Getting to know the council candidates

I had the opportunity to attend the candidate forum at last Thursday’s (Oct. 16) Crescenta Valley Town Council meeting at Crescenta Valley High School. During the forum, the candidates had a chance to make a statement introducing themselves. It was impressive, hearing the accomplishments, goals and contributions these people have already made to the community and are still eager to give to the area.

Among the experience being offered by the candidates is that of incumbents who’ve been instrumental in getting the utilities moved underground along Foothill Boulevard, having the Hometown Heroes banners installed and securing funding for the library that is currently under construction.

Those new faces vying for a seat on the council bring to the table ambition, a fresh perspective and a desire to maintain and/or improve the foothills area.

One disappointing aspect of the evening was that there were some rather pointed attacks under the guise of questions from the audience. These “questions” were obviously not designed to gather information, but instead were meant to demean and belittle some of the incumbents. Looking at the scant attendance at the forum, it boggled the mind as to who there would address these volunteers for the foothills in such a disrespectful manner. Once these attacks started, it brought a pall upon the audience as we looked at each other, wondering who would redirect the course of the forum from a comfortable “get-to-know-you” event to an ugly blitz. Hopefully this display is not typical of the attitude that the council currently embraces because it exhibits a behavior that is decidedly unattractive, if not downright destructive.

The actual, true questions that were directed to the candidates revealed people — friends, neighbors, fellow residents — who, overall, are looking to make our community a better place.

The level of dedication needed to be a “worker bee” on the council can be daunting. There’s a monthly council meeting plus a monthly executive meeting.

There are 12 councilmembers, three of whom are alternates. The alternates are voted upon every year; the Nov. 1 election will be for six seats, three full-fledged and three alternates.