Name: the watcher |
| A little left in San Marcos would represent at least 1/4 of the population. Nothing on her website strikes me as too weird. Someone has described the incumbant as furniture and inconsequential. The alternative in this election is Lisa Marie. Why the hell not. |
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Name: Lawrence |
| Looking at his website one can't help but get the impression that Jones is a classic ticket puncher, using the council as a stepping stone to bigger gigs. Let's help him on his way by electing Lisa Marie Coppoletta. Change is good and inevitable. |
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Name: Real Martian |
Jones hardly seems like a ticket-puncher. If he were, he would have moved on to bigger gigs.
Change is inevitable. Change back to the 70s is folly. Besides, Lisa has no big issues on her radar. |
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Name: cm1277 |
| Are you serious? Do you follow up on the council or attend meetings? How can you logically say that Chris Jones is the most useless member and a patsy for the mayor? You do not know what you are talking about and you don't have any idea of the work he has done or time he puts in. |
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Name: Lawrence |
| R. Martian- 23 university committees et.al. and 6 current organizations seems like ticket punching to me. |
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Name: blanket |
| Lisa needs to get all over the sidewalk and bike path issue. it's right up her alley and it's been relegated to a 'when the funding is available' issue by the current council. they're more interested in growth than safety for the citizens they serve. her opponent will say he's all for it but where are his results. he's an incumbant, he must be forced to run on his record. |
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Name: Duwright |
| For the record...when Ms. Coppoletta ran for city council almost two decades ago she had sidewalks, bike paths, skate parks, basketball court/parks as a few of her many planks comprising her platform. She is a naturalist and a staunch proponent of Eco Tourism. |
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Name: James |
| How can you not logically say that Chris Jones is the most useless member and a patsy for the mayor? You do not know what you are talking about if not! He routinely makes a complete mockery of the Council, he is a bumbling idiot to say the least. If San Marcos is to push forward then Jones must go. He has no touch of reality and has hurt San Marcos drastically. |
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Name: Real Martian |
| Specifics, please. |
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Name: cc1477 |
I've worked with Lisa before and she is absolutely crazy. None of her personal students workers when she worked at the Texas State bookstore have stayed long. She is not able to communicate clearly and her stress level was off the charts.
I most certainly will not be voting for her based on her skills as a people person. |
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Name: Lisa Marie Coppoletta |
| My interpersonal, group and public speaking skills are stellar. My teaching evaluations are consistently off the charts regardless of which institution I am teaching. And, you will find specifically with regards to student workers I am am outstanding colleague. I find your post unethical and untrue. I enjoy working regardless if it is working at Valentinos on the line, painting and roofing or in the classroom. And, I was taught that your work is a reflection of your personhood. My work ethic stands on its own merits and this includes getting along with others and being a mentor. |
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Name: Lisa Marie Coppoletta |
Love your site! I have so much to say and will be posting soon! The debates are forthcoming next week - after we get thru the first set of debates, I will immediately disclose my full platform online/speaking notes at your site. Respectfully, LM
p.s. I also have a bio to post soon as well!
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Name: Duwright |
| cc147, thank God we live in the land of the free! This allows most people the opportunity to vent or better discourse in order to reach some sort of catharsis. I don't know about your personal experience with Lisa Marie, I was not there so cannot form an opinion concerning your accusations, do you have any collaborating witnesses? Anyway, I did have the privilege of meeting many of the youth Lisa Marie worked with on her own time and without financial compensation in the early nineties. Children whose parents where no strangers to the penal system and were not only depraved socially and economically but utilized their respective "gangs" as their primary social institution. She took the kids into her home and taught them how to go beyond just "surfing the internet," by instructing them on the use of software that opened up their creative and intellectual prowess. It was not unusual for 5-10 children to be waiting on her porch for her to arrive from working all day. She lived in the same neighborhood as the children and the children became her extended family and she their "anglo" mom and I do have witnesses to my allegations cc. but thanks for your input anyway. |
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Name: Lisa Marie Coppoletta |
In the past few years, there has been very little professional job creation in San Marcos and even some job loss. Unlike our neighboring cities to the North and South, our efforts to solicit professional employers to our community have not been successful and we have even given tax abatements to existing companies just to keep them from leaving. What do you accredit this to and how can it be turned around?
A proactive commitment to revitalization of the downtown can be accomplished by acquiring funds for capital investment for infrastructure as well as small business development. When local businesses thrive and their employees reap the benefits of a successful local economy both San Marcos and surrounding communities on the corridor prosper. The revenues generated circulate within the town and throughout Central Texas enhancing the quality of life for Texans. This also creates a strong presence to attract investment opportunity to San Marcos.
Supporting community based small investment is key to revitalizing our economic infrastructure. No one can deny that global and regional organizations are restructuring via downsizing due to our shrinking economy. This is a trend that appears to be here to stay not only locally but also nationally. Viable and proven strategies exist and we must be proactive by supporting where our strengths reside. My approach incorporates taking advantage of Texas abatements for motion picture industry. Our historic district, river, downtown, surrounding locations will attract industry for locations which translates into millions of dollars worth of free advertising for our town
(1) Michigan is expected to see their revenues go up from 2.2 million after the new abatements for 47 scheduled production to is $288.4 million
(2) Cultural Tourism such as film festivals
(3) Encourage motion picture productions which make investments in repairing buildings, roads, landscaping
(4) Enhanced scouting programs and creation of production guides about San Marcos
(5) Film industry significantly creates revenue for local businesses: hotels, restaurants, bars, small businesses that provide film equipment, production crews, security, construction, catering, hairstyling, makeup, extras food, transportation, electronic equipment, supplies for set construction
(6) Estimated 70 to 80 percent of the scenes workers involved in technical and hands-on work needed to produce a film—are hired locally often earning often higher hourly wage than workers employed in other private sector industries.
(7) In 2005, for example, direct employees of the film and media industries earned an average salary of $73,000 (excluding highly paid talent)—a figure 80 percent higher than the $40,677 average annual salary of American workers that year
Sales tax currently represents approximately 1/2 of the total revenue for the City - with the outlet malls being the largest component in that category. Are you concerned about the City’s dependence on that revenue and if so how would you work toward diversifying our local economy to prepare for the possibility of the day the success of the outlet malls starts to diminish?
The lack of sales tax revenue is a growing concern throughout all cities in our shrinking national economy. San Marcos’ dependence on mega business for revenue is prone to suffer especially when a substantial percentage of the business’ customer base is nonlocal. With the continuously spiraling cost of fuel, the discounts offered by the businesses may not offset the cost fuel thereby directly affecting our municipality.
First, one form of cultural tourism is hosting film and music festivals. The overall perception of our city is improved with both large events in the convention center and small venues located in downtown San Marcos.
Second, investment should be focused on program development for skills and small business development with the creation of Training and Education programs such Louisiana Film Crew Training Program sponsored by NOVAC (The New Orleans Video Access Center). These courses on how to be a Production Assistant, Set Construction, Scenic Painting, how to be a Grip or Electrician are free of charge and are taught by industry professionals. There is also “Teen Camp” which teaches digital video making and career development at the University of New Orleans Film Arts Program.
Smart Growth” is a term that has recently become common vocabulary used to describe the preferred development approach in the growing Central Texas region. How would you define the term “smart growth” as it relates to San Marcos?
Smart Growth = Balancing long term and short-term effects of our municipal policy making and governance
Invest in Pre-Existing Projects Which Have Empirically Worked
• Revitalize efforts continue of downtown district
• Spaces for organizations and small businesses as part of this
• Investment in infrastructure such as pedestrian walk paths and bike lanes
• Technology in city management and public participation – chat with your council member prior to meetings for citizen input
Green Footprint Approach
• Conservation of water consumption
• Protect river
• Economic incentives to business who are innovative going green
• Stronger involvement by Council Members for the City of San Marcos Sustainability Program
• Conscious of gas prices when implementing policy due to new trends
Citizens as Capital Resource Worthy of Monetary Investment
• Incorporate Creative Citizenry thru grants to fund small businesses and community organizations to develop innovate programs
• Invest in educational opportunities of citizens
• Provide them with studio and performance spaces around town for coordination of events with larger convention venues
• Increase funding for project information Public Access Microcomputers for Public Library
If you were to pick a US city to model San Marcos’ growth after what city would that be and why?
The film industry has been key to economic recovery in Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the state in 2005. Down the road after my plan generates city revue, I will propose creation of studio space such as The Film Factory—a $100 million, 300,000 square-foot studio in New Orleans. The Film Factor also has sound stages, post-production facilities, and a film vocational school. We could work in cooperation with Texas State University for specialized fast track programs to prepare citizens for high paying industry jobs. This would also provide an additional outlet for Texas State staff, students and faculty. Residents in San Marcos who have been long active in the creative arts scene here in San Marcos will find many opportunities for creative expression as well San Marcos youth. To this effect, I would propose increased funding for the Public Library so that pre-existing services our citizens utilize can serve as a feeder for more specialized training. I would also submit to the master plan for the library additional equipment and personnel for multimedia training and hardware/software.
In New York, the Tribeca Film Institute has played a key role in the economic revitalization of lower Manhattan since the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. In 2008, nearly 400,000 people attended the 11-day festival.
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Name: James |
| I am just curious to know if Lisa Marie is really competing to unseat the current Chris Jones or is she simply doing a documentary on the political process? Do not take this wrong because I hope that she is taking this serious because Chris Jones is the weak link on the City Council and needs to go away. He routinely uses the council meetings as his personal stage for his antics that makes San Marcos look bad. So, if Lisa is serious please get out and put your name around the city and be heard because Chris will be hardto beat with his ties with the students. Even Tom W the moderator should agree with this. |
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Name: MesquiteMan |
| She spoke at the San Marcos Area Builders Association today and I would not vote for the moonbat if she was the last one on the planet! |
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Name: James |
| Wow, that speaks volumes with her going against the likes of "the man is holding the students down" Chris Jones! Maybe she is only doing a documentary on the political process as the rumor states. |
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Name: Real Martian |
I'm not sure how one would document something without the subject of the documentary seriously pursuing a task. I mean, maybe in some cases, but not here.
I would not pretend to build a lunar lander, with no real plans of going to the moon, just so I could "document the process" of trying to get to the moon.
See what I mean? If she is not serious, then what is she documenting?
She may be crazy. I don't know. I have not seen her in person. The things she has written make me feel bad for the students who may rely on her. She doesn't seem that bright. |
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Name: Lisa Marie Coppoletta |
| I am extremely serious about this campaign. I am filming the process to teach others about local community organizing. I have gained a wide basis of support and our campaign is building up steam. And regarding the last debate, I received numerous compliments on my platform and delivery. More footage is being uploaded from SMABOR Debates with the League of Women’s Voters and CONA forthcoming. Your only argument is one of a personal attack, i.e., “moon bat” and not a substantive one. Best, LMC |
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Name: Duwright |
James, after watching Lisa Marie's vids of the Realtor Debate on Myspace I know that she is serious as a municipal heart attack about her City Council race. Its my understanding that she was solicited by Mr. Jones and Lisa Marie agreed to help him get elected during his first rodeo. A lot of folks in SM are disappointed with Mr. Jones' lack of ability and or lack of concern with the public trust of his office.
As far as student support goes, Lisa has taught at charter school, high school and at several colleges and continues to teach for TS and ACC as well as academic advising. Her current and passed students are her legacy for they deeply appreciate her not only as a consummate instructor but also as a truly kind and loving human being.
As far as Mosquito Man's comments, all I can say is that mesquite is not indigenous to this area and it sure sucks up an inordinate amount of valuable water for its size. |
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Name: Duwright |
| James, I'm not sure what you mean by your statement about Mr. Jones..."....holding down the students..."??? |
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Name: realjupiter |
| real martian, just out curiosity have you ever run for political office? You remind me of so many past and present armchair quarterbacks, TALK THE TALK but can not or will not WALK THE WALK! It is planetary beings like yourself that spend more time on the dark side of the moon then in their own living room! |
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Name: Real Jupiter |
real Martian, I took your comment about Lisa being not so bright to heart and did a little research and found out that Lisa Marie was the Graduate Student of the year at Texas State with a 4.0 average..."Whats in your wallet," Martian?!
My God man! Do your research RM...Lisa Marie took TS to debate nationals for the first time in the history of the college, something an illustrious alum was unable to do, yes that's right it was L.B.Johnson! |
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Name: James |
| Chris Jones' only concern is that the city officials and police leave the students alone and that they should be allowed to run wild, party and drive drunk all over town. He was only concerned with the treatment of the out of control students down in Sagewood last year and not for the safety of the community. Watch his stupid antics at the City Council meetings where he compared the actions of the police to that of a police based dictatorship. He needs to realize that the actions of the students should be held to the same laws that the rest of land is held to. That is what was meant by him only being concerned with"the man holding the students down"! If you were ever at a city council meeting you would see him make a mockery out of it monthly. As for Lisa, since you say you are serious then get your name out there. I have not seen a single sign with your name on it. Chris Jones may not be very bright but he has a strong political machine running his campaign and the backing of the few students who actually vote. You will not beat him by simply debating, get out and spread your name. |
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Name: Duwright |
| James, it is my understanding that anyone can sign up at www.myspace.com/lisamarie4sanmarcos to have a LMC campaign sign in their yard by 10-03-08. |
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Name: Brad |
| Wow, Lisa Coppoletta is lost and she confirmed that tonight at the cona debate. I want anybody but her to replace Chris Jones. I admit that Chris Jones works harder at getting elected than in office but man, Lisa is lost. I agree with James that she is not serious; she is doing a movie documentary. That must be why she has no signs out and her table tonight at the Cona debate had nothing but a couple flyers. As with Dan Mcarthy running for Mayor, do not waste our time with you own idiotic personal agendas. I predict less than 100 votes for her and Dan so I hope that is enough for her documentary movie! Thanks for wasting our time! |
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Name: Lisa Marie Coppoletta |
http://www.youtube.com/lisamarie4sanmarcos
the footage from the debate is located here |
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Name: Real Jupiter |
Brad, I know who you are! You are one of Chris' surrogates and the scuttlebutt is that your organization is getting a little worried and that you all don't always stick to the issues and prefer viewing yourselves via smoking mirrors.
Is this what you've been taught up on the HILL or are you one of Chris' friends that he mentioned i.e. requiring five, sixth years to graduate? See you at the polls, Brad! |
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Name: Brad |
Sorry real jupiter, I am not a surrogate of Chris's and never went to this school. I actually scored above the Schools low standards on the SAT and went to UT Austin. Yes, it did take me 4 1/2 years to graduate from there but again, my 1270 SAT was to high for the SWTSU 850 minimum for attendance. I am an attorney here in San Marcos that is simply getting tired of the wasted seat that Chris Jones has held in place 4. As you have probably already figured out by now, my real name is not Brad.
Anyway, I am sincere in the fact that Chris Jones works harder to get elected than after he has been elected. He has done nothing since being in office and we have 3 years wasted in him already. I really wish that Lisa was just as serious about defeating him but that does not seem to be a reality. She is making a documentary on the political process and that is a shame. Between her and the idiot Dan Macarthy, they are wasting all of our time.
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Name: James |
Regarding yard signs - If you are serious LMC, put some signs out or quit yanking our chain for your documentary!
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Name: Duwright |
| Brad, I stand corrected, I retract my statement. 1270! Like yourself, I have yet to master the art of humility...I aced the SAT. |
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Name: real jupiter |
| brad, its whinning meely mouse "know it alls" like yourself that make me want to eat dirt! Whoo hoo 1270!!! Man do you have to wear cork stoppers in your ears to keep all that mega gray matter from seeping out? I did not see your name on any ballot, wat up law dog?! Whom is wasting others time? How long have you been practicing and how many pro bono hrs. per month do you log? |
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Name: Lisa Marie Coppoletta |
My instructional documentary teaches interested citizens the mechanics of running a grass roots campaign to be of public service. It demonstrates to follow your passion on standing up for what one believes is right – such as protection of the natural resources.
I am sharing my ideas openly and honestly to help others in the future. You are reading way too much into this documentary notion once again this is an instructional video not to be shopped around at film festivals. So, yes I am serious and I appreciate your support!
The yard signs are out - if you would like one just e-mail
lisa_coppoletta@yahoo.com
I encourage the voters to view the debates I have posted online.
I am EXCEPTIONALLY SERIOUS ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN
and clearly the more prepared candidate
http://www.myspace.com/lisamarie4sanmarcos
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Name: Bradley |
| Obviously with this many comments, San Marcos is unhappy with Chris Jones. I voted early yesterday and at least I know that Lisa got my vote. |
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Name: urainus |
| Bradely, as in Brad attorney at law? |
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Name: urainus |
| Bradely, as in Brad attorney at law? |
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Name: Walt |
| I see a clear choice in this election. This is between the two opposing philosophies that underlie life; service to self and service to others. Chris Jones is not a bad person, but he's in service to himself first and the electorate second. I think he'd support anything that would get him more votes. Lisa Marie has a long record of service to others. I don't think she would change an iota for any number of votes. To her, victory is achieving the goals she has set for this city and it's citizens. To Chris, victory is getting reelected. |
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Name: Lawrence |
| I've heard a rumor that the University Star will not print Lisa Marie's essay because Jones can't/won't write one. Anyone know more on this? A new "unfairness doctrine"? |
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