Observations at the end of a contentious political season
Voters will cast their ballots on Tuesday, and they have a lot of sorting out to do on this last weekend of the political campaign. The problem is the candidates in several races have complicated the decision instead of defining differences between themselves and their opponents.
The worst race is the District 5 contest for the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. The gutter-romping was started by Clovis Councilman Nathan Magsig, and opponent Debbie Poochigian was forced to respond. The Bee's editorial board comments on the politicking in that race in this editorial.
There are so many problems in the county -- an upside down budget, a human services agency with managerial problems, a need for public safety consolidation among them -- that need attention. They should be at the center of the debate, not which candidate has more local ties to District 5.
UPDATE: Now we learn that icnumbent Supervisor Bob Waterston is secretly supporting Magsig. John Ellis reported this Saturday afternoon on the news blog: Waterston's "campaign committee gave $10,000 to Citizens for Representative Government, a political organization that in turn has spent more than $3,600 on an independent expenditure in support of Magsig."
There are several other interesting local races on Tuesday's ballot. Unfortunately, seven out of 10 voters will stay home, according to the elections experts.
They will miss a fascinating mayor's race that seems to have come down to Henry T. Perea and Ashley Swearengin. But four other candidates -- Jerry Duncan, Tom Boyajian, Jeff Eben and Mike Dages -- say they are making their moves to get into the November runoff. They will be on the streets this weekend trying to persuade voters to go their way.
With popular incumbent Alan Autry not seeking re-election because of term limits, there are 11 candidates on the mayoral ballot.
Another interesting race is the campaign for City Council in District 4 in the heart of Fresno, That contest pits incumbent Larry Westerlund against challenger Susan Good. But Westerlund isn't here because he's been called to active duty from the Naval Reserve.
Westerlund's mom, Judy, and wife, Dora, are campaigning on his behalf. I got a mailer from Judy and Dora Westerlund on Friday urging me to vote for their son/husband.
The challenge for Good is taking on an opponent who is serving in the military. If she gets too aggressive, there could be a backlash. If she doesn't go after him, how does she convince voters that a change is needed?
Comments
My vote is already in the post.
I agree with Jim, folks who do not vote are not brilliant citizens. I also think that the running comments about the race for mayor has been a right good giggle and added something to a race that was a bore to say the least.
Am gobsmacked that folks here have so much passion about what ails Fresno, and when they get the opportunity to make a difference do not bother.
To be true, I am not for anyone for mayor at this point, my ballot for that selection was marked for the copper running, even though MOI knows he will not win. MOI wanted to honour his running and being a part of the process. MOI did vote, and that is the whole point. It was important. Folks tell MOI that ballot still sits on table at home(they may not mail) or they have other important things to do and will not go to the voting place.
Fresno needs good leadership. Waiting for one to appear and save the city as if by magic is not going to happen.
Tongues will cluck and folks will have much to say the day after, about a process so many did not take part in.
SHAME on all of the 'good folks' who do not perform their civic duty.
Posted by: RobDeFrees | June 2, 2008 11:33 AM