Candidate for
Council Member; City of Oceanside

I was motivated to run for the city council because I, like many of you, love this great city and have a passion and a vision for its future. My wife and I along have lived in Oceanside for over a decade. Wow! Where does the time go? You don't have to be here very long to realize there is something very special about this place. We are so fortunate to call it home. Oceanside is truly a Hope Diamond in the rough. The abundance of natural beauty, rich history, time honored traditions and social and ethnic diversity come together with rare and remarkable potential.

We especially take great pride in being the adopted hometown to the brave men and women of the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. We honor these patriots for their service and thank them for being such an indelible part of Oceanside's past and future.

I think Oceanside's true beauty lies in its people. Active young families fill our parks and beaches with laughter and smiles. Wise seniors serve to counsel with their lessons and life stories of "how it was when I was your age." They are our links to a great time in America's past. Our various cultures and ethnicities bring new traditions and customs that add to our rich, proud community tapestry.

I know there is cynicism and frustration in our community towards their political leadership. Much of it is warranted. Representatives who were elected on trust have frequently proven untrustworthy.

To this unfortunate state of affairs, I affirm with all my heart that I, Ward O'Doherty, represent a new type of leadership in a spirit of cohesion and collaboration. I commit to working to bring a new way of doing business to our city. Oceanside is a great city, but it is not great enough to withstand the effects of swollen egos, political in-fighting, hidden agendas and mean-spirited personal politics.

I hope I have given some insight as to who I am and the principles and values that I believe in. I thank you for your consideration.