Heringers son Stephen IV, 39, is operations manager; daughter, Stacy Heringer-McElfish, 36, is the wine club manager; and son Mike, 33, a Fresno State University viticulture graduate, is the resident winemaker. Siblings Todd and Karrie Rufer, college grads who grew up playing in the familys agricultural warehouses in Williams, have come home to take jobs that will determine whether they will eventually assume the reins at Morning Star Co., the global tomato-processing business started by their father. Rufer said he will fight the proposed $1.5-million fine and its entire premise, taking it to the state board and to civil court if he needs to. NBA: Sacramento Kings new arenas formal unveiling of drawings 10245 S. Ingomar Grade Rd. Chris J. Rufer founded The Morning Star Company in 1970, driving one truck hauling tomatoes and peaches. Chris J Rufer, 73 Resides in Sacramento, CA Lived In Los Banos CA, Woodland CA, Huntington Beach CA Related To Melodie Rufer, Barbara Rufer, Karrie Rufer, John Rufer Includes Address (6) Phone (6) Email (2) See Results Chris Rufer Resides in Merced, CA Related To Jennifer Rufer, Christi Rufer, Janice Rufer, Kelli Rufer, Scott Rufer The same person can appear under different names in public records. Chris J. Rufer founded The Morning Star Company in 1970, driving one truck hauling tomatoes and peaches. Required fields are marked *. His contributions make him one of the largest donors to a Sacramento political campaign in recent memory, but the arena fight is merely the latest political cause to grab his attention. Note, Facebook may ask you to prove you're not a bot - just solve CAPTCHA. We have lots of information about Chris: religious views are listed as Christian, ethnicity is Caucasian, and political affiliation is unknown. He is a Cornell graduate and former USC international journalism fellow, and speaks Spanish. Formally unveiling drawings of the new Sacramento Kings arena, Mayor Kevin Johnson said hes confident a measure challenging the citys $258 million subsidy for the project will be kept off the ballot. (916) 798-.css-1y2reja{color:transparent;position:relative;z-index:12;text-shadow:0.1rem 0.1rem 0.6rem #089FE4;}TMHZ. Rufer now either must return his wastewater ponds back to the size listed on permits or agree to very stringent monitoring provisions, including new test wells, for a three-year period, after which he will have to get a new permit. A fifth-generation Clarksburg farmer, he knows the challenges of sustaining an ag business that started with his great-great-grandfather in 1868. Spokeo's database, while extensive, does not contain all U.S. warrant, arrest, court, or other related records. Of that total, around 10% is supplied by Morning Star. Chris Rufer, 66, never has been keen on big government and always liked an underdog fight. Discover work experience, company details, and more. Morning Star is based in Woodland and owned by Chris Rufer, a Sacramento County resident who has been a major donor to various libertarian . Thats plain and simple, said Kevin Spafford, who runs The Legacy Project, a consulting firm specializing in farm-family succession, based in Chico. Chris J. Rufer founded The Morning Star Company in 1970, driving one truck hauling tomatoes and peaches. Chris has resided in Huntington Beach, CA in a condominium with John. chris rufer sacramento. Chris lives with Todd in a single family house in Sacramento, CA. Ted vs. Theodore), sometimes they use their names international variations (Richard/Rickard). The presence or absence of records for any individual is not a guarantee of any kind. They have four children. Rufers funding of STOP is supporting STOPs effort to steal 4,000 jobs, steal a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform downtown and makes him an accomplice in Seattles attempt to steal the Kings, said Joshua Wood, executive director of The4000, the pro-arena PAC trying to keep the subsidy question off the ballot. We are actively involved in the global tomato industry and ongoing tomato research, and we have pioneered changes in production technology that have helped increase efficiencies throughout the industry. History is always important. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. We found one company that listed this address in its corporate registration documents Real Estate Buy Keller. Our services aid clients in enhancing overall production statistics. There are no good family get-togethers, Meyer said. In 2012, he gave $490,000 to a Utah PAC that supported the Libertarian Partys presidential candidate, Gary Johnson. His company would focus on producing tomato paste and diced tomatoes in 55-gallon drums and 300-gallon bins. Chris Rufer didn't set out to become the main money man in the most divisive political campaign Sacramento has seen in years. 12045 S. Ingomar Grade Rd. Meyer said he knows of a Southern California farming family where the well-to-do patriarch didnt want to consult with anyone about who would succeed him. "They appear to be phenomenally competent.". And in the late 1990s, he bankrolled a nationwide advocacy group, led by a former computer salesman from Fresno, that pushed the idea of ending all government funding for schools. Today, he oversees a $350 million tomato-processing empire with 400 full-time employees and three Central Valley manufacturing sites that ship tomatoes - mostly diced and paste - to hundreds of U.S. companies, as well as more than 40 countries overseas. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. UNLOCK PROFILE. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads, Your Privacy Choices/(Opt-Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Notice of Exemption Exempt Status Categorical Exemption Type, Section or Code Section 15301 Reasons for Exemption Rufer is a prominent patron of libertarian causes and contributed $90,000 to a group that fought unsuccessfully to block the city of Sacramento's $255 million public subsidy for Golden 1. Search our database of over 100 million company and executive profiles. I dont have my ego in this. best army base in germany . "Maybe the mayor could spend a little more time with police, the fire department and schools," he said. The company's principal business is agribusiness development and management in the processing tomato industry. Looking for Chris Rufer? But he wont concede that he needed permission to change the waste stream, and has spent $250,000 in legal and engineering fees to stand on that principle. Rufer parlayed less than a 2% stake in his first tomato plant into a network of three plants he wholly owns. With nine grandkids, he jokes, the seventh generation is already in the cradle.. In 1970, Chris Rufer began Morning Star as a one-truck owner-operator company in California's Central Valley, hauling tomatoes from fields to canneries. In a speech to about 800 community leaders, the mayor defended the citys subsidy and said it will leverage an estimated $1 billion in private investment in the downtown area. - Staff Writer, Sacramento Business Journal Feb 23, 2016 Regulators have hit tomato packaging giant Morning Star Packing Co. with a $1.5 million fine for wastewater violations at its Williams plant. We found 1 phone number and email address. * Historical, vital, and court records and search results may require an additional purchase. By continuing to use our site you are agreeing to our. "If it gets on the ballot, I'm pretty confident it's going to win," Rufer said. When our dad was alive, he never thought it would change and he never thought about (succession), she said. For agricultural families, whether its a pear orchard, a wine vineyard or a tomato-processing plant, theres no handbook for knowing when or how to hand over the business to the next generation. As siblings who grew up playing in the familys agricultural warehouses in Williams, the two have come home to take jobs that will determine whether they will eventually assume the reins at Morning Star Co., the global tomato-processing business started by their father more than 40 years ago. Counts may not reflect the number of records that will appear in search results. While Holmes is available on the trade market, a buyout wont happen if hes not traded, Rival teams in need of size are monitoring Kings center Richaun Holmes as a potential buyout candidate, Jazz signing Kris Dunn to second 10-day contract, 76ers vs. Our mission is, and has always been, to produce tomato products which consistently achieve the quality and service expectations of our customers in a cost-effective, environmentally responsible manner. Email Address: See available information. Address history for Chris . Sacramento; Chris Rufer; Chris Rufer. Rufer, who founded his operation on the libertarian principle of self-management, believes that he was allowed to alter those systems because they were part of an expansion included in a 2013 permit. Theres nothing wrong with either scenario.. Powerful social search locates profiles on social networks, dating sites, online shopping, web forums, music platforms, etc. Make sure to check Sacramento county records. He was born on Feb 28, 1967. Thanks for signing up. Past Addresses: See available information. "I have no issue about the guys that bought the team," he said. From the Sacramento Bee CDFA's Planting Seeds Blog. "It's another example of this crony politics," Rufer said. 2023 State of California. chris rufer sacramento. We found 8 phone numbers and email addresses. Resides in Sacramento, CA. It costs $1,570 per month to rent two bedrooms in the zip code 95814, according to HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research. Rufer said he would consider donating more to the STOP campaign, which has until early December to collect about 22,000 petition signatures to place an initiative on the ballot next June. 457628) Deputy General Counsel Law lstevenson@fec.gov Kevin Deeley "Rufer said Mayor Kevin Johnson and other elected leaders had misplaced priorities. Or not. Chris J Rufer, 73. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Office of Environmental Farming & Innovation. That perseverance has Rufer entangled in a $1.5-million battle with water regulators over waste and odors from his tomato processing plant in the Sacramento Valley town of Williams, the largest facility of its kind in the country. Find census, military, and other historical records.*. If it was a subsidy for a fish pond, Id be against it.. 2. But theres a lot at stake, particularly for agricultural enterprises. The founder of the Sacramento-area Morning Star Company, which makes tomato products, Rufer has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Republican and Libertarian candidates and groups. The company founded, and is the managing partner/member of six enterprises. Chris J Rufer are some of the alias or nicknames that Chris has used. In 1970, Chris Rufer began Morning Star as a one-truck owner-operator company in Californias Central Valley, hauling tomatoes from fields to canneries. No events in this location Foreign surnames can be transliterated and even translated (e.g. Ver. If this link does not work for you, you can also use FB directory https://www.facebook.com/directory/people/. Zappos, the Las Vegas-based shoe retailing arm of Amazon, is the best-known practitioner of the model. Each successive generation, if they choose to do something else, thats their right. Rufer expanded the ponds and decreased the acreage on which he sprayed wastewater which created an overload of pollutants allowed by permits, the board charged. Karrie and Todd Rufer, both college graduates in their 20s, are decidedly interested. * Other possible variations for this name:Christophe, Christine, Christin, Chistopher, Christop, Christphr, Christophr, Christoper, Christy, Cristopher, Christo, Cris, Chirstopher, Chrisa, Christ. Disclaimer: Reference to these media outlets or TV shows should not be construed to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of Spokeo or its products. chris rufer sacramentohtml5 interactive animation. Families have different philosophies, said Sacramento attorney Stephen Meyer, co-chair of the Downey Brand law firms food and agriculture practice. Chris Rufer is 56. Chris resides in Sacramento, CA in a single family house with Melodie. Its usually over a misunderstanding or a perception that is not reality, said Spafford, who conducts family workshops across the country. Our three processing facilities are located throughout the heart of Californias tomato country processing tomatoes from Californias entire Central Valley. Chris Haynes: Sacramento Kings forward Richaun Holmes is suing Sacramento Bee and staffers for defamation over five individual articles that were published, alleging . Development pressures, water issues and financial concerns make it a challenge going forward. The sisters, along with four cousins, share ownership of the wheat-and-tomato farm run by their father and uncle for 50 years in Yolo County. He has sued the state over hazardous waste fees and fought against its inspection system for tomatoes. Los Banos, CA 93635. Los Banos, CA 93635. Chris has been associated with this PO box. Rufer stopped short of criticizing Vivek Ranadive and the other new owners of the Sacramento Kings. However, he predicted that if the measure is placed on the ballot, it would easily pass. Rufer admits that there were a few screw-ups in his plans to get more paste from tomatoes using less water, including unusual odors. Rufer, founder and owner of a successful Woodland tomato processor called The Morning Star Co., said it comes down to personal philosophy. The family farm is really important to us, said Kathryn Beltrami, a former teacher who lives in Sacramento. Full Name, Age, Job and Education Records, View Social Media Profiles & Photos in One Place, Estimated values of property, vehicles, aircraft and watercraft, By using tree view and force view visualization techniques, you can discover potential connections between people based on information about their previous addresses. Lived In Los Banos CA, Woodland CA, Huntington Beach CA . The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. Successfully transitioning a family-owned business is no easy task. Karrie, whos kept a Tomato Princess license plate holder on her car since she was 16, says it wasnt inevitable that they would get involved. Instagram is a free photo sharing app which allows users to take a photo, apply a digital filter to it, and then share it on multiple social networking services. Uncover details about birth, marriage, and divorce. When you have led a business for your adult lifetime, the process of delegating responsibility to a younger person is challenging If the patriarch or older generation is unable or unwilling to delegate, for instance, it can be just as crippling as the younger generation lacking the interest or aptitude to assume responsibility, said Mark Burrell, a Gold River-based managing partner of WestMark Group, a consulting firm specializing in agriculture issues. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613. Jim Babka joined The Advocates in early-2019. Are there currently 2 Black women on the U.S. Supreme Court? Their dad, Chris Rufer, got his start in the 1970s, hauling bulk tomatoes to local canneries during his college summers. This 10,240 square foot home is the last known address for Chris. King vs. Knig). This surname is found in public records in various versions, some of which are Rafer, Debi, Teusink, Rufer fanning, Counties publish data that may contain information about people. We found 45 records for Chris Rufer in CA, NY and 11 other states. Some of the stickiest issues involve families where some children work the business, but others have separate careers of their own. Click here to return to www.dilemma-x.com, http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/09/6140539/why-agribusinessman-is-bankrolling.html, New Zealand: Tallest skyscraper planned for Auckland, U.S. unemployment rate 3.4 percent in January 2023, Civil Rights and Dignity Was Not Always Nonviolent Resistance, 2022 State Population Rankings and Growth Rates, Census 2021 England and Wales released in 2022, Sleepy and Jack The 1937 Davidson College football halftime act of a Cotton-Picking scene done to the tune of Old Black Joe vs Harvard University. Phone Number: (707) 291-OQRX. Some say the farm should stay in the family, come hell or high water. We separated our businesses so we can provide succession plans for our families, Heringer said. Please visit http://www.dilemma-x.com for more information. Phone & Email (1) All Addresses (1) Family (4) Social; Court; And More; Phone & Email (1) By: HoopsHype. "You've got people who can well afford to build their own arena.". And with the average age of U.S. farm owners nearing 60, there will be a huge turnover in ownership over the next couple decades. Select the best result to find their address, phone number, relatives, and public records. If Im wrong, I pay; If Im right, Ill fight, said Rufer, president of Woodland, Calif.-based Morning Star Packing Co. Its not a win-lose game; typically its lose, lose, lose and then at some point you win. Sacramento River, adjacent to Garden Highway. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The population of the US is 329,484,123 people (estimated 2020). Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. STOP campaign receives $25K from tomato company founder. |. Video: Sacramento Kings ESC renderings At Morning Star Co., the Rufer siblings have no illusions about the challenge of following in their fathers footsteps. Morning Star Packing would have no managers. Uncover details about birth, marriage, and divorce. "Rufer stopped short of criticizing Vivek Ranadive and the other new owners of the Sacramento Kings. He now designs, constructs and operates the company's food-processing facilities. Two of his sisters wont speak to him. He suggests starting with a family meeting, ideally in a neutral location, with a set time and a specific agenda. ________ Mayor Kevin Johnson formally unveils drawings of new downtown arena. Other names that Melodie uses includes Melodie Oliveira, Melody C Rufer, Melody Rufer and Melodie K Rufer. Hewitt, who previously ran for Assembly and state Senate. Search for Criminal & Traffic Records, Bankruptcies. Therefore, ClustrMaps.com cannot be used for any purpose covered by the FCRA, Text on ClustrMaps.com is available under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license unless otherwise specified. Theyre hurting what I do, and what I do is produce food, and I do it more cost-effectively year after year, he said. He was a long-shot candidate for the state Assembly and Congress in the early 1990s and has given more than $1 million to libertarian causes including Ron and Rand Pauls presidential bids. Morning Star is organizationally structured through a system we term Mission Focused Self-Management. "It's bad and it's immoral. Disclaimer: Reference to these media outlets or TV shows should not be construed to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of Spokeo or its products. My first responsibility is to my customers, suppliers, employees and colleagues. Refine Your Search Results. Wesupplyover 40 percent of national markets with ingredient tomato paste and diced tomatoes. But being able to hang onto it is hard.. All Rights Reserved. I don't know if it's enough.". Over the past two decades, he and his wife, Melodie, have contributed more than $1 million to Libertarian and Republican candidates across the country, as well as conservative political action committees and ballot initiatives. Among the participants were sisters Kathryn and Rose Beltrami, who came to get some ideas for succession, such as a possible agricultural conservation easement. About a year ago, he and his brother who farmed pears, asparagus and wine grapes together for more than 20 years split their business in half. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Chris J. Rufer and Melodie K. Rufer, Trustees of the MKG Trust Dated October 28, 1988 (Lessees); and Tom Soto (Applicant). He has reported and edited science, environmental issues, fires, wars and breaking news. Rufer, who lives in a mansion perched along the Saramento River and just outside city limits, said his libertarian views of society have motivated his to oppose public funding for the planned. * Historical, vital, and court records and search results may require an additional purchase. And we still haul our tomatoes from the fields just as our owner began his journey in 1970. chris rufer sacramentohtml5 interactive animation. He had an economic advantage here by making changes to his facility without getting a new permit. Rufer, who lives in a mansion perched along the Saramento River and just outside city limits, said his libertarian views of society have motivated his to oppose public funding for the planned arena. raised more than $237,000 for his supervisor bid as of June 30. Last year, the Downey Brand law firm and the WestMark Group hosted a series of workshops in Sacramento for agriculture families on how to prepare for succession. He was a long-shot candidate for the state Assembly and Congress in the early 1990s and has given more. Chris J Rufer can be found on facebook https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Chris+Rufer&epa=SEARCH_BOX. According to a 2013 survey by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there is more than $2.7 trillion equity in American farms and ranches. Find census, military, and other historical records.*. The group used the donations to pay Momentum Political Services $12,000 to gather signatures. City Clerk Shirley Concolino tossed out the petitions, saying the wording was legally flawed. Previous to Chris's current city of Sacramento, CA, Chris Rufer lived in Woodland CA. Facebook is a social network where users can create a profile, add friends, exchange messages, and join common interest user groups. Uncover Chris' photos, videos, and more . We assume that Karrie Rufer and Melodie K Rufer were among four dwellers or residents at this place. So its perseverance.. Information on the Modal age groups of Rufers neighbors (weve analysed 500 households nearest to the Rufers current address), https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Chris+Rufer&epa=SEARCH_BOX, https://www.facebook.com/directory/people/, https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/people/?keywords=Chris+Rufer, https://www.classmates.com/siteui/search/results?q=Chris+Rufer&searchType=all. As for the chances that the STOP campaign will achieve its signature-gathering goal, Rufer said, "It's a tough go. Today, Morning Star operates three factories with the largest production scale in the world, with resources solely dedicated to tomatoes. But since I had two boys who are interested in continuing, I needed to let them take charge.. My dads put in thousands of hours, so its his choice to sell it or not, said Karrie, 28, who holds a marketing MBA degree from St. Marys and works at the companys Capitol Mall office in Sacramento. Disclaimer: "Maybe the mayor could spend a little more time with police, the fire department and schools," he said.Rufer said he would consider donating more to the STOP campaign, which has until early December to collect about 22,000 petition signatures to place an initiative on the ballot next June. 2023 Free To Choose Network. Rufer has lost nearly all of those fights (though a couple might be classified as draws). Chris is related to Barbara Ella Rufer and Melodie K Rufer as well as 2 additional people. Morning Star Packing now produces at least a third of the tomato-based ingredients that work their way into sauces, pizzas and other fast foods nationwide. Chris holds a BA in Economics (1972) and an MBA in Finance & Corporate Planning (1975), both from the University of California. In those cases, there needs to be an equitable but not necessarily equal division of assets between active and non-active siblings. under: depths of fear story explained; taidnapam park fishing; what state has the worst soil; unghia incarnita gentalyn beta; 5 letter words ending in eath; former southampton academy players; The company's principal business is agribusiness development and management in the processing tomato industry. PRC 5697.9, a General Lease - Recreational and Protective Structure Use, and an application for a new General Lease - Recreational and Protective Structure Use, of sovereign lands located in the Sacramento River, adjacent to the Garden Highway, Sacramento County; for an existing uncovered floating boat dock, gangway and bank protection previously authorized by the Commission. We cannot guarantee the accuracy, correctness and/or timeliness of the data. Baskin-Robbins adds a hint of waffle, and voila, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns. "Rufer said the city's $258 million contribution to the arena project, in the form of parking revenues and land donations, amounts to government theft. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of KCRA-TV. Chris J Rufer, 73 Resides in Sacramento, CA Lived InLos Banos CA, Woodland CA, Huntington Beach CA Related ToMelodie Rufer, Barbara Rufer, Karrie Rufer, John Rufer IncludesAddress(6) Phone(6) Email(2) See Results Chris Rufer Resides in Merced, CA Related ToJennifer Rufer, Christi Rufer, Janice Rufer, Kelli Rufer, Scott Rufer Your email address will not be published. Rufer said the city's $258 million contribution to the arena project, in the form of parking revenues and land donations, amounts to government theft. Copyright Before moving to Melodie's current city of Newport Beach, CA , Melodie lived in Sacramento CA. Of course, keeping a business within the family is no guarantee of success. "This is a case where I can have some impact," Rufer told KCRA 3 during an interview on Thursday. They have also lived in Los Banos, CA and Huntington Beach, CA. When he died, ownership struggles ensued among his four children. My dad actually tried to talk me out of it at one point. One option is splitting the land ownership from the farming operation itself. He left The Times in April 2020. Results for this person or the person you are looking for are not guaranteed to appear in search results. His shoes are size 72, as far as Im concerned, said Todd, 25, who has an economics degree from Loyola Marymount University. Avoiding that scenario starts with a conversation, say farm-family-succession experts. Our sales of tomato products are over $800 million annually. View Chris J Rufer's profile for company associations, background information, and partnerships. Tomato Ingredient Producer, Owner and partner of all enterprises, Mission Focused Self-Management, Hotel Mission De Oro, Foodservice Formulated Sauces and Tomato Ingredients, Seeds, Transplants, Transplanting and Harvesting. Its the recycling of water, to save water and decrease the energy we use., Our permits have to fully describe where the wastewater ponds are, their volume; they have to evaluate the impacts to groundwater, Wyels said. Discover work experience, company details, and more. Jim has hosted his own syndicated radio show . Chris Rufer - Tomato Processing and Packing Company - Morning Star Co Newsletters Join our Team Contact Us << See all Newsletter Posts California Processing Tomato Industry Situation By: Chris J. Rufer Our California processing tomato industry has a history of meaningful ups and downs in production [.] Your email address will not be published. Please check your email for a confirmation. But now that hes gone, thats all we can think about.. A hard-earned family business can quickly sink if theres no clear idea on what the founders wanted or who might be interested in carrying on the business. We know that Hayk Galachyan, Elias Rodriguez, and 109 other persons also lived at this address, perhaps within a different time frame. Tesla Mexico plant means $10-billion investment, Nuevo Leon governor says, Assistants kindly request that you stop calling them assistants, Working more on the weekends? The main anti-subsidy group, Sacramento Taxpayers Opposed to Pork, was co-founded by two Democrats, Julian Camacho and Jim Cathcart. Im against subsidy, period, said Rufer. Bucks: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Rockets vs. Spurs: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Hawks vs. Heat: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Pistons vs. Cavaliers: Start time, where to watch, what's the latest, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. But if he thought we couldnt or didnt want to be here, he wouldnt have let us start., URL for story http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/02/6119638/family-farms-how-to-pass-on-or.html, Your email address will not be published. Search for profiles by email and username. The farmer leases the land, generating revenue for the non-farming siblings. Chris Rufer didnt set out to become the main money man in the most divisive political campaign Sacramento has seen in years. All Filters. STOPs lawyer, Brad Hertz, couldnt be reached for comment Tuesday but has previously said the flaws in the petitions were minor and the taxpayers group would have a strong case in court.