Editor’s Full Local Political Disclosure

Exposing My Not-So-Secret-Nor-Nefarious-Cabal

In the coming months, the Davis Voice will report and comment on local elections.

Yesterday’s article about the first official candidate filings received a disclosure (of my activities!) from a random commenter.

So, I’ve decided to do the job myself and lay bare the most shocking aspects of my connections to the candidates for local elected office.

One of the many reasons that I love our People’s Republic is that it is easy to become actively involved in public policy discussions.  Whether you are appointed to serve on a City Commission or you take the time to strike up a conversation with an elected official at the Farmers Market, the ties that bind our community are varied and many.

Perhaps this overly full disclosure will help to continue to dispel the myth that we are a community divided.  If you’re easily nauseated by ego stroking, stop reading now.

If you’re a glutton for information, continue reading after the jump. Plus, Who is Cathy Kennedy?

Starting from the top:

Rep. Mike Thompson.  As the Regional Field Director for the Western United States for Rock the Vote, I spoke on behalf of Rock the Vote at many public gatherings during the time that President Bush threatened to privatize Social Security.  One of these gatherings was with Rep. Thompson at the Davis Senior Center.  Mike also sends me emails about what’s going on his life pretty regularly, but sometimes I get the feeling that he bcc’s (blind carbon copies) these missives to his other friends to make us all feel special.

Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (State Senate Candidate).  I’ve met the Assemblywomen at various events about town, and like most Davisites, I hold her accomplishments in high regard.  I’ve never had a one-on-one with Lois. But, when her son, Dan, and I can coordinate our schedules we have great policy discussions over adult beverages… on the patio of Sophia’s (not a smoke filled back room.)  Feel free to join us if you happen upon us and are interested in learning about our plans for world domination.

Supervisor Mariko Yamada (Assembly Candidate).  During the Measure P (library funds) campaign, I had a nice conversation with the Supervisor.  To be honest, the conversation was based mainly on my complimenting her forceful style of public speaking.  My mother taught me that a sincere compliment was the best way to start a conversation, and I’m a good boy who sometimes follows sound advice.  Mariko returned the compliment in a Letter to the Editor of the Enterprise by thanking me, among others, for volunteering for Measure P.

West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon (Assembly Candidate).  Last year, I hosted a Picnic Day party at my home.  Although we had never met, I extended an invitation via a mutual friend.  Guess what?  He showed up, twice, before and after the Chancellor’s party (to which I did not receive an invitation.)  I run into Christopher (don’t call him Chris!) all over the place… and we’re Facebook friends too.  I formally endorsed Christopher a few months ago.

John Ferrera (Supervisor Candidate).  In a past life, I supplemented my income as one of the first bartenders/servers at Bistro33.  The Ferrera family members were regulars at Bistro33 and we had great conversations about public policy while I served his daughter her favorite beverage (OJ & Apple Juice, right??).  Later, I called on my friendship with John to help me in my role as Communications Director for a non-profit (New California Network) focused on good governance and smart budgeting.  Recently, I endorsed John and co-hosted a meet & greet/fundraiser at my home.

Jim Provenza (Supervisor Candidate).  I joined an impromptu dinner with a group of people, that included Jim, to celebrate their victory in recovering matching state funds for construction of an elementary school.  Jim, with the rest of the School Board, appointed me to serve on the 7/11 Commission for the Grande Site.  I’ve never had a policy discussion with Jim, but I look forward to that opportunity.  Many people that I respect in our community have endorsed Jim.

Cathy Kennedy (Supervisor Candidate).  This late entry has the chattering class, well, chattering.  Who is Cathy Kenndy?  Your guess is as good as mine… finally, a candidate of which I have nothing to disclose.  My friend G.O. Ogle tells me that Ms. Kennedy spoke at the Davis City Council Meeting of April 09, 2003 against including black ribbons as part of Davis becoming a Yellow Ribbon City (supporting the troops).  Also, she may or may not be a sitting City Councilmember in Sheridan, WY.   G.O. also tells me that she may have several other entries on her resume: Fitness Trainer, Friend of a Marine Biologist, or a Broadway Production Supervisor.  A little help here please.

Mayor Sue Greenwald (City Council Candidate).  Sue and I had differing opinions on how to adopt our 2:1 Ag Mitigation Ordinance, but after meetings with the Open Space Commission and City Council, we now have a landmark local ordinance on the books.  During my Bistro33 days, I served both her and her husband and have had several interesting and animated conversations with them.  Actually, I was the bartender at a formal dinner for the diplomats from our sister city Wuxi at Bistro33 days before the hot spot opened to the public.  Sue presided over that dinner.  One time, while walking with a group of my friends down E Street, I passed Sue and she gave me a high-five.  What for?  Just spreading good cheer, I guess.

Councilmember Stephen Souza (City Council Candidate).  Stephen, Don Saylor, and Ted Puntillo appointed me to my first term on the Open Space & Habitat Commission.  Once, after hearing from the Davis P.D. that Thursday nights downtown were getting out of hand, Stephen invited me and several others on a fact finding mission.  I’ve always been drawn to Stephen’s enthusiasm and conciliatory demeanor on the dais. As daviswiki.org states, “he always seems excited to be there.”   For those of you who know me, you’ll realize that this next one is completely snark-free.  When Stephen and his wife Robin learned that my sweet dog Governor passed away over Christmas, they lit a candle for us at a beautiful old church in Hawaii.  Both Stephen & Robin have been a great sounding board as I’ve started the Davis Voice. I am currently working for Souza as his Campaign Manager.

Councilmember Don Saylor (City Council Candidate).  Don is one of those people who seems to know everybody, and remembers their name most of the time.  A couple of years ago, my mother was visiting from the other Aggieland. As we passed through Picnic in the Park we encountered Don & Stephen.  While Stephen and I chatted, Don sung my praises to my mom… now who doesn’t love that?  Last year, I scheduled one of my clients for a free speaking engagement at one of Don’s League of California Cities’ gatherings.  I have formally endorsed Don.

Sydney Vergis (City Council Candidate).  I met Sydney several months ago through mutual friends.  We had coffee, as new acquaintances do, and talked about all things Davis.  I considered the idea of managing her campaign, but we decided otherwise.  Alinia Asmundson, sister of my housemate, is Sydney’s Treasurer.  Alinia will be bringing a new Asmundson into the world right around Election Day, so, my home is the official mailing address for “Friends of Sydney.”

Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald (City Council Candidate).  I followed the story that involved Cecilia’s tenure as Chair of the Human Relations Committee coming to an end, but was not involved.  I met her and her husband for the first time at the Billary Clinton rally.  We’ve never exchanged more than 10 words, but I make a point to converse with her husband aka “the other blogger” every time we cross paths.

Some of these people are friends, some are acquaintances, but none are enemies.   All will receive a fair hearing on this site.  Every candidate will be asked tough questions.

If you’re still chomping at the bit to weave some conspiracy theories, you should probably just collect your rolls of string, multicolored push-pins, scissors, tape, and the last 400 issues of the Enterprise and head down to your basement.  My work here is done.