I attended the Chamber's Candidate's Night and, for the most part, found it very informative. Since I do not live within city limits, the City Council race does not impact me, but I enjoyed learning more about the candidates. Although I do not have children and who runs the School Board should not concern me, I did like the contrast of a "regular soccer-mom" vs. an education professional. I did not think Mr. Bumgartner did himself any favors by reciting all the years and jobs he has had in the education system, but then said we still have a problem with graduation rates. Ms. Bengochea, on the other hand, brought forth real concerns from a parent's standpoint, I felt she was very approachable and will take the "civilian" population's concerns to the Board.
The evening gave me a clearer picture of those running for three of the races: the two seats open for Humboldt General Hospital Board, and those vying for the one County Commissioner's vacancy. HGH Board: I really like all of them and I will still be mulling this one over come Election Day. County Commissioner: City vs. Country is what I felt it came down to. I believe both gentlemen would do a fine job and both have volunteered their time to better our community. For me, the only edge I see: Mr. Cerri would be the rurals' voice for those living outside city limits and the specific concerns that arise.
Now, the Judge's race is one where I have great concerns. I have met both of the candidates, Mr. Shirley and Mr. Plimpton, on several occasions not relating, thankfully, in any way, shape or form to the legal courtroom. On the first occasion, Mr. Plimpton simply approached the microphone and told everyone his name and to vote for him. At the time I thought, "How arrogant is that? He thinks we know all about him, who he is, what he stands for and simply by telling us to vote for him, we would." He was also the only candidate, all evening, to degrade his opponent during the time he should have been telling us more about himself. On subsequent occasions, my opinion of him still stands. I shudder at the thought of this man taking to the Judicial Bench and I only hope would listen to arguments before making case decisions based on what he thinks is best.
On the other hand, Mr. Shirley brought a more human approach to his decision to run: The folks involved in lawsuits, court actions and family law situations are still "people." His concern for the effects of what these actions have on children was very compelling. I felt Mr. Shirley spoke from his heart, was sincere, and would surely (no pun intended) weigh all options, laws and consequences before handing down a verdict.
The only two negative questions, accompanied by a totally-uncalled-for snide remark from the moderator, were asked of the Sheriff's candidates, particularly when addressing the incumbent. I was impressed that Sheriff Kilgore did not sidestep the questions, rather he took responsibility, laid out the failures and described the course of action the department is following to reform the way the law and situations are handled.
The one question and subsequent follow-up questions which were not asked, although I feel are very important, concerns Mr. Allen. He recited the numerous times he has moved to better himself, his education and his law-enforcement knowledge. Question: How long would you stay here before you took this experience and moved on? If you are so concerned about our community and wish to bring your vast knowledge and experience back home, why haven't you bought a home, moved back here permanently, taken a year or so to really reacquaint yourself with the community's evolution since the numerous times you have lived here, and then run for office? Secondly, will you only remain in Winnemucca if we pay you to stay here?
In closing, I want to say these are my opinions, observations, and my 2ยข (although some may not think they are worth even that much.) But without voicing differing opinions and thoughts, we, as a community, are nothing but lemmings looking for the next cliff. I urge you to take your right to vote seriously. Think about what the candidate stands for and not that his mother was your third grade teacher or your friend for 30 years.
Roberta Rothwell is a resident of Humboldt County and may be reached at HumSunRoberta@gmail.com.
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