Topic: Robert Hoffman running for Council
started by: Liberal
Posted by Liberal on Jun. 04 2014,12:04 pm
Nice guy, but would you vote for him based on his past behavior?< http://www.albertlea.com/cgi-bin...54;st=0 >
Posted by MADDOG on Jun. 04 2014,3:48 pm
(Liberal @ Jun. 04 2014,12:04 pm)
QUOTE
would you vote for him based on his past?
I guess someone would have to be more specific. There's just so much...
Posted by Liberal on Jun. 04 2014,5:01 pm
Which of the things mentioned in that topic would you be willing to overlook?
Posted by hymiebravo on Jul. 21 2014,7:31 am
Really so far you have two more local races that will be interesting to watch as well. You've got Shoff being challenged for his commissioner spot, by former mayor and political activist/businessman Randy Erdman. And three guys running for sheriff as well.
Those Sheriff's races in particular always seem to be quite spirited.
Posted by Chunk_Ofgold on Aug. 13 2014,2:19 pm
ah, yeah, in a heartbeat.. good luck to robert, although liberal i wasn't aware of his indiscretions
Posted by Liberal on Aug. 14 2014,8:14 pm
So does your knowledge of his indiscretions change your vote, or do you still think local elections are popularity contests.I've said before I think Robert is a nice guy, but he can't seem to avoid trouble and our local politicians have given this area enough negative publicity.
Posted by Chunk_Ofgold on Aug. 14 2014,8:28 pm
They really are. It's so stupid. I don't know. I don't even live there anymore.
Posted by Alfy Packer on Aug. 20 2014,3:42 pm
I seem to remember how upset the people of Albert Lea got when a public official was arrested for returning old merchandise to Macy's in Mpls on an improper receipt for the merchandise. And how torqued off they were when the Bald Eagle was buying drinks for his buddies out of a city slush fund.Well I don't know Robert, but it seems like it is certain that he has done many of the things he has been accused of. He has bounced around to the point that he can only work for himself. So I guess he is qualified to run for office, but I don't think that makes him electable. O' well, some great man once said, "you get the government you deserve."
Posted by Liberal on Aug. 22 2014,11:23 pm
I'd call the thefts youthful indiscretions, and a DWI is really stupid but it's not a deal breaker for me. The deal breaker for me is the multiple ethics violations, and unless he comes up with a really good story as to why he would have multiple ethics violations I can't support him.Like I've said I think Robert is a nice guy but this isn't a popularity contest.
Link to pdf file. < http://www.google.com/url?sa=...5,d.aWw >
Posted by This is my real name on Aug. 23 2014,4:13 pm
This information HAS TO come up before the election, lest he is elected because people are tired of Larry Baker. Baker isn't a great councilor, but I think Hoffman would be a mistake. Hoffman would also likely vote lock-step with the rest of the council—the "in" club. As much as I hate to say it, I will probably vote for Baker.
Posted by nzeroesc on Aug. 24 2014,4:51 am
I am going to guess it will be a rather creative spin story explaining away the "best" of his intentions that were unfortunately and "inexplicably" found to be violations.Article 16 of the Code of Ethics states: REALTORS® shall not engage in any practice or take any action
inconsistent with exclusive representation or exclusive
brokerage relationship agreements that other REALTORS® have
with clients. (Amended 1/04)
There are a lot of clarifications and flexible interpretations within that if you read between the lines perhaps explains how "Mr." Hoffman found his way into "property management" rather than real estate.
CODE
Standard of Practice 16-3
Article 16 does not preclude REALTORS® from contacting the
client of another broker for the purpose of offering to provide,
or entering into a contract to provide, a different type of real
estate service unrelated to the type of service currently being
provided (e.g., property management as opposed to
brokerage) or from offering the same type of service for
property not subject to other brokers’ exclusive agreements.
However, information received through a Multiple Listing
Service or any other offer of cooperation may not be used to
target clients of other REALTORS® to whom such offers to
provide services may be made. (Amended 1/04)
Article 16 does not preclude REALTORS® from contacting the
client of another broker for the purpose of offering to provide,
or entering into a contract to provide, a different type of real
estate service unrelated to the type of service currently being
provided (e.g., property management as opposed to
brokerage) or from offering the same type of service for
property not subject to other brokers’ exclusive agreements.
However, information received through a Multiple Listing
Service or any other offer of cooperation may not be used to
target clients of other REALTORS® to whom such offers to
provide services may be made. (Amended 1/04)
I have my own bias against Hoffman based on my experience dealing with him as the listing agent for a property I was involved with. In hindsight some of the behavior he exhibited is more frustrating reading through the code than it was at the time. Especially if he had already been in the hot seat over similar actions.
Source: < MN Realtor Code of Ethics - 2013 Edition >
Posted by Blackdog on Aug. 24 2014,5:03 pm
I hope he wins!! That way we would actually have some hope for this town and someone that doesn't have there head stuck up there ass!!
Posted by twingroves on Aug. 24 2014,7:49 pm
didn't he work in the court house at one time
Posted by Expatriate on Aug. 24 2014,8:08 pm
^That’s Dick Hoffman in the courthouse, not the same guy.
Posted by Self-Banished on Aug. 25 2014,5:12 am
(Expatriate @ Aug. 24 2014,8:08 pm)
QUOTE
^That’s Dick Hoffman in the courthouse, not the same guy.
So you're an expert on dicks?
I' m not surprised
Posted by TheHill on Aug. 26 2014,8:50 pm
Not sure which of the candidates I like more, but glad someone is running. Hate to see people run unopposed.
Posted by Liberal on Sep. 04 2014,9:35 am
(This is my real name @ Aug. 23 2014,4:13 pm)
QUOTE
This information HAS TO come up before the election, lest he is elected because people are tired of Larry Baker. Baker isn't a great councilor, but I think Hoffman would be a mistake. Hoffman would also likely vote lock-step with the rest of the council—the "in" club. As much as I hate to say it, I will probably vote for Baker.
I'm sure the Tribune will write an article before the election.
< http://www.albertleatribune.com/services/about-us/ >
< https://touch.www.linkedin.com/?sessio...0%2F280 >
Posted by This is my real name on Sep. 04 2014,6:18 pm
I might be wrong, but I am guessing the Tribune will endorse Baker when the time comes. If I remember correctly, when Mike Murtaugh ran for mayor, they backed his opponent. He didn't benefit from the fact that his wife Geri worked in the newsroom.But I don't expect them to point out any of the troubles Hoffman has had. They will simply say that Baker has more experience, and encourage Hoffman to perhaps run again in another four years after continued visits to council meetings. They'll give him a pat on the head and send him on his way.
Posted by bradfordbrock99 on Sep. 09 2014,4:50 pm
Talking about a troubled past, what about the Sheriff Candidate Freitag??? Take a look at what I stumbled across. Check out < www.frietagforsheriff.com > and let me know your thoughts!! We should give him a pat on the head and send him on his way too... Just sayin I think we need to share this with everyone. Not the image I want for a Sheriff
Posted by alcitizens on Sep. 09 2014,5:08 pm
(Liberal @ Sep. 04 2014,9:35 am)
QUOTE
(This is my real name @ Aug. 23 2014,4:13 pm)
QUOTE
This information HAS TO come up before the election, lest he is elected because people are tired of Larry Baker. Baker isn't a great councilor, but I think Hoffman would be a mistake. Hoffman would also likely vote lock-step with the rest of the council—the "in" club. As much as I hate to say it, I will probably vote for Baker.
I'm sure the Tribune will write an article before the election.
< http://www.albertleatribune.com/services/about-us/ >
< https://touch.www.linkedin.com/?sessio...0%2F280 >
Is Angie Hoffman at the Albert Lea Tribune related to Robert Hoffman?
Posted by Alfy Packer on Sep. 09 2014,8:59 pm
Husband and wife, but there should be no conflict of interest. 
Posted by TheHill on Sep. 10 2014,8:29 am
I think the conflict of interest card gets over-played. The Tribune should disclose the conflict but all people have the right to run for office. Are you suggesting that the family of Tribune members should not run for office?
Posted by MADDOG on Sep. 10 2014,8:35 am
Although people will talk, it can't have too much impact. A few years back Mike Murtaugh was mayor and Geri McShane was assistant editor.
Posted by Liberal on Sep. 10 2014,10:28 am
I'm not suggesting that he shouldn't run, I'm suggesting he gets treated exactly like Dave Shoff was treated when he ran the first time.
Posted by TheHill on Sep. 10 2014,2:59 pm
I am 100% with you on that. In fact, if I were Hoffman I would want to entire story to come out and then move on. Often the rumors can be more damaging than the facts. It is no longer possible to hide past transgressions so addressing them in an honest and upfront manner is the best course to chart.
Posted by Liberal on Sep. 25 2014,11:47 am
Big surprise, they didn't mention a thing.< http://www.albertleatribune.com/2014...-ward-2 >
Posted by Liberal on Oct. 16 2014,9:44 pm
And they take the cowardly way out.< http://www.albertleatribune.com/2014...-2-race >
So apparently ethics don't matter in local politics if your spouse works at the local paper.
Posted by Self-Banished on Oct. 17 2014,4:30 am
^^^you used the words ethics and politics in the same sentence 
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 17 2014,7:59 am
So I read between the lines as either the editorial staff is leaning towards Baker and doesn't want to cause a rift or they feel neither is a good candidate.
Posted by kinnickhawk on Oct. 18 2014,9:35 pm
Is being on the city council that big of deal or is it a power trip? I think his signs are hilarious but not funny the liquor store really supports him...
Posted by Liberal on Oct. 19 2014,4:51 pm
It's a popularity thing, and the lack of a real newspaper since Shmeltzer left. This race is a perfect example, Hoffman has been in trouble multiple times for ethics violations as a realtor, and because people like him they'll overlook his lack of ethics. And since his wife works at the Tribune they won't mention it because it would make it sort of uncomfortable in the break room.
Posted by kinnickhawk on Oct. 19 2014,5:59 pm
Good old Albert Lea
Posted by Joink on Oct. 20 2014,10:29 am
From what I have gathered. Our local thorn in government's side Mal is funding the Robert Hoffman campaign. Can't be good for our city council for Mal to have a vote.
Posted by MADDOG on Oct. 20 2014,10:39 am
Mal is just one vote and one opinion and he deserves both.
Posted by Joink on Oct. 20 2014,10:52 am
Everyone deserves to be represented and have their opinion heard. Not to have a locked down vote that represents only his interest.