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Friday, Oct. 17, 2008

Loose Lips: 'Maverick' is the word of the day in Merced politics

Merced County has its own maverick, Lips has learned.

In this election, though, that doesn't mean much. That title's handed out faster than ACORN registers voters.

John McCain's a maverick. Sarah Palin's a maverick. Tina Fey's a maverick. Even Joe Sixpack and his cousin Joe the Plumber are mavericks.

So's Bill Spriggs, according to a column in Merced County's other newspaper.

Before you know it, there'll be photos of Spriggs in a bikini clutching a hunting rifle floating around the Internet. Lips isn't sure whether that'd appeal to local voters, though.

The staunch conservative has doubled-knotted the city's purse strings, just as a maverick should do. Unfortunately, other council members took Alexander the Great's solution to the Gordian knot -- they slashed open those purse strings.

Spriggs was on the losing end of a battle that'd save the city money by having employees pay more for health coverage. It didn't go over too well with workers.

He was also part of the minority that wasn't keen on the council's pick for city manager, John Bramble. Seems the transplanted Coloradan isn't a member of the Mavericks of Merced County.

Turns out, holding to his mavericky manners, Spriggs doesn't mind if he's not liked by his fellow council members or even city staff.

Fortunately, Lips hasn't seen any dartboard bearing his resemblance, so his approval ratings can't be as low as G-Dub's.

If he's truly a maverick, he'd be probably supporting the McCain/Palin ticket (Lips isn't sure what it's a ticket to. Bomb-bomb-Iran, perhaps?)

But answer this conundrum. McCain's just a year shy of Really Old and could be president, which is kind of like being city manager of the country.

Spriggs said Merced's next city manager, at 62, is too old for the job.

Given Bramble's warm reception by the council, perhaps he should look toward the presidency. Maybe then he'd get Sprigg's support.

Legal lattes, ex parte espresso

How do you take your justice? Room for cream and sugar? Or just bitter and black, like a retiring judge in his robe?

Lips learned that coffee's on at Merced County Superior Court and suspects the java justice jolt will mean more pounding fists and passionate objections. And probably more recesses for potty breaks.

The Merced Union High School District's regional occupational program installed a coffee cart, Sierra Cafe, on the courthouse's second floor to give challenged students a way to gain job skills.

A cuppa joe only costs a buck, and all the money goes right into the program.

There isn't an espresso machine or milk frother. Sorry kids, no grande mocha-latte-chino soy no-whip, cinnamon sprinkle options.

To Lips dismay, the brews don't bear localized names. We were hoping for Judge Ronald Hansen's House Blend, Due Process Decaf or Felony French Roast.

The court's "no food or drink" rules inside the courtroom still apply. Judicial officials don't want any spilled coffee to ruin that new courthouse smell.

Loose Lips loves coffee, mavericks and tips. E-mail any of them to editor@mercedsun-star.com.