Endorsements

By L A Wood

Voter Beware

Candidates learn quickly that endorsements don't necessarily mean all the candidates have been examined and the best one endorsed. Instead, endorsements are often made through a closed, slate-driven process.

In District 4, months before any of the candidates filed for office, Congresswoman Lee, Assemblywoman Aroner, Supervisor Carson, and the Sierra Club gave an early endorsement to the incumbent. This early endorsement is deceptive and fails to accurately inform the voters about all their choices of candidates.

This problem also plagues the "Berkeley Green" endorsement process. The Berkeley recommendation reflects the opinion of a hand full of people, but purports to speak for nearly 5000 Green Party members in our City.

However, most Berkeley endorsements follow this pattern of little review by a select few. Voter, beware! This process is an attempt to manipulate your vote.

I will not seek the endorsement of Berkeley's two political slates, but as an independent, I will endeavor to work effectively with both groups, bringing a new focus and work ethic to council. It's time for a change.