Well, the school board and Long Beach city council elections are over. There will be no need for run-offs in June as all incumbents won by large percentages. Those who supported the incumbents are pleased with the results; those who didn’t are disappointed. Yes, I know, I just stated the obvious. My concern is that regardless of whether one is happy or disappointed about the election results, he or she has less than 11 percent of registered voters to thank or blame. What do I mean by that?
The city of Long Beach’s Web site (www.longbeach.gov) reports that although we had more than 90,000 registered voters who were eligible to vote, only 10.9 percent did so. The breakdown was 4.1 percent voted in person while 6.8 percent chose to vote absentee. So, my point is that only less than 11 percent of registered voters made the election decision for more than 90,000 people. I find those numbers sad and dismal. Why the lousy turnout? In the words of LBReport.com’s online publisher Bill Pearl, people only turn out to vote for two reasons–fear and/or angst. This election sure gives validity to his words. Yes, Bill Pearl, you’ve been officially validated.
I find it appalling that most folks don’t respond to concern, civic duty or pride as reasons to vote. Enough of that topic for now.
For 37th Congressional District Democrats who want to get involved in the upcoming presidential election, they can participate in voting for their pledge delegates this coming Sunday.
Here are the details for this free event: Any Democrat who lives in the 37th Congressional District (Laura Richardson’s seat) can participate. People can register to vote at the event, so even those who are registered with other political parties or not at all can vote if they register as Democrats at the event. Please verify that you live in the 37th Congressional District by going to the Web site http://www.house.gov/zip/ZIP2Rep.html. This event will take place at the Long Beach City College Liberal Arts Campus Gymnasium at 4901 E. Carson St. (at Faculty and Carson).
Parking is free in the Veterans Stadium parking lot south of E. Lew Davis St. Doors open this Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. You must be in line by 3 p.m.
Famous last words… next Tuesday, April 15 promises to be an exciting night at the Long Beach City Council meeting. The council is scheduled to consider approval of a proposal to install giant electronic billboards in several areas adjacent to the 91, 405 and 710 freeways. Several leaders of neighborhood associations are concerned about the proposal, which they say will bring blight [distractions?]to their neighborhoods. Those leaders are asking the members of their associations to attend the meeting and let the council know they do not want the billboards in their areas. How do you feel about it? The council meeting begins at 5 p.m. on April 15 in Long Beach City Hall Council Chambers.
