your future endeavors.
on August 15,2012 | 06:13AM
kevinn wrote:
Either you're committed to the 2nd Congressional seat or you're not! She should have resigned from the council when she announced her canidacy - I view this as a "if I win great, then I'll think about resigning from the council. If I lose, no biggee because I have something to fall back on".
Non-committed!
on August 15,2012 | 07:48AM
Ewasohappy wrote:
Ain't that the truth!
on August 15,2012 | 09:25AM
Kaleo744 wrote:
Sometimes I dont know why I even take the time to post a comment because even if I do and gets pass the "sent for approval" they'll delete it if whoever is "monitoring" our comments dont like what it says talk about censorship what ever happen to the "freedom of Speech " right?
on August 15,2012 | 06:25AM
beachbum11 wrote:
What do expect from The SA. Owed and run by democrats and one from a different country. Only in America
on August 15,2012 | 07:21AM
DowntownGreen wrote:
The SA is a private, for profit entity and has NO obligation to let anyone use their resources to give their opinion. We all PAY to participate in this forum through our subscription fees and they get to monitor it any way they choose. That's how it works in a capitalist system. They own, they control it. If we don't like it, we don't participate.
on August 15,2012 | 07:39AM
allie wrote:
Trouble is freedom of speech protects you against governments but not private businesses
on August 15,2012 | 01:57PM
turbolink wrote:
Brings back memories of daily media events to discuss her decision to take her Hawaii legislature seat or deploy with her unit. Like now, the answer was obvious, except it milked a lot of publicity and sympathetic concern. Not all that altruistic.
on August 15,2012 | 06:37AM
localguy wrote:
Tulsi advertised here military experience, leading by example, always placing the needs of others first. If she intends to remain true to these military values, it is no brainer she will resign her City Council seat in time for a successor to be elected at the general election, a move that would likely save the city as much as $150,000. Failure to do this will show her as just another lying bureaucrat who will say anthing to get elected. Ok Tulsi, lead, follow, or get out of the election. Your call.
on August 15,2012 | 06:53AM
beachbum11 wrote:
You are so right. Like father, like daughter
on August 15,2012 | 07:23AM
sccoutt wrote:
I would really like to know what values and principles Tulsi shares with her father. That has me worried.
on August 15,2012 | 08:22PM
charlesu wrote:
It should be mandatory that any politician resign their current seat to run for another office.
on August 15,2012 | 07:01AM
beachbum11 wrote:
You are right. Resign before you run for another office not after you get elected
on August 15,2012 | 07:24AM
kispest wrote:
Amen!
on August 15,2012 | 07:34AM
Snator wrote:
Actually, she's not elected to anything yet. But using your reasoning, you're saying one should quit their job before interviewing and being accepted for a new job? Would you quit your current job before you had another one secured? Doubt it.
on August 15,2012 | 08:24AM
bender wrote:
This is public service and if they are truly a public servant they would give up their current elected position before seeking another. It's called running from the security of your present office.
on August 15,2012 | 08:59AM
turbolink wrote:
Could also be a conflict of interest. Instead of having to make a judgment call, better to have no chance for it to start with.
on August 15,2012 | 09:23AM
akuman808 wrote:
First of all Tulsi will win the general. And if by some unforeseen occurance, even if she didn't win I doubt that she would have a problem finding another job, do you?? But she will win.
Now about her council seat. Being on the city council is not an income windfall or prestigious boost for your resume. But it does come with responsibilities for that district to insure her constitutents are represented.
If you're critical of that then nothing can help you.
on August 15,2012 | 09:55AM
toad103410 wrote:
Well said Snator!
on August 15,2012 | 09:06AM
loquaciousone wrote:
Although I voted for Tulsi, the only good thing I can say about her is that she's good looking.
on August 15,2012 | 07:14AM
IMVHO wrote:
That's exactly what the good ole boys had in mind.
on August 15,2012 | 09:49AM
kapoleitalkstory wrote:
What will Tulsi do? Put the people first or her paycheck first? HMMM Wow not even elected yet and she is already been put to the test - if she fails this one this might just give her Republican candidate a issue that she cannot paint over with her slick ads...
on August 15,2012 | 08:23AM
BigWaveDaves wrote:
Tulsi is looking into ways she can save the Taxpayers money, yet these people are so bitter they still will find fault!
Got to wonder if they are Mufi's people -who are bitter Mufi lost.
The people have spoken -so get over it. Hawaii Voted Tulsi:)
on August 15,2012 | 08:53AM
Skyler wrote:
Well said brother.
on August 15,2012 | 12:10PM
walaau808 wrote:
Are there other decisions she needs to make besides saving us all 150K right now? She made promises that she will NEVER keep, i.e. ending the war, ending pay to play, etc., etc., because she can't do these things by herself! Why promise all this stuff knowing full well she can't do all she's promised alone? Majority of voters simply weren't hearing what she was saying...
on August 15,2012 | 12:34PM
hawaiikone wrote:
But if you're cute there's enough voters here to get you elected...
on August 15,2012 | 03:01PM
kapoleitalkstory wrote:
She doesn't have to look all she has to is act - resign before the deadline to ensure that the special election in in the General Election! I am not bitter I just posed a question and ONLY HER actions will answer not your snotty post BWD.
on August 15,2012 | 09:56PM
Maneki_Neko wrote:
Pure kabuki. Of course she will resign - Kawika presents no competition. The key is in extracting as much political capital as possible from relinquishing the City Council seat. Horse trading.
on August 15,2012 | 08:50AM
false wrote:
good idea, Tulsi. It's about time someone thought of a way to save some money.
on August 15,2012 | 09:25AM
Skyler wrote:
Exactly.
on August 15,2012 | 12:11PM
dalawyer wrote:
As a consolation prize, maybe the city can appoint Mufi to fulfill the two years Tulsi has remaining as council woman. Would sure hate to see Mufi lose again,,,,spare him the grief and just appoint Mufi!
on August 15,2012 | 09:30AM
WesleySMori wrote:
Yes DALAWYER, "WHY NOT"??????
on August 15,2012 | 04:19PM
Anonymous wrote:
That's exactly what the good ole boys had in mind.
on August 15,2012 | 09:51AM
allie wrote:
yikes....nooooooooooooo
on August 15,2012 | 01:58PM
Changalang wrote:
Not true; it is to keep Berg from having another bite at the apple after he loses to Pine, the new Rail Princess ex-Republican to be admitted to the Council. Mufi is not the villain Mufi Derangement Syndrome makes him out to be. Personally, I like the tone he took in his campaign. He stayed away from Rail and absolutely did not go negative as his last minute numbers tanked. It showed me that he is man enough to learn from leaving PRP style politics behind. Mufi proved that you can teach an old dog new tricks, if that dog is smart enough and willing to learn. I believe Mufi will not be back in politics, but still objectivity about his campaign does service to the truth justice.
on August 15,2012 | 05:00PM
Kaleo744 wrote:
I voted Democrat but now,I'm having my regrets.....either way we are screwed!
on August 15,2012 | 09:56AM
Kaleo744 wrote:
I voted as a Democrat, but after this election fiasco, Im going the other way or better yet no need vote!
on August 15,2012 | 09:57AM
Kaleo744 wrote:
The politics and name calling even with the "posters" is just insane, don't blame people for not voting, no transparency in politics even in our great ALOHA state. all about profit and position...
on August 15,2012 | 10:01AM
Skinny wrote:
Ms. Gabbard's dilemma, and what's being lost in these comments, is that opponents may criticize her for being presumptuous and/or arrogant if she resigned before the general election, regardless of how formidable or not her opponent may be. That's what make it a tough decision.
on August 15,2012 | 11:23AM
environmental_lady wrote:
I strongly advise Tulsi to resign as that will improve her chances to get elected. She will show both courage and consistency as she walks the talk.
on August 15,2012 | 11:35AM
loquaciousone wrote:
I have never met the lady but judging from the Democratic unity breakfast photo after the primaries, she's either really tall or Neil is very short.
on August 15,2012 | 11:47AM
allie wrote:
he is fat and short
on August 15,2012 | 01:58PM
loquaciousone wrote:
I've never met the lady before but judging from the Democratic unity breakfast photo after the primaries, she's either really tall or Neil is really short.
on August 15,2012 | 11:48AM
scooters wrote:
Tulsi won because everyone is tired of Mufi's incompetence.
on August 15,2012 | 12:16PM
walaau808 wrote:
You care about the taxpayers money, yet haven't decided if you'll save us $150,000 or not? Does anyone really believe she won't win the election? What are you waiting for? Put your promises to work by doing what's right by the people!
on August 15,2012 | 12:22PM
Kuokoa wrote:
Duh! This is a no brainer! Resign now so no special election needed. Oh wait, that's right Gabbard's cronies need to be paid OT to run the special election.
on August 15,2012 | 01:37PM
allie wrote:
Good luck Tulsi. We are with you all the way!
on August 15,2012 | 01:55PM
HealthyandHappy wrote:
If she doesn't know what to do; I bet she will vote for the highest bidder.
on August 15,2012 | 03:26PM
LadyNinja wrote:
If Sesnita Moepono had been elected instead, she would have been still on the job and NOT have to waste any taxpayer money.
on August 15,2012 | 05:11PM
Wazdat wrote:
Please resign and save us some $$$$$$$$$$
on August 15,2012 | 08:15PM
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