The Ojai Post (no relation to the Conejo Post) is featuring three photos of the democratic candiates for Congress, 24th District, the seat currently held by Republican Elton Gallegly. One of the candidates is Oak Park educator, Marie Panec, along with Tim Allison and Shawn Stern.
One thing I don’t understand is why county political party organizations endorse candidates in primaries, before voters have had a chance to decide for themselves. This is the case with the County Dems in this race, who endorsed Allison. Why? I heard them in debate this month and think Panec is at least as strong a candidate as Allison, if not stronger. Also, it is the case with the County GOP who endorsed Audra Strickland over the current Ventura County Supervisor, Linda Parks, whom I hugely support for her experience, competence and integrity in this nonpartisan race.
What’s up? Why not let voters decide? I thought within political parties, a primary election was supposed to be an open contest until the voters had their say! To see the post in the Ojai Post, go to: http://ojaipost.com/
Posted by Janna Orkney
John Loprieno // Apr 28, 2010 at 3:02 PM
I couldn’t agree more. Marie Panec is by far the best candidate in this primary. Who better to address the economic, environmental and educational needs of this district at this crucial point in our country’s history? Not to mention Panec’s impeccable standards and integrity. This race is far from over and Marie deserves full consideration. We can only hope that the Dems in this county do their own homework prior to the primary.
Samer Naji // Apr 28, 2010 at 4:59 PM
While both Marie Panec and Tim Allison are great candidates, Marie’s experience far outweighs that of her opponents. I have had conversations with all three democratic candidates and Marie Panec knows the issues and wants to use common sense solutions to solve them. There is no better representative for Ventura and parts of Santa Barbara counties then Marie Panec. I fully support her and hope you will too.
Democracy? What's that? // Apr 29, 2010 at 4:28 AM
Not only did County Dems pick and choose among good candidates they are giving some money and help and not others. IN FACT they are even campaigning against their own people. It’s not about who is the better candidate, it’s about who has been sucking up.
Peg De Rose // Apr 29, 2010 at 5:37 PM
I agree with Ms. Orkney. Marie Panec is a fabulous candidate. The County Dems should let us decide in the election who we want to run against Gallegly. Not endorse one candidate over another. It’s our choice of a candidate in the election; not something that the local party dictates to us.
Jim Kalember // May 2, 2010 at 11:28 PM
I served on the OPUSD Board for many years with Marie and had the chance to watch her in a leadership role. There cannot be a better antidote to the tired and failed policy positions of Rep. Gallegly. Her experience as a scientist, educator, public servant, and parent will be a powerful advocate for her constituents in a very diverse district. The 24th, while traditionally conservative, needs a new voice and new ideas–entrenched politicos like Gallegly aren’t getting job done. She deserves our votes just for her positions on public education and the environment. We need new leadership to get us out of the Republican Recession–our kids deserve it.