 The Struggles Of Advocacy |
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These pages are compiled of a series of articles that I have written in an attempt to promote understanding and solicit empathy for the plight of those that are less fortunate than we are.
In my attempts of changing my community for the better, I have had to learn the hard way - that it is true - some of the "old guard" that comprise what is loosely called the "leadership" of our local community maintain a strong hold on the prevention of positive growth and the nourishment of positive change. The old guard continues, as those that have gone before have set an example that this is the path to success in local politics and social action. I disagree.
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David and Goliath - Together Again On the Campaign Trail
by
Robert Stanford
Muratore And the Money Makers - Part 1
By
Wayne2008
MURATORE AND THE MONEY MAKERS: PART ONE
Submitted by wayne2008 on Sun, 2009-10-18 20:12.
October 18, 2009
Modesto City Council candidate for District-4 Joe Muratore, according to his website list a business called Benchmark Commercial Real Estate. Benchmark Commercial R.E. began in November 17, 2008. according to Stanislaus County Records ficticious Business.
Benchmark Commercial R.E. www.benchmarkcres.com list as one of projects: as Managing a 32 acre annexation in downtown Modesto.
This annexation which Joe Muratore mentioned was amended to provide a set of parcels to be sold for the development of affordable housing. These parcels totaled around 8 acres of land in which the City of Modesto purchased this land for $3,691,208 with tax payer money. according to MODESTO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY. Minutes for April 7, 2009
The land was sold to the City of Modesto by Centerra Capital. According to Benchmark Commercial Real Estate Services, Centerra Capital is listed as a partner of www.Benchmarkcres.com
According to Stanislaus County records Joe Muratore owns part of Centerra Capital.
www.linkedin.com/pub/joe-muratore-ccim/5/5b4/b89
Joe Muratore sits on the Stanislaus County Economic Development land use committee. which means he has a say in what the annexed land is used for.
In 2008 a deal was struck between a non-profit organization called EAH to build this 150 unit Apartment Complex. As part of this plan $6.5 million of tax payers money was given to EAH already for start up costs to build these apartments, which is estimated to cost $37.5 million.
www.eahhousing.org/display.asp?catid=4,19&pageid=167
EAH has properties through out California and Hawaii, and are advocates for affordable housing and promote the develpoment of affordable housing with ACORN and other non-profit agency's.
source:
www.ebho.org/artman?/publish/education/affordable_housing_wee...
EAH local liason is Ryan Swehla. Ryan Swehla was appointed to the Modesto City Council Board of Zoning Adjustment Committee on June 12, 2006. source:Modesto Council meeting.June 12, 2007.
Ryan Swehla according to records shows that he was a partner in a business called the Whitney Group located in Modesto. Swehla's other partners in business were Joe Muratore and Kris Helton. Source: stanislaus county records:Dec-30-2003(2003-0003269)
Ryan Swehla was appointed to the City of Modesto Board of Zoning Adjusment Committee, and as a member of this board this property's zoning was modified :2220 East Orangeburg Avenue, Modesto. Resolution No. 2009-08
A resolution recommending to the City Council an amendment to section 23-3-9 of the zoning map to rezone from low density residential (R-1) To professional office zone (P-O) property located on the southside of east orangeburg ave. East of Oakdale Rd. (Trinity Ventures,LLC)
Whereas, a verified application for an amendment to section 23-3-9 of the zoning map was filed by Trinity Ventures LLC. on October 13, 2008 to reclassify from low density residential (R-1) to professional office zone (P-O), property located one parcel on the southside of East Orangeburg Ave, east of Oakdale Road at 2220 East Orangeburg avenue in the City of Modesto, described as:
What's the deal? (Trinity Ventures LLC.) is owned by Ryan Swehla.......Swehla sits on the board of zoning adjustment.
This zoning was approved by the Modesto City Council, as with the 8 plus acres that Centerra Capital inc, sold to the City of Modesto for over $3 million dollars.
Did Muratore get a cut of the money?
The position of a council member is too important to local developers, for the council gives the final approval, and as we have seen the developers have some influence upon the council members decisions.
Can we afford to take a chance with more developer influence? Joe Muratore's profession is working directly with the developers and business.
NEXT SUNDAY MURATORE AND THE MONEY MAKERS: PART TWO
THIS BLOG OR COMMENT WAS WRITTEN BY WAYNE2008 WHO IS A PROTESTER AGAINST WHAT HE BELIEVES IS MISMANAGEMENT OR CORRUPTION IN OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WAYNE IS ALSO AN ADVOCATE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF THE MENTALLY ILL, AND IS AGAINST RACISM.
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