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
info@WritingSolutions.com.
