District 5 Supervisor's Election

[Kreative]

[EdBailey]

I like all the candidates, but I am sold on Beverly Scott, and think she is the best of the bunch. I have known her for several years, watched her grow up, and become involved in the many community issues that she cares passionately about. She is a fifth generation local, with deep roots in the area. She is very bright and one of the highest achievers I know. For the first time in years I can get excited about a candidate for Supervisor. I hope you will seriously consider voting for her. Check out her website: www.district5supervisor.com (http://www.district5supervisor.com)

[Kreative]

Originally posted by Ed Bailey:
I like all the candidates, but I am sold on Beverly Scott, and think she is the best of the bunch. I have known her for several years, watched her grow up, and become involved in the many community issues that she cares passionately about. She is a fifth generation local, with deep roots in the area. She is very bright and one of the highest achievers I know. For the first time in years I can get excited about a candidate for Supervisor. I hope you will seriously consider voting for her. Check out her website: www.district5supervisor.com (http://www.district5supervisor.com)

Ed, I think this article from the Fresno BEE says it best:

Ward for Madera County
(Updated Thursday, May 18, 2006, 7:24 AM)
Some observations after several "Meet the Candidates" forums: All the hopefuls for Madera County District 5 Supervisor have experience, a good work ethic and lots of energy. They basically agree that solutions are needed for water, growth, public services, infrastructure, jobs and the economy.
Who will have the best solutions to continue the quality of life we currently enjoy, or perhaps even improve it? Part of the answer is in the old adage, "follow the money."
Who are the candidates' big donors and what special interests do they represent? Are these donors listed on the candidates' Web sites -- as all agreed to do in North Fork? The rest of the answer is in "follow their political aspirations." Is the county board just a stepping stone in a political career? If yes, then Democratic or Republican loyalty will be needed to ensure future financial and personal support. This loyalty will come at eastern Madera County's expense.
My vote will go to the candidate who is beholden only to eastern Madera County taxpayers and independent of Democratic or Republican Party support -- because District 5 supervisor is his only political stop. That person is Tony Ward.

Lou Aceto
Oakhurst

[Kreative]

By the way, you can check out Tony's website at:
http://www.tonywardonline.com

[EdBailey]

Sorry, I don't agree. We have three "good ol boys" in the race, and if we want "more of the same," any of them will do. If we want Madera County's Administrative processes to continue to be be the laughing stock of central California, any of the three will do. But if we want leadership that is not in the pockets of any special interests, Beverly Scott is just the breath of fresh air that we need. She is the candidate that is willing to listen, to learn and to represent the balanced best interests of all concerned.

Learn more at www.district5supervisor.com (http://www.district5supervisor.com)

[Kreative]

Ed, You obviously have not done your homework, you're related to Ms. Scott or you must also be a realtor! LOOK where the "money trails" lead. Tony Ward is the furthest thing from a "Good Ole Boy". He is an educated, certified engineer who helped design NASA's many space engines including the space shuttle still used today. He then moved to Oakhurst, contributed his time to design and build the beautiful Our Lady of the Sierras Church for which he was recognized by the Pope, was then nominated Planning Commissioner of the Year out of 58 other counties, and has been fighting the big developers for 7 years to make them build responsibly. I'm sure Ms. Scott is a very nice person, but she listed her largest campaign contributor as California Enterprise Zone. I could be wrong, but isn't this a government agency funded by OUR tax dollars, and currently under investigation for major misappropriation of funds? In addition, how does being a "photographer, a medical instructor and a realtor" qualify someone to manage the problems and complexities of an entire community including Water Resources, Land development and environmental issues, Fire safety and Highway reconstruction to name a few. Neither Wheeler or Watkins have the background or experience either. Wake up. There really is only 1 candidate who is qualified and is not being funded by ANY special interest groups and that candidate is TONY WARD. http://www.tonywardonline.com

[oakhurstmoon]

Beverly Scott -
High achiever, yes.
Hard worker, yes.

Not part of the "old boys club".. Look again . She is one of Harry Baker's supporters and has been favored as well by him in buisness for herself and her family.

Ask merchants who worked with her while she presided as President of Chamber. Not a team player, not experienced, not a solution oriented person unless she fully took charge and did it on her own without the team. Created many problems.

She has too many history of blunders and incidents of learning how to "cut her teeth" on issues where we need solid experience. Our community can not afford any more mistakes.

And I for one want someone much more experienced, knowledgeable and willing to work as a person who unites and solves from many cultures and issues. One with intentions of working for the community instead of trying to land a job one can grow into.

She needs more experience working UNDER a good mentor which is hard for her to do.

[oakhurstleaf]

So, what's the story on Jim Watkins (attorney) for Supervisor? Does he have a website?
I've read up on the other three candidates...just want to read up on this guy.

[EdBailey]

I was on the Chamber Board of Directors during her presidency. I do not, and did not, know the Beverly Scott you have described. It's o k. if you like Tony Ward. I like him too. I also know and like Jim Watkins, and Tom Wheeler. I would like to have any or all of them as neighbors, but I would rather have someone else as county supervisor.

Thank you for your comments, and have a great day.



Originally posted by oakhurstmoon:
Beverly Scott -
High achiever, yes.
Hard worker, yes.

Not part of the "old boys club".. Look again . She is one of Harry Baker's supporters and has been favored as well by him in buisness for herself and her family.

Ask merchants who worked with her while she presided as President of Chamber. Not a team player, not experienced, not a solution oriented person unless she fully took charge and did it on her own without the team. Created many problems.

She has too many history of blunders and incidents of learning how to "cut her teeth" on issues where we need solid experience. Our community can not afford any more mistakes.

And I for one want someone much more experienced, knowledgeable and willing to work as a person who unites and solves from many cultures and issues. One with intentions of working for the community instead of trying to land a job one can grow into.

She needs more experience working UNDER a good mentor which is hard for her to do.

[Kreative]

Watkins does not have a website. The only thing I know about him is that he is an attorney in the area, supports another casino to be built in North Fork, (according to the Madera Tribune) and spends a lot of time in Europe.

[oakhurstleaf]

I know who Jim Watkins is, afterall. I did a little search on him and saw some pictures of him at some GOP event...I recognize him. I only knew him as Jim...I know the car he drives and what he likes to have for lunch. And I do remember seeing him on a truck/float in the Heritage Day's Parade. But that's all I know.

I want to know more! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[EdBailey]

The Fresno Bee Editoral Board, which is far more objective than I or any of our posters supporting specific candidates, said it well,

"Beverly Scott, a mountain native and business woman, stands out in a field of five candidates. She demonstrates and understanding of the key issues facing the area -- water, public safety and economic development.

She has been involved in many areas of her community. including Madera County Workforce Investment Board, the Eastern Madera County/Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, water boards and school committees.

Scott is an articulate, energetic leader with experience dealing with various levels of local government. Scott has family roots in Eastern Madera Coung area going back five generations.

Her enthusiasm and her interest in working with other supervisors as a team on the challenges facing Madera County would make her a strong addition to the board."

As a Beverly Scott supporter I agree. Although Beverly understands the important issues facing our community perhaps better than, and surely as well as, any of the other candidates, she is still willing to listen, to learn, and to grow.

That makes her an exciting candidate!

[EdBailey]

Originally posted by Kreative:
By the way, you can check out Tony's website at:
http://www.tonywardonline.com
Kreative,

The "article" in the Fresno Bee that you referred to is not an "article." It is a letter from a Tony Ward supporter.

[BGW]

I have had the pleasure of working with both Jim Watkins (OCAC) and Tony Ward (County Planning Commission). I say pleasure, because without either of the gentlemen, big business might possibly run amuck in the mountain area. Their concerns for the area are real and well studied. Attending just one planning meeting would show you how these men stand out and to what lengths they will go to keep the vision the locals have for this area on track and on the up and up.

[oakhurstleaf]

So I've noticed Jim Watkins' campaign signs say "Let's fix what we have first"...is this to say that the other candidates aren't in favor of fixing the problems that exist in this area as a priority?

Also on his signs, "I can't be bought"...is this to say that the other candidates can be bought?

What do his supporters and opponents have to say about these quotes from Jim Watkins?

[Kreative]

That's a good question. I know Tony Ward personally and also know that he has been working on "fixing what we have first". A good example is fighting to get River Creek Golf Course re-open which he did and which is why the owner and residents held a really nice campaign fund raiser dinner for him. I also know that he has no big developers supporting him....because he has not let them get away with any irresponsible planning. He has openly reported on his website the names & amts of any contributions over $1000 as all the candidates had promised to do on May 2nd. Beverly Scott has reported hers, but Tom Wheeler simply reported a bunch of double talk. Isn't there a way to find out who is funding his campaign? Those 10 million signs were not cheap! Hummmm...

[Oakhurst Area Forums]

This topic can be continued here (http://oakhurstforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6416031741/m/8551049071).