Blog: Democracy in Action?

” . . . (S)ome achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.”  Shakespeare’s old saw certainly applies to this year's town council election.  Just like last year, since only six candidates applied to run for six seats, everyone who ran (including me) is now automatically a member of the 2013 Crescenta Valley Town Council! 

Why only six candidates?  I suspect it’s because our community is in a quiet time right now—no fires, floods, wind, and no earthquakes.  Without crisis or local controversy, people are less likely to participate or even take an interest in their government.  This was true for me—it took a fire and a flood to get me to pay attention.  That’s unfortunate because the most positive motivation for someone to participate in the  town council is to gain knowledge so that they are better informed and prepared when the next crisis occurs. Experience shows that informed, prepared people usually act accordingly and the whole community benefits.

In addition, while the  town council has absolutely no power and acts only in an advisory capacity to Supervisor Michael Antonovich, the council serves an important function because the Supervisor listens to what the town council has to say.  Since the Supervisor listens, so do others in County government—and so do outside agencies like So. Cal. Edison, the CV Water District and the Glendale Unified School District.  

Bottom line: the the recommendations the town council makes and the positions it takes can and do affect your life here in La Crescenta, so it behoves you to pay attention to what we do.

Therefore, while all of us candidates will gain seats on the council, your vote on November 3 is still very important because you will decide who, among the six of us, will serve a regular three-year term with voting rights to make recommendations on behalf of your community and who will serve as an alternate with a one-year term, but without voting rights. 

I hope you take a few minutes this Saturday and vote for me.  I bring expertise and experience to bear on the issues facing this community and I will be an effective representative for you and your interests.

But regardless for whom you vote—please vote!  And remember, different from our National Election Day, next Tuesday, the election for Town Council will occur this Saturday, Nov. 3 at the La Crescent Library, Community Room.  Polls will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  I hope to see you there.