I promised Joe I would write up my thoughts about the upcoming election. My first thought is: “Why are there just four candidates running with two open seats?” Last go ‘round there were a plethora of folks running—including those who shouldn’t have been on the slate as they were clearly not ready for the job.
I guess I could say the same this time around. Specifically, Mrs. Bandrapalli and Mr. Storey fit the category. They may be nice folks with good intentions, but running for council takes some understanding of the issues and it appears to me that neither have that understanding. Bandrapalli has demonstrated a lack of understanding through her work, or lack thereof, in her role as a planning commissioner and her campaign rhetoric during the last election and Storey demonstrates it through his website, which promises changes that could never be realized for a variety of fundamental reasons.
I have spent time in recent days asking tough questions to the two other candidates, Donna Colson and Emily Beach. They have some attributes in common. Through their community service they have accomplished measurable results and have gained experience about how the system works and clearly, how to get things done. Neither promised anything so far reaching that it could not be attained.
Sure, both have somewhat of a learning curve regarding what the community values and what the campaign issues are today and what they likely will be during their terms. When asked what the top issues were, neither said “growth.” That in my mind is the number one issue and has been for some time. (Personal note: I’m not against growth, I just want it done extremely carefully. I don't want it done the wrong way and honestly, it seems to me that the current council is indeed going about it the wrong way. End of clarification.) High Speed Rail is still a hot button issue in my mmd, but didn't rank as high with either Donna or Emily, but they did at least acknowledge the need to be vigilant about it
My interviews with both reminded me of an old episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the one where Mary was being interviewed for her job by Lou Grant. Towards the end of the interview, Lou said to Mary, “You’re spunky.” Mary smiled and reacted as if she were being complimented. Lou responded, “ I hate spunky.”
I, on the other hand, like “spunky.” I think it takes a little spunk in order to question authority, question your colleagues, question those you represent and question staff. Donna Colson and Emily Beach have spunk—and I’ll vote for spunk over empty campaign promises every time.
Leave a Reply