Candidate for
Member, Board of Directors; Antelope Valley East Kern Water Agency; Division 5

Deborah's Political Philosophy 101

I have always believed that voters should support leaders and not politicians turned out by political parties. I once was a Republican, but now am registered as undeclared so I can vote for whoever I feel is the best person for the job. I'm afraid I have become very dissatisfied by our two party system which seems very polarized left and right. I consider myself a moderate, a conservative fiscally and a liberal socially. I will not be seeking endorsements from either political party, partly because of this philosophy and partly because the water board seat is a non-partisan position.

I also am not a fan of those who seek political office and then stay in their elected position for 20 or more years. I see political office as temporary service to your community, state, and nation. You step up as a leader for a time to share your leadership qualities. Two terms should be enough time to make some progress. Then it is time to let someone else try their hand at it. Holding public office is not meant to be a way to make a living. The longer folks stay in office the less in touch with the average citizen and the problems they are. They get use to the privileged life, being in command, etc. Stepping back into normal life is a good way to get your bearings back and to stay in touch with reality.

I find that re-imbursement for political office is often unrealistic. I don't think anyone serving should have to pay out of pocket for the expenses they accrue while they represent us. In other words they should not go into debt, and it shouldn't affect their family's life style. No hardship. On the other hand they should not be living the high life and making a killing while they are representing us.

I like things transparent and civil. We may not agree but I can still treat you with respect. I will fight like hell to do what I think is right, but I won't attack you verbally, through phone calls, hit mailers or private investigators. I won't go after your family members or your lively hood.

I hate what the media classifies as news these days, I don't really want to hear about whose sleeping with whom, that's gossip not news. Frankly I don't know any perfect people so it doesn't come as any surprise to me that leaders aren't perfect. Live a respectable life, and when you make a mistake own up to it, do what you can to make things right, learn from it and move on.

Lastly I was very disappointed to see Proposition 15 die at the ballot box. I think the League of Women Voters has it right, we need some public money set aside for campaigning for public office. That way the average working Joe who might be a darn good leader has a chance of having enough resources to run a real race against his opponent who might be loaded. Pretty soon only the wealthy will be able to run for office or those who take money from special interest. I don't think that is going to guarantee us good leadership in this country.