Bruce, I think I can safely say that Ron's post was as a member, not as a Mod, and while the Staff Badge does carry some implications - it really has no bearing on this thread. A Mod never Moderates on a thread s/he may be participating is my general understanding - human imperfections notwithstanding but still pretty dependable.
Additionally, Ron can seem a bit gruff at times I guess - not nearly as bad as I can when I don't stop and think - but it is common for many of us to speak freely here as buddies, not always selecting our words and phrases like we might in business, politics, etc. I thot he sounded gruff too, but I would suggest not taking offense - either way, whether he meant it that way or not.
Finally, I do agree with Ron. Wild statements like you posted there are not really appropriate here, indeed - would be best said on a different thread if at all. I'd suggest not at all until you are ready to back the claims with proof or at least details, but at least not on this thread. It may seem relevant, and my first thot was "tell Santa Rosa before they build," but that building is going up, no doubt about it. It's in the hard plan, paid for by grants I think, and good for local business as soon as they start.
Well, those are my thots, for what they may or may not be worth. You're both good guys and I wanted to offer them in case they might help. I'd suggest asking another Mod to remove the last 4 posts starting with your claim and including mine here, but that's y'all's call.
Now where were we...?