As a young teenager, my interest in politics started when my dad ran twice for city treasurer in Signal Hill. My heart soared when he won both elections.
Back then, candidates used bumper stickers, handbills and local newspaper ads to declare their platforms.
Very little, if any, political literature was mailed. Also, large political signs were placed at high-trafficked cross streets. The large, professionally hand-painted wooden sign that my dad used during his second election was placed on the southwest corner of Cherry Avenue and Willow Street. I still have that sign, which reads, “Al Posner for City Treasurer. One good term deserves another.” I still think it was a clever slogan.
Over the decades, my interests in politics have expanded beyond the elections in Signal Hill, most likely because of my career choice. I now thoroughly enjoy following other local races as well.
Long Beach City Council even-numbered district elections are Tuesday, as are those for Long Beach Unified School District Governing Board members and Long Beach City College District Board trustees.
I have watched closely to see what the candidates have done and said and what their campaign literature proclaims about their candidacies.
I read my own publication and well as other local news sources to keep up on the local races, attend forums when I can and personally meet as many of the folks running as possible.
Although I do not endorse political candidates, and never have, I find it interesting to see which individuals and organizations do and whom they choose, and then sit back and wonder how in the world they make those difficult decisions.
The thought of endorsing a candidate scares the heck out of me. After all, I am no psychic and feel it would be irresponsible for me to publicly come out and advise others to vote for this or that person.When politicians or voters reprimand me for not endorsing, I try to hit them with a little humor. My standard response is, “I have been married three times, and with that track record, I can certainly say that I am no perfect judge of character.”
With that said, I encourage you to do your level best to learn about those running for election and make your own decisions. Other people’s opinions may be helpful, but in the end it is you, my gentle readers, who will be alone in those voting booths.
