Final result: "no" wins 58-42. Nobody knows for sure why 4,445 voters decided to keep Jim Dear in office. But if you have to start somewhere, start with this Woody Allen quote: "80 percent of success is showing up."
Jim Dear shows up. He treats being mayor like a full-time job, and keeps his dance card full with Democratic clubs, funerals, block clubs, HOAs, graduations, prayer breakfasts and senior lunches. If 10 people get together in Carson, chances are that one of them will be Jim Dear, and that gives him political capital to call upon in times of need.
"He attends our meetings," said Perlita Rasing, who showed up at the community center tonight wearing an "I love Jim Dear" t-shirt. "He's always reliable, he's very open, and he tries to help us."
I'll get into some of the other reasons in a follow-up story, and I'll also explore whether this will change the divisive dynamic around City Hall. After the last election in March '07, everyone declared that it was time for unity and healing, and that last about a week.
The first test is tonight: there'll be a council meeting at 6 p.m. Let's see how it goes.
I am a long time resident of Carson and now work with the community as an organizer. Please keep me informed of any other articles that would pertain to any of Carson's political officials. Thanks.