As editor of Los Alamitos’ only political blog for the past four years, I’ve learned a lot about 3 of our 4 city council candidates, and had a couple months to interact with the 4th.
As editor of Los Alamitos’ only political blog for the past four years, I’ve learned a lot about 3 of our 4 city council candidates, and had a couple months to interact with the 4th.
Here are my observations on the pros and cons of each one, in the order they appear on your ballot:
Ken Stephens:
Positives: Usually polite and diplomatic. 4 years’ experience. Seems to speak his mind.
Negatives: Has voted with the majority block almost without exception, including:
1. Voted four times to skip the traditional rotation of the Mayor’s office.
2. Voted to “break the law,” (according to Judge Banks’ ruling) by awarding our Trash Franchise to the second highest bidder.
3. After Judge Banks voided the contract, voted to change the law and reinstitute the contract. Voted twice to remove highly regarded volunteer commission chairmen for daring to differ publicly with the council majority.
Verdict: Actions speak louder than words … but at the last council meeting Stephens finally voted independently to support the minority’s rights. That doesn’t fully negate all the times Stephens failed to use his swing vote to build unity. So I’m undecided, but think we can do better.
Demi Devany:
Positives: A new face and vision with a unique perspective who seems to care about our town.
Negatives: Too new? Too unique? Still seems to get some obvious things wrong. But will she be able to learn on the job?
Verdict: Not the strongest candidate, but maybe worth a vote to get a whole new perspective at city hall. Demi will probably get one of my two votes.
Dean Grose:
Positives: Extensive volunteer involvement in community, long term resident, seems to care about our town.
Negatives: Tendency to make bad decisions, like:
1. His explanation to me that we didn’t need to put the trash franchise out to bid because “George Briggeman has done a lot of good for this community.”
2. Forwarding that infamous Obama watermelon e-mail three years ago.
Verdict: Undecided … until I read that just two weeks ago, Grose defended his infamous e-mail by indicating, “We should be able to laugh together.” The only humor I can find in a White House watermelon field is based on a racist stereotype. Grose is still making bad decisions, and might embarrass Los Alamitos again.
Richard D. Murphy:
Positives: 30 year resident with CPA background. Proven peace-maker with supporters and friends on both “sides” of our divided town. Unanimously appointed to Traffic Commission by our current Council. A good listener. Self-funding his campaign: Actually refused to take my money!
Negatives: Seems like more of a plodding CPA than a visionary leader. Too closely connected with the current majority? Or is he too closely connected with the current minority?
Verdict: A “plodding CPA” with connections to both “sides” is probably exactly what our council needs at this point. Absolutely the best choice of the four.
We can vote for two, but don’t have to.
Think it through and be sure to vote wisely. Our last council election was decided by only 20 votes!
That’s my perspective, what’s yours? Please join the conversation at NewsEnterprise.net or LetsFixLosAl.com.
Dave Emerson is a 24-year Los Alamitos resident who ran for city council four years ago and edits Los Alamitos’ only political blog, LetsFixLosAl.com.
