And the Race Begins

Ferrera & Vergis File for Office

Fresh voices and new perspectives are the lifeblood of democracy.  Stagnation leads to (cue dramatic timpani) tyranny.

This weekend, the Davis Voice received two press releases from candidates for local office that are running their first campaigns for elected office.  Both of these candidates have impressive credentials, interesting ideas and broad support from the community.

As the new kid in the local blogosphere, we of course welcome all new faces to the local government scene.  John Ferrera, candidate for Yolo County’s 4th Supervisor, though new to the hot seat of candidacy, is not new to policy.  In fact, he prides himself of being a policy wonk.  Sydney Vergis, candidate for Davis City Council, has an impressive resume for a young woman in her mid-twenties.

After the jump, read more about these two bids for elected office.  In the weeks and months to come, we’ll be posing difficult questions to ALL of the candidates.

John Ferrera recently commented that, “If it weren’t for all of the fun I’ve been having with my family on this campaign, I’d be having a wretched year.”  John is alluding, of course, to his day job in Sacramento where he is waist deep in the mess that is our state budget.

John is Chief of Staff to Senator Denise Ducheny (D-San Diego).  Sen. Ducheny is (I believe) the only person in the history of California to serve as both Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee and Chair of the Senate Budget Committee.

This experience in Sacramento gives many voters the confidence that John has the necessary education and political acumen to solve the difficult budget problems that will continue to face Yolo County in the coming years.

Ferrara’s many years of actively serving his community on local boards and with service organizations wipe away the misconceptions of initial candidacy.  “It only took one short family meeting to discuss John’s becoming a candidate,” remarked John’s wife Anna (a UCD alumna).  “Both John and I grew up in families that were active in our communities; helped others. We’ve tried to teach our children the same philosophy, and that connects us to the people here.”  The Ferrera’s youngsters, Jake and Monica, are in attendance at most campaign events.

In these matters, foundations and feathers of experience are of comparable quality.  Sydney Vergis has continuously served her community since her days as a UCD student.  But, like most of us, Sydney does not include her high school and adolescent service on her CV.  Perhaps we should, a lifetime of service is an honorable gig.

Sydney’s service with the Business & Economic Development Commission, Yolo County Young Democrats and Rotary Club is relatively short.  But, her long term and very active commitments to Tree Davis and the City of Davis Tree Commission is impressive.

On the endorser front, Sydney has transcended the idea that our community is split in half. Ms. Vergis adroitly communicates the idea that policy decisions are shades of gray.  This belief complements her optimistic approach to championing innovative solutions.  Sydney’s professional position as a Senior Land Use Planner for Sutter County is a solid background for this City’s progressive stance on local land use.

In the future, expect a few hardballs, curve balls and splits as the Davis Voice interviews all of the local candidates.