Who's running for Merced County Supervisor?
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Submitted by jkieta on Sat, 2008-03-01 11:48. |
Three of the five seats on the Merced County Board of Supervisors are up for election in June.
Unfortunately, it looks like it's shaping up to be a pretty dull election -- and I can't figure out why.
Kathleen Crookham at first said this term was going to be her last. Then, a few months ago, she said she was running for re-election. Now she's wavering in the face of a challenge by former Merced Mayor Hub Walsh.
First-termer John Pedrozo has no known opponents at this time.
Deidre Kelsey has one stated challenger -- and no one in Merced political circles knows who she is.
Amazingly, it's possible that Merced County will begin 2009 with the same board members it had in 2008. I say "amazingly" because with the current board's dismal track record, you'd think candidates would be lining up three-deep in each race.
There's still some time. If Crookham doesn't run, it's possible others will enter to challenge Walsh.
I just can't figure out why there aren't more takers for a job that pays more than $90,000 a year. Merced had a robust City Council race last year -- and that job pays about $50/month. Why don't some of those candidates at least give the current supes a run for their money? Do we really want more of the same coming out of the county building?
Supe's Race
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Submitted by Pups1and2 on Mon, 2008-03-03 07:53.
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I honestly think that the "good ol' boy network runs too deep for someone from the general public to run and win. If you don't have a recognizable name, you're not going to garner the dollars it would take to win the votes to win. Now if the Sun-Star would guarantee support to some young energetic politically-wize person, then you might get some unhearalded candidates to challenge the current crop of inepts.
Times have changed
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Submitted by jkieta on Mon, 2008-03-03 08:51.
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If the recent City Council election is any indication, the "good old boys" are on the run. Their candidate, Bob Acheson, came in LAST when everyone thought he would be the top vote-getter. I think that result was in part a backlash at the moneyed Merced power establishment.
John Carlisle and Noah Lor were able to get a whole bunch of new people to the polls. If someone running for supervisor can tap that well, watch out.
Let's Do it!
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Submitted by johalex on Fri, 2008-03-28 08:24.
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That's why I entered the race: I moved to Merced in 1989 and have worked in Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare Administration, and now political advocacy and support. My followers refer to me as a "known commodity", with no hidden agenda. Just a history of positive outcomes and successful projects by getting "experts" (the REAL people doing the work) involved with planning and executing possible solutions. It's really very simple!
Thanks,
John Alexander
Candidate for District Two
Yes, they have
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Submitted by Pups1and2 on Mon, 2008-03-03 12:05.
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I agree, Joe...except this is a full-time position requiring, I think, someone with the political no-how to get him or herself elected which would almost have to be a person retired or self-employed or willing to leave their current employment for what is a temporary job. That would tend to limit the field and I don't see any realtors wanting to jump into the shark pool.
Board of Supes Race
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Submitted by ATWATER1 on Sun, 2008-03-02 12:49.
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The final two candidates for Kathleen Crookham's seat will be Hub Walsh, who has solid support from some local king-makers and powerful labor unions. Walsh also has backers from his tenure on the city council. He'll face Margaret Pia, who will garner her support from the business community, and from local Republicans. (I know, its a nonpartisan race). Pia has been waiting for Crookham bail out.. Oh Yes, Kathleen Crookham will not run. She can see the hand writing on the wall, and will announce very soon: " I want to spend more time with my family". The above is no secret, and can be fleshed out by any reporter...
Time for a change
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Submitted by djawad on Mon, 2008-03-03 11:29.
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I agree with Kieta. It seems that someone would want to take a chance when the time for change is a mantra that is working well for Obama. Walsh is intelligent and comes with years of knowledge about how the system works.He knows what to do to get the board to move ahead in a positive light. Hopefully he will be able to make the needed changes that others were unable or unwilling to make.
Unfortunately, one voice
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Submitted by Pups1and2 on Mon, 2008-03-03 12:00.
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Unfortunately, one voice against a majority won't right the ship. Kelsey needs to go. As a matter of fact, all the incumbents should be replaced and get a new CEO sooner than later!
Syndicate
Wasn't it Kathleen Crookham
Wasn't it Kathleen Crookham who said it was a thankless job? She should retire and let her district have someone who enjoys the position.
Hub Walsh while on the city council was one of two that emailed and phoned me on a daily basis when I had a problem. He listened and we never met before, was sincere with me and he followed through. I think he would make a great supervisor.