Coun Sonja Crisp criticised for not attending Illuminating York meeting

9:34am Friday 25th January 2013 in News Photograph of the Author By Mark Stead, Political Reporter

Coun Sonja Crisp Coun Sonja Crisp

A LEADING York councillor has been criticised for not attending a meeting where she was set to face questions about last year’s Illuminating York event.

Coun Sonja Crisp, City of York Council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, was due to appear before one of the authority’s scrutiny bodies this week to provide a recent “progress update” and discuss future plans.

However, in an email ahead of the meeting, Coun Crisp said she had “no idea” she was expected until its agenda was published last week and had not received an invitation from scrutiny officers.

The Labour councillor also said it would have been “impossible to outline priorities” for 2013/14 ahead of the authority’s budget being set.

Members of the learning and culture overview and scrutiny committee said the council’s “work plan” and Coun Crisp’s attendance at a previous meeting should have made her aware she would be asked to attend, claiming she avoided questioning about public criticism of Illuminating York, including a Museum Gardens display designed by comedian Vic Reeves, and the Gunpowder Plod fireworks event at Knavesmire.

“I am not satisfied she has not attended, especially when other cabinet members have attended previously,” Green councillor Dave Taylor told the meeting.

“We want to question and scrutinise their recent work and hear their hopes for the future. I personally wanted to ask questions about Illuminating York and whether the council might seek to get some money back from Vic Reeves for the Museum Gardens debacle.”

Committee chairman Coun Ann Reid said: “It’s unfortunate and disappointing as this meeting was on the work plan early in the municipal year.

“Six months ago, Coun Crisp told the committee she wanted to do certain things, so we wanted to assess how she has got on. Labour says it set a two-year budget last year, so why is she saying she is now going through the budget process?”

Coun Crisp said she was “fully committed to engaging with scrutiny” and had offered to attend the committee’s March meeting.

She said: “Should I be selected to be a cabinet member for another year in May and am invited to attend a future meeting, I look forward to discussing my priorities for the year ahead.

“I’m always available to discuss any pressing issues fellow councillors or residents may have, so they don’t need to wait for a public meeting to raise them with me.”

Comments(83)

bob the builder says...
9:50am Fri 25 Jan 13

If she's got no idea she would be expected to attend a meeting given her job title, she's clearly incompetent. Another publicity seeking, costly, ill informed councillor who fails to understand what elected into public office mean.

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meme says...
9:52am Fri 25 Jan 13

Red Sonja like all othe Labour members will not be prepared to tolerate any criticism in her totalitarian and utopian world!

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Keith Burtons says...
9:54am Fri 25 Jan 13

In what alternative reality would the council think it can get money back from Vic Reeves? It has nothing to do with him. He was asked to a job which he did very well, whether your personally like what he did has nothing to do with him.
If a problem exists, then it is with the scope and planning of the event. Another artist could have provided similar content to Mr Vic, but the problems with the event would have been the same.

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roskoboskovic says...
9:56am Fri 25 Jan 13

she should either take a close look at her organisational skills or sack her secretary,if she s got one.typical labour politician a la hugh bayley,if it s positive photo shoot he s your man but he seems to disappear most of the time.

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amike says...
10:05am Fri 25 Jan 13

“I’m always available to discuss any pressing issues fellow councillors or residents may have, so they don’t need to wait for a public meeting to raise them with me.”

As long as it's not in public where my comments might be reported / remembered?

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inthesticks says...
11:06am Fri 25 Jan 13

There is no excuse really is there, and I see she didn`t offer one, when this councillor is paid over £14 thousand a year allowance on top of the £7 thousand all councillors get to have responsibility over leisure and tourism. This is your area Sonia, you are expected to attend.
The agenda for the meeting states: "The Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Tourism will be attending the meeting to provide a progress update on her priorities and challenges for this municipal year. An extract from the minutes of the last meeting she attended, providing information on those priorities and challenges is attached for Members information."
If she knew the agenda a week in advance then again, there is no excuse. Meetings are in the `calendar` (see York Council website) months ahead.

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inthesticks says...
11:18am Fri 25 Jan 13

My maths isn`t great but I think Cllr Crisp gets around £400 a week to carry out her duties as councillor.

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YorkieTalkie says...
12:01pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Er, aren't minutes and actions published from previous meetings where date of next meetings are set out? And shouldn't CoYC cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism attend by default?

Jeez, if this was a privately run business, there would have been no excuse for such disorganisation (at best). Bankers and Newspaper Moguls have had no choice but to be brought in front of various political select committees, but it would seem that our publicly elected officials see themselves above such scrutiny...

So Councillor Crisp, show some humility, get the meeting reconvened, and take some constructive feedback so future events can be improved.

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inthesticks says...
12:05pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Just looked at the figures for meetings and Cllr Crisp has attended an average of 3 Council meetings a month over the last 24 months. I`m not saying that she is not attending other meetings that she should, her attendance rate is on a par with most other councillors. The point is that for £1700 a month in allowances I think we can at least expect the person who is the cabinet member for this area to attend the meeting - even a weeks notice should be enough. I can`t just not go in to work to do one of my shifts, I would be at the very least getting a warning for gross misconduct and if I didn`t have a reasonable excuse I would probably get the sack.

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magic cat says...
12:34pm Fri 25 Jan 13

The Labour administration have been critical of others in the past and made great play of "holding councillors to account". Clearly when the boot is on the other foot they ignore their own mantra. This City will not succeed as a serious challenger to others in attracting inward investment when people such as Alexander and Crisp are in charge. Both are more interested in themselves and the Labour Party nationally than working to enhance the fortunes of the City of York.Have they not heard of reputational risk?

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Buzz Light-year says...
1:07pm Fri 25 Jan 13

I'm amazed this is open for comment!



As for the councillor not facing the music, it's par for the course these days.
People from every walk of life and all sides of the political spectrum seem terrified of holding up their hands and saying they got it wrong.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
2:48pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Coun Crisp's conduct is at best unprofessional, and at worst, despicable, rude, conceited, arrogant and unforgiveable.

This is not the first time that she has been guilty of gross misconduct, and everyone remembers her 'rotten apple' reference to Coun Lyn Jeffries.

She is not fit to hold this position, and if James Alexander doesn't sack her, his leadership will be further tarnished.

The current Labour leadership has to be the worst York has ever seen for unacceptable behaviour. They are a joke and a disgrace.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
2:51pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Please substitute my last paragraph above with the following amendment:-

" The current Labour administration has to be the worst York has ever seen for unacceptable behaviour. They are a joke and a disgrace.”

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
3:37pm Fri 25 Jan 13

I'm sorry 'inthesticks', I disagree that JA has not attempted to have comments disallowed. He uses the excuse of 'persoal attacks/abuse' but, the truth is he wants to silence all criticism irrespective of how fair and valid it is. The illegitimate blocking of two residents emails to the entire @york.gov.uk network was an example of this. The excuse was that it was because of offensive, insulting and abusive behaviour, but, when asked to substantiate these allegations the council refused. The truth is, these residents were in effect gagged because they had valid criticism and the fact that they copied in other parties scared the Labour administration who instructed the city solicitor to blanket block the emails, without warning or explanation. It is the right of all residents to have freedom of speech, and Alexander should respect this.

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south bronx red 2 says...
4:06pm Fri 25 Jan 13

The roads around york have been doing rather well in this cold snap. Im sure all those wishing for broken bones and car smashes gallore are very saddened that they couldnt moan more.
All councils are damned if they do or dont, sadly too many wish to get involved in supping from the gravy train not just those elected.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
4:18pm Fri 25 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
The roads around york have been doing rather well in this cold snap. Im sure all those wishing for broken bones and car smashes gallore are very saddened that they couldnt moan more. All councils are damned if they do or dont, sadly too many wish to get involved in supping from the gravy train not just those elected.
Are you a Uni mate of JA, or just another Labour stooge ?

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oi oi savaloy says...
4:20pm Fri 25 Jan 13

stand down sonja.... do the right thing for the residents of york! you like the rest of the labour lot are a bad apple, in it for yourself...

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yorkborn66 says...
4:50pm Fri 25 Jan 13

However, in an email ahead of the meeting, Coun Crisp said she had “no idea”


Possibly the most accurate statement she has said.
Sorry: I thought this was an admission of general incompetence.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
4:58pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Inthesticks,

In response to your post at 4.27pm:-

The residents in question and others made several complaints to the City Solicitor about this, and the Press covered both blocking incidents. The Council were asked several times to provide substantiation of the alleged 'insults/abuse' but, refused. FOI requests were made for this information, and to Veritau, but these were refused on the grounds that they were exempt. It was a disgrace. The council didn't even have a blocking policy, and still don't as far as I am aware.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
5:35pm Fri 25 Jan 13

You can always tell when 'Red Sonja' has been caught out - she goes silent on Twitter.

It's three days since she last tweeted, and after she tweeted the 'rotten apple' comment about Lyn Jeffries, she went quiet for weeks.

One of her last tweets was this one, four days ago:-


Sonja Crisp @CllrCrisp 4d
Dexter-was cling film invented 4 serial killers ?..what if the Hokey Cokey really is what it's all about?..why can't I sleep again tonight?

Maybe she couldn't sleep because she had played 'hooky' (not hokey) from the council meeting ?

Her obsession with serial killer Dexter is a bit worrying though!!!

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mary poppins21 says...
5:56pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Why are they allowed to get away with it. They don't own the city . Get rid of the lot of them, just who do they think they are. Red Sonia RESIGN NOW

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oi oi savaloy says...
6:25pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
You can always tell when 'Red Sonja' has been caught out - she goes silent on Twitter.

It's three days since she last tweeted, and after she tweeted the 'rotten apple' comment about Lyn Jeffries, she went quiet for weeks.

One of her last tweets was this one, four days ago:-


Sonja Crisp @CllrCrisp 4d
Dexter-was cling film invented 4 serial killers ?..what if the Hokey Cokey really is what it's all about?..why can't I sleep again tonight?

Maybe she couldn't sleep because she had played 'hooky' (not hokey) from the council meeting ?

Her obsession with serial killer Dexter is a bit worrying though!!!
Dexter only does the guilty people who are getting away with it...

Maybe she's worried that she's on dexters list ??

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Silver says...
6:43pm Fri 25 Jan 13

On a side note has any seen any updates on if Chris Steward has done his payback for the food bank controversy?

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south bronx red 2 says...
6:43pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
south bronx red 2 wrote:
The roads around york have been doing rather well in this cold snap. Im sure all those wishing for broken bones and car smashes gallore are very saddened that they couldnt moan more. All councils are damned if they do or dont, sadly too many wish to get involved in supping from the gravy train not just those elected.
Are you a Uni mate of JA, or just another Labour stooge ?
I have no knowledge of JA nor am i a Labour stooge.
Like many, im interested to know when you are going to take up some personal councilling.
Your written dioreah on here is very anal, after months of reading pap feel the need to point out to you that there are good programes for repairing mental health

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
7:07pm Fri 25 Jan 13

The Great Boda wrote:
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
south bronx red 2 wrote: The roads around york have been doing rather well in this cold snap. Im sure all those wishing for broken bones and car smashes gallore are very saddened that they couldnt moan more. All councils are damned if they do or dont, sadly too many wish to get involved in supping from the gravy train not just those elected.
Are you a Uni mate of JA, or just another Labour stooge ?
I don't have "friends" as such but yes he is part of our machine. We like students they don't worry about things like salt bins much more resilient than some of our residents
They also don't pay council tax !!!

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
7:14pm Fri 25 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
south bronx red 2 wrote:
The roads around york have been doing rather well in this cold snap. Im sure all those wishing for broken bones and car smashes gallore are very saddened that they couldnt moan more. All councils are damned if they do or dont, sadly too many wish to get involved in supping from the gravy train not just those elected.
Are you a Uni mate of JA, or just another Labour stooge ?
I have no knowledge of JA nor am i a Labour stooge.
Like many, im interested to know when you are going to take up some personal councilling.
Your written dioreah on here is very anal, after months of reading pap feel the need to point out to you that there are good programes for repairing mental health
Take some of your own advice pal, you need help more than I do.

Based on your churlish, conceited criticism, I'm reassured that I'm doing a good job with my contributions to the debate.

Having listened to James Alexander's disastrous performance on Jonathan Cowaps radio show this morning, it seems that he is rattled too. #Losttheplot

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south bronx red 2 says...
7:30pm Fri 25 Jan 13

After having been in your company in the past, reading your guff brings back the memories of what a whackjob you really are.
Maybe you would announce your leadership standing, then we can all stand on the sidelines spouting tripe at you for any miniscule detail.
Id also be keen to know any house you've involved with. As im sure there will be loads of regulations broken or ignored.
Your the worst used car salesman type iddo ive seen on here.

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nearlyman says...
8:06pm Fri 25 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
south bronx red 2 wrote:
The roads around york have been doing rather well in this cold snap. Im sure all those wishing for broken bones and car smashes gallore are very saddened that they couldnt moan more. All councils are damned if they do or dont, sadly too many wish to get involved in supping from the gravy train not just those elected.
Are you a Uni mate of JA, or just another Labour stooge ?
I have no knowledge of JA nor am i a Labour stooge.
Like many, im interested to know when you are going to take up some personal councilling.
Your written dioreah on here is very anal, after months of reading pap feel the need to point out to you that there are good programes for repairing mental health
You have given yourself away as a student. Just look at that spelling. You can only get away with that in todays 'no one can fail education system.'

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nearlyman says...
8:10pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Oh and on the story, why could she not attend and answer questions on the events that had taken place and ignored ones about the future wheezes she has in store. Maybe she is just not up to date with all her reading of the paperwork ?

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
8:15pm Fri 25 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
After having been in your company in the past, reading your guff brings back the memories of what a whackjob you really are.
Maybe you would announce your leadership standing, then we can all stand on the sidelines spouting tripe at you for any miniscule detail.
Id also be keen to know any house you've involved with. As im sure there will be loads of regulations broken or ignored.
Your the worst used car salesman type iddo ive seen on here.
I doubt that I am who you think I am, although I have been involved with housebuilding.

Anyone who knows me in the trade, will I'm sure rebut your defamatory allegations.

What line of business are you in, or, are you too embarrassed to tell us ?,

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south bronx red 2 says...
8:22pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Safe to say i have a very good idea who you are.
As for 'used' to be involved.
Thank god for that.
Another good reason as to why your claptrap on housing and your hitleristic view of what you should be allowed to build wont ever become the norm.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
9:31pm Fri 25 Jan 13

I don't think you do. Many on here think that I am Matthew Laverack and they are wrong. I think you are wrong too.

Interesting that you avoid saying what your job is though, which shows that you are afraid to disclose it.

Sorry to disappoint you - I intend to be involved with housebuilding for a long time yet.

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capt spaulding says...
10:18pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
Coun Crisp's conduct is at best unprofessional, and at worst, despicable, rude, conceited, arrogant and unforgiveable.

This is not the first time that she has been guilty of gross misconduct, and everyone remembers her 'rotten apple' reference to Coun Lyn Jeffries.

She is not fit to hold this position, and if James Alexander doesn't sack her, his leadership will be further tarnished.

The current Labour leadership has to be the worst York has ever seen for unacceptable behaviour. They are a joke and a disgrace.
His leadership will be further tarnished ?????
Get real kid it couldnt get ant worse.

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Buzz Light-year says...
10:22pm Fri 25 Jan 13

#thisisnottwitter

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inthesticks says...
10:37pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
Inthesticks,

In response to your post at 4.27pm:-

The residents in question and others made several complaints to the City Solicitor about this, and the Press covered both blocking incidents. The Council were asked several times to provide substantiation of the alleged 'insults/abuse' but, refused. FOI requests were made for this information, and to Veritau, but these were refused on the grounds that they were exempt. It was a disgrace. The council didn't even have a blocking policy, and still don't as far as I am aware.
So I would be firstly complaining to the Information Commissioner because the information is not exempt as it doesn`t need to protect an individual under the Data Protection Act. Then a complaint to the Council that is not satisfactorily answered can then be taken to the Ombudsman.
The Council`s Solicitor is there for one purpose only, and that is to protect the Council, as the legal team for any organisation will, so complaining to him/her is an absolute waste of time.
Veritau also is a company started/owned by the council and NYCC, so no point going to them either.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
11:03pm Fri 25 Jan 13

inthesticks wrote:
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
Inthesticks,

In response to your post at 4.27pm:-

The residents in question and others made several complaints to the City Solicitor about this, and the Press covered both blocking incidents. The Council were asked several times to provide substantiation of the alleged 'insults/abuse' but, refused. FOI requests were made for this information, and to Veritau, but these were refused on the grounds that they were exempt. It was a disgrace. The council didn't even have a blocking policy, and still don't as far as I am aware.
So I would be firstly complaining to the Information Commissioner because the information is not exempt as it doesn`t need to protect an individual under the Data Protection Act. Then a complaint to the Council that is not satisfactorily answered can then be taken to the Ombudsman.
The Council`s Solicitor is there for one purpose only, and that is to protect the Council, as the legal team for any organisation will, so complaining to him/her is an absolute waste of time.
Veritau also is a company started/owned by the council and NYCC, so no point going to them either.
I agree with your take on the City Solicitor and Veritau - totally partisan, and useless in terms of fair play.

Problem with the Information Commissioner is that the process is designed to deter you from taling action - it's longwinded, and suggests that they ain't interested. The Ombudsman is equally as toothless.

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south bronx red 2 says...
11:28pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
I don't think you do. Many on here think that I am Matthew Laverack and they are wrong. I think you are wrong too.

Interesting that you avoid saying what your job is though, which shows that you are afraid to disclose it.

Sorry to disappoint you - I intend to be involved with housebuilding for a long time yet.
What i do for a living has nothing to do with you.
Its your own ego thinking anybody is interested in yours as you keep hinting at it , with your knowitall diatribe.
I could summise your Paul Cordock , if so , i can understand why someone from the council blocked your contact.
But awaits a denile, if you hide behind a false name on here, how is anyone to ask your many respected mates in the trade, and trust how we should all be listening to the messiah of York Developement and Leisure, Public Events and General York guru ?

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inthesticks says...
11:40pm Fri 25 Jan 13

Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
inthesticks wrote:
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
Inthesticks,

In response to your post at 4.27pm:-

The residents in question and others made several complaints to the City Solicitor about this, and the Press covered both blocking incidents. The Council were asked several times to provide substantiation of the alleged 'insults/abuse' but, refused. FOI requests were made for this information, and to Veritau, but these were refused on the grounds that they were exempt. It was a disgrace. The council didn't even have a blocking policy, and still don't as far as I am aware.
So I would be firstly complaining to the Information Commissioner because the information is not exempt as it doesn`t need to protect an individual under the Data Protection Act. Then a complaint to the Council that is not satisfactorily answered can then be taken to the Ombudsman.
The Council`s Solicitor is there for one purpose only, and that is to protect the Council, as the legal team for any organisation will, so complaining to him/her is an absolute waste of time.
Veritau also is a company started/owned by the council and NYCC, so no point going to them either.
I agree with your take on the City Solicitor and Veritau - totally partisan, and useless in terms of fair play.

Problem with the Information Commissioner is that the process is designed to deter you from taling action - it's longwinded, and suggests that they ain't interested. The Ombudsman is equally as toothless.
Well if I was wronged in such a way, I would take it as far as I could including writing to my M.P.
I have complained to the I.C before and though the reply took months I felt it was investigated and explained quite thoroughly.
I used to work for a company several years ago and if a customer threatened to go to the Ombudsman the manager would say give the refund. (In that case it was the Financial Ombudsman) The reason the managers gave was that it costs us thousands if a customer complains to the Ombudsman.
I have some issues with a certain public body in York at the moment, that is not a million miles away from the story (not saying any more) but I WILL be taking it as far as possible, for two reasons; because I am right and because public bodies need thorns in their sides to make them act properly. Solicitors at the Council or any company will make it difficult and brush complaints off because they hope individuals just give in and hope they can`t be bothered with the hassle.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
12:32am Sat 26 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote: I don't think you do. Many on here think that I am Matthew Laverack and they are wrong. I think you are wrong too. Interesting that you avoid saying what your job is though, which shows that you are afraid to disclose it. Sorry to disappoint you - I intend to be involved with housebuilding for a long time yet.
What i do for a living has nothing to do with you. Its your own ego thinking anybody is interested in yours as you keep hinting at it , with your knowitall diatribe. I could summise your Paul Cordock , if so , i can understand why someone from the council blocked your contact. But awaits a denile, if you hide behind a false name on here, how is anyone to ask your many respected mates in the trade, and trust how we should all be listening to the messiah of York Developement and Leisure, Public Events and General York guru ?
Keep fishing....

Like I said, people in the trade know me, they also know Matthew Laverack and Paul Cordock, and all three of us are well respected professionals.

I didn't ask your name, I asked your profession ?

What makes you such an expert on these issues that you can make defamatory allegations against me or others in the construction business ?

How do you expect your views to be taken seriously, if you don't back them up with some details of your experience ?

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
1:10am Sat 26 Jan 13

Inthesticks

As far as I know, both York MP's were informed. Hugh Bayley wasn't really interested (as you'd expect), but, Julian Sturdy did write to the Council. The city solicitor fobbed JS off with some half-baked excuse.

Some councillors (not Labour) spoke up for the residents who were blocked, and I think that the Labour councillors behind it will think twice about using the same tactics. It was pretty clear that it was done to stop the two residents exposing council policy failures.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
1:31am Sat 26 Jan 13

I suspect that 'Red Sonja' or her helpers have been reading these comments....

She has made two tweets in the last hour, clearly to pretend that she isn't embarrassed about all the criticism she has received for her cowardice.

This won't blow over Coun Crisp, York residents are onto you. It's only a matter of time before you are caught out again, and it's doubtful that you will be selected in May to remain in the cabinet. You are too much of a liability.

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south bronx red 2 says...
7:53am Sat 26 Jan 13

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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Thisisme says...
8:49am Sat 26 Jan 13

South bronx - profession is COUNCILLOR

Simples!

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Micklegate says...
10:02am Sat 26 Jan 13

Surely the key question is why couldn't she attend. If it was for a funeral in Cornwall people would understand, if it was so she could watch a DVD series of Dexter received at Christmas in one sitting they may not.

So as you're posting on this thread Cllr Crisp why not enlighten us?

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
10:25am Sat 26 Jan 13

Micklegate wrote:
Surely the key question is why couldn't she attend. If it was for a funeral in Cornwall people would understand, if it was so she could watch a DVD series of Dexter received at Christmas in one sitting they may not. So as you're posting on this thread Cllr Crisp why not enlighten us?
Is she south bronx red 2 ?

I bet it is !

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south bronx red 2 says...
1:16pm Sat 26 Jan 13

Which pub do you stand in and dream half of your BS up ?
Ive had a chat with my mates in the industry , which everyone didnt have a good word to say about the 2 people you refer to as 'respected' .
Unless your use of respected allows for shifty as a description.

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jorvik says...
1:21pm Sat 26 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Which pub do you stand in and dream half of your BS up ?
Ive had a chat with my mates in the industry , which everyone didnt have a good word to say about the 2 people you refer to as 'respected' .
Unless your use of respected allows for shifty as a description.
Ok sonja calm down dear

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
4:11pm Sat 26 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Which pub do you stand in and dream half of your BS up ?
Ive had a chat with my mates in the industry , which everyone didnt have a good word to say about the 2 people you refer to as 'respected' .
Unless your use of respected allows for shifty as a description.
1. I very rarely go to pubs.
2. I don't dream up anything. I do detailed research and analysis.
3. Your 'mates in the industry' ? Pull the other one.
4. Matthew Laverack BA, B.Arch, RIBA and Paul Cordock have been involved in the building industry in York for almost four decades. How long have your 'mates' been building in York ?
5. 'Shifty' ? Are you for real ? When have either of these gentlemen been found guilty of any breach or wrongdoing in respect of their professional undertakings ?

If you are Sonja Crisp, as many on here think you are, then you are a disgrace and a fantacist, because you know neither of the aforementioned individuals. Smearing them as you do is despicable, given that they have untarnished reputations.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
12:59pm Sun 27 Jan 13

Interesting - 72 comments shown on the most commented list, but, only 63 against the story ? Nine posts have been removed.

For the record, I have NOT reported them.

So who has, and why ?

Was it because a certain poster overstepped the mark, or, was it because those behind SBR2 were getting anxious about their plot being uncovered ?

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
1:00pm Sun 27 Jan 13

Maybe Red Sonja had them removed because she was jealous of the attention ?

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south bronx red 2 says...
1:35pm Sun 27 Jan 13

Yeah righto.
Appears to be able to dish it out but not take it.
Anyway Paul good luck

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
1:59pm Sun 27 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Yeah righto. Appears to be able to dish it out but not take it. Anyway Paul good luck
Fair criticism is fair enough, but making stuff up isn't fair play.

How do you and your group expect any respect when you resort to telling lies ?

The fact is, the Council have made a pigs ear with housing policy, and the evidence is there for all to see - NO HOUSES !

Even James Alexander hasn't got a clue. He stated on Radio York last Friday, that there were 220 housing completions in 2010/11 - he quoted it from a report. The report was not by the council, and had used DCLG table 253 statistics. The report was wrong, and so was James. There were 514 net completions in York in 2010/11 and 321 in 2011/12. Alexander has been a councillor for almost six years and leader for 19 months. Housing he says, is his priority, yet in all the time he's been on York Council, he hasn't a clue about the state of the housing crisis. How could he say 220 completions ? That is a ridiculously low figure, and anyone who knows their stuff on this issue would know that. He's a bluffer, and hasn't got a clue. These are facts, not lies and spin.

Check out the radio interview SBR2, on
http://audioboo.fm/j
oncowap#undefined

James gaff is timed at 10.05mins into pt2 of the interview.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
2:05pm Sun 27 Jan 13

The fact is, we know the facts about housing in York, and Coun Alexander and his Labour group do not.

We attack him, TSL and DM with the FACTS.

They attack us with misinformation and spin.

One side is lying and cheating, the other is being honest.

The reason SBR2 chooses to defame us with lies is because they cannot use the truth to defend their argument.

We are RIGHT !

They are WRONG !

End of.......

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south bronx red 2 says...
2:40pm Sun 27 Jan 13

G.Laverack defrauded the York taxpayer of tens of thousands pounds.
Now there is a fact.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
5:39pm Sun 27 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
G.Laverack defrauded the York taxpayer of tens of thousands pounds.
Now there is a fact.
and that's relevant to the argument is it ?

Defend Coun Alexander and the council's abject failure on housing with something pertinent.

You can't can you ?

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Maquis says...
11:09pm Sun 27 Jan 13

Why has PP not been on here to relate it to cycling yet?

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inthesticks says...
10:20am Mon 28 Jan 13

Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
Interesting - 72 comments shown on the most commented list, but, only 63 against the story ? Nine posts have been removed.

For the record, I have NOT reported them.

So who has, and why ?

Was it because a certain poster overstepped the mark, or, was it because those behind SBR2 were getting anxious about their plot being uncovered ?
It wasn`t me. I have only ever reported one comment I think a couple of years ago that made a nasty jibe about a kid in a picture. I asked others not to be personal earlier because I know some are not happy unless they jab the report button.
I`ve dipped in and out whilst working all weekend so I honestly can`t recall any comments that deserved to be removed.

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inthesticks says...
10:29am Mon 28 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Yeah righto.
Appears to be able to dish it out but not take it.
Anyway Paul good luck
I would be really interested to know if you actually have an opinion on the story?

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
2:10pm Mon 28 Jan 13

inthesticks wrote:
south bronx red 2 wrote: Yeah righto. Appears to be able to dish it out but not take it. Anyway Paul good luck
I would be really interested to know if you actually have an opinion on the story?
I would be really interested to learn what SBR2's experience in these matters comes from ? Are they politician, councillor, or officer or stooge ? They obviously have inside information that could only come from someone withing the Council, so they must be connected in some way.

The lack of any relevant facts to back up their disagreements with myself and others who they attack, makes them look weak and feeble.

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south bronx red 2 says...
4:40pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Like you Paul im not standing for election.
Im standing on the sidelines gobbing off about how bad everything you and your ilk do.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
5:11pm Mon 28 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Like you Paul im not standing for election. Im standing on the sidelines gobbing off about how bad everything you and your ilk do.
Don't confuse what you do with the measured, factual criticism by our group.

You seem to define bad as telling the truth. What we do, is point out, with facts, how bad the council's housing policies have been, and how certain Labour councillors are misleading residents - most York folk will see what we do as good, actually.

You seem to be a troublemaker taking instructions from your left wing comrades, using irrelevant insults to distract attention from the abject failure of certain policies and certain councillors.

You have little or no credibility if you can't even say what your line of work or experience is ?

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
5:17pm Mon 28 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Like you Paul im not standing for election. Im standing on the sidelines gobbing off about how bad everything you and your ilk do.
If you are not standing for election, then confirm you are not a councillor.

I will then take it that you are a council officer, part of a clique/cabal, who's flawed plan/agenda has been exposed, and is a complete failure. Your job may even be up for review, and you are taking out your anger and frustration by blaming others for the problems you have caused. It's obvious that you have no proper defence, because you just never have any counter-arguments.

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Buzz Light-year says...
7:01pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Rampant paranoia.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
7:07pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Buzz Light-year wrote:
Rampant paranoia.
by south bronx red 2 !!!

Why else would they make such desperate attempts to defame innocent, respected residents who were born and bred in York ?

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south bronx red 2 says...
9:06am Tue 29 Jan 13

Since when does one person become a cabal ?
Correct. Your unchecked paranoia is an issue.
This country is bust, and we learned a lesson by not following unelected self interest groups. Of which you think everyone should be dancing to your tune.
I've yet to find any laws being broken by anyone within the council, but you seem obsessive about forcing council officials to ignore the law in your favour.
In an ideal world you wouldn't build a straw house for someone who needs it unless you had a 65% return.
Once you got the chance to build whatever you want, it would be a cheap box but with a £250k price tag, which no one could afford.
Building would stop as all accross the country , its pretty much build one, sell one.
Only approx 66,000 houses were built last year.
I suppose thats all due to YCC ?
Worst figures ever. Under a Tory government.

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inthesticks says...
11:52am Tue 29 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Since when does one person become a cabal ?
Correct. Your unchecked paranoia is an issue.
This country is bust, and we learned a lesson by not following unelected self interest groups. Of which you think everyone should be dancing to your tune.
I've yet to find any laws being broken by anyone within the council, but you seem obsessive about forcing council officials to ignore the law in your favour.
In an ideal world you wouldn't build a straw house for someone who needs it unless you had a 65% return.
Once you got the chance to build whatever you want, it would be a cheap box but with a £250k price tag, which no one could afford.
Building would stop as all accross the country , its pretty much build one, sell one.
Only approx 66,000 houses were built last year.
I suppose thats all due to YCC ?
Worst figures ever. Under a Tory government.
So you don`t have an opinion on SC not turning up to a meeting that she should have, despite being paid over £400 a week plus expenses to do just that?
Why would you be so interested in this story and keep making comments at builders who have posted comments about SC unless you had a connection to SC/COYC/or indeed were that person, as has been alleged. You are the only poster on here who is annoyed at the fact that others are being critical of SC. - very strange behaviour but natural I suppose to lash out if you think you are being attacked.
I don`t know who Scarlet Pimpernel is, nor do I care, what I do care about is my council tax paying you to do your job and you deciding not to bother turning up at a meeting you clearly knew about.
Why not answer my question - what do you think about the story?
Don`t forget to attend the Standards Committee when they call you up to explain will you?

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Buzz Light-year says...
12:56pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Remember folks - disagree and you are part of a shadowy network of underground left-wing councillors.

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inthesticks says...
1:11pm Tue 29 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Believe a buffoon like SP, sorry Paul, at your own loss.
If you are SC, then your nonsensical ramblings and inability to answer a question make me worry for this City - and I have voted Labour all my life. Unfortunately for York the alternative voting options here are just as shoddy, so time for a big shake up I think and let`s hope a new wave of real socialists will emerge.

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Jeff_li says...
1:35pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Buzz Light-year wrote:
Remember folks - disagree and you are part of a shadowy network of underground left-wing councillors.
Wait for it Buzz... "Labour Stooge!" or maybe you'll be accused of actually being James Alexander! Clearly you must have created, talked to and then blocked your own alter ego on twitter - just to deepen your cover in the murky paranoia and conspiracy ridden cauldron that is... The Press comments section (said in a spooky voice).


#RandomHashTag

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
1:49pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Jeff_li

Buzz is not JA or a stooge, he's a one-off, and works independently. Credit me/us with a bit of sense, it's not paranoia, with us.

Look at the comments by SBR2, and tell us who you think they are ? Are they councillor, officer or well-informed by one or the other ?.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
2:10pm Tue 29 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Since when does one person become a cabal ? Correct. Your unchecked paranoia is an issue. This country is bust, and we learned a lesson by not following unelected self interest groups. Of which you think everyone should be dancing to your tune. I've yet to find any laws being broken by anyone within the council, but you seem obsessive about forcing council officials to ignore the law in your favour. In an ideal world you wouldn't build a straw house for someone who needs it unless you had a 65% return. Once you got the chance to build whatever you want, it would be a cheap box but with a £250k price tag, which no one could afford. Building would stop as all accross the country , its pretty much build one, sell one. Only approx 66,000 houses were built last year. I suppose thats all due to YCC ? Worst figures ever. Under a Tory government.
Like James Alexander, you don't know your numbers/statistics, and use defective, illegitimate data to exaggerate.

65% return - where do you get that ridiculous figure from ?

66,000 - ditto ?

Here's a rule that the Council didn't follow. It's the one that states that any affordable housing target should be achieveable, and be based on need.

York had a need of 40% based on a SHMA they commissioned. Yet they chose to set a 50% target, based on what ? Based on the greedy unworkable suggestion by Coun Dave Merrett. It existed for five years and nine months, illegitimately, and caused York's housing completions to go into decline as soon as it was introduced - three years before the credit crunch, and three years before almost all other councils went into decline. I say almost, because Leeds did not decline three years later - the went into decline four years later !

You will no doubt say that Leeds were different from York. You're right, they were. Their affordable target was set at 25%. Where they were the same as York was on need, they had the same need - 40%. Why then did they opt for a target of half that of York's ? Because they figured that setting an unworkable target would result in less housing being built. They were right, and York proved that, at the expense of York's economy, which lost hundreds of millions and thousands of jobs and houses.

So there you are SBR2, the facts don't lie, but, your statistics do. You should be a councillor, if you are not, as you would get on well with the deceitful lot in Alexander's cabinet.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
2:20pm Tue 29 Jan 13

inthesticks wrote:
south bronx red 2 wrote: Believe a buffoon like SP, sorry Paul, at your own loss.
If you are SC, then your nonsensical ramblings and inability to answer a question make me worry for this City - and I have voted Labour all my life. Unfortunately for York the alternative voting options here are just as shoddy, so time for a big shake up I think and let`s hope a new wave of real socialists will emerge.
You are spot on there, inthesticks - SBR2's ramblings are both non-sensical and deceitful. They use fallacious, illegitimate data, and cannot substantiate their allegations against me/us. They are a complete fraud, and tell porky pies, all good traits to be in James's cabinet !

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
2:22pm Tue 29 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Believe a buffoon like SP, sorry Paul, at your own loss.
Who will believe you councillor ?

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TheTruthHurts says...
2:33pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Why have they put a photo of Vic Reeves with this article?

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Jeff_li says...
3:24pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
Jeff_li

Buzz is not JA or a stooge, he's a one-off, and works independently. Credit me/us with a bit of sense, it's not paranoia, with us.

Look at the comments by SBR2, and tell us who you think they are ? Are they councillor, officer or well-informed by one or the other ?.
Why don't you ask James Alexander if/why councillors are on here, Mr Pimp?

http://www.yorkpress
.co.uk/news/10191974
.Budget_Q_A_with_Yor
k_council_leader/

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oi oi savaloy says...
3:29pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
south bronx red 2 wrote: Believe a buffoon like SP, sorry Paul, at your own loss.
Who will believe you councillor ?
Or is it hissing Sidley ?

Lets have a game of "bad apple dunking"

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
3:58pm Tue 29 Jan 13

oi oi savaloy wrote:
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
south bronx red 2 wrote: Believe a buffoon like SP, sorry Paul, at your own loss.
Who will believe you councillor ?
Or is it hissing Sidley ? Lets have a game of "bad apple dunking"
It certainly could be.

If it is, then can I remind him that he owes me a receipt. I sent a donation to his swan sanctuary a few years ago with a SAE, requesting for a receipt, and never got one. Says a lot doesn't it ?

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south bronx red 2 says...
4:49pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Change the record Paul.
Some people in this City dont wish to be held to ransom by a group who always snipe on here, very much like a terrorist wears a balaclava.
Your group of builders treat York and its population like a cash cow.
So instead of whinging about it, build something people can afford. Instead of blaming a local council because they keep you in check from flouting the law.

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inthesticks says...
4:59pm Tue 29 Jan 13

south bronx red 2 wrote:
Change the record Paul.
Some people in this City dont wish to be held to ransom by a group who always snipe on here, very much like a terrorist wears a balaclava.
Your group of builders treat York and its population like a cash cow.
So instead of whinging about it, build something people can afford. Instead of blaming a local council because they keep you in check from flouting the law.
And that relates to the above story does it?
I am not a builder, nor do I have a particular issue with your political party or how houses are built or not built; I am a council tax payer who wishes to know why you didn`t attend a meeting that you knew you should attend.

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dj4 says...
5:14pm Tue 29 Jan 13

It's interesting to see how the Press' tone has changed on this after the twin debacles of the Illuminating York festival and Gunpowder Plod where they printed puff pieces on them before (and in one case after) the events which the majority of people attending saw to be a shambles. They now seem to have got the message and be pursuing this public-interest story properly.

As an ordinary resident, I have no interest or knowledge of the squabbles relating to various councillors listed here in the comments. However, I do think that this councillor, Sonja Crisp, should be available to explain what led to the decisions about the unsuccessful events, what lessons were learned and what should be done in the future. If, as is suggested, she is dodging this then this does seem to be to be unacceptable, and I am sure that she will find this to her cost at the next council elections.

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inthesticks says...
8:29pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Well he/she has gone quiet now. Found out or can`t win the argument?

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Buzz Light-year says...
9:19pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Who is this super poster?
Sarge? No.
Rosemary, the telephone operator? No.
Penry, the mild-mannered janitor? Could Be!
(Music Starts)
Hong Kong Phooey, Number One SuperHiddenCouncillo
r
Hong Kong Phooey, quicker than the human eye!




Seriously tho
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
Buzz is not JA or a stooge, he's a one-off, and works independently.

At long last!
Don't forget apolitically.

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Scarlet Pimpernel says...
10:07pm Tue 29 Jan 13

Buzz Light-year wrote:
Who is this super poster?
Sarge? No.
Rosemary, the telephone operator? No.
Penry, the mild-mannered janitor? Could Be!
(Music Starts)
Hong Kong Phooey, Number One SuperHiddenCouncillo

r
Hong Kong Phooey, quicker than the human eye!




Seriously tho
Scarlet Pimpernel wrote:
Buzz is not JA or a stooge, he's a one-off, and works independently.

At long last!
Don't forget apolitically.
Yes, apolitically too !
;-)

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