For the Record Gazette

I was speaking with Jack Holden, Executive Director of the Banning Chamber of Commerce, the other day. The Chamber and the Record Gazette have partnered in presenting what they call the Candidate Academy. (See details and signup rules on page 3.)

Even if you think you've been bombarded with campaign literature, television ads and billboards, we haven't really begun the election year yet. While the Republican nominee for president seems a bit clearer, I am clueless as to whom the Democrats will go with. Couple that with the fact that we have about ten months left before elections and you might get the picture.

I subscribe to the Tip O'Neal philosophy that all politics are local. While I definitely care who we elect as president, I probably care more about who we elect to the city council, the school board, the water district, the home owners associations and more. These are usually people one knows and they have an immediate and direct impact on how you live your life and whether your taxes go up or stay stable.

Here's a little tidbit: While the City of Banning (or any other taxing authority) has to put raising taxes on the ballot, the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency does not. They are pre-Prop. 13 and are not constrained from levying taxes without voter approval. Do keep an eye on this when you get your tax bills?

Here's something to think about. The City of Banning has three council members coming up for re-election (if any/all decide to run) - they are Barbara Hanna, John Machisic and Brenda Salas. The election is in November, signing up begins in August. It's a long way away but it really isn't.

If you've sat at home or in council chambers and said, “I can do just as well or probably better than these people, think about running for office.

Do you want to make a difference in regional thinking about water? - run for an open seat on the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency. If you live in a development where Home Owner's Associations rule, you really should want to get involved.

No matter what you are thinking of running for Š and I hope you are Š think about taking the courses offered at the Candidate Academy. It will run on four consecutive Monday nights: March 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Banning Chamber of Commerce Office at 60 E. Ramsey St. For information, contact Suzanne Roquillo at the Banning Chamber (951) 849-4695 go to info@banning chamber.org. The Chamber seminar series is informational and nonpartisan.

There is more to being a candidate than just a desire to run and serve your community. You must file papers, learn about campaign financing, including how to raise money and then report it properly. If you are contemplating running for an office, a board, a commission or your homeowner's association, this is a way to be prepared. There is a modest registration fee. Please check with the Chamber.

Speaking

of Appearances

I attended a recent Banning City Council meeting where Mayor Brenda Salas introduced new city manager, Brian Nakamura. The agenda was short, the meeting swift and the appearance of the staff was impressive.

While Duane Burk and Jim Earhart are also respectfully dressed and the council always looks most business-like, I was impressed that Mr. Nakamura was wearing a shirt AND a tie. This is a pleasant departure from the polo shirts worn regularly by his predecessor.

The city council has seen fit to have Mr. Nakamura manage the City of Banning. As a leader, he is setting a fine example for this staff, the council and the public.

Speaking of Speeches

My Rotary colleagues Wendell Bainter and John Robinson and I were judges at a speech contest held at Banning High School. Sponsored by the San Gorgonio Pass and The Banning Rotary clubs, the contestants were charged with speaking from between five and eight minutes and integrating the Rotary Four-Way test within the context of their speech.

I like the Rotary Four-Way test; nice tenets to live by:

1) Is it the Truth?

2) Is it fair to all concerned?

3) Will it build good will and better friendships?

4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Each of the participants performed well. One young woman, a late entry stood out more than the others. When told she had come in in first place, she was thrilled and said, “My grandmother will be so proud of me!” She will compete in the next level and the 3 finalists will be honing their speaking skills at both Rotary club meetings.

Through service clubs and school programs, youngsters are offered a plethora of programs to enhance their current and future needs.

Old People

Don't Like Changes

I'm an avid newspaper reader. I have several dropped in my driveway each morning and read several more online. There were two reasons I subscribed to the Press Enterprise: 1) local news, which has been less Riverside and more San Bernardino County; and 2) the weekly TV guide.

The P-E informed their readers last Sunday that, because viewing habits have changed, it was the last edition they would be publishing of their weekly TV guide. I find this totally unacceptable! Creature of habit that I am, I want to know what my television options are for the week. I do NOT want to go to my computer to find out what is on each day. Besides, what am I supposed to do Š check each channel in the universe?

Since Record Gazette is published once a week and since the paper might be able to secure enough advertising, wouldn't it be neat if they decided to pick up this useful weekly TV guide service? I can always hope. If you agree, please let the powers that be think this is a good idea. Public input can work wonders.

Gail and her husband Bill Paparian created a service called Writing Solutions in 1996. Gail has also written for a number of local and national magazines and newspapers over the years. Currently, she provides public relations consulting services for the Banning Unified School District. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .