Campaign season almost officially here
The filing period for candidates seeking office in the Nov. 3 election begins on Monday, according to the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.
In San Bernardino, the Mayor's Office, as well council seats for the First, Second and Fourth wards are up for a vote.
Mayor Pat Morris has already declared that he will seek reelection. The Fourth Ward campaign could also be an interesting race, as Joe Arnett - who took second place to incumbent Fred Shorett in the Special Election that was held in March - is set to formally announce his campaign at noon today.
Arnett has snagged some of Shorett's former supporters, including the firefighters union. The fire union took umbrage when Shorett and a majority of the council took action this spring to maintain budget cuts that eliminated 12 firefighting positions. No firefighters lost their jobs because of the cuts, but eight of those positions were filled by firefighters working overtime shifts.
The cuts resulted in some fire engine companies being staffed with three firefighters instead of four, which fire fighters said compromised public safety. Fire Chief Michael Conrad has said the Fire Department can adequately respond to fires.
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Andrew Edwards. E-mail Andrew here.
Don't forget the guy running against Morris: Sir Isaac. I don't know muchabout the guy. Let's hear something on him. Does he have a website?
Hey Andy, You might have mentioned that Fred Shorett received 73% of the vote, with three other challengers on the ballot, making Arnett a distant second place at best. Arnett did not "snag" anyone: He has been co-opted by the Penman/Derry political machine. That is the real story. I was at Arnett's news conference Thursday and He had nothing new to say about his candidacy or Shorett's tenure on the Council.
gary Moore: Arnett decided to run over a year ago without any support but from his church. It was grassroots from the beginning. And where do you get this Penman/Derry thing? Neither one has endorsed him. He may have said nothing new to you, but it is far better than what Shorett is saying which is worse than nothing. It is Morris rhetoric. He has been reeled in by the Morris machine, hook line and sinker. Too bad. Thought he was what he said he was, independent, conservative and neutral. Neutral, alright, without a thought in his head.
I voted for Fred, and I have seen the change. But I would like to share this with you all. Not in defense of Fred, but for future considerations on who you want to vote for.
Problem with being elected on your stated issues and your really believing in yourself, then walking the halls of the "down town shark tank"; that unless you have a strong will and fortitude, one can be intimidated by charisma and priviledge, and very quickly lose your agenda and swim in the smoothest water.
If you get a chance to observe inner workings, it is really a political , smoozing , shark tank. Smiles and nice words come at you; with the "good meaning intentions-destroying shark's teeth", hidden behind those smiling lips of agendized deciet, and will bite you ! If you don't watch your back, you get bit.
Staff is caught in between the good and the vicious, and are very careful and watchful of their words, even though , they know they are right, they must sometimes skirt the truth when they speak to keep the politicos happy and their job.
It takes strong will, able to stay on track, not easily intimidated, and we all hope honest with your self and your constituents, type of person; to take on the forces of city hall, not to mention the demands of your constituents.
Politics can leave you with a bad taste for government very quickly; once you are in the fray. Now you decide to: fight the forces , work with them or work under them. This is a very slippery path, not for the faint at heart. Friendships in politics are very shallow and deals are made on very shallow intentions.
Why "S T" I get the impression that I have spoken to those you write of......smiles and nice words (while lying) and pushing their agenda. Could it be....Mayor Morris? He is an expert at that. When he ran last time my husband and I thought that he was too good to be true after listening to him. The easy charm and nice manner, the baby kissing, it all seemed staged. Glad I voted for Penman - at least I stayed true to my opinions. And Morris showed his true colors eventually - and the show he puts on is too good to be true.
Gia;
You are wiser beyond my years. We went same paths and saw the same traits.